Electric power company trouble car

The prototype of the electric power company I am modeling had what they called a trouble car which was used to respond to trouble issues to determine what needed to be done, and if simple - to do the repair.  Apparently they used Ford vehicles.  They also used trucks for more complex repair issues.

These photos have been replaced - better than before.

The basis of my car was a long out of production Snap-a-roo kit by a company called Aurora.

Above is a photo of the kit and instructions.  I made made many modifications and additions.

And here is a side view of the prototype.  The rear of the car had various compartments for tools and basic parts.

Above is a rear view of the prototype.  Since the model car is so small I found it difficult to detail the rear compartment area.  Building this took way more time than I expected.

Power pole erecting derrick

I built this model of a power pole erecting derrick to accompany my commercial electric company.  The prototype was an early device pulled by horses but my model is pulled by a truck and probably not long to remain in use.

The model is mostly wood with commercial wheels and thin wire for cables.

My model is not exact but I think captures the idea.

Above you can see the derrick lifting a pole.

Above you see the derrick next to the structure which gives an idea of size.

Next I will build a unique truck model.

Industrial electric contractor co complete

My industrial electric contractor company is now complete (except for a few additional details - hey - when is any model totally complete?).  I added a paper base that extends around the model on all sides to allow for adding details and scenery - more scenery to come.

The porch on the right is the office.  The thing that took the most time since the last posting was the shingles - always a tedious and non-fun part of any structure.  The shingles are by BEST.

The view above shows the platform with a pile of cable drums and some electric components that go on the poles.  You can also see the upper floor hoist on the right.

I added four figures, three seen here and one sitting on the porch.

Above at the right you can see a power transformer sitting on a pallet ready to be used at a customer site, and a rack of wood poles to be used for installation to hold wires.

I will be adding some more scenery and details around the base on the paper ground cover, and then i will be building a portable pole erecting derrick and some interesting specialized trucks. I am having fun with this model.