Following the renovation of my childhood dollhouse, I got the bug for the hobby again.  I used to build model cars, though my specialty was to make them look like junkers (photos to come soon).  I had also started a large wood dollhouse kit probably twenty-some years ago, a Dura-Craft, but it was overwhelming to me at the time and many of the pieces just didn't cooperate with me.  :D

For this year's birthday, mom bought me a new kit to build: The Newport in brick by Real Good Toys.

I started planning before the kit even arrived, and I have some great ideas in mind.  I plan to add the two-story addition as well as another surprise addition (actually, I want to be sure I can accomplish it before I get ahead of myself and announce it here).

I've started with some of the preliminary work while I wait for certain pieces to arrive.  My plan is to eventually create a "build how-to" with photos, but I will share some tips along the way.  When I first started looking into this hobby, the wealth of other blogs out there inspired and helped me and I wish to return the favor.

My first impression is that this is a quality kit with some challenges, and fun, ahead.  The brick looked different from what I expected from the above kit photo, but it wasn't a disappointment.  It's a great color and texture.  I am going to stick close to the overall color scheme in the kit photo, but there will definitely be changes and upgrades.

So, now I wait eagerly for the UPS man to arrive so the real work can begin...