Down on the Farm

I finished the Stoelzel's Farmhouse I've been working on.  I think it turned out well.

Front Elevation

Side Elevation

Rear Elevation

Side Elevation

First Floor View

Second Floor View

Farmhouse Parts

These models are very good.  They are straightforward to assemble and give excellent results without being too fiddly.  Each PDF "kit" comes with several color schemes, including a brick version.  There is also a wraparound front porch for this model that I will put on a brick version I am planning to build.

I printed on regular multi-use printer paper.  The prints would be better if I used photograph paper, but for the cost I am content with the multi-use prints.  I used permanent glue stick to fix the prints to the foamcore board.  The instructions call for using either self-stick labels or spray adhesive but that was too much hassle for my taste.  The glue stick seems to be working fine.  Other than that minor change, I built everything according to the instructions, which were clear and easy to follow.  I did have to buy an Xacto rabbet cutting tool.  You can cut the rabbets with a regular hobby knife but a specialized tool makes it MUCH easier.  (Rabbets are channels cut partway into the foamcore to make strong joints, especially at the corners.)

I did not bother with cutting out the doors and windows.  The model would look better with that added level of detail, but my goal is to get a table finished quickly.  I also did not add the chimney.

I really like the interiors on these models.  I used a hot glue gun to attach the walls.  Be careful with this method though!  One of the upstairs walls ended up wonky because the glue sets quickly and I did not have it quite lined up correctly.  Oh, well, it's an old Farmhouse anyway, right?

There is a bunch of furniture that comes with these kits, which I plan to use.  The furniture pieces look great and seem pretty straightforward to assemble.  I will "decorate" this farmhouse soon.

I purchased the rest of Stoelzel's houses as well as the M.U.C.K. and am eager to build more.  I think this is an excellent way to build an urban or suburban table without too much hassle and with a good sense of scale.  Plus you get buildings with full interiors!  I plan to use these kits to build a "Main Street" type urban center with housing on the side streets behind the store fronts.  I might even be able to manage a fair semblance to East Toledo for my new ATZ:FFO campaign I am designing.

Thanks, Carl, for a great product!