OO Gauge (OO9) Edwardian Seaside/Park Shelter and Mine and telescopes - Ramsgate

FAQ – Product FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is included in this kit?

The kit includes an Edwardian-style Ramsgate promenade shelter, an old-style sea mine used for seaside charity collections, and two classic seaside telescopes. All parts are supplied unassembled and unpainted.

Is the diorama base in the photos included?

No. Any diorama or scenic base shown in photos is for scale and reference only and is not included with the kit. You receive the shelter, the fundraising mine, and the telescopes as separate parts.

What material are the parts made from?

The parts are 3D-printed in resin. They are cleaned and cured by hand, and all supports are removed before packing. Resin offers fine detail but should be handled with care.

Is this model suitable for seaside scenes only?

No. While it is based on a Ramsgate Edwardian promenade shelter, it also works very well as a municipal or park shelter in town, city, or countryside layouts, not just coastal scenes.

Is this model unique compared to other kits?

Yes. This is a distinctive, hard-to-find subject that is not generally available as a ready-made model. The real structure would be quite complicated to scratch build, which makes this kit a handy shortcut for adding character to your layout.

Do I need any previous modelling experience to build it?

Basic modelling skills are helpful but not essential. The shelter is designed to slot together using tabs, making assembly straightforward. Taking your time with dry-fitting and painting will give the best results.

My kit arrived with a part broken in the post. What should I do?

If you believe the piece was damaged during shipping, please take clear photos of the damage and the packaging and get in touch. While we cannot cover accidental damage after delivery, we will of course see what we can do to help with postal breakages.

Some surfaces look slightly rough. Is this normal?

Yes. We carefully remove supports and clean each part by hand, but very fine sanding may still be required in places to achieve a perfectly smooth finish before priming and painting.

Can I drop-test the parts or handle them roughly?

No. Resin is a delicate material and can chip or snap if dropped or stressed. Always handle the parts gently, especially thin sections such as posts, railings, and telescope tubes.

Are the parts already primed or painted?

No. All parts come unprimed and unpainted. You will need to prime and paint them yourself to match your layout’s style and colour scheme.

Do the parts need washing before painting?

Although the items are cleaned and cured by hand, it is good practice to give resin parts a quick wash in mild soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to dry completely before priming. This helps paint and primer adhere better.

How does the shelter go together?

The shelter is designed with tabs that slot into corresponding locations, making alignment straightforward. Test-fit all parts first without glue to understand the layout, then assemble with a suitable adhesive once you are happy with the fit.

What glue should I use for assembly?

Use a good-quality cyanoacrylate (super glue) suitable for resin parts. Apply sparingly to the tab-and-slot joints, holding pieces in place until the bond has set. Avoid solvent cements designed only for polystyrene, as they will not bond resin properly.

Should I assemble everything before painting?

It is often best to:

• Test-fit and lightly sand where needed.
• Prime the main components separately.
• Paint hard-to-reach areas (such as interior details) before final assembly.
• Glue the parts together and then touch up or weather as needed.

How should I prime and paint the resin?

Use a primer that is compatible with resin (acrylic primers work well). Apply in thin, even coats to preserve detail. Once primed, you can use acrylic, enamel, or other hobby paints, building up colour in light layers to avoid obscuring fine features.

Any tips for painting the shelter, mine, and telescopes?

For an authentic look, consider:

• Using muted or slightly weathered colours for the shelter to suggest age and seaside exposure.
• Picking out metalwork and decorative trim in contrasting colours.
• Adding subtle rust and salt-weathering effects to the mine and telescopes to evoke a coastal environment.

What should I do if parts don’t seem to fit perfectly?

Dry-fit all parts first. If a tab is tight or slightly misaligned, gently sand or file the contact surfaces until the pieces slot together cleanly. Avoid forcing parts, as resin can crack if stressed.

How can I protect the finished model on my layout?

Once painted and fully dry, you can apply a clear matt or satin varnish to protect the paintwork. When installing the model, ensure it is securely fixed to your baseboard or diorama to reduce the risk of knocks and falls.