Painting the "Painted Ladies"

I managed to acquire a bunch of IHC and Lionel "Painted Lady" building kits.  These are nicely detailed models based on homes from the early 1920s in San Francisco.  But the molded colors weren't great, so I started what ended up being a 3 month painting/assembly project.

Gee, this doesn't look too hard . . .

A little masking tape and we're ready to airbrush

That's better

Skipped about 20 steps here (primer coat, masking, painting, re-masking and painting, add mortar lines, glue in windows and glass, re-glue windows and glass when they fall out, cut and tape in curtains . . .)

Gluing and Assembly:  Rube Goldberg would be proud

Some roof work

Experimenting with layout

Adding the street

Done at last!

This was a long project with many mis-steps.  Here is what I learned:

1. Paint all except white plastic parts.  The molded colors are usually too bright and shiny.
2. Prime both sides of the walls if you want interior lighting (to avoid the pumpkin glow).  Grey Automotive Primer is quick and cheap.
3. Paint has to be scraped with a hobby knife from all glue joint surfaces (a big pain).  Testor's liquid cement does not stick to paint.
4. Contrary to what the "Pros" say, model airplane cement holds much better than liquid cement and is easier to apply without a mess.  But, you have to confine it to interior or hidden surfaces.  Liquid cement only has the edge with bare plastic clamped together.  I did not try super glue - too messy.
5. The best way to glue in window frames and windows is a drop of model airplane cement in each corner of the inside, out of view.
6. Paint and completely assemble each flat wall section, then assemble them together.
7. Spraying Floquil really stinks, even with a paint booth.  Polly S Acrylics are much nicer to spray.
8. An assortment of clothes pins, clamps, rubber bands, weights, square edges, and magnets are the key to assembly (see pictures above).
9. Doing 3 kits together is much more efficient, especially for painting.
10. IHC printed instructions are marginally useful.
11. Above all, have fun!