My first structure on the layout is the Miami Produce Center at the 12th Avenue courtyard. Different materials and techniques are more appropriate for each element of the structure. For example, cinder blocks, doors, windows, and signs are difficult to model well using styrene. Photographs of these elements work better so I used them. However, photos don't work very well for higher relief surfaces such as siding so I used traditional styrene materials there. For weathered concrete platforms its often easier to get convincing results using hydrocal or anchor bolt cement castings than trying to weather styrene. I use anchor bolt cement.
First up are three photos of the model at about the half way point. At this point the core has been constructed, the platform cast, and photographs of the actual structure face laminated in place. Still remaining is construction of the awning and awning supports, roofing, and stand off details.
Notice how effective the shadows around the signs and conduits from the actual photograph are. The personnel door is a photo taken on another structure and inserted with a photo editor as is the blue sign to the right. Constructing the door out of styrene would not be as effective. Cutting out signs and gluing them on would not be as effective.
Now for the photos of the completed model
By far, constructing the awning overhang was the hardest part.
Notice the weeds growing from the awning.
The dock bumpers are sections of styrene, serrated with a razor saw and painted with dark gray primer.
I was particularly happy with the Walthers air conditioners. These were painted with a light gray and then some brown chalk was smudged on top. Next was a coat of Dullcote onto which I sprinkled some more chalk from above. Finally, the grate was masked off and I airbrushed on a fairly thick mix of india ink and alcohol. The condensation pipe is just a piece of wire painted white.
The produce boxes are simply photos of actual boxes printed to scale on photo paper, cut, and folded.
Notice the light fixtures and conduit under the awning
