New Structures.

I've been busy on the bench and at work and have neglected my duties to keep everyone up to date...says my Sunday Breakfast Buddies.

I'm still in a state of limbo while one of my daughters is living with me.  I gladly tore everything down so she could stay between trips around the world.  It also offered me the opportunity to re-think things...something I do habitually.  But no matte what I need structures and fussy bits and have been plowing away with that.  New palm patterns with upgraded fronds, some new eateries and businesses to service...all in the name of keeping the Chatsworth them alive. 

Georges will compete with Mummerys across from each other.  Georges was the spot to be if you wanted good grub and trains 10 feet outside the main windows.  Located in Riverside it was perched on the corner across from a large lumber yard crossing the avenue at a diagonal.    Perfect spot and its authentic.  This was laser cut out of acrylic and laser board with simple printed signage done on Corel to match the prototype.  I have the main shot elsewhere and will add it later.  It's busy and bright and a great contrast to grey and brown.

Here is the prototype. What a great way to rail fan. 

Ah, the lumber yard yet to be designed.  But that won't stop me from messing around with some details.  Like I said, Georges is across from a big lumber yard itching to be modeled so I scaled this scene and made up a prototype.  Not sure how many I will eventually build but they are great for making things look authentic.

I laser cut the A frame and the wood stock out of 1/64 bass.  This is a single unit of course but I plan on making something more like the photo.  Nice little project actually.  This small stuff is a lot more fun than a big huge building.

Why I wanted a paint store is beyond me but I couldn't resist.  Laser cut and incorrect spelling and all.  It's almost as bad as the time I engraved a switch tower with Southern Pacific Railroad misspelled.  LOL 

1449 Blimp ongoing drama.

Yeah, sometimes an obsession makes no sense.  I mean, I have no plan or desire to electrify my layout with overhead, but I just needed a Blimp Box Cab.  It'll look so cool pulling a couple outside braced boxcars and a shorty caboose around the layout no matter.  I have pics of these lashed up to SW1's in the lead so I guess I could consist that way and call it good.  Until I get that far I still have to get this thing running.  I picked up the Brass Sydam Model for $50.00 at a local show and I think I've lost $100 messing around with it.  I've come up with a nifty way to retro fit an old Athearn motor with some Proto West universals, but the weak link is the crappy spring drive.  I'm faced with retooling the truck for more conventional drive or bite the bullet and get a Stanton Drive or something from Hollywood foundry.

So here we are...so much to do.  The original kit was for the SP Electrified Line in Portland so it had all sorts of do-dads that had to come off, and other to be made. Roof walk, trolly poles, ladders, vents, bells, more bent wire and a new paint job.  Like I said the awful part of this model is the drive system and I can now understand why every time I see a trolly layout with cars dashing around at break neck speed I understand why...that drive only works in Warp.

Stay tuned.