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The Mainline => Scratchbuilding => Topic started by: bparrish on November 06, 2017, 03:44:11 PM

Title: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on November 06, 2017, 03:44:11 PM
So I have run out of everything else to do.  The trolley projects are all done and aside from a gauging deal in the Nampa yard.......... most stuff is running pretty well.

I finished my MMR about seven years ago and have added motive power to the original seven certificates about three years ago.

So I'm on to another.  The category is prototype modeling and it is an interesting one as you are recreating a scene that has some distinct criteria.  I have a few "friends" here in downtown Idaho who think that one MMR is enough but they obviously have not heard of oak leaf clusters and like that in the military when you do something stupid more than once and get decorated for it a second or third time.  For example, I have four Viet Nam campaign stars for the one year I was there for my all expense paid vacation on the PBR boats.

So here is what I am building.  Not every photo out there is suitable but this one is and it is fun as I lived within about two miles of where this photo was taken in 1893. No I was not there when they took the photo however! !

It is at Oakley Street on the Lake Street Elevated Railroad looking north about the time of the opening of service to California Street.  Additional service was opened within a few weeks.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-061117154714.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-061117154714.jpeg)

The loco is one of about a dozen that they originally ordered from the Rhode Island loco works the year before.  The steamers were only in service for about four years before the entire line was put to third rail 600 volts.

I am starting with a Forney loco that was imported in the mid 1960's to Chicago to resemble these pots.  It's close but needs a bunch of detail stuff.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-061117152617-258701840.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-061117152617-258701840.jpeg)

The passenger car is a Labelle narrow gauge car that I have started by cutting it down from fourteen windows to twelve as shown.  Also there are no steps as they used platforms at all stops.  I am in the process of redoing the end sills and railings now and will put up photos of that in a short while.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-061117152618-25871796.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-061117152618-25871796.jpeg)

So here is the starting point.  My goal is to have it ready in the spring for the local division meet and then take it to the PNR meet in Portland in June.

Wish me luck ! ! ! !

se ya
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project
Post by: S&S RR on November 06, 2017, 04:10:19 PM
Good luck Bob! Very cool project. I will be following along.
Title: Re: My winter project
Post by: donatode on November 07, 2017, 12:44:35 PM
Another MMR in the making. Good luck Bob....I know you can.
Title: Re: My winter project
Post by: deemery on November 07, 2017, 06:44:00 PM
Is this standard gauge?  Are you going to "broaden" the coach?


dave
Title: Re: My winter project
Post by: bparrish on November 07, 2017, 07:59:41 PM
Dave ....

It is standard gauge but the coaches were rather small. It's amazing how much information is out there about this line.  There is one in the main hall at the Chicago history museum on Clark street in Chicago.

Also,  even though the locos were all ordered at the same time there are huge differences within a short time of delivery. Arc lights seem to be a glaring difference on some.  I've never found a schedule that indicated a difference between day and night service locos.

The first batch had Stevenson slide valve gear and a second batch that went first to the south side line and later mixed around has piston valves.

Thanx for looking in.
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project
Post by: bparrish on November 08, 2017, 01:53:31 AM
So I went after the hardest part of the passenger car....... two days later.

They had some very elaborate decorative iron work for end rails on the vestibules.  I could get some of it in in HO so the rest had to get passed over.  The car is not to be judged by itself so it only needs super detailing.

There will be chains between the posts when assembled onto the car.

The posts are .024" brass wire and the horizontals rails are .016" phosphor bronze.  The diagonals are .008 wire strands from a chunk of 22 gauge stranded wire.

They still need a lot of cleaning and finishing work but they are good enough until put on the car.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-081117015127-259213.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-081117015127-259213.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-081117015127-25872380.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-081117015127-25872380.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project
Post by: bparrish on November 15, 2017, 06:20:45 PM
So the passenger car is roughed in and waiting for paint as is the locomotive.

I started on the scaffolding.  All of this structure was (and still is) riveted iron and plate steel. Again there is a lot of photos out there about the assembly and the CERA books of Chicago show a lot of this stuff.

