Back Cover
After many weeks of working on this dollhouse, I am finally nearing completion. This time, assembling the dollhouse was easier for me since it was my second attempt. However, I still believe that it is a complex project and not suitable for beginners.
The only structural task left is to decide how to attach a back cover. I plan to use a railing system on the back, similar to what I did with The Beacon Hill Dollhouse. This railing will conceal the edges of the plexiglass, keep it in place, and help guide it on and off. Unfortunately, this dollhouse presents more challenges than The Beacon Hill Dollhouse, as it has three areas that need individual coverage - the back, attic, and side.
Starting with the back, the plexiglass will slide to the left for opening and closing. I installed a rail at the bottom of the dollhouse base, ensuring that the plexiglass rests on the table where the dollhouse will be displayed. I also added a rail at the top edge of the third floor and another rail on the right side, which I've highlighted in the photos below.
The attic requires a different approach due to its curved mansard roof opening. It needs a unique system and a thinner, more flexible material than plexiglass. For this area, I will use flexible plastic poster frame "glass," which can bend to fit the roof's curve while keeping dust out and miniatures secure. The "glass" will slide under three top brackets, curve against the side trims, and be held in place by two trim pieces on either side of the mansard roof. This design allows it to follow the roof line smoothly.
Additionally, I added a knee wall against the center attic partition to cover any exposed areas above the third floor. For the curved back edge of the attic's center partition, I created a special trim by snapping strip wood into curves at intervals without breaking it. After achieving the desired shape, I glued it over the knee wall.
The side wall is simpler; there is no railing system here. The plexiglass will be placed on and off without sliding. The bottom edge will rest on a rail, while top brackets will hold it in place. To ensure the brackets work effectively, they should be slightly separated from the vergeboard at their bottom ends. This separation is likely already present, but if not, you may need to adjust or remove them where you want the clear cover. You will see how everything fits together once I have cut and installed the plexiglass pieces.
For now, I'm returning to work on the rooftop garden. Although this garden isn't part of the dollhouse kit assembly, many will be interested in how to create one since it can be added to any dollhouse model with a flat roof.
