The bay window is one element of this kit that deviates sharply from the architecture of the real Osteria Al Vecchio Stallo. But working with what I have, I chose to follow the style of some of the rustic houses in the Carnian mountains and add wooden shingles to the roof of the window.
I used 3/8″ x 1/16″ balsa wood and a dark walnut stain to match the trim. Cutting each shingle individually, as would normally be done in real life, put the top two tiers at an angle that left a marked gap. So instead, I cut them to 1.5″, 1″, and 1/2″ so that the layers would all lie flat.
As with the terracotta roof tiles on Gelateria Bocelli, the triangular side sections were the most difficult. For some reason that I haven’t yet figured out, the level of these sections did not lie flush with the center section, making the top layer noticeably raised. To solve this problem, I used some scraps of 1/32″ balsa, which also allowed me to cut a single triangle instead of having to patchwork multiple pieces. I think it looks more finished this way, in any case.
While I was working on the facade, I also glued on a lamp above the door. This was the only lamp I could find that hung down in the style of the one at the actual restaurant (most pointed upward like wall sconces). For the purpose of wiring a dollhouse for lighting, it came with an electrical cord and an actual light bulb in it. However, I have no interest in wiring my shops, so I simply snipped the cord off at the base.
The next photo shows the acrylic ceiling panel in place.
When I was digging the lamp out of my box of purchased accessories, I also pulled out the espresso machine and cash register. I’m not quite ready to fully stock those shelves, though, since I still need to work on one final exterior element: the restaurant sign.
