Introduction

Small Repair Shed by Rusty Rail is a new 1/87 resin and wood kit. It is kit number RRS-H-33. Whether you model railways or railroad-free scenes, this rustic small building is a feast for the eyes.

The Kit

This resin (with 2 pieces of wood) kit should be simple to assemble. It measures 3 3/4" by 3" by 2" tall. (The tractor is not included.) Small Repair Shed consists of crisply cast resin parts, free from air pocks, warping, and excessive flash. Casting by Rusty Rail is equally impressive with crisp undercuts and cavities that rival plastic slide molding. The parts breakdown is:

Resin Wall x 4
Resin Roof x 3
Resin base
Resin Gas pump
Wood beams x 2
Paper signs

The walls are scale-thin. I suspect that Rusty Rail uses his own board-by-board constructed models as the master for this model. As such, the structure and surface texture of the parts are excellent.

Trial fitting of the parts indicates no trouble to be expected.

Detail

The walls show rustic wood grain detail, knot holes, and even nail marks. Inside and out. The roof is covered with tar paper. Patches with nail heads are sculpted on the roof sections, as are tires and other items to hold the roof down.

Inside the shed is complete framing structure. It is interesting enough but what really pegs the interest meter are the shelves and benches. They are covered with tools and components:

saw
hack saw
wrench
clamps
hose
grinder
vice
hammer
pry bar
tongs
boxes
containers
wheel
miscellaneous objects
gears

Other equipment and tools inside are oil and grease pumps. Casting and fidelity of detail is remarkable.

Two shelves have corrugated backing. And the proprietor is neat and tidy, keeping a garbage can inside.

Garbage cans are prominent outside, too. Five of them. Business has been good because all five are full to the top. They feature fine corrugated features and one has a lid. On another side are heavy tools and supplies:

compressed gas tanks
boxes
barrels
cans and containers

Around back is a stack of drums and a crate.

These clusters of supplies are common around garages and repair businesses, and add a great deal of visual interest. Please enjoy the images of the workbenches with paint and a wash.

Instructions, Decals

Rusty Rail kits are made by an experienced modeler. His instructions reflect that. They are written by a modeler for modelers. They include personal experiences in assembly and finishing. Rusty Rail illustrates them with color photos of various steps.

Painting guidance includes some paint brands and colors used, including where to find them.

The decals are not decals. They are printed paper to be glued to the model.

Conclusion

Small Repair Shed is a detailed and captivating model. It offers modelers the detail and appearance of a board-by-board craftsman kit, with the simplicity of an injection-molded kit. The interior detail offers a modeler challenging detail to paint that create a great deal of interest. Casting is very good.

The instructions are very good. The signage is useful.

My only low point is minimal - light flash. My past experience tells me it will not be a problem to clean away.

Rusty Rail has cast another cool and interesting model that can be a supporting actor or the star of a layout or diorama. Recommended.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or Rusty Rail, to mention that you saw their product highlighted here - on RAILROAD MODELING.