What a Mess

I titled my garden blog last week "The Party's Over," and I am so glad that our social obligations are done with. We hosted a 50th class reunion in our barn Aug. 2nd and wedding last week, so yes the party is over. I took a long break from my dollhouses while we prepared for the two super events. We really don't entertain that much, but this was a big summer full of events.

I knew that when I went back to the little houses I would work on the Dura-craft San Franciscan with hopes of getting it finished to hand off to my daughter. I've written a little about it before, but let me tell you now my real feelings.

It is a mess. An awful mess. To review: my dear friend meant well when he paid $5. for the house in a tub. It had been started, but the lady said that she got overwhelmed by the project, and now I can see why. I have have really bungled it up.


First, the instructions are hard to follow. There are too many pieces with too many numbers and letters. It's just easier to look at a drawing without out all of the labeling. Right?

Next it is the very thin plywood that splinters and has to be punched out of flat sheets. There are over twenty boards that contain parts to punch out, resulting in a lot of splinters. Too many parts.

                

Nothing fits partly because I just didn't position pieces correctly and the glued them in the wrong place.

I have been focusing on how to add the turret, but after reviewing the instructions (always read the instructions.) To be quite honest, I did read them, but I have not worked on this house for months so now I am having to re familiarize myself with the parts.

Part of a good building strategy is to dry fit parts, right?

Rather difficult with these old kits.

I am trying to figure out the roof. I think that I have to install the 3rd floor first which does not fit because the house is uneven, so I have to figure out how to square it and make the floor fit before I can add the roof.

I don't think is what is meant by 'kit bashing' is it?

I have this large gap between floor and outside wall. UGH!

And the kit is short the siding. I've been able to purchase some but I need more to finish the turret.

The gaps just cause so many problems.

This is a side wall that wasn't glued in place. No. I cannot unglue it. Tried that.

I wondering if I should glue the floor to the cardboard? 

So there you have it. A real mess. I hope to have this house actually finished so that I can give it to my daughter who wants to make it into a haunted house, so she doesn't mind the mistakes.

A note now to the wise: There are 3 Dura craft models for this San Franciscan house. This one is # 555. Avoid this kit. AVOID THIS KIT.  I have a second one to build that is made out of the MFD wood that will go together so much easier. If you must build this house, look for the updated models. 

I'll be back, hopefully having made some progress. 

Thanks for joining me.