I'm using a mix of Micro Engineering and Central Valley plastic castings to make this up.  I only have so many fully riveted beams so they are on the outside and I made up styrene interior beams where only Robert's deer spot guy will find that there are no rivets.

Everything has to be built up side down so that the deck surfaces are flat and level. 

First are the piles of gathered materials.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-151117180750-25922797.jpeg)

Now is the first of the setups for the bents and beams.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-151117180750-260931053.jpeg)

Next shows the structure coming together and blocked against a machinist's straight edge.  Closer to the front is the first of three tie segments that will be on top of the scaffolding.  This elevated line was double track at Oakley Street and there were several places where there were three and four track location for equipment storage.

They used a bolted beam at the outer edge of the ties and there were also 6x8" guard rail beams that are visible on most bridge structures between the rails.  Curiously, they didn't use tie plates until some time after 1900.  I'm doing this as originally built in 1893 so the rail will be spiked directly to the ties.  As most equipment was light I suppose it didn't matter about pounding the rail into the ties.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-151117180750-260941402.jpeg)

More tomorrow

see ya
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: tct855 on November 15, 2017, 08:47:46 PM
Excellent
               Bob!
                       Thanx
                                  Thom...
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: donatode on November 16, 2017, 12:50:37 PM
(https://modelersforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdxuoddg10rgxw.cloudfront.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F10%2F17022914%2Fmeticulous.gif&hash=86885140c959941b42a2070f8c62e08260977e3d)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on November 17, 2017, 01:32:13 PM
I have started on the ties and guard rails for the scaffolding.  They used an outer beam for holding the ties in line and an inner beam for holding the trucks if they did anything stupid.

So there about 500 NBW castings that need to be stabbed in.  They bolted everything.

So I decided to make up a drilling jig.  It centers on the ties and beams in both directions.  There is a small tab hanging down the locates off of the lower tie.

I'm going to go stir crazy before this part is done.

see ya
Bob
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-171117132151-260971651.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-171117132151-2609652.jpeg)

The locating tab can be seen in this photo.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-171117132151-2609561.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: donatode on November 17, 2017, 01:38:31 PM
Jigs .... just love them!!

Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: deemery on November 17, 2017, 02:33:56 PM
Quote from: Donato on November 17, 2017, 01:38:31 PM
Jigs .... just love them!!
Me too!!! 


dave
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on November 17, 2017, 06:58:08 PM
I started the laying of the rail this afternoon.  It is really interesting as the earliest photos from 1893 through about 1905 do not show the use of tie plates.  They spiked the rails directly to the ties.  Later after some maintenance they start showing up.

There will be an additional guard rail added down the center but I can't get my spiking pliers in there so that will come later. 

I'm using million year old Kemtron wire spikes and they are really little and tend not to split the ties.  The rail is code 70.

This is all being built on foam core board as the spikes are about 3/8" long.  They are gripping the foam really well so I will need to cut the foam off of the tie strip when I'm done.  I'll then cut off the spikes color the ties with aniline dye and then super glue the spikes from the under side so nothing moves.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-171117185221-261002239.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-171117185221-261002239.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-171117185221-26099642.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-171117185221-26099642.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-171117185220-26098134.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-171117185220-26098134.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on November 17, 2017, 08:01:12 PM
Very nice.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: rpdylan on November 17, 2017, 09:40:17 PM
i love this project! thank you for posting, I'm wanting to build an elevated section and this thread is great for me to learn!
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: cuse on November 18, 2017, 08:43:55 AM
Great stuff Bob! Thanks for the detail about the details - I learn from all your threads.


John
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on November 20, 2017, 05:10:26 PM
I got after this today and have the first of the two tracks done.  I'm waiting for a million more NBW castings to come from Precision Scale.

If any of you are EVER interested in building such an elevated railroad I would encourage you to use premade flex track and not hand lay as I am for this judged project.  Further, if your structure is longer than one length of flex track, presolder all pieces in a straight line first and then pull it around.  With Atlas a few ties might need to be removed near the solder joint to make space and be sure to put the sliding rail on the same side of the multiple pieces.

