Curtis Brothers Plumbing Supply Co. Warehouse was the first Z-scale model that I built to sell. The model features completely scratchbuilt windows and doors, a faux-stone base, tin, shingle, and tar-paper roofing, hand-rails and scratch-built powerlines.
Several folks suggested that I turn Curtis Bros. into a kit. So I have. I'd like to dedicate this model to Jerry Curtis, my father-in-law, who has recently retired from a career in the industry.
Note: clicking on the photographs will open a much larger image of the model. These are large files and not recommended for dial-up connections Once you are done, simply click your browser back button to return to this page
Curtis Bros Plumbing Supply Co. Warehouse is now available as a laser cut kit. I've designed this kit so that, with care, a beginner can build a craftsman quality model in Z-scale.
The kit includes:
- laser cut 1/64" birch plywood doors, windows, loading dock, rafter tails, and sign
- laser cut 1/32" basswood scribed siding
- delicate laser cut paper fish-scale shingles & tarpaper roofing
- a unique covered staircase
- several build options
- laser cut chimney
- laser cut glazing
- assorted signs and vintage advertisements
- optional door knobs
- detailed directions
- weathering tips and building techniques
26001 Paw of a Bear Curtis Bros. Plumbing Supply Co. Z-scale Kit - $49.99 + shipping via USPS Priority Mail
If you would like to see what comes in the kit, check out my tutorial showing how I built the display model.
The kit includes enough shingles and tarpaper to cover all the roofs in either type of roofing or a combination of the two. The kit does not include the locomotive nor the AA battery.
If you cut the base in half, you can build the model as two separate buildings and arrange it in many different ways. I added some Paper Creek Model Works brick paper to the base and created some new signs.
download a PDF of the alternate signs
Thank you very much for your interest in my work. If you are not a kit builder, I do offer a building service. I can build Curtis Bros. Plumbing Co. built in the colors of your choice for $200.00 US + shipping. Contact me to get a time frame for delivery.
For $250.00 US + shipping, I can build the model in your choice of colors with a custom laser cut sign (no more than 20 letters) and custom printed signs in the name of your choice. Contact me to get a time frame for delivery.
Errata: Despite my best efforts, some errors slipped into the directions for Curtis Bros. Plumbing Co. If you find an error, please do let me know so that I can correct future releases of the kit.
Click here to download a PDF of the most recent version of the directions
Click here to download a PDF of just the errata
It should go without saying, but please note that all the photographs, pictures, and text are copyrighted and may not be used in any way without our written permission.