Ralph's scratchbuild 2014 summer challenge

[Ralph]

Oh! In my search to find photos of switch towers I found this excellent site with examples from every State in the US.

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[Ralph]

I did a rough mockup with window openings...



The larger boxes definitely seem to be the better size...

[scubadude]

Cool idea with the boxes...

[Ralph]

Thanks!

Test fitting brick paper and windows...



Just a reminder of the inspiration for the model: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://akronrrclub.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/be.jpg">https://akronrrclub.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/be.jpg</a><!-- m -->

[AF350]

Looks great.

Are you going to do an interior, those windows are very realistic and would show off the inside nicely.

[Ralph]

Updates. Here is the current state of the switch tower. I tried a little experiment with chalks to weather the side.




Still need stairways and other details AND to cover the overhang with something resembling shingles or tar paper.

The construction process (which I should have taken more photos of) is as follows:

1. Glue boxes together
2. Test fit cover with tag board.
3. Locate and cut holes in tag board for windows and doors.
4. Use tag board as template for brick paper and cut holes for windows and doors.
5. Use spray adhesive on back of tag board to glue it to boxes
6. Use spray adhesive on back of brick paper to glue to tag board.
7. Glue in windows and doors.
6. Create overhang from strip wood. (this part was a bit of a challenge that made me wish I'd paid more attention in geometry class in high school!)

[Ralph]

Are you going to do an interior, those windows are very realistic and would show off the inside nicely.

I hadn't thought of adding an interior but it occurs to me that it would take some thought. You' have to finish it and put it on a base to slide into the box prior to sealing it with tagboard and brick paper.

[nachoman]

That looks impressive!!!

[AF350]

Very nice work

[Charlie B]

Looks great Ralph.
Charlie

[Tyson Rayles]

Looking good Ralph!

[ezdays]

Got to agree with everyone else...... looking great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ralph]

Thanks everyone. Building structures is not really my forte but this is a fun one. Here's the tower in its likely final location after having some overhang work done. I'll need to add stairways and weather it a bit. I also need to clear out some scenery and make a larger base for the tower here.

[Charlie B]

A great location Ralph, but I very strongly disagree with you. Your buildings are some of the best here. Your imagination adds so much to the character of every building I have seen on your lay out, and the puns you use with the names are fabulous. So I say buildings are right up your alley.
Charlie

[AF350]

Looks like the tower is a good fit for its surroundings

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slightly off topic:

You gotta like the yellow orange KP&W boxcars a natural compliment to NYC/PC green. How much of your rolling stock is KP&W?

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