Our Ice House & Café were designed especially for use on Norm's Landing - Fishing Pier (Kit No. 392). However, they have been made available as separate structures because we feel the buildings are suitable for a number of other uses in addition to that for which they were originally intended. Another reason we have not included all of them - the Fishing Pier, Boat Shop (Kit No. 396) and Ice House & Café - in one complete kit is that the cost of such a kit would be prohibitive. The instructions are for the buildings in their original designs with only a small portion dedicated to them being used as separate structures. If your plan is to modify either of them in any way then forethought should be given to the alterations before starting construction and the alterations fixed firmly in your mind before commencing, but use the instructions for general purposes.
Before you begin your buildings examine the parts and familiarize yourself with their locations on the models. Read thru the instructions and try to visualize each step before starting construction. The drawings are full size to enable the modeler to use them as templates when necessary. In using these drawings as templates first check them against the wood parts. Sometimes changes in humidity or temperature will cause the paper and wood to shrink or swell making the drawings slightly out of scale. If the wood parts do not fit the drawings exactly work from the center, splitting the difference. A few of the wood parts are "stock" sizes and must be cut to fit as construction progresses. Remember to use the stock-length wood wisely. Do not discard any excess material after a part has been cut. Save all end-cuts and when cutting other parts use the shortest pieces whenever possible.
On the interior surfaces of all Wall Sections with die-cut openings which must be trimmed out we have found it most advantageous to cover the openings and their surrounding areas with masking tape. This will lessen the chances of splitting the Walls. The tape should be applied running the opposite direction of the wood grain. When the tape is in place trim out all of the die-cut openings using a very sharp knife. (We recommend using X-acto, No. 11 blade for all cutting and trimming). When all of the openings are cleared test-fit the plastic parts in place and re-trim if necessary. When satisfied with the fit of each part turn the Walls over and very carefully remove the tape. Do not glue the plastic parts in place at this time.
Whatever wood parts are to be stained should be done before construction begins since the glue will seal the wood and the stain will not "take" at these joints. We suggest a contrasting dark color for the Trims (Windows, Doors, Fascias, Rafter Tails, etc.) in contrast to the body of the structures. All of the wood parts may need to be lightly rubbed with fine steel wool after the first coat of paint or stain to help obtain a smooth finish and then followed with
a second coat. When painting the plastic parts use a paint that will not "attack" them. Paint all of the plastic parts before installation.
Due to the Ice House & Café being designed to sit on the Pier, neither of them have ground Floors. Cardboard Inserts for the Cafe are provided to help keep the Walls on correct angles and a Cardstock Second Floor is provided for the Ice House, otherwise any ground Flooring is left up to the modeler.
