The build didn't really change all that much but there are some other significant changes. First thinner wood. I think the thinner wood really makes a nice change, the building doesn't look as "bulky" as the old one. I definitely prefer the new look this thinner wood gives. Following that is the now newly detailed floors. The redesign adds some nice detail to the floor, something that I considered to be a big miss in the old kit. They also spent some time re-doing the exterior detail and I think they really hit the mark there.
The only thing I can really fault them with is that there still aren't any instructions in their kits. Granted the General Store is pretty straight forward build, but there are some nuances to these kits. The way they fit together is not quite the same way as other manufacturers so don't go to fast and dry fit everything first to make sure you have it right.
Just a few pictures just so you get the idea of how it goes together and how it looks compared to the old kit.
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| Parts, Parts, Parts! |
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| The new floor |
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| Building the front, I went light on the clamps |
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| I prefer a combination of weights and clamps when working with real wood. Again I used Titebond II Carpenter's Glue on this one. |
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| The combination counter top and shelves |
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| From the front. New on the left, old on the right. Click on the picture to see a larger version. |
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| The interiors. Note that the interior furnishings have been reduced in size a bit. I think gives a much nicer look. |
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| Top Rear, Old on the left, new on the right. I prefer the way the furniture has scaled out in the new design. It doesn't feel so massive and takes up a lot less space. |
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| And from the rear, old on the left, new on the right. The re-design gives a lighter feel to the building that I like. |
