doogster Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Well the Alexandria arrived a couple of days ago, just had a chance to pop open the box and take a quick look at the kit. It sure looks complete, I don't think it's ever been out of the box. There are a few broken pieces, but I'm betting that's just the nature of the kit, how flakey MDF is and the fact that there are a lot of long thin pieces, and that the kit in box weighs over 70 pounds. I'm hoping all the bits are there so I can just glue 'em back together, if I have to fabricate some bits I don't think it would be a big deal anyway. I'll have to spend some more time going over the kit in detail in the next few days. (I did a quick second check, and there's only 1 bit I didn't find yet, But I'm betting it's in the box somewhere, otherwise will be easy to repair the bits). From the instructions the dura-lock construction looks very interesting, they claim the shell can be built in under an hour, we'll see. The windows need fancying up, since they're so plain, I think the trick of using picture frame molding cut to length will work a treat here. Overall I'm happy with the kit as received. Looking forward to getting into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeninky Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 I can't wait to see this one.. Do you have a picture of what the kit looks like?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doogster Posted February 3, 2007 Author Share Posted February 3, 2007 I can't wait to see this one.. Do you have a picture of what the kit looks like?? This is the best pic off the web I could find: http://www.dollproperties.com/alexandria_dollhouse.htm Unfortunately UPS put dirty great stickers all over the cover of the box obscuring much of the photography. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heidiiiii Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Congrats on the Alexandria! I like working on Duracraft houses but they are sooo heavy. My MHM weighs about 75lbs. Dh has to help me carry her when I was moving her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doogster Posted February 3, 2007 Author Share Posted February 3, 2007 Congrats on the Alexandria! Thank You. I like working on Duracraft houses but they are sooo heavy. My MHM weighs about 75lbs. Dh has to help me carry her when I was moving her. Marg's Bellingham is a pig to move, the Alexandria in closed box was a blast, especially when I slammed my thumb between it and the door frame. When it's put together it'll be a 2-person job to move it no doubt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Ouch, poor thumb!!! But ohhhh my what a nice house! Looking forward seeing you get "her" together.... Hugs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJEP Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Sorry to hear about your thumb, Andrew. How exciting to have the Alexandria though!! I can't wait to see what you do with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tams Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 This is a beautiful house! Can't wait to see progress pictures! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvmypoodle Posted February 5, 2007 Share Posted February 5, 2007 I have this house and have practiced putting it together twice. It "slides" together easily. Maybe one or two pieces are cumbersome. I really love it and can't wait to start it. I can't remember how they say to construct it, glue, nails etc?? But once you get the hang of it I can see a dry fit in 30 minutes. Would nails split the mdf??????? I think I will make my tower open. Maybe use piano hinges unless someone has a better idea. Good luck with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doogster Posted February 5, 2007 Author Share Posted February 5, 2007 I have this house and have practiced putting it together twice. It "slides" together easily. Maybe one or two pieces are cumbersome. I really love it and can't wait to start it. I can't remember how they say to construct it, glue, nails etc?? But once you get the hang of it I can see a dry fit in 30 minutes. Would nails split the mdf??????? I think I will make my tower open. Maybe use piano hinges unless someone has a better idea. Good luck with it. Great to hear, It is a cool house, I wouldn't be surprised if nails split the MDF, where mine broke it looks like flaky cardboard. I'm guessing Dura-Craft didn't use particularly good quality MDF, the Bellingham is similar, some of the window openings are smooth, some have that ratty flaky cardboard appearance and it does come apart very easily. I think good ole yellow glue will be more than sufficient. I think for the opening tower I'd go with a couple of good quality smaller hinges, I don't think you'd need a hinge the full length, I'd predrill holes and use small screws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted February 5, 2007 Share Posted February 5, 2007 I really preferred the all-wood Dura-Craft kits! