| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Danny Head |
Posted - 06/14/2012 : 7:49:29 PM
I have started a new project based on photos of the Detour Feed Mill in Carroll County Maryland. Here is the link to the photos of the mill as it was in the early 1900's as well as the way it was in 2007.
http://www.millpictures.com/mills.php?millid=1401
This will be a very slow build (I'm allowing myself one year), so there may be long periods of no progress. I plan to build the diorama as it may have been in the 1960's. This would be without the filled in porch and perhaps I will add back the covered truck loading bay that appears to have been removed in the modern photos. I also plan to include the coal dump trestle into the diorama.
The building alone will be 42'x125' in HO scale. The structure will be 58" at the top of the tower. So, with the diorama added, this will be a massive model when finished. |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Carl B |
Posted - 12/28/2012 : 09:48:55 AM
Great technique Danny, thanks for sharing, have to try it! |
| Mike Hamer |
Posted - 12/27/2012 : 7:02:46 PM
Hi Danny, the little coal office finishes off the diorama beautifully. Kudos to you on the brilliant effort and I'd be sure to place this as First Place Winner any time at all! Good luck at the convention when you show the model. [:-thumbu][:-thumbu] |
| Danny Head |
Posted - 12/27/2012 : 4:56:23 PM
Hi Carl. No problem on the "how to" on the windows. First, I cut all the opening in the wall sections allowing enough room for them to be lined with scale 1x6 material. Next, I lined the opening on the top, left and right. I cut a bottom sill from 2x6 scale material. Then, I cut the right, left and top moulding for the outside.
Then, I drew a pattern for the panes. I cut plastic sheets slightly larger than the openings, then placed one over the pattern.
At first, I cut all the tiny panes from wood, but they would fall out in some areas, so I had to rethink the process. So, here is the trick. I took masking tape and painted it with my color (soft white). I took that strip and stuck it down to an old CD music case. Then I placed a straight edge and cut strips at about 2 scale inches. Then I just followed the pattern and taped them on. The center horizontal piece is a piece of basswood and not the painted paer masking tape.
Once the tape is in place on the plactic sheets, simply glue them in from the back....  |
| Carl B |
Posted - 12/27/2012 : 2:41:30 PM
Hi Danny, really excellent work!
Any chance you can give a mini "how-to" on how you scratch built the windows?
You made so many for this project, did you make some jigs?
I'd like to try it on my current project, even though there are many commercial choices.
Thanks, |
| Danny Head |
Posted - 12/27/2012 : 09:35:49 AM
I had basically "closed out" my posting of this build. But, now after the last couple of weeks of some quality building time, I have added some details. I built a "working" gate into the coal area and built an '37 Chevy truck from a Sylvan kit. The coal loader was put into action with coal flowing over into the truck bed. I added a a man with a shovel and a man watching. A sleeping dog is now on the coal office porch. Checkers players, some feed sacks, firewood, standing dog and a set of shelving with junk were added to the porch of the main building.
Perhaps the most difficult part of the project was adding the electrical service that was 100% scratchbuilt. I also built a tree that was planted behind the storage shed. The trunk for that tree was perfect to add a treehouse.
I hope to get photos of these additions as soon as the weather clears up. |
| northern6400 |
Posted - 12/07/2012 : 08:00:17 AM
Danny you have done a fantastic job on this.
Chuck Faist |
| k27rgs |
Posted - 12/07/2012 : 07:05:52 AM
Now that's a nice model. Hope you plant an old tree ( no leaves ) somewhere as a view blocker, which will give extra dimension to your artistry.
cheers "M" |
| Danny Head |
Posted - 12/07/2012 : 06:33:20 AM
Thanks everyone. I hope some of you get to see it in person. It really looks so much better than the photos show.
I want to build a truck to back into the coal loading area and I think I know a way to make the coal appear to be flowing from the chute to the truck bed. I also want to back a truck (maybe partially cover with a tarp) into the shed. The prototype photo has a tree showing and I will likely build that as well. There is power pole, transformer and electric meter to install as well. Then I need to bring it to life with some people and a little action.
But the hard part is yet to come..... doing all the paperwork required for the contest. [:-banghead] |
| mark_dalrymple |
Posted - 12/06/2012 : 10:38:35 PM
Wonderful build and wonderful composition Danny!
The small change in height down to the covered loading area adds so much interest, as does the two bay shed on the slope. The muted colours are just fantastic - both on the structures and the shingle roads and greenery. I love the effect you have achieved on the corrigated iron roofs. One of the best dioramas I have seen!
Looking foward to your next project, cheers, Mark. |
| stickframe |
Posted - 12/06/2012 : 10:26:28 PM
Hi Danny -- this project looks terrific - on all levels, bldgs and sitework. I've been one of the guys just watching...now talking - thanks for posting.
Cheers
Nick |
| Orionvp17 |
Posted - 12/06/2012 : 9:31:57 PM
Looks great, Danny!
Thanks for sharing the process with us!
Pete
in Michigan |
| dnhman |
Posted - 12/06/2012 : 9:27:17 PM
Wow,, Looks great! |
| Ensign |
Posted - 12/06/2012 : 9:04:19 PM
Hey Danny,I can save you the trip to Atlanta next July.The "Great Gregoravitch" predicts that this will be awarded a First Place award!
See now that you know this, why bother going?
Thank you! For taking us along for the ride!And best of luck at the convention!
Greg Shinnie |
| railman28 |
Posted - 12/06/2012 : 8:53:41 PM
Looks absolutely fabulous. |
| Danny Head |
Posted - 12/06/2012 : 7:54:51 PM
I think I'm going to call this project "finished", at least as far as forum postings. I will continue working on the project over the next few months to add detail parts, people, some trucks and power lines. The diorama will be fine tuned before the NMRA's national convention in Atlanta in July.
The last building in the diorama I just finished is the small "coal" office. I am also showing a few other shots. Thanks to all who have watched the build.
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