The first two photos are of the done track with no stain and still firmly affixed to the foam board with the seventy milli-billion spikes.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117170039-261051132.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117170039-261051132.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117170039-26104768.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117170039-26104768.jpeg)

Now for the stain.  Recall that I use aniline dyes for EVERYTHING.  Alcohol and black India looks too black for me.  This was brushed on before removal from the foam board as it has not a moving target.  Further, alcohol tends to soften wood working glue so it holds it for a time to gas out.

Once peeled off of the foam board there is nothing holding the spikes still in that narrow little tie so I super glued the spikes from the under side.  Another reason to stain first as the super glue clogs the wood pores from the stain.

Then I cut off the spikes with a Xuron cutter and then ground off any too tall after with a Dremel.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117170039-26103788.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117170039-26103788.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117170039-261021720.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117170039-261021720.jpeg)

First placement on the unpainted scaffold.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117170038-261011096.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117170038-261011096.jpeg)



Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on November 20, 2017, 05:29:18 PM
Here is an 1896 photo of the track work taken at Laramie Street (then 52nd) that shows how everything was bolted on the outside and alternately on the guards on the inside.

There is an amazing amount of stuff out there about this elevated line.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117172651.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-201117172651.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: rpdylan on November 20, 2017, 08:25:05 PM
is the track attached to the long wood beams then those beams sit on the cross girders of the supports?
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on November 20, 2017, 08:49:51 PM
Bob...

The ties were secured to the running length of the plate steel beams.  Curiously, I have never found a photo that clearly shows it and for all the years I rode that line I could never quite tell.

My guess is that some of the bolting went through to the longitudinal beams.  The fact that the outer ends of the ties were secured suggests that not every tie was bolted to the iron.

see ya
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: rpdylan on November 20, 2017, 09:03:25 PM
Bob, when you get the chance, I would love to see a photo from underneath to see how the track assembled sits on the supports
thanks
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: nextceo on November 20, 2017, 10:37:20 PM
You're off to a fast start Bob...I'll be following along.


Alan

Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on November 21, 2017, 01:50:16 AM
Bob...

Look back at the original photo on the previous page.  You can see that there are two running beams under each track.  They spaced them so the rail was directly over the beam.

I have those made up and should be up for a photo tomorrow..  I hope to get paint on the scaffolding also tomorrow.

Thanx
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: MAP on November 21, 2017, 05:32:40 AM
Great thread Bob!  You really do some beautiful work.  Thanks for all of the pictures and details on how you do things.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on November 21, 2017, 07:52:22 AM
Your model looks just like the prototype picture.  Great work.


Jeff
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: GPdemayo on November 21, 2017, 08:48:57 AM
Great work Bob.....I've been looking in. Love the track work!  8)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: ACL1504 on November 21, 2017, 09:16:53 AM
Bob,

Great job on the track work. The whole thing looks fantastic.

Tom ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: donatode on November 21, 2017, 12:40:00 PM
Bob, thank you for sharing your meticulous work. Brings back memories of my riding the "West End" line in the early sixties to go from my home in Gravesend Brooklyn to "Downtown" Brooklyn to go to my high school....The line was elevated most of the way, and I used to love looking into people's windows as we rolled along.


Guess I was a perv from way back....
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on November 21, 2017, 12:49:27 PM
Donato...

I guess I'm a perv too but not quite the same in Chicago. Only a few lines were alley lines.  Lake Street was down the center of what later became a main street.  Lake was not a major street at the time.  There was a south side line that was often referred to as the Alley El and then parts of the north side line was the same.

I rode the north side line on the way to Wrigley Field but the Lake Street line was my dominant travel.  It is now the west leg of the Green line.

I rode that line to classes at De Paul U and then of course to the Loop from the west side where I grew up just east of Oak Park.  It was / is an area called Austin.  It was annexed in about 1899 in a crooked vote at three in the morning after all of the opposition had gone home after a brief adjournment. Typical Chicago ! ! !

So yes....  Riding some of those lines made you a perv but at the speeds they traveled..... How much did you see really? ? ?

see ya
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: GPdemayo on November 21, 2017, 02:31:44 PM
Hey Bob.....did you ever go to Petersen's Restaurant in Oak Park for their great ice cream? Best pistachio ice cream in the world.  :)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on November 21, 2017, 05:00:29 PM
Greg.......

