Grandpa Lee's Miniatures
How to set up shop Congratulations, you've picked out the kit you like and now it's time to get going. I know you're eager to tear open the box the minute you get home, but wait ! Before little sticks get scattered all over let's pause a moment to do a bit of planning.
We'll need every inch |
Space First things first, and the first thing you'll need is the biggest, flat table or bench you can possibly get in a comfortable, secure, and well lit room. Not always easy in tight quarters, but do the best you can because you'll be surprised at how much room even a modest kit can eat up once your doll house starts to take shape with all its attendant parts, tools and supplies, while still leaving enough room to turn the house every which way as you work on it and lay out wallpaper and carpets. |
Spread it out Here's where I'll probably get in trouble with kit manufacturers and some experienced builders, but contrary to the advice given on the first page of most instruction booklets, I like to "dump" the box out, punch out parts if necessary, prefinish them as much as possible, and sort them out in little stacks according to, size, sequence or some other such scheme. You won't lose anything if you're careful, and doing so will simplify matters and give you a good feel for how things will eventually be coming together.
If all else fails read the book By all means read the instruction booklet carefully-cover to cover if you can before doing anything, and for the most part follow the sequence recommended. However, you will quickly learn that much is left unsaid. As you dope things out for yourself (and with a little help from us I hope) make generous notes and sketches in the margins for future reference. Who knows, you may end up doing such a fine job that your neighbor will want you to build the same kit for his grandkids, and of course there's always the possible need for repairs down the road. Finally, and don't laugh, save the box. Trust me, the big front photo is going to be as much help eventually as is the instruction book. Along with helping to sell the sizzle, these big pictures are put there to help the builder. Besides, if you cut out the back panel it makes a swell mess mat for gluing and painting.
Are you there? This is as close as I'll ever get to philosophizing, but we do need to talk a little bit about commitment and involvement. In six months are you going to be looking at a beautifully finished model or some forlorn dusty hulk sitting in the midst of scattered parts and debris shoved in the corner of the basement? Of the thousands of kits sold every year, how many would you guess are standing proud after a year? Probably less than half, but then again I'm just guessing.
What time is it? Time is a problem for everyone these days, but if you don't follow a disciplined schedule you will soon find that the project is drifting. This is not to say that you have to grind away at it day after relentless day. After all, this is supposed to be fun, not a chore. Set a light schedule of say only an hour a week if that works best for you - but then try to stick to it.
Team work Finally, who's on board? Usually Dad gets the job by default, but that's not necessarily the case, nor should it be. It all hinges on who's interested, capable and able to get along. One tough problem is how to handle small children. If they know about the project you can bet they'll want to get in on it. On one hand you want to encourage them for a lot of good reasons; all the while knowing that at best they'll slow progress. This is one area where I can't be of much help, but you might be able to keep them engaged with busy work such as gluing scraps together for "parts" you'll "need" later. Two alpha personalities on the project presents another potential problem in need of compromise. So maybe dad builds the house and picks colors for the outside, and mom decorates the inside. I'm sure folks of good will can work this all out.
e-mail grandpalee@charter.net Grandpa Lee