Re: Breaking News - Photos of Lionel Plant Have Arrived!

[Frank53]

Well, all the naysayers might want to step up to the front of the line for a nice heaping serving of crow.

It appears the story is indeed, at least partially true.

Lionel HAS taken occupancy of a 200,000+ ssquare foot facility in New Jersey and HAS been refurbishing the plant.



Being measured in ssquare feet (scale square feet) does make a difference however, as the building is actually about 40" across, 30" high and now resides on my layout.



I confess, I'm the devil when it comes to stuff like this. But you must admit, it was a pretty well concocted story.

Actually, it's not even in New Jersey, but since my layout is themed in New Jersey, and no one would be believe they were moving to Florida - I took some license.

Finally got this baby to a photographable state after working on it for nearly six months.

The building is made from 20+ plus Ameritowne factory panels to form one big front.

It has taken close to the last month to build the roof top sign, the loading dock and loading dock roof, the window opaquing and silhouettes and to wire all the lighting.





When I was building this I had a variety of ideas in mind as to what it would be. I could have named it any number of manufacturing companies after family members and friends, but landed on the beige, orange and blue paint scheme as all of my trains are post war Lionel, and I am admittedly, a big fan of the Lionel heritage.





I took the sign graphics from a Lionel book that shows teh graphic layout they used for advertising and box labels in the 30's and 40's, which is the time period of my layout.



The Amish carpenter went to pretty great lengths building that service scaffold, and showed the guts to stand behind, and on, his work by climbing out there to show its strength,



I really really like the way this shows up in the dark:



The fellows have been putting in lots of OT getting the new equipment all moved in:



I still have a fair amount of work to do on this, but after over six months, it was close enough to show it off. I have a bunch of weathering to do, and have to firm up the lighting connections, as well as detail the interior loading dock areas.

Seems like most folks had at least a little fun speculating, and trains are supposed to be fun. [:D]

[MartyE]

Good one Frank... You got us all talking. You devil you. The project looks great though.

Well Allan looks like Frank pulled the wool over our eyes but it sure was fun! Now if I could get this hook out of my mouth. That sure is a nice looking building though.

[spodwo]

DOH! - We have been duped!!!

Nice factory....real nice. Great work!

[dougdagrump]

Way to go Frank ! [bow] [4:-)] [bow] [tup]

I think this officially qualifies as a "Gotchya". [:D]

[Blueberryhill RR]

Frank, That's one great looking building. Neat story.
Chuck

[3railguy]

Great factory, Frank. I knew you were right all along.

[jefelectric]

Lionel will be contacting you shortly to talk about the licensing fee for the use of their name.[:D]

[overall]

Did you build that in a doorway?Great job on your project by the way.

George

[1688torpedo]

Frank could get a Good Job with the TV Show "Candid Camera" & Take over Allen Funt's stint as a practical joker.[;)][:P][:D] Take Care All.

[wrmcclellan]

Good one Frank and the building looks great!

Roy

[Frank53]

QUOTE: Originally posted by overall

Did you build that in a doorway?Great job on your project by the way.

George

George:

That is built in front of a doorway to conceal it. The door is to the outside of the house and is never used.

[dwiemer]

Nice story, oh, if could only be true. I do like the structure though, good work.
Dennis

[Anonymous]

Congratulations on fooling all of us! However, even bigger congratulations are in order for your very fine work! That is truly something to be proud of!

[Jumijo]

Frank,

I've been following this project over at MTJ for a long time now. Great to see it finally coming to a close for you. What an outstanding effort! You have an incredible talent and the finished product shows that in spades.

Just an incredible job, Frank. Kudos!

Jim

[FJ and G]

Frank,

There's a warrant out for your arrest [:D]

(great job, btw)

[ChiefEagles]

He's full of rice!!!![;)][:D] Good job.

[darianj]

1) Verry Good!!!!!
2) NICE WORK!!!![bow][bow]

[Brutus]

Good one!

[Demon09]

Good one Frank..... you really had us goin there....