I think I have heard of it but my hangout was the Esquire on Madison street and Oak Park Avenue.  A shirt tail relative of my Greek side, Uncle Louie, ran the place for nearly seventy years and would kick me out for hardly more than the tip.  He was in his 90's in the late 60's and sat by the cash register every day and held court.  It was great ! !

His dad, Nick Sotrus, sponsored my grandfather coming to Chicago from Greece in 1895.  He started the restaurant on Halstead Street and move to Oak Park in the late 30's.

I named my trolley cafe after him.  The restaurant was on the north west corner but wasn't a trolley.  I just gave it his name.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280314120939.jpeg)

Also I named Jimmy's drug store casting that I made into a restaurant after him also but with his last name, "The Sotrus Restaurant".

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-100717122903.jpeg)

thanx
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on November 21, 2017, 05:38:18 PM
I got to throwing some paint at the scaffolding this afternoon.

So I put the finished track section on there and took a photo of that.

Bob C. asked for a photo of the under side so that is there also.

After that I couldn't resist putting the loco and car on there in their radiantly unfinished condition.

I also took a low shot which is close to the vantage point of the object photo.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-211117173147-261122246.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-211117173147-26111913.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-211117173147-261102388.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-211117173147-261062224.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: donatode on November 22, 2017, 01:41:52 PM
Nice....!!
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on November 22, 2017, 07:41:08 PM
Very nice modeling.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: S&S RR on November 22, 2017, 10:56:41 PM
Bob


Another great thread and project - I'm really enjoying following along.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: ACL1504 on November 23, 2017, 08:02:43 AM
I agree, wonderful thread and workmanship.

Tom ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on December 14, 2017, 12:35:56 PM
OK.......... so I'm back at it...

I got the second track done and all of that is set aside for the moment.

I ordered a ton of doors and windows from Tichy this last Monday and they came yesterday.  What a company ! !

So I'm starting on the layouts for the structures. There will be six or possibly seven.  I have a scale 40+ feet on each side of Oakley street to work these into on both sides of Lake Street.  From the original photo.. page one of this thread... only the north side of Lake Street structures are visible.  I found the Sanborn Insurance Maps for this intersection and have a foot print for the properties on all four corners and rough descriptions of business there and construction materials.

Recall that the photo is 1893 and the Sanborns are from a few years later but that is as close as I can get.  Plus property lines don't move that much so I'm alright with the little uncertainty.  Most of these structures were built in the 1870's and used a construction style called the Chicago balloon framing.  It is similar to construction today but the 2x4's in the exterior walls go from the ground level to the roof.  Today a platform is built for each floor level before going up again.  They did not yet understand fire breaks in the vertical framing

Look back at the original photo and at the far left.... about half way up the edge of the photo is a mortar and pistil.  That is, and was then, the standard sign for a pharmacy or apothecary.  That was all I had to go on.  In a city directory I found a listing for a John Ritter druggist at 953 west Lake Street.  The only other feature of this building shown in the photo is the raised iron step leading to the door. Thus indicating a diagonal corner doorway.

For any of you that know your way around Chicago will probably challenge me that the street number is an impossible location for Oakley Street as it is now 2300 west.  But.......... the city was renumbered in 1909 under the Brenner Act of the city council as there had been previously four numbering systems, each having their own zero location and various blocks per mile.  I have compensated for this.

I'm having too much fun with all of this.

Below are the initial layouts for this structure.  There will be an outside rear stairway from the second floor and the one side wall shown at the top of the photo is common to another building so it is just a blank wall. 

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-141217122903-26432338.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-141217122903-26432338.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-141217122903-263412288.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-141217122903-263412288.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: donatode on December 14, 2017, 01:33:56 PM
Love all the research you did on this. I'm sure it was/is rewarding for you as much as you doing the build.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: deemery on December 14, 2017, 01:48:20 PM
I'll be interested to see how you cut out the arched windows from the wood sheathing.


dave
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: rpdylan on December 14, 2017, 03:40:18 PM
great project! will be following! I had cut this type of window in wood before and traced the inside outline with a mechanical pencil and used a round file to finish up the arch cut out!
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on December 14, 2017, 07:47:00 PM
Bob...

