https://bigbluetrains.com/ Thu, 07 May 2026 11:53:43 +0000 MyBB https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9926 Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:46:00 +0000 ngauger]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9926 Vote for as many as you like!!

Poll Closes September 21st!!!!

]]> Vote for as many as you like!!

Poll Closes September 21st!!!!

]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9917 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 01:16:53 +0000 TMo]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9917
1) disguise the wall and guide your eye away from the fact that there's a wall there,

2) Give the illusion that there is a hill that runs from high to low from front to back of the available space.


  DSCN3805_2r.jpg (Size: 110.78 KB / Downloads: 469)

The germ of the kernel of the idea is to start with the corner of a low-relief brick and concrete warehouse and run it parallel to the wall and gradually run sections downward toward the back of the 16 inches I have available there.  No pictures yet of what this'll really look like - I have to play around with bits and pieces of a Clever Models kit that's a bit of a kitbasher's dream.  The kit files include nothing but walls, windows, pilasters, roof caps, and doors.  I'll also supplement some other doors, awnings, signs, etc. from other Clever kits to add some additional interest.  That's the plan at any rate.

Here's a shot of a couple of the printed "base" sheets that can be cut out and joined to my heart's content.


  DSCN3806_2r.jpg (Size: 47.88 KB / Downloads: 475)

...and here's one of their (Clever's) ideas on what could be built:


  philly iso.png (Size: 409.85 KB / Downloads: 511)

I think my structure's going to be a bunch of conjoined warehouses which house the same business - I'll have to do a little research to see what other than coal was going on in Hazleton in 1976 that might merit the structure.

No real plan!  This will really be a true kitbash, and a challenge.]]>
1) disguise the wall and guide your eye away from the fact that there's a wall there,

2) Give the illusion that there is a hill that runs from high to low from front to back of the available space.


  DSCN3805_2r.jpg (Size: 110.78 KB / Downloads: 469)

The germ of the kernel of the idea is to start with the corner of a low-relief brick and concrete warehouse and run it parallel to the wall and gradually run sections downward toward the back of the 16 inches I have available there.  No pictures yet of what this'll really look like - I have to play around with bits and pieces of a Clever Models kit that's a bit of a kitbasher's dream.  The kit files include nothing but walls, windows, pilasters, roof caps, and doors.  I'll also supplement some other doors, awnings, signs, etc. from other Clever kits to add some additional interest.  That's the plan at any rate.

Here's a shot of a couple of the printed "base" sheets that can be cut out and joined to my heart's content.


  DSCN3806_2r.jpg (Size: 47.88 KB / Downloads: 475)

...and here's one of their (Clever's) ideas on what could be built:


  philly iso.png (Size: 409.85 KB / Downloads: 511)

I think my structure's going to be a bunch of conjoined warehouses which house the same business - I'll have to do a little research to see what other than coal was going on in Hazleton in 1976 that might merit the structure.

No real plan!  This will really be a true kitbash, and a challenge.]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9912 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 01:32:34 +0000 Amalynn]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9912 https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9906 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:21:55 +0000 tompm]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9906


Here are the parts. 


Looks like a fair amount of painting. I am going to build sections of the structure and then paint them. I usually paint before I assemble.]]>


Here are the parts. 


Looks like a fair amount of painting. I am going to build sections of the structure and then paint them. I usually paint before I assemble.]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9901 Mon, 24 Jun 2024 21:58:15 +0000 nachoman]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9901
- Add 3-4 more vehicles
- Add ~20 more custom hand painted figures.
- Make sure all structure windows have glass and window treatments.
- Every square inch of layout space has appropriate ground cover
- add signs, interesting details, trash cans, power lines, junk, tools, etc.

It's really an open list - I will try to get as much done by the close of the contest.]]>
- Add 3-4 more vehicles
- Add ~20 more custom hand painted figures.
- Make sure all structure windows have glass and window treatments.
- Every square inch of layout space has appropriate ground cover
- add signs, interesting details, trash cans, power lines, junk, tools, etc.

It's really an open list - I will try to get as much done by the close of the contest.]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9898 Sun, 16 Jun 2024 02:05:57 +0000 ngauger]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9898 The challenge for this build may very well turn out to be the printing part.
The upper right corner of the lower car side in the picture is where it crashed.....
I'm trying again after making a few adjustments to the file....

  1000005361.jpg (Size: 38.53 KB / Downloads: 442) ]]> The challenge for this build may very well turn out to be the printing part.
The upper right corner of the lower car side in the picture is where it crashed.....
I'm trying again after making a few adjustments to the file....

