Mile End Garage.

Nice work on the tin.

Thanks both.

I started fixing the tin work to the roof:



Then for belts and braces, I added some styrene supports to the areas of missing tiles:





Finally, I added the rest of the tin. Just the ridge to do and it's onto the weathering powders:

Did realize the plan was to do the whole roof in tin. I was thinking only the shed like attachment. Looks great, AL.

The roof is looking great Al.  Who ever taught you how to do it must be a genius.

Thanks both.

You know John, I think he is!!! LOL

So on to the weathering powders. Following John's advice I built it up in several layers until I had it the way I wanted it.

Ok..... I think it's time for the back story:

It's circa 1968 in good old rural Northumberland, England. Head of the family business is Harold Goodfellow. It was he who started the garage way back in 1920 and it is located on a Y junction about a mile outside of the village of Langley Mill. (pop approx 2000).

The garage thrived during the 20's and 30's but since the end of WWII, has been in decline mostly because Harold refused to embrace modern thinking and consequently the fabric of the building went into decline too.

Now however, Harold has just retired and has passed on the business to his son Joe. Joe has big plans for the business and over the next couple of years, he intends to give the garage a complete makeover, with all new modern equipment and a face lift to the building fabric.

Joe wanted to re-name the business 'Joe's Garage' but Harold insisted that the original name be kept. So much so, he threatened to cut Joe out of his will if he changed the name. Somewhat disgruntled, Joe capitulated and had a brand new sign made and errected.

Roof looks Great, I think you stopped in just the right spot. Love the back story. WTG, Al.

Thanks Buck. Appreciated buddy.

Got the roof apex flashing on.

That is one fine job on the roof Al. Just the right amount of weathering and rust.

Fantastic work AL, a massive improvement on the original moulded tiles.
Its really coming to life now.

Thanks John, thanks Gary.

Time to get cracking on the concrete forecourt me thinks. Started with a skim of Lightweight Hydrocal.

I'm hoping to rely on paint and washes to get it to look like old concrete. Totaly new territory here for me!!!





This is the sort of look I'm going to try and replicate. Any and all ideas as to how to, would be much appreciated.

That roof looks brilliant AL, looking forward to the weathering and weeds on the concrete.

Bro: Here in the States a Testors markets a thing called Createfx Enamel Stain. It comes in Concrete #79305. I've used it for small jobs, but I don't see why it wouldn't work on larger areas. Don't know if you can get that particular brand in the UK, but I would think you have something similar. For what it's worth. John

Thanks Gary.

Thanks for the info John. Found some in the UK. I rang them for info on coverage on a porous surface etc. and they are getting back to me.

Base on hold until then.

Boy! I'm winging this bit all the way. Real trial and error here so bear with me.

When the Hydrocal had dried, it looked too smooth, so I roughed it up some by 'tamping' it with a wire brush.





I thought the finished texture looked quite good. However, it looked somewhat ropey to me when I began to colour it. Way to lumpy.



I tried dragging the wire brush over it but that didn't improve things much IMO.



Finaly I got out the block sander and knocked it back a lot. May knock it back more yet.



In the meantime, I reckon Joe needs something to help him get heavy stuff into that loft. So I'm installing a block and tackle for him.

The support is made from Basswood and the B and T will have chains when finished.

The B&T is an idea that I would NEVER have thought of. Outstanding idea and scratch build! I really like the texture of the concrete you are going for. I hope the stain works out for you.

Thanks John.

I'm just surprised that a B & T wasn't included in the kit!!

I'm still waiting on a reply about that stain John but just had to keep going.

Once I'd knocked back the Hydrocal and got rid of all the high spots, I added some texure again with the wire brush:



Then I made up a very thin wash of Tamiya Medium Grey (XF-20) and applied it liberaly:



The brush I used was small and it left 'brush' marks which didn't look right, so using the same brush I flooded the whole area with thinners to try and blend it in a bit more:



Here endeth stage one. Stage two is a coat of clear acrylic gloss, followed by more weathering.

By the time you finish stage two I don't think you will need a concrete stain. I think you will have the appearance you are looking for. BTW, how do you intend to band the plywood base?

Thanks John.

BTW, how do you intend to band the plywood base? wrote:

TBH John, I hadn't thought that far ahead. Any suggestions??

I made up a thin solution of Hrydrocal and brushed it on the interior floor. When it's fully dried, it will get some sanding and I'll take it from there.

Skid wrote:Thanks John.



TBH John, I hadn't thought that far ahead. Any suggestions??

My base is birch plywood, so I plan on using edge binding made from birch. It comes in 25 foot rolls here and has a heat activated adhesive. You just place it on the edge of the board and then use an electric iron to "iron" it on. It can then be stained, painted or whatever. Haven't made up my mind whether to paint or stain.

Ah yes! We have that stuff over here too.

I'll probably finish it with some hardwood.

Looks brilliant Al, don't forget the oil spills LOL