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms. Mini Posted February 5, 2007 Share Posted February 5, 2007 what a beautiful kit! i cant wait to see what you do with it! man thats a heavy kit!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doogster Posted February 7, 2007 Author Share Posted February 7, 2007 I really preferred the all-wood Dura-Craft kits! I'm thinking if this was wood there would be no damage whatsoever. As it is 7 pieces are broken, all the bits are there for 6 of them, and they go together well. I have to get some clamps. One little extension is missing for the 7th part, must have escaped at some point. Will be easy to fabricate. One piece is going to be a bugger to fix, it's in 3 pieces, all angles. What were the people at Dura-Craft thinking? Great honking pieces of MDF joined by a little 1/2" piece. Samwiched between 2 huge, heavy chunks of MDF, all in a box that weighs about 90 pounds. I wonder if anyone has ever received an unbroken kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvmypoodle Posted February 7, 2007 Share Posted February 7, 2007 My kit was fine. It could of been in the handling. Maybe DC should ship trims etc. seperately Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted February 7, 2007 Share Posted February 7, 2007 Maybe DC should ship trims etc. seperatelyIt's not the fault of the manufacturer, Jeannie; they've been out of business for a couple of years now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvmypoodle Posted February 7, 2007 Share Posted February 7, 2007 oops. I know they are out of business, I meant they should have packaged them seperately, maybe that would help. The box could of been mishandeled. just my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue_moon992 Posted February 7, 2007 Share Posted February 7, 2007 THATS THE ONE THEY HAVE AT HOBBY LOBBY It has been driving me NUTS trying to find out what house it is hehe. It is an AWESOME house, I am so jealous!! Can't wait to see pics!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted February 7, 2007 Share Posted February 7, 2007 I meant they should have packaged them seperately, maybe that would help. The box could of been mishandeled.That's what makes it so bad that the company is gone, that's the sort of thing they were good about replacing free (at least with the all-wood kits) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doogster Posted February 7, 2007 Author Share Posted February 7, 2007 oops. I know they are out of business, I meant they should have packaged them seperately, maybe that would help. The box could of been mishandeled. just my opinion. The box looks fine, but if it was dropped at some point the shear weight of the kit would likely lead to the inevitable breaking of some parts. Thankfully they go back together well. It look like it'll build up to be a great house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missymew Posted February 7, 2007 Share Posted February 7, 2007 It's a real beauty, Andrew. 90 lbs?? Wow, you must have some pretty buff UPS guys making deliveries to your place!! -Susanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heidiiiii Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 Yeah it is a big ole sturdy house. Duracraft kits are re-trofitted for earthquake and hurricane damage! But not against dropping on the floor... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doogster Posted February 12, 2007 Author Share Posted February 12, 2007 It's a real beauty, Andrew. 90 lbs?? Wow, you must have some pretty buff UPS guys making deliveries to your place!! :yes: -Susanne I don't know about buff, I hauled the bugger in the house on me own, The UPS guy backed the truck up the garage door and left the kit on the driveway. B) I aint winnin no body buildin contests any time soon I can tellya. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilovecats Posted February 13, 2007 Share Posted February 13, 2007 We got another Alexandria! I kept looking at the one on ebay for the past day or so. I wanted it, but then i don't need it...so back and forth...finally purchased it about an hour or so ago! So...one of these days!....i'll add it to the stash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess11 Posted March 15, 2007 Share Posted March 15, 2007 Is anyone actually working on the Alexandria? I have it pegged as my next kit- I'd love to see pics of one finished or in progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grammapux Posted August 5, 2007 Share Posted August 5, 2007 I'm returning to working on the Alexandria later this week. It was on hiatus after an appendectomy and a loss of interest in minis this last spring. Then a friend gave me a Artply Alison kit she lost interest in and it got me reinspired. That wiill be "done" probably Tuesday and the Alexandria has been wimpering for attention for a few weeks now so . . . It's 99% together and one room is partially wallpapered. I was working on painting the windows two toned when the appendicitis hit. I'll try to get pix up somewhere soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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