To answer your comment about the arch windows............ they are REALLY easy.

First I plot out the square portion of the window and cut that out.  I then lay the window casting into the opening and plot out the arch with a mechanical pencil with a .050 lead.  Good sharp line.

Then I make a small notch in the top center of the arch. The photos below show this.

The notch is to prevent the grain from running while carving.  I do not use a file.  I cut everything with a #11 blade.  See another thread on this forum for related horror stories ! ! !

Before I start cutting anything else I stiffen the wood from the back side with super glue and then kick it. While the kicker is going off I place the wood down on the bench to hold it for a moment to prevent moisture warping. If you are to stain the wood for you model I would suggest staining all of the wood first as the glue tends to clog the pores and makes staining unstable. For painted models it does not matter.

I then start cutting the arch from the sides of the window opening toward the notch.  Most of you know to do this but no one ever really says much about it.  If you want to carve out a small (tight) radius, you work near the pointed end of the blade.  As the radius increases you move toward the wider part of the blade.

Note: all of this including the actual cutting of the initial opening, is done off of the point of the blade. Thus, if I can get five or six windows from a blade, I call it good.

I test the fit of the window from time to time but my pencil line is the overall guide.

Most windows don't take more than a minute to make this shape.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-141217185636-264352028.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-141217185636-26434581.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-141217185636-26433799.jpeg)

Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: deemery on December 14, 2017, 07:53:04 PM
Great tutorial!


dave
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on December 14, 2017, 09:43:55 PM
So here is the final layout of windows and doors. All of these panels will need stiffeners on the back. That is the next step. 

Then the walls will be assembled. Due to  uneven floor heights, I will assemble this up side down as the roof line is common to the whole building. After the walls are glued up I will pull off two scribe lines on the rear of the building for roof slope and rear rain gutter.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-141217214258.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Janbouli on December 15, 2017, 04:52:58 PM
Love all the arched windows , another cool building in the making.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: S&S RR on December 15, 2017, 07:30:44 PM
Bob


Your really moving along on this - it looks great.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: tom.boyd.125 on December 20, 2017, 03:52:19 AM
Bob,
Will follow along as I still can hear the roar of the L trains after driving under that location many times between '66 and '85 with the telco company truck.
Tommy
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on December 22, 2017, 04:56:04 PM
Got some bench time over the last two days.

Below is the rough Ritter Pharmacy.  The windows are a mix of Tichy and Grandt Line along with some plastruct stuff.

Below that is the starting layout for the Otter Haertel building. That is the first of the structures visible in the original photo on the far left.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-221217165207-264361169.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-221217165207-264361169.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-221217165207-265371519.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-221217165207-265371519.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-221217165207-26538535.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-221217165207-26538535.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: S&S RR on December 22, 2017, 07:55:43 PM
Bob


It looks great! The plan is coming together.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on December 22, 2017, 09:00:19 PM
Very nice modeling.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 01, 2018, 05:44:40 PM
OK..........

I'm  back at it.  Over the holidays when the grand kids are here they take over my office and so I don't get much computer time.  I lurk over my phone but not time to do the sorts of stuff that can put up photos and such.

All the doors and windows will come back out for painting and final fitting.

Above was the layout for the Otto Haertel Stove building.  Below is the standing structure and is only roughed in.  I found a better source photo and had to go back and make a few changes on the windows of the rear store room.

I have found newspaper ads for this company so it is probably the easiest to know what went on there.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-010118173152-266981110.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-010118173152-266981110.jpeg)

Next is the Whitney Confectionery store at 918 W Lake Street.  It will be the east most building on the north side of Lake street and is completely unseen in the photo. I'm building it from the data on the Sanborn insurance maps and period styles.  I need this to make the overall diorama look correct.

This building will sit up higher on a placed stone foundation and the steps will be completed.  I know the data about the business here from the city directory.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-010118173152-26696572.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-010118173152-26696572.jpeg)

The least complete at this time is the Henry Kline Saloon which is seen in the source photo on the far right.  I actually know quite a bit about this saloon so it isn't too tough

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-010118173152-26697437.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-010118173152-26697437.jpeg)

I'm adding back the source photo again so easy comparisons can be made.

