Assembling a PIKO structure
The Piko Corporation produces many items for scale modelers. In addition to trains and figures, Piko has a full line of scale structures in various scales. This article will discuss assembly of the Bijou Theater in large scale.
This kit comes complete to assemble one building. Included in the kit are all doors, windows and detail trim pieces, including makers and decals.
The first step is to unpack the kit and inventory the parts. Locate and identify each part as described on the instruction sheet. This is probably the most important step in building this kit as the instructions are “picture only.” There are no step by step written assembly instructions with this kit. Taking the time here to indentify each part and how it is assembled is critical to producing a good model.
The kit is very complete right down to the glue for assembly. Some other tools required are a hobby knife, sprue cutter, tape (to hold walls together for gluing), small square, and cutting mat. Although the sprue cutter and cutting mat are not critical, they will help produce a quality model.
Once you are familiar with the placement of each part, begin assembly by working on the wall structures. Locate the pieces required for each wall section. Remove the pieces from the sprue using the cutter. You can also use your hobby knife to cut the pieces off the sprue. The cutter produces a nice, clean edge on the piece and is most effective for smaller pieces. You should avoid twisting the pieces to remove them from the sprue. Twisting can result in a chunk being torn out of the piece.
Assemble the glass into the doors and windows. The pieces fit very nicely and trimming is a minimum. Place each pane of glass in the window (door) frame and place a small drop of glue in a couple corners. This is all that is need to hold the glass in place and will limit the possibility of glue seeping under the glass and fogging the window.
Assemble the windows into the wall section by placing each window into the guides, and then press the unit into the wall. Run a bead of cement on the outside of the window guides and the windows will open and close.
Assemble the rest of the wall sections according to the instructions.
The front entry way has some decals on the glass. These are vinyl, peel and stick, type transfers that are of a very good quality. Piko recommends using scissors to cut out the decals, but I have better luck with the hobby knife, so use whatever works for you.
Applying the decals is straight forward. Simply trim the decal to size, peel off the backing, and apply. One reason I like to use the hobby knife is that it allows more precise placement and the decal is not sticking to my big fingers.
Some of the decals are applied directly to the building; others are made into posters using the backing material supplied. More on them later, but now, let’s assemble the walls.
Place the walls into position and tape together to hold them in place. Once you have everything properly aligned, run a line of glue on the inside seams and allow to cure completely. This is the make or break step to ensure a nice model. The building must be square. This is where the cutting board (available at Wal-Mart for around $10) is a great asset.
When the building has completely dried, all that remains is to add the roof and front marquee. Follow the picture on the box for placement of decals (or be creative and put them where you like.)
To make the posters, Piko supplies three pieces of thin styrene plastic. Cut out the decal and attach to the plastic backing. Trim the poster to size and attach to the building to suit your taste.
Piko produces a high quality model. This kit has an excellent fit and finish. All parts and material are included. The kit comes painted and weathered, and really needs no additional items to become an outstanding addition to your layout.
This kit is challenging, but not too hard for a beginning modeler. The key to assembling this kit is to take the time and understand each assembly step before starting.
Russ Bundy - 6/24/09
JSE Designs, LLC