While surfing the web looking for my next diorama ideas and inspirations, I stumbled upon pictures of beautiful half-timbered houses. I think I just found my next project.

I normally scratch build my houses with styrene. For US houses, I can obtain the windows and doors easily. For European houses that is a different matter. I know Auhagen put out some windows but the Auhagen dealer in USA is currently out of stock on those items. Then I saw some nice houses by Faller, Kibri, and Vollmer. I ordered a few and I will start with Kibri 38901.

Here is the kit contents. Parts seem to fit better than I expected, given the kit is relative cheap.



Added stone textures to the inside of the wall, using modeling paste.



The stucco walls were also treated with thinned down modeling paste.


Never added lights to my model before so I like to give it a try. I airbrushed the interior with black paint, hopefully this will prevent the light from shining through the walls.




The rest of the kit received a few coats of Testor dull coat and white paints.

Edited by user 15 July 2017 06:41:58(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Danlake, the modeling paste is by Liquitex.

Here are the progress so far on the lower structure.

Edited by user 15 July 2017 06:48:12(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Alan,
I am glad you like it.

It is pretty much done, except some roof details and final weathering. I made a big mess trying to weathered the upper structure so I had to spy paint it white and repainted all the timbers. Wasn't fun!

Edited by user 15 July 2017 06:52:13(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Ken, Thanks for checking out the build.

The next kit is also by Kibri, 38744. I believe it is some sort of inn. The lower structure is done.

Edited by user 15 July 2017 06:53:35(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Peter, you can thin down the modeling paste with just water.

I tinted the wall with heavily thinned down craft paint. I applied 4 layers to get the color result I wanted.






I am intrigued by those beautiful interior finishing added to model buildings. Here is my first attempt. Using cardboards and craft papers for the wall and floor. Furniture are made from styrene and copper wires.

Edited by user 15 July 2017 06:55:52(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Just a quick update. I finished the interior and painted a few figures as well.

Edited by user 15 July 2017 06:57:54(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Minok - The original plan was to put the stairs behind the wall by the reception desk. However, looking through the windows, you can't see the stairs. Hence I omitted it.

Sorry for the lack of updates. I finally broke down and got myself a Marklin starter set 29479 . I am very impressed with the quality of the products.


Test track.


I am played around in SCARM and tried to design a 8ft x 3ft layout. The possibilities seem endless. After 3 weeks, I finally settled on one and went ahead and ordered more tracks. Now my diorama size just changed from 30"x16" to 8'x3'.

The next house is Kibri 38903. Fitting on the kit is very well. The only complaint is that the windows above the first floor are molded in. I made first floor a handbag store. Bags were made with Sculpey, display stands are from styrene.





Added a living room to the second floor. All the furniture are made from styrene.


The wall lamp come from Auhagen lamp post kit. I used hollow tubing for the base.


Finished house with the exception of the roof details.

Edited by user 15 July 2017 07:08:13(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified