Thomasville

[GTMust]

I started a thread titled "quick diarama for photo shoots", but it's evolved into an ongoing street scene with buildings being added on a regular basis. So I'm starting a new thread as the original title doesn't relate any more.

I won't repost all the existing photos (you can see those on the old thread), but here's a quick update.

The story:

The town is named after it's founder, Thomas Ratcliffe, and was originally a stage stop on the Wells Fargo Overland Express route. Over the years the town developed and by the early 1900's, additional buildings were added and it continued to grow. Through good times and bad, today the town still exists, and is being rebuilt as a tourist attraction, following it's original image.

The model:

So far, I have completed the Hotel, the General Store, and the Bank. (you can see these in the old thread). I'm now working on the original Wells Fargo office building, which has been restored and updated, retaining elements of it's original design.

[Eshaver]

Most interestin there Tony, uh what scale are you working in these days ? Ed Shaver

[GTMust]

I'm working in 1/32 scale Ed. Takes up a little less hobbyroom real estate. And I'm building more of the 1/32 scale cars ...... again for the same reason.

There's also a greater variety of 1/32 model vehicles, both in kit and diecast..... available in the pre 1970 eras, right back to the early pioneers and brass cars, through the 20's, 30's 40's, 50's and 60's.... the eras I particularly like. The larger scales are somewhat limited in the early years.

Unfortunately the early 1/32 scale kits are getting ridiculously expensive, so it's fortunate that I've already accumulated a large collection of kits and built models over the years that will keep me going for a while.

Tony

[Eshaver]

Yeah, I guess the old Hi Way pioneer kits are kinda long in the tooth these days too............ I still have an origional 1951 Ford model T . Ed Shaver

[GTMust]

Some of the original 1/32 scale Highway Pioneers from the early fifties were re-popped under the Revell brand. Unfortunately a lot of the first batch suffered from really bad warping problems due to the plastic they used and some are now impossible to build. They were also very basic and not very accurate... in fact most started out a children's pull toys! Revell later added to and improved the range.

The better ones came from Pyro Plastics and some of these have been re-issued by Lindberg. And there were a lot of European manufacturer's like Airfix, Smer, etc., as well a number of others that jumped on the bandwagon in the early 50's but went out of business soon after. It's a pity that most of the kits aren't being re-issued..... the molds have probably long since disappeared and the 1/32 scale market isn't very strong........ unless it's later eras that can be converted into slot cars.

As you probably know already, the early history of plastic model kits goes back into the late forties and makes a fascinating read..... especially if you're an old fart like me and can remember the good old days as if they were yesterday!!!

Tony

[Mercman]

( especially if you're an old fart like me and can remember the good old days as if they were yesterday!!!)

-Tony I must really be old as I can barely remember yesterday. :lol:

I built those cars your talking about. The originals, and the re-pops from Revell.Nice looking display you got going. Don't forget that Monogram, also had some 1/32nd cars also.

[vaughn]

Looking great Tony...like the time period a lot !! And good story. Reminds me of the old Gene Autry movies where there were cars and horses. In fact watchin one now !!

[GTMust]

I've added some windows to the Wells Fargo office and a sign board across the top of the wall. Some paint and weathering...... and now it's ready for a door and a corrugated metal porch roof.

Then will come the corner trim and the signage and it'll be pretty much done.

[GTMust]

I've got the porch roof on...... and installed a door and frame..... on the Wells Fargo office.

The town is starting to shape up.....

[Mercman]

Looking good.

[Dave Van]

Very nice work....ever do any model railroading???

[GTMust]

Yes Dave.... I did some model railroads a while back... both in HO and N scale, but I lost interest in them after they were built. And they took up so much space! Now they've all been dismantled and a lot of the buildings, etc. sold off.

I've been building aircraft, cars and motorbikes, etc. since the early fifties, but cars are, and have always been, my main passion. These diaramas came into being when I got involved in forums and needed some backgrounds to pose my models against for photos. Now they've become a whole new branch of modelling for me... especially during the winter, when I can't spray paint the cars outdoors.

I'm even getting more interested in photography, something I was never into before. But still a lot to learn and a limited budget to work with.

I'm getting a lot of great inspiration from guys like yourself on the forum.

Tony