I am a big fan of Metcalfe Kits (usual disclaimer)…….I know they dont require the skill levels associated with scratchbuilding (card or plastic), or even Scalescenes for that matter, and in consequence can look a bit cookie cutter. Nevertheless they are an absolute boon to a modeller who wants something quick and dirty to fill a corner or provide a backdrop.

I have a long run of Metcalfe terrace houses on Granby concealing the storage yards and wanted to finish the run with some low profile industrial buildings



 



Metcalfe have recently introduced new improved versions of the Warehouse Kits that they stopped making a few years ago. I actually have these original kits in a corner of the layout and they are very acceptable models. The new kits are even better

There are three options…….A mill/warehouse kit, a single storey factory with loading bays and an ingeniously designed tower entrance building with a boiler house and factory chimney

I took the warehouse and tower kits on holiday…….got to keep yourself occupied!



Lots and lots of windows……..the apertures are die cut as normal and just press out. A big innovation with this kit is the use of sub frames that are glued to the back of the main wall with the glazing then attached to the sub frame……..big improvement…….. eliminates the need to paint the raw edge of the aperture and creates a nice sense of depth

The warehouse consists of two different gable ends with side walls




And from the side




The kits are very flexible you can make a three dimensional model or use the different components to produce a low relief buildings

Here is the the three dimensional model with the two extension piece loosely in place……..some finishing trim still to add but a nice substantial model




To create my low profile building I just flattened the two ends and butt jointed the extension pieces and made a couple of narrow end gables resulting in a 23" long by 1.5" deep module



I have to fix the backing and add some name boards…………Metcalfe provide a host of different names but the lettering is a little too modern for my period.

This building could have so many different uses…….in my case it is going to be some sort of textile mill but given hindsight and a bit more kit bashing I could have created the Army Barracks I am hoping to install somewhere on Granby.

The water tower/boilerhouse/chimney is a fairly standard structure and will add some depth to the backscene




Here is the Tower Entrance




Isnt this cool? I think both the Tower Louvres and the Archway are paticularly effective. This unit would be perfect as an entrance to the Brewery……I just wish it had been available then

Now this kit has been modified. I inserted an additional storey at the base of the Tower and Office and added another floor to the connecting building over the gateway. I did this because I plan to use this as an additional module next to the mill and without the added height it would have looked out of proportion

Here is the final result




Now all I have to do is finish the detailing and get it in place on the layout!

Summarising……these are great kits…..easy to assemble as is or with some modification…….perfect for a quick and stylish fix to a back scene problem

 

:doublethumb I am going to have look at those for the Charde Furniture factory so thanks John.

Excellent work, John.
Very effective.

The Metcalfe kits have long been a favourite of mine, and many other modellers, which is why we have a section devoted to them. Their continuous development is a great thing in their favour too.

Looking very good there John and at the same time supremely odd aboard ship!!!

I must say that's a great way to spend a holiday.  Such a shame they won't let me take scissors, knives and glue into the aircraft for the 24-hour flight to the UK.

That's a really great looking model John. :thumbs

As you say, there are dozens of alternative uses for such a building, to say nothing of the alternative arrangements of the modules.

It's certainly made me think anew about this kit. :cheers

[user=316]Gwiwer[/user] wrote:

Such a shame they won't let me take scissors, knives and glue into the aircraft for the 24-hour flight to the UK.

I know someone who had his penknife taken away from him before he was allowed to board his aircraft.

The daft thing was, it was a light aircraft, he was the pilot and there were no passengers!:shock:

Maybe the control tower staff had been previously employed by that Irish airline………..:roll::roll:

Sometimes, here at Bergerac, they will hold onto stuff like that for you until you get back - other times, they just put it in the bag with the rest.  No doubt to share out at the end of the shift …………….:twisted::twisted:

[user=6]Petermac[/user] wrote:

Maybe the control tower staff had been previously employed by that Irish airline………..:roll::roll:

No, I think it was just because he's an awkward so-and-so and probably wound them up something rotten

Good idea to convert the Metcalfe kit to a low relief, John. Just solved a small dilema for me. Thanks thumbs

I've never built a Metcalfe kit, but those I know who have speak well of their versatility.  John's modelling testifies to this.

Thanks for all the nice comments guys…….now I just have to build the infrastructure and get it in place!

Good to hear from you Jeff and I am glad I provided some inspiration……..something I alaways got from your layout thread