  1000005361.jpg (Size: 38.53 KB / Downloads: 442) ]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9896 Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:06:57 +0000 tompm]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9896
I want to accomplish the following:
Layout down the roadway and sidewalks.
Place the roadway tunnel portal.
Place the pedestrian tunnel portals.
Place the retaining walls.
Fill in behind the bridge abutments and retaining walls.
Shape the terrain at the wingwalls
Scenery

It may be a little too ambitious but we will see.]]>
I want to accomplish the following:
Layout down the roadway and sidewalks.
Place the roadway tunnel portal.
Place the pedestrian tunnel portals.
Place the retaining walls.
Fill in behind the bridge abutments and retaining walls.
Shape the terrain at the wingwalls
Scenery

It may be a little too ambitious but we will see.]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9893 Sun, 02 Jun 2024 14:39:21 +0000 jim currie]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9893 Jim

  100_0174 exp.jpg (Size: 134.45 KB / Downloads: 429)

  100_0175 exp.jpg (Size: 158.58 KB / Downloads: 403) ]]> Jim

  100_0174 exp.jpg (Size: 134.45 KB / Downloads: 429)

  100_0175 exp.jpg (Size: 158.58 KB / Downloads: 403) ]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9892 Sun, 02 Jun 2024 03:18:37 +0000 jim currie]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9892 Jim

  100_0176 exp.jpg (Size: 199.08 KB / Downloads: 273) ]]> Jim

  100_0176 exp.jpg (Size: 199.08 KB / Downloads: 273) ]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9891 Sun, 02 Jun 2024 03:14:41 +0000 jim currie]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9891 Jim

  100_0177 exp.jpg (Size: 97.03 KB / Downloads: 282) ]]> Jim

  100_0177 exp.jpg (Size: 97.03 KB / Downloads: 282) ]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9890 Sun, 02 Jun 2024 03:10:50 +0000 jim currie]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9890 Jim

  100_0178 exp.jpg (Size: 103.6 KB / Downloads: 286) ]]> Jim

  100_0178 exp.jpg (Size: 103.6 KB / Downloads: 286) ]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9888 Fri, 31 May 2024 22:23:35 +0000 TMo]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9888
I talked about this on my layout page in the past few weeks, but for purposes of establishing the state of things for the challenge ground floor - here's the situation.

I put the rough draft of a background of the city of Hazleton, PA up behind my coal breaker back around New Year's 2024.  The thing was a pretty big "bash" project and got me thinking about what I wanted to do around the breaker.  Back in it's heyday (not necessarily the period I model when all the breaker was doing was processing strip-mined coal) the breakers around cities and towns like Hazleton, Wilkes Barre, Scranton, Pottstown, Shamokin, Mt. Carmel, etc. were the lifeblood of the town - the industries employed thousands of people and pulled the railroads in to haul their product.  The towns put up with the dirt, the grit, the poor water quality.  Some of the breakers weren't far from the hustle and bustle of town, and Hazleton was a good example of that.

So, I started exploring space claims to expand my micro version of the city and added a small addition to my layout to the left and in front of the backdrop.  Right now it's foamboard with a base of 1/4" plywood and some 1x strips for extra support and aesthetics.


  DSCN3572_2r.jpg (Size: 133.17 KB / Downloads: 689)

It's 32 inches wide and ranges from 16 (extreme left) to 26 inches deep, so it's not what I'd consider a "large" area - perfect though for a contest that ends in 3 months!

There's also a pie-shaped area between the breaker and backdrop that I'll scenic at the same time that's not nearly as big, and is going to take some work to squeeze myself in there to work....  


  DSCN3574_2r.jpg (Size: 158.04 KB / Downloads: 732)

I'm going to freeform this area.  No exact replica stuff planned.  However, I do plan on cramming some structures (or bits of structures).  The ones closest to the breaker will be coal related or provide services for the workers.  As you get closer to town (closer to the backdrop), there could be industries, apartment buildings, stores, etc.  Things should be linked by roadways, and there should be room for parking. 

To fit with the backdrop, the terrain should run from high near the front of the layout and downward toward the backdrop, which is an added challenge.  I also need to attempt to disguise the lack of depth available and give the illusion of more space that I actually have.

I've previously built or saved some structures that I've had in mind for Hazleton, but as you can see in the picture below, they need to be supplemented to reach my vision for the space.


  DSCN3576_2r.jpg (Size: 137.98 KB / Downloads: 672)

I've already purchased a few more Clever Models kits that I think suit this build including a coal and grain elevator (which I may integrate into the breaker with an elevator into the structure):

Clever Models Paper Models for the 21st Century - Catalog Pg 17X (squarespace.com)

And, the coal dealer, which has some nice accessory pieces that should work well as a coal business for the locals:

Clever Models Paper Models for the 21st Century - Catalog Pg 08X (squarespace.com)

And, Lucky's Lunch Counter - serving the breaker employees a lunchtime:

Clever Models Paper Models for the 21st Century - Catalog Pg 14X (squarespace.com)

As I said, not plan here - it's a freelance.  I'll be building structures and playing around with how I can integrate them into the space.  It's going to be a lot of trial and error.