Tell me how I'm doing...

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-061117154714.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-061117154714.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Janbouli on January 01, 2018, 06:10:02 PM
You're doing great Bob, now that's been said , you can carry on  ;)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 01, 2018, 06:21:34 PM
So here is a photo from the street level perspective as it stands now.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-010118181825-26700416.jpeg)

Right after that.............. this is turning into the monster that devoured Cleveland ! !

I keep having to set things back to get enough space on the bench.  This might be getting away from me.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-010118181825-266991962.jpeg)


Then again......... it's all for the cause.

see ya
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: S&S RR on January 01, 2018, 08:19:16 PM
Bob


So, how big does a workbench have to be to be big enough?  I keep adding extensions to my main bench.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 01, 2018, 08:27:19 PM
John...

I've never built anything that is so taking over.

Either way...  this is a really fun project.

Thanx
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 01, 2018, 08:52:05 PM
Gorgeous modeling Bob.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: S&S RR on January 01, 2018, 09:03:58 PM
Quote from: bparrish on January 01, 2018, 08:27:19 PM
John...

I've never built anything that is so taking over.

Either way...  this is a really fun project.

Thanx
Bob


I'm glad your having fun with it.  I will be following along.  It really looks great so far.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Polux on January 02, 2018, 10:31:54 AM
Wow!!!
I love this project and the way you've been working.

Magnificent so far.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 04, 2018, 02:32:05 PM
Here is the layout for the last building.

Of what I can tell from the Sanborn maps, it was the earliest at this intersection.  It is not at all in the photo so I have to go off of the maps and what I got from the city directory and advertising.

It is a classic Chicago balloon frame.  Windows are directly above one another as the studs went from the mud sill all the way to the cornice. 

At the far right you can see a diagonal line where an outside add on stairway to the second floor will be.  This was actually over the original property line and in the 1916 Sanborn, this was corrected as there was no such extension when this corner was cleared and rebuilt as brick.  It is possible that the original property  owner held both lots and no one noticed or cared.  I'm not going back to Cook County and looking at original plats.

In the original photo, the building on the far left has a belt line at the second floor level.  That is how they framed not long after. Much the same as today where you build a deck and then go up again.

I'm still having too much fun with this.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-040118142335.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 04, 2018, 03:49:21 PM
Looks great.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Janbouli on January 04, 2018, 04:40:43 PM
Maybe I missed it in the thread , but where are the cornice's and the vestibule windows from?
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 04, 2018, 06:36:19 PM
Jan...

You did not miss a thing! ! !

I over looked saying.

The two metal cast cornices are old SS ltd castings.  I'm not sure they are out there any longer.  I'm using those on buildings that are not seen in the photo but of a correct period type.

What you can see are all formed from various wood shapes.  Mostly different "L" shaped wood from Northeastern.  I'm sure someome in the Netherlands is making something of the sort.

The Corbels under the under the cornices are from Tichy Train Group and modified a bit to match what can be seen in the photo...........  although not much.  There is one place in the upper left where you can see that they are doubled.

The windows and doors are a mix of Tichy and Grandt Line.  Their web sites give the raw opening for each and so I could gauge what I needed.  Tichy is terrific about filling orders NOW ! ! !

They never seem to be "just out" of anything.

The store fronts are all modified from something.  Mostly Tichy and made to look as close to the photo as possible.

After that .......... all of the various moldings are stacked wood or styrene to get what I need.

Thanx for looking in.
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: ACL1504 on January 04, 2018, 06:54:51 PM
Bob,

This is the best job of scratch building of a Chicago block I've ever seen. I love all the structure and and elevated track as well.

Very well done Sir Bob!

Tom ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: tct855 on January 04, 2018, 09:25:56 PM
Bob,
      Without taking up everyone's time reading a long drawn out synopsis.  I'll just say, I second what my better-looking brother Tom said.  keep'em coming BP. Thanx Thom...
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 05, 2018, 02:33:37 AM
So I got the walls up and the corner trim.

I got after the outside stairway.  Never thought it would take much of the afternoon and evening.

