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Follow along as we build the N-scale version of our A-frame cabin kit. The HO
version is of course easier to build because it's nearly twice as large. But
even the N scale version isn't that hard to build. It requires a little bit of
patience to get great results.
Choosing Variations
We've designed this kit with some choices so you can change the appearance of
the kit (handy if you want more than one on your layout). Before you build your
kit, you might want to decide where you're going to put the finished kit and
change the look based on your location.
To help you with this process, we've provided a page on the different
variations you can achieve with this kit:
See Variations.
Applying the Finish
Before you begin assembling this kit, decide what colors you want to use with
the exterior. Many A-frame cabins have a stain finish, or shades of brown. I've
chose to use
Minwax
stain markers because they're much easier and faster to use than paints, and
they produce great results.
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Using the
Minwax stains is really easy. Just
follow the directions to "draw" the stain on the wood just
like you'd use a marker pen. Make sure you
stain both sides. I like to use Early American 230 for the deck, deck
railings, stairs, internal floors and walls, and the end walls. The
darker color Dark Walnut 2716 is good for parts like the under frames,
windows, and window frames. |
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All the parts have been stained with the
Minwax
stain markers. You'll want to stain both sides of everything except for
the following: don't stain the backs of the windows, or the sides of the
roofs with the scribing on it (as shown here). The roof side with the
scribing will be covered with shingles later. |
Assembling the Main Floor
The first step is to the assemble the main floor, which is a fairly simple
assembly with just five parts.
Building the Deck
The deck is actually the trickiest part of the entire project, so don't get
discouraged if it seems a little difficult. Everything after this part will be
easier.
What makes the deck difficult is the beams under the deck. These provide
support for the deck, helping to prevent it from bowing, and also provide a
support for the railings that you'll add later.
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Deck assembly begins with the frame. There are four long beams (of
which one is shorter) and two short beams. Set aside the shorter of the
four long beams for use later. Apply some glue to the notches with the
toothpick. Then insert two of the long beams into each notch of each
small piece. |
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After assembling the center four boards, you can add the other two
boards to the outside of the frame, as shown here. Here you can see me
adding the shorter of the four long beams to the outside. This short
beam will be glued to the end wall of the cabin near the end of
construction. |
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Apply glue to the edge of each beam, as shown here, and place the
deck on top of the frame. Note: make
sure the tabs are on the same side as the shorter of the four long beams
since this is the side that will be glued to the outer wall. |
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Once you have the deck on, flip the assembly over and make sure the
frame is centered on the deck, and that the shorter of the long beams is
flush with the edge of the deck. The tabs should project past this beam,
as shown here. If you look closely, you can see that the front-most
beam is flush with the left and right edges of the deck, whereas the
other three long beams project slightly past the edge of the deck. This
is what you're looking for.
Hold the frame to the deck for a little while to let the glue harden
a little. Then flip the assembly over again and put a flat weight on top
until the glue dries to ensure the deck doesn't curl. |

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