Hope you enjoy the ride, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the other contestants are working on!]]>
I talked about this on my layout page in the past few weeks, but for purposes of establishing the state of things for the challenge ground floor - here's the situation.

I put the rough draft of a background of the city of Hazleton, PA up behind my coal breaker back around New Year's 2024.  The thing was a pretty big "bash" project and got me thinking about what I wanted to do around the breaker.  Back in it's heyday (not necessarily the period I model when all the breaker was doing was processing strip-mined coal) the breakers around cities and towns like Hazleton, Wilkes Barre, Scranton, Pottstown, Shamokin, Mt. Carmel, etc. were the lifeblood of the town - the industries employed thousands of people and pulled the railroads in to haul their product.  The towns put up with the dirt, the grit, the poor water quality.  Some of the breakers weren't far from the hustle and bustle of town, and Hazleton was a good example of that.

So, I started exploring space claims to expand my micro version of the city and added a small addition to my layout to the left and in front of the backdrop.  Right now it's foamboard with a base of 1/4" plywood and some 1x strips for extra support and aesthetics.


  DSCN3572_2r.jpg (Size: 133.17 KB / Downloads: 689)

It's 32 inches wide and ranges from 16 (extreme left) to 26 inches deep, so it's not what I'd consider a "large" area - perfect though for a contest that ends in 3 months!

There's also a pie-shaped area between the breaker and backdrop that I'll scenic at the same time that's not nearly as big, and is going to take some work to squeeze myself in there to work....  


  DSCN3574_2r.jpg (Size: 158.04 KB / Downloads: 732)

I'm going to freeform this area.  No exact replica stuff planned.  However, I do plan on cramming some structures (or bits of structures).  The ones closest to the breaker will be coal related or provide services for the workers.  As you get closer to town (closer to the backdrop), there could be industries, apartment buildings, stores, etc.  Things should be linked by roadways, and there should be room for parking. 

To fit with the backdrop, the terrain should run from high near the front of the layout and downward toward the backdrop, which is an added challenge.  I also need to attempt to disguise the lack of depth available and give the illusion of more space that I actually have.

I've previously built or saved some structures that I've had in mind for Hazleton, but as you can see in the picture below, they need to be supplemented to reach my vision for the space.


  DSCN3576_2r.jpg (Size: 137.98 KB / Downloads: 672)

I've already purchased a few more Clever Models kits that I think suit this build including a coal and grain elevator (which I may integrate into the breaker with an elevator into the structure):

Clever Models Paper Models for the 21st Century - Catalog Pg 17X (squarespace.com)

And, the coal dealer, which has some nice accessory pieces that should work well as a coal business for the locals:

Clever Models Paper Models for the 21st Century - Catalog Pg 08X (squarespace.com)

And, Lucky's Lunch Counter - serving the breaker employees a lunchtime:

Clever Models Paper Models for the 21st Century - Catalog Pg 14X (squarespace.com)

As I said, not plan here - it's a freelance.  I'll be building structures and playing around with how I can integrate them into the space.  It's going to be a lot of trial and error.

Hope you enjoy the ride, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the other contestants are working on!]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9578 Mon, 30 May 2022 21:26:48 +0000 ngauger]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9578 https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9563 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 17:00:23 +0000 tompm]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9563


Here are the parts.



I am not sure how or what exactly I am going to do with this kit. At first I did not like the trash pile and the abandoned building wall. However, I have come up with a couple of ideas.]]>


Here are the parts.



I am not sure how or what exactly I am going to do with this kit. At first I did not like the trash pile and the abandoned building wall. However, I have come up with a couple of ideas.]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9553 Tue, 22 Mar 2022 01:47:12 +0000 tompm]]> https://bigbluetrains.com/showthread.php?tid=9553
The first kit is Bob's Hot Dog Stand by Model Power.



I opened the kit and looked at the parts. There are not many. I did find out the kit was made by Pola. The name is stamped on the bottom of the base.



To begin I painted the door, windows frame, and counter. I discovered the graphics for signs are stickers. I placed four of them on the appropriate signs. There are four more to do.

]]>
The first kit is Bob's Hot Dog Stand by Model Power.



I opened the kit and looked at the parts. There are not many. I did find out the kit was made by Pola. The name is stamped on the bottom of the base.



To begin I painted the door, windows frame, and counter. I discovered the graphics for signs are stickers. I placed four of them on the appropriate signs. There are four more to do.

]]>