In June 2023, I built a post office for my model train layout. The building is somewhat representative of a post office near Odessa, Texas. It is built with around 58 pieces of wood, as well as cardstock (for the roof) and plastic molded windows.
Assembling the Walls
I used wall panels that had already been partially die-cut from a piece of thin plywood (from an old kit). After using a chisel to remove the wall pieces, I used a Dremel-style rotary tool to smooth the edges of the components.
To reinforce corners, I cut short lengths of stripwood (like tiny dimensional lumber) to provide an additional gluing surface. Stripwood was also used to reinforce longer wall lengths.
Stripwood was added at the base perimeter of the structure to create the appearance of a concrete foundation and a sidewalk lining the front.
Other Wall Components and Doors
The black-colored section at the front of the building is built exclusively with different dimensions of stripwood, as are the grey-colored doors.
Removing Imperfections on Walls
Imperfections on the walls (gaps, chipped corners, etc.) were covered after assembly with joint compound. It was smoothed before paint was applied.
Wall Texture and Color
The tan-colored wall sections were covered with two somewhat thick coat of acrylic interior home paint, which was stippled on with a foam brush. This paint provided color and a stucco-like texture.
The black-colored section was painted with a thinner black acrylic craft paint to replicate the appropriate weathered wood look.
Adding the Roof
The roof is made with two pieces of cardstock cut to shape and scribed with the side of a screwdriver. To add further depth, stripwood was glued to the edges of the cardstock. The roof was painted with acrylic paints and weathered with washes of acrylic paint and chalks.
Asphalt Parking Lot
The parking lot consists of joint compound smoothed over a plaster foundation. It was painted with a coat of acrylic paint (stippled on with a foam brush). A white charcoal pencil was used to replicate the lines separating parking spaces. Black-colored chalk was used to replicate the oil spots and grime often found in these areas. Stripwood (painted yellow) was used to create the ramp and the parking blocks. I had the mailbox on hand already.
Sign
The sign is based off one found in Presidio, Texas. Stripwood (for support) is sandwiched between two pieces of printed paper.
