Music store start

My next model will be a music store that sells records and musical instruments.  After an extended period of research and design thoughts (I did not even do a sketch on this),  I have built the front of the store.  There are more details to be added.  Due to the large front window I will be adding some interior detail.

In 1939 (my modeling era) the records were 78 RPM, and some of the early records were recorded only on one side.  I have some of these.  About 35 yers ago I bought a juke box that plays 78 RPM records.  It plays only one side.  To play the other side I need to take the record out and turn it over.

Above is a photo of my juke box.  It was built about 1939 or possibly earlier.  I takes a while to warm up before it plays because it operates on vacuum tubes.  Vacuum tubes can  still be purchased.  The songs on the records I have inside are very old and interesting.  I have to operate it at least once a month to keep it operating well.  I may try to scratch build a juke box for my model.

Plaster shop model complete

I have completed the plaster shop model,  and have named the business "Get plastered" - a little humor there.  Below is a front view.  On the left is a plaster mixing machine scratch built from wood and scrap parts.  On the left of the porch is the owner sitting in a chair.  There are various figures around the building carrying a ladder and bags of plaster.

This model was fun to build.

The left side above shows a better view of the mixer and some rolls of metal lathing which is applied to walls to hold the plaster in place.

Above is a view of the rear of the building.

Above is a view of the right side showing the truck port and details.

The above photo shows the prototype plaster mixer the I used as a guide for my model.  The mixer barrel is on the right and the motor shed on the left.  There is a plaster "bowl"  at the opening of the mixer to hold the mixed plaster as it is pulled from the mixer.

Plaster shop truck

While I am still working on details for the plaster shop,  I have built a truck for the shop.  I started with a very old cast metal automobile - I do not recall the manufacturer but they are no longer made.  The car was completed and had railroad track wheels.  I removed the wheels and cut off the rear seat area.  I replaced the rear seat with a covered truck platform.  The cab was made with card stock.

I put a low side on the truck back, added a ladder up the right side and placed two ladders on the roof.

Inside the truck platform are a pile of bags of plaster, a wooden barrel and a tool box.  I made he tool box out of paper and inserted some metal pieces resembling tools.  I added a figure sitting on the back of the truck.  The truck wheels are commercial plastic wheels.

This was an enjoyable project and turned out pretty good in my opinion.

As an aside, while building this I came across some small buttons which I think will make good wheels for a future project, but not this truck.

The plaster shop will be done the coming week.

Plaster shop model progress

The plaster shop model is almost complete but a number of details are yet to be added, including signs, a shop truck and more scenery.

I added a dormer window for the second floor and tar paper  roofing (done by my roofing company of course).  There is a pile of plaster sacks on the porch.

On this side is a covered port where the truck will be parked.  I added some shelves from a Sierra West detail part (it was very tall so I cut it in half).  There is a ladder leaning on the port post.

There is a shed at the back for storage of materials.

I glued a wide piece of card stock to the base of the building so I could add scenery and details before it is installed on the layout.

This has been and interesting model.

Plaster shop model start

My next model will be a small plaster shop which does plaster work for homes and businesses.  That work consists of applying plaster to walls and ceilings as well as doing stucco and similar work on outside walls.  Plaster work has been done since ancient times (think pyramids in Egypt).  These days most homes and businesses only have drywall as it is cheaper and quicker.

The roof is not complete as it will have a tar paper cover as well as other details.

The rear door is wide to permit moving large items in and out of the building.  There will be a storage shed at the back.  The upper opening on the side above is a vent.

I recently discovered that comments on my blog were going to googleplus which is something I do not use.  I do not know why that was happening but searched the "statistics" section and selected something that may resolve that problem, though I understand that gplus function may be discontinued.  I do not use any of the so called social media as I do not trust them.

There are a lot of additional features to be added to this structure as well as a truck for transporting the materials and tools for plaster work.  I keep trying to come up with different businesses but it is getting more difficult to come up with new ideas.

Flat bed truck with steam shovel load

I have completed the Vintage Vehicles steam shovel kit and placed it on the flat bed truck as a load.  The kit was difficult for me since it had many tiny details and my hands are very shaky when doing tiny stuff.  It turned out Ok.

After I photographed it I noticed I had not added the unloading ramps so I will do the later.

Above is the truck with a photo of the prototype I was trying to emulate behind it.  This was an interesting project but I am looking forward to building another structure model.  I have decided what it will be and have sketched it out.  More next week.

Flat bed truck for hauling big loads

I have finished the flat bed truck made using the cab of an old plastic hook & ladder fire engine.  This truck will be hauling a steam shovel.  The modifications were made using wood, card stock and plastic - all wheels are commercial.

The flat bed swivels slightly  for turns.

The head lights were made from short sections of dowel sanded to a rounded cone at the back.  After the steam shovel is installed I will add liftable ramps at the back for loading and unloading.

The steam shovel is a Vintage Vehicles kit (no longer available) and it is complex.  I have finished the base part and will post it installed on the truck next week.

I have decided what my next structure will be - another small business. Build build build!!