Our Build of The Blue Slipper Tavern
I’ll just start this article out by saying that this might be one of my favorite kits that I’ve completed. I know that Todd has done a lot more kits that I have, and I tend to build more scratch builds, but I can say without a doubt that this one of my favorite builds I’ve completed.
Note: Affiliate links may be provided in this article to you at no cost. As always, the opinions in this article are still our own.
With that… Let’s start this review!
We recently had the opportunity to build a great craftsman kit from the manufacturer, KC’s workshop. And we will be the first to tell you that this kit is awesome!
The Blue Slipper Tavern kit is based on the actual bar located in Onekama, MI and was originally part of KC’s Workshop super limited Cameron Street Corner Kit. Their site also states that this kit will be the only structure from that limited release to be available as an individual kit.
The quick specs/ what’s in the box:
- Wood, laser cut brick walls, windows, doors & signs
- Building footprint 4.5” x 2.5”
- Structure shape: rectangular main structure, side building
- Accessories & details: laser cut sign, front security gates, signage, acetate, wall vents, cornices, bracing & trim lumber, roofing paper & laser cut shingles
- Cost: $79.95 (get $10 off with promo code: hoscalecustoms)
This kit comes with the detail parts and materials that you need to make a really great looking building. The instructions are also very thorough and they come complete with photos of both the kit that was built out and photos of the original building for reference.
All in all, we recommend this kit to anyone looking to add a brick building to their layout. We also feel that this kit is great for both beginner craftsman kit builders and experienced modelers as it’s instructions are easy to follow, and the simplicity of the build allows you to easily make what is photographed on the front of the box. Experienced modelers will also find that this kit allows for a lot of customization and it’s really easy to make it look completely different from the original kit.
How we built this bad boy….
Here’s the fun part of the kit write-up.
We both talked about this kit and decided that we were going to (mostly) stick to the instructions on this build and make it per the photos included and what was on the box. The thing that we did decide to take some creative freedom on was the surrounding scene and some extra details like rooftop details, fencing, and things that didn’t create a major change to the overall look, but that added those kinds of details that when you look up-close, make you really start to get drawn into looking around for more.
We painted the brick walls to match the look of the real building, which you can see here: The real Blue Slipper Tavern
So we used Khaki acrylic paint from Apple Barrel op top of walls that were given a wash of india ink wash. To bring out the brick color, we dusted the wall with our brown and black diy weathering pigments and wiped the dust off the faces of the bricks with our fingers and a very lightly damp towel. This allowed the dust to stay in the cracks where the mortar would be.
For the most part we stayed to the script and followed the instructions as provided, but the main changes that we made to this kit included:
- We added ho scale brick sidewalks to 3 sides of the building that would create a lot of space to add people and accessories to create a cool little bar scene. The brick sidewalk that we used was from KC’s Workshop and can be found here: https://kcworkshop.com/products/ho-scale-brick-sidewalks
The side structure was supposed to only have the shingled roof, but we added corrugated sheet metal roof to the top part of the structure to make it look like the shingles were aging (which we also roughed up with an exacto knife) and they needed covering up with a patch job of sheet metal roofing. You can get the corrugated roofing here: https://kcworkshop.com/products/corrugated-material-roofingsiding-ho- I made a small fence that covered the rear entrance/exit to the side structure with the idea that this would be a cool place to make a little ‘hangout’ scene for bar patrons who are outside smoking, drinking and causing a little commotion out-back.
- A few roof details were added that we’ve accumulated over the years of extra kit parts and things we’ve ripped off other older kits. These roof accessories included a plaster-cast roof access, you know, to fix the sign and stuff… We also added a few other roof vents and chimneys to the roof that weren’t included, but we thought they would add a little depth to the structure.
My favorite parts of this kit
I think this kit in its entirety is just an awesome building when it’s finished. But if I had to pick a few things that I thought make this finished kit really pop, I would have to say that I love the laser-cut wood rooftop sign. This sign, and really any laser-cut sign, add a very cool look to almost any building when done right. I just love any laser cut sign and think that they look awesome when they’re done.
A few other things that I really like about this kit include its quality of texture which makes it exceptionally easy to bring out the details with weathering and washes, and its ease to build.
KC’s Workshop really did a great job on this building and when it’s finished, it really does have a striking resemblance to the original (still standing… we think) building.
How/Where can you get the Blue Slipper Tavern?
Well if by now, you haven’t realized that it’s made by KC’s Workshop… we’ll just tell you for like the 23rd time.
You can get your hands on this kit by visiting KCworkshop.com and either navigating your way to it and checking out all of his cool craftsman kits, scratch building supplies, weathering products and more, or you can click this direct link: https://kcworkshop.com/products/blue-slipper-tavern-ho-scale-pre-sale
Note: Affiliate links may be provided in this article to you at no cost. As always, the opinions in this article are still our own.
Check out more of our finished Blue Slipper Tavern Photos below:
