Desertkiwi
1st Lieutenant
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2009
- Messages
- 4,568
I thought I'd share my first attempt at building a small log cabin for a diorama I've started. I was keen to buy one, but member Larry Allan encouraged me to have a go with constructing my own. I didn't want something big and was aiming for the 'blockhouse' look opposed to a pitched roof with chimney type.
I used 8mm dowel and some plain model Balsa wood and used standard PVA wood glue. Later using 'Woodland Scenic' earth colour paints to do the weathering/dry-brushing. I only used 'Burnt Umber & 'Stone Gray' colours and watered them down a tad.
After cutting the dowel lengths, I roughed up the ends a bit with a craft knife and make them look like they'd been 'axed'. Another trick I found useful to help hide any excess glue was to sprinkle fine saw dust in the joins while the glue was still wet and then using bits of real tree bark, stuck it on the dowel to take away that clean look.
I made the door and frame out of the same Balsa wood I used on the roof and fitted it before gluing the roof down. The door actually opens and is attached with two tiny bits of ribbon and the hand handle I carved out of a match stick.
Overall it took me about 6hrs in total over a weekend and I did let it dry a bit in stages. If you're organised you could probably complete it much quicker, but I wasn't in a rush and was experimenting along the way.
I thought it came out ok and plan to build another bigger one soon.
It's well worth the time and effort and stacks of fun!
Cheers!
