Aloha,
It has been a while since I've posted a project. A failed repower project and some structure repairs occupied most of the latter half of 2021. In January, though, we participated in Large Scale Central's Annual Mik Challenge, a "for fun" contest limited in theme, cost ($30 + whatever you have on hand), and time (30 days). This year, the theme was right of way.
The OR&L and O'ahu's plantations adopted bunker fuel early on, so we hand no local prototypes. Taking inspiration from some of the early local sugar mills, we also elected a combination wood and stone structure. We decided on a foam core with basswood cladding and a nominal board and batten construction.
First, we had to sketch out the base in the congested mill town of Pu'u'oma'o:
The real OR&L had its main facilities in Honolulu. In our world, the Triple O and the M&K Sugar Co. share facilities in this fictional town on the fictional island of No'u'ea.
We used cardboard mock-ups to test for fit:
...then, with the help of our 1:24 scale friends, cut the main walls of the core and assembled them.
Next. we carved the "stones"....
...and gave the stones a nice wash of black latex and some dry-brushing.
We did some final test fits before giving the long walls their basswood cladding, which, despite weighting them, did not glue flat.
Time was ticking, so we proceeded to cutting our roof from an abandoned campaign sign and scrap roofing material.
One of my daughter's improved the stonework with additional drybrushing...
...and joined her sister to make some "windows" and "doors."
Meanwhile, we had to cut some "egg crate" to serve as the platform to run carts out from the coaling tower over the waiting tenders and bunkers.
The boys also made a pit to recieve coal for elevators to carry up into the tower.
The 1:24 gang planked over the deck and added the tracks.
The wood got a nice dark stain.
All hands and several MOW trains helped get this thing installed and shifted into position.
And, in the end, we got a unique, if a bit fanciful, coaling station!
This contest, which runs each Janaury, has become a family tradition and a fun way to stretch our skills and creativity! Thanks for letting me brag a bit!
Eric
I like it! I think it's great that the kids get so involved.
Hoff
Hoff I like it! I think it's great that the kids get so involved.
Thanks, Hoff! It gets harder to keep them involved as they get older! They do take the skills and transfer them to their own activities, which is cool to watch.
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