Model St. Paul Union Depot

[DickB]

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I started working on this model of the St. Paul Union Depot with a couple neighbors from the local model train club. The project leader got busy with other stuff. But the project has restarted and hopefully will stay on track.

I first posted on this in the "Post a few ideas..." thread http://forum.carvewright.com/showthr...853#post165853 but lynnfrwd had suggested I start a new thread. The train club has several layouts, but one is based on the St. Paul area, and they chose to include the Depot. They are not making an exact model, as that would not fit the constraints of their layout. But it is definitely modeled after the depot.



The project lead creates CAD drawings of the sides of the building with cross section. He "prints" to a .pdf, which I import into a paint program. Using the profile dimensions, I pick the appropriate shade of grey corresponding to depth of cut to make a pattern. In some cases there are beveled elements which were painted with a gradient tool. I included a slightly raised section for the window cutouts in the pattern to assist locating rectangular cut paths for these. I bring the pattern into Pattern Editor, invert it, and lower the pattern until the highest point is near zero. After I place the pattern on the board, I scale it to spec and place the window opening cutouts.



What we have so far are the front, side, and back of each of the wings that you see to either side of the columns in the photo. Note that on the prototype they are rectangular, but for the model they are square. As each side is a mirror image of the other, I only need one pattern. I use the mirror tools to place and cut left and right panels together.



The material is 1/2" MDF carved with the 1/16" carving bit on Normal. For the pattern, bit optimization was set to max. Windows cut with the 1/8" bit and the openings later squared off with a wood rasp. I did not cut the panels out with the CarveWright. Three sides will be assembled by mitering the corners. I will do that on my table saw after a club member puts primer on the panels front and back. I did trim top and bottom on the table saw and hand sanded the panels with 220 sandpaper and a variety of small blocks.



I plan to update this thread as the project progresses.

[chief2007]

Very impressive I must say. Hopefully I will get the knack of using a paint program as you do.

[ladjr]

Very nice, can't wait to see it together

[cestout]

Looks good. I did MDF once, years ago before I had any DC, and it was a mess. How was the dust situation for your carves?
Clint

[DickB]

Very interesting. Nearly all of the dust packed itself into the carved space behind the bit. I could tip the board upside down and it stayed in place. I had to use a vacuum cleaner with a bristle brush attachment to work the sawdust out of the crevices. Not what I expected at all.

[cestout]

I believe that is how Norm would have done that joint. Looks good.
Clint

[DickB]

All of the walls have been rabbeted for the 1/4" Baltic birch floor. The inside wall of the concourse was machined and glued onto the back outside wall, as were the inner walls of the wings. The entrance wall was cut and mocked up with columns turned from maple by another modeler.

[b.sumner47]

Moving right along, I can see light at the end of the tunnel. Excellent !


Capt Barry

[b.sumner47]

Outstanding ! The project has come along ways, it's been a pleasure watching. Thanks Alot.


Capt Barry

[LittleRedWoodshop]

very nice project - makes me want to build something