GTMust

The thing I love about following your progress is getting ideas and "how-to's" for my own dios. Problem is.... I just don't seem to be able to pull it off the way you do! You have a special talent that few of us have. Tony

You've got a wife that every modelling guy dreams of Alberto! Can't wait to see you both get started on this one. Lots of progress shots and updates please! Tony

Fantastic! Tony

Sal has a great friend Manny. Love it! Tony

That's what I like to see! I saw your "witch"... nice paint and shading. It's good to have a break now and then and do something completely different. Tony

I've added a fillpipe and cap for the underground storage tank. I've also removed the oversize fuel hose on the pump and substituted one made from electricians solder wire, painted black. I will locate a vent pipe near the fence as well. There's also a pump computer box and, last but not least, an outhouse complete with toilet paper! Now to add some "stuff" including a couple of old tires, oil drums, etc. to create the mood....... Will also have to redo the grass/earth areas a little and add a bunch of bushes and a tree or two....... Took a few shots with a sky backdrop for fun! Then I'll start on the other side of the building.... maybe an old car or two for sale? As always... input and suggestions welcome..... Tony

Now I see the way you're constructing the walls, I understand why you have been against the use of Foamcore sheets. You are doing a good, neat job on the actual construction, keeping everything square and true with barely any excess glue. Nice work. Now I'm curious though.... perhaps some other members can shed some light on this........ Would a commercial service garage of this size have been constructed with timber framing in reality? This is not a criticism of the way you're going, but more to satisfy my own curiosity. The design would indicate a building in the 1930's era or newer........ as opposed to an earlier 1900 to 1920 era, which may have been of wood construction, but a lot smaller. Are you going to cover the inside and outside as a finished surface or leave the wood framing exposed inside? Tony

Great pictures Junior. I started a used car lot dio some time ago, but got sidetracked. The second picture gives me the incentive to get back to it! Haven't seen any progress pics on your HO scale street lately. Anything happening there? I think the art gallery was the last post I remember seeing. Tony

Elmer's school (white) glue will work just fine and will dry clear. You could also use regular carpenter's glue but that dries cream colored. (I still think you'd be better with the foamcore board........) Tony

This is really coming together great. Like your attention to detail. Tony

Lots of signs! Gas, pop, cigarettes... all the typical ones of the day. An old bench outside, oil cans and anything else I can think of.... and can either buy or make! And, of course, a few more vehicles. Tony

The thing that really impresses me about your models is... the closer you take the photo, the more realistic it looks! I like to take photos of my models at a distance... so all the flaws don't show! Very, very impressive... and I'm sure that's not the first time a body shop has seen a bumper bent like that. LOL! Tony

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. No canopy and one pump it is! Terry..... the rock foundation to the front of the building is made from molded styrene sheets from Model Builders Supply. The rear part of the building foundation has been updated with styrene "bricks" from the same company. (Part of the building renovation when the new pump was installed.) Tony

"Some kinda wonderful"!!! Wonder if anyone will get inspired to build this in 1:1 scale. Watch out Sema.... here we come! Tony

Imagine it's just before WW2. This gas stop was built just outside of Thomasville on a rural road in the early 1920's, and has recently had the original gas pump replaced with a newer 1937 Wayne '60' pump. Apart from that it pretty much the same as it was when originally built. I still have a lot to add to the model... but at least you can get an idea of where it's headed. This is as far as I've got before making any more decisions about the way to go forward. I'm debating whether: a: to add another pump..... or leave it as a single pump stop? b: to add a canopy over the pump/s? I know I'll get some help from Ed here... but if anyone else has any ideas or comments, please feel free to jump right in. Tony

I understand the position you're in Nathan...... I've been there myself many times before. I see you're 16, and now is the time to experiment with different materials.... and as you get to grow into the "old Fart" stage like me, you'll have all kinds of experience and knowledge under your belt, learned from each project... what worked and what didn't. Go for whatever idea works for you... but keep your mind open to other possibilities for your future projects. Lots of great builders on this site more than willing to help along the way. Keep updating us with progress pictures and don't be shy about asking more questions. (Man... I just sounded like my father.... and he's been dead for over 30 years.... scary!) Tony By the way.... white glue won't work on styrene or any kind of plastic... it just forms a skin and will peel off. So you can't glue it to the balsa wood frame. You're only really practical solution there would be double sided tape.

Thomasville is starting to take shape. I've built a complete new one piece base from 1/2" styrofoam and re-arranged the building layout. I've also added a few period vehicles to bring it some life. Still a lot more to do....... Tony

If I was you (and I know I'm not) I would seriously reconsider the use of balsa for the frame for a couple of reasons. First, it's extrememly soft, dents easily, soaks up wood glue and paint, warps when wet and is extremely fragile. It's just not the right material in my opinion. You could use basswood or thin plywood which is much stronger but also more expensive and more difficult to work with. Foam core board is definitely the way to go and the material of choice for building frames.... unless you can get the "Gatorboard" for a reasonable price. I don't know what problem you had with Foamcore board in the past, but any problem you have had with it can be overcome woth a little practise and help from other forum members. The essentials are a sharp blade, careful measuring, a metal square, a metal straight edge for cutting..... and keep it away from excess water when finishing it. White glue like Elmer's school glue is all you need for any of the above materials. Hope this helps.... but the choice of course, is still yours....... Tony

Thanks for the extra pics....... just shows how much detail can be built into these 1/32 scalers! Tony

Thanks Pete. Tony

Superb.... put that on a diorama base and you'd swear it was real! Tony

Glad to see another 1/32 scale builder here. Maybe we can start a new trend........? Nice detail work on the model Mike...... very impressive! Tony

Thanks for all the nice comments guys. Tony

I've seldom seen such beautifully build Johan models. Wish they were still available today! Tony

Thanks Chuck, Jake, Bob, Walter and Terry. It's those kind words that keep the adrenalin pumping! Tony