I'll probably cover the roof in tar paper or perhaps corrugated sheet iron.  Can't decide.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-050118023227-267062351.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-050118023227-26779296.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: donatode on January 05, 2018, 11:44:16 AM
Smartly done Bob.



Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 05, 2018, 05:03:14 PM
So I had to stop for a while.

I ran out of clothes pins. These are the best and cheapest clamps out there.  They provide all the pressure we need for such building.

Some have tapered ends that don't clamp to the end so I grind them off on a belt sander.

What is going on here is the placing of the foundational strips.  It also stiffens the base structure.

In Chicago at the time,  which was much of a swamp (some would argue that it still is)  didn't require much for foundations.  Many of the downtown stone buildings were set on huge treated wood pilings; old City Hall for example.  Others were on timbers or placed or cut stone.

These strips are 1/4 x 1/8" basswood that easily takes impressions from screwdrivers and such to create a stone appearance.  There were huge sand stone quarries on the south side that provided base blocks for such stuff.  Basements were only a coming thing as Chicago repeatedly raised the grade of streets and alleys to get above the clay layer. 

see ya
Bob
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-050118165536.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Janbouli on January 05, 2018, 05:11:42 PM
Quote from: bparrish on January 04, 2018, 06:36:19 PM
Jan...

You did not miss a thing! ! !

I over looked saying.

The two metal cast cornices are old SS ltd castings.  I'm not sure they are out there any longer.  I'm using those on buildings that are not seen in the photo but of a correct period type.

What you can see are all formed from various wood shapes.  Mostly different "L" shaped wood from Northeastern.  I'm sure someome in the Netherlands is making something of the sort.

The Corbels under the under the cornices are from Tichy Train Group and modified a bit to match what can be seen in the photo...........  although not much.  There is one place in the upper left where you can see that they are doubled.

The windows and doors are a mix of Tichy and Grandt Line.  Their web sites give the raw opening for each and so I could gauge what I needed.  Tichy is terrific about filling orders NOW ! ! !

They never seem to be "just out" of anything.

The store fronts are all modified from something.  Mostly Tichy and made to look as close to the photo as possible.

After that .......... all of the various moldings are stacked wood or styrene to get what I need.

Thanx for looking in.
Bob

Thanks very much Bob, will have to look for such things , I do have a good stock of Tichy windows and doors.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 05, 2018, 06:51:14 PM
This little structure is mostly roughed in.

It is out of sight in the source photo but it is to balance out a vacant spot in the larger diorama.

It is a confectionery store that was listed at this address in the 1892 city directory and then again later.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-050118184659-267932476.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-050118184659-267932476.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-050118184659-267801907.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-050118184659-267801907.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 05, 2018, 07:38:49 PM
Excellent work Bob.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 06, 2018, 01:20:59 PM
I caught up with this last night, Bob.

A very neat project with great workmanship.  Looking forward to watching it progress.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: jimmillho on January 06, 2018, 03:30:33 PM
Fantastic looking work Bob.

Jim
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 06, 2018, 03:48:28 PM
Thank you one and all. 

I'm really having a lot of fun with this. 

The source photo is probably the most studied photo ever.  I routinely sit with it and a jewelers loupe and look for what I am missing. I keep finding new stuff. This area was platted in the 1850s and built up along Lake street right after the Civil War and then not much else happened for twenty years.

You can see all manner of curbs and side walks stacked up.

Again.   Thanx
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 09, 2018, 05:56:12 PM
Spent this afternoon building back steps.

This is actually one of my most fun things to do.  I built some years ago a number of yard shacks that had outside stairways.  They are so spindly looking that most people won't attempt them.  They really are rather durable and once placed on your railroad they don't get much pushing around.

They do also draw a lot of attention by visitors.

All of these are based on the Sanborn maps as none are in sight in the source photo.  The maps show stairways and doors.  The weird one is with the cat walk over the storage building on the 953 building.  The side stairway is not that far from the door centered on the back of the building.  Although this was one building, it really was two store fronts so I suppose there were two upper apartments.

It is possible that the center door was added later with the walkway over it as there was a HUGE population crunch in Chicago in the late 19th Century.  Most older buildings had been divided from their original.  Any sort of housing was at a premium.

