Couple photos of LVN

Tycomania

Ever get the urge to take an old kit from the late seventies and try to do something with it. I found this picture on the Internet and it drove me to a shoe box that had the Tyco version.

As you can see the original came with all the plastic colours done in the casting.

The parts were on large bits of sprue which were clipped with a sprue cutter
and the mold lines needed to be removed with an exacto knife.

The instructions were very simple and showed quite a bit of thought as it taught the young modeller to build on the flat and from the bottom up.

The details were painted with acrylics and inks were used to weather them

This overhead view shows the interesting roof line. The main roof was painted a sand colour then brown Bragdon powders were applied and hit with mineral spirits. Then a wash of black weather-all was applied (Alcohol/india ink). The rusted roof was done with aluminum acrylic spray bomb then a water based Windsor and Newton Oil (Burnt Umber) was used to create the panels. Then hit with medium and light rust Bragdon powders and a wash of mahogany ink.

I used their signs from the kit. After application I used a watered down version of the brown and black inks on the big sign and mahogany ink full strength on the Ford sign.

The Walls were painted with the Camo tan spraybomb. Then a scratched the paint surface with a dull exacto blade to put grain in the boards. Then the brown Bragdon powder was liberally applied and secured with mineral spirits. Finally the upper surfaces of the wood was drybrushed with flesh acrylic.

Here are views from all sides

The scenic material on the plastic base was an application of dry sand over the surface. I sprayed wet water (water with a drop of dish soap) then diluted white glue 60/40. When almost dry I sprinkled earth coloured sanded grout on some of the surfaces then rubbed it in with my finger so that it created a warn flatter surface. Then I applied some Woodland Scenics burnt grass in some places and undergrowth clusters.

The Chimney was painted with red primer from a spray bomb. Then Robert's Brick Mortar was applied with a brush. When almost dry I took a cloth and wiped it of the upper surfaces leaving the mortar lines as seen.

The figure did not come with the kit. I painted him and then put flesh wash ink on the face to bring out details and a black wash on the clothes.

All in all it was fun to do. A great way for beginners to try and do craftsman style work on a cheap plastic model. Give it a try. You will get hooked for sure. Much better than out of the box.

Railfan day in Montreal

Lela and I visited Montreal for the day and did a little railfanning as part of the activities. Our first stop was Dorion Station.

On the west end of Montreal, this station is now a commuter stop on the CPR Mainline. This westbound was taken after having lunch at the station. The restaurant is unique and is called the Red Zebra. It is run by Mental Health Out Patients. The food is great and the price is very reasonable. The money made goes right into their charity coffers.

Here is an eastbound approaching Dorion.

In the west end there is an interlocking tower which has been replaced by ctc. The main activity on this 2 track mainline is commuter service.

It is open to the public 2 days a week.

Plow and Spreader in the CPR yard

Dorval Station sees this east bound VIA departing for the city.

Here is a picture of Beaconsfield Station. All in all it was nice to see these locations and I will definitely be back.

Ron's HO Modules

Ron built this Campbell Scale Depot. A craftsman like structure, it would set the tone for this four module set. this was my project for July...to scenic the modules.

Here is a prop and boat repair facility donated by Bill Tweedy from Cape Cod.

This next picture is a Tower One from Fos Scale

There is a river in the far left portion of the first module. The view was fun to do with the trestle, water, boats and the backdrop

Nothing like a fisherman trying his luck near the logs.

Tower One is a very nice addition to the crossover before the Clearwater Junction.

From the bridge you are able to see the water, tower and yard.

This old 1950s boxcar kit (wood) was the starting point for this railroad maintenance facility.

Pipes were made from cocktail straws and the loading dock from scrap strip wood. The detail parts are from the parts box.

The nice feature of this kit was the open door and stenciled lettering.

This oil tank was built in the 1980s by my good friend Don Shouldice. He used a dowel and broom handle end for the tank and scratch built the trestle style supports and building.

Close up of the loading dock shows off the woodland scenics LP.

Some more shots of the river

The reflection was from the tree in my front yard. The water is done with plaster covered with gloss moss green acrylic paint and gloss medium.

Like the Andy of Mayberry Scene as the folks are off fishing while the RR workers stand around...they should be shoveling coal.

BN Caboose through the trees. Juneco CN bumpers protect the end of track

Ah the quiet of the country river

Mike Hamer built this freight House Kit for Ron. It is from Full Steam Ahead.

This side view shows off the nice detail of the loading dock. It needs more doodads

Looks too darn quiet.

Some people are waiting for the commuter train back to the city. Clearwater Junction is a busy place today.

Mike Hamer Built the crossing

Roof top view of the trackage at the junction.

Looks like the sun is going down

Looks like the stores are closed for the night

Jordan vehicle sets the era very nicely

The station tower

View from the back

Doodads

Use scrap twigs and an old wheel to make this mini scene.

The junk forms the border for the freight yard

Paint and inks were used to colour these metal and plastic details

The track scene still need more stuff

What about this side....A truck and LPs.

Athearn made a nice Ford pickup and I hand painted the Prieser figures

Buddy on the dock is smoking his pipe

The farmer is thanking the freight shed manager for his quick service with a pat on the back

I added some coal bins to the left and there is more details to come. Ron is currently working on a gas station which will be located along the street behind the station.