Super Detailing the Office Shed

MRA Contributing Editor Martin Tärnrot adds details to a standardized office shed. This is a standard kit that you can buy. Martin hopes to inspire you to take similar buildings on your layout and add realistic details to them, which can be done without adding much cost or significant time. Let’s look at a few potential additions.

AIR CONDITIONING UNITS

Martin has some 3D-printed air conditioning units. He spray paints them light gray with an airbrush, then leaves them to dry. For weathering, Martin uses oil colors. He gives some pointers about using paint that includes linseed. He chooses black and thins it with odorless turpentine. This creates a wash, which he applies to the ventilation bars on the top and sides of the AC units.

GARBAGE CANS

Another realistic detail to have around an office shed is garbage cans (a.k.a. garbage bins, depending on where you are from). Martin’s are 3D printed, but they can also be obtained from sets sold at hobby stores. First he sprays them with a coat of acrylic metal paint, then applies the same black wash as on the AC units.

GAS AND ELECTRIC UTILITY METER SETS

Martin feels these are essential. He paints them gray, then paints the meter white. When the acrylic white is dry, he applies a drop of water to give the effect of a curved glass cover over the meter.

ASSEMBLY OF DETAILS

After all the pieces have been detailed, it’s time to assemble them on the office building. Martin glues the AC unit in place using fast-set glue, then puts a drop of oil paint under the AC and adds thinner to create streaks.

He then drills a hole in the wall to fasten the incoming gas pipe. When all the details have been added, Martin places the building in his layout, in this case at the lumber loading station. Small details make all the difference!

MORE DETAILS ON DETAILING

We have related videos on detailing, including one on detailing brick buildings and one on adding details to backdrop scenery.