Structure suggestions

[EL PARRo]

I'm working on my first layout and I am currently in the process of building a large mountain. Originally, I was going to have nothing but scenery on it, but now I'm noticing a flat area on top that would seem a bit bare if it was just scenery, so now I think I'll add a small structure, but I have no idea what to build. It has to fit into a 10"x12" area and I don't want to spend more than thirty or forty dollars. If I wanted to, I could build a road leading to it up the side of the mountain, or maybe even a short section of isolated track that leads into a tunnel. I'm open to any suggestions.

By the way, I model UP during WWII, if that helps any.

[Anonymous]

Radio Tower? With a red flashy light?[?]

Forest ranger lookout tower?[?]

Hunters cabin?[?]

That's just a quick few, I'm sure there is more!

[EL PARRo]

I thought about a lookout tower or cabin, though I'm still not sure.

[Anonymous]

How bout a ski- shanty and a chair lift down the backside of the mountain??

[EL PARRo]

A ski lift would be very neat, although it wouldn't really fit in with the other structures on the layout (two factories, a warehouse, a team track scene, and few railroad structures) and there is no snow on my mountain.

Can anyone suggest any specific building kits, though?

[Anonymous]

SInce you mention WWll, the natural is a fire lookout tower/air raid observation post. Use appropriate signage (micro sized CD signs which are available, though I don't remember where).

Such a tower is an easy first scratchbuild, add 2 or 3 appropriately painted GIs, a jeep and you are there for less than $10.

Randy

PS Bit of historical railroad trivia: The chair lift was invented in the late 1930s by UP engineers as an access aid for the company destination ski resort, Sun Valley.[:)]

R

[EL PARRo]

That's an excellent idea, rda1964. I'll check my Walther's catalog to see what kind of structures I can get for it.

I'm still open for any other suggestions, though.

[lupo]

a fenced off mountain retreat for some exentric millionaire.
a weather observation post
a building like the LA Griffith Observatory

[Anonymous]

All very good ideas, some I had thought about my self (Ahhh great minds think alike)[bow]

I have a hill that is approximately 2 1/2 feet across and will be setting up a logging camp c/w spur. I might have a small pond on it as well. How about a small hydro generating facility with a water wheel or open turbine.

[EL PARRo]

I wish I had enough room for a logging camp because logging is probably my favorite industry. In fact, my next layout will probably be based on a real logging RR in Northern California.

I think I'll probably try to find a lookout tower and a cabin.

[gdowner]

You could put a resort hotel up there. If you are modeling in HO, build an N scale structure and you'll have forced perspective.

George

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by EL PARRo

I thought about a lookout tower or cabin, though I'm still not sure.

Check out:

http://walthers.com/exec/productinfo/345-2002

[Anonymous]

I had a similar situation, a mountain in the corner that looked kind of bare. I model in HO so I got an "N" scale coal mine for the top. The "forced perspective" made it look like it was off in the distance. You might consider using a building that is in a smaller scale than the one you model in.

Jim