All of these buildings will need de-fuzzing and such but I'm getting close to paint.

see ya
Bob

The cat walk panel over the roof will need to be removable until the roof is finished.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-090118174550-269221849.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-090118174550-269221849.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-090118174550-26921934.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-090118174550-26921934.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-090118174550-26920988.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-090118174550-26920988.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-090118174549-268551017.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-090118174549-268551017.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 09, 2018, 06:51:22 PM
Top Notch work Bob.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: MAP on January 10, 2018, 07:37:44 AM
Beautiful work Bob.  I'm really enjoying watching this build.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: donatode on January 12, 2018, 03:43:06 PM
Bob, just Fabulous....!!
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: MASIGMON on January 12, 2018, 09:21:25 PM
Bob,
Just found your project today. 
All I can say outstanding
To me scratch building in HO scale takes a lot of patience
Count on me to keep following this build

Mike Sigmon
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: tct855 on January 12, 2018, 09:27:58 PM
Bob,
       Very incredible and informative and professional build thread.  Please! continue sir with my veneration!  Thanx Thom...
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 13, 2018, 03:43:42 AM
Thank you all for looking in.

I got some painting done yesterday...............

I'll put up some photos soon.

Thanx
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 13, 2018, 03:04:10 PM
Here is a perspective close to the source photo with the buildings painted. Still need a lot of detail stuff.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-130118150047.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 13, 2018, 04:50:10 PM
Here are some closer of the buildings.

They still need a lot of detail stuff........ including painting the stairs.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-130118164818-271931642.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-130118164818-27192361.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-130118164818-269972193.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 13, 2018, 05:30:33 PM
Beautiful modeling.  Did you scratch build the shutters?
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 13, 2018, 06:05:55 PM
Curt...

The shutters are also from Tichy Train Group.  They are listed in a separate area on their page.

They are a little difficult in selecting the correct ones for which windows.  I think they only have two sizes for the shutters but they have a ton of different window offerings.

The shutters are a help in dating the buildings in Chicago.  They were popular after the 1850's and fell out of style by about 1885.  Given when the plat was drawn for that area, 1851, most of that street was built up in the late 1860's and early  70's.  Lake street was not paved until nearly 1900.  Recall this photo is from September 1893.  In 1912 they put a trolley line under the scaffolding.

Further,  there were two major east / west streets just to the south of Lake Street that got way more attention.  I think Lake Street was chosen by the West Side Railroad company, later Lake Street Elevated Railroad, as the street was hardly more than an alley of commercial buildings.  The street was much narrower than those to the south.

The South Side Elevated company was clearly called the "Alley El" as it was almost entirely in the alleys because of the residential area it went through.  I think they had "Not in my back yard" going on then also. 

The Wabash side of the Loop in the downtown was finished much later due to merchant resistance to the scaffolding darkening the streets.

Thanx for looking in.
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: rpdylan on January 14, 2018, 05:35:49 AM
such a great project Bob, I'm enjoying this thread! I gotta look for the elevated components at Springfield!
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: donatode on January 14, 2018, 02:24:16 PM
Bob, I'm just flabbergasted with your build. Anxiously waiting on your next installment.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on January 15, 2018, 05:04:27 PM
So here are three shots of Ritter Pharmacy on the near left of the photo.

The only thing that is visible is the mortar and pistil sign and the door step.  That was the clue that the corner was chopped on a diagonal.

This building needs a lot more help but it is getting there.

The next step is the building on the opposite side to the right.  There is nothing in the source photo but I'm using the Sanborns to get something there.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-150118165942-27320987.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-150118165942-273212287.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-150118165942-27244733.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 15, 2018, 07:07:51 PM
Really nice job Bob.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Jan Kirkwood on January 17, 2018, 05:48:08 PM
Bob you do really beautiful work, it is a real pleasure to watch your thread.

Jan
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 07, 2018, 11:08:33 PM
So I'm back at the bench.

Two weeks away and you boys didn't give away the store ! ! !

Proud of ya......

I got the roofs done and the glass in.  Glass is my least favorite thing.  A whole afternoon is shown below.

see ya
Bob


(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-070218230447-288231756.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-070218230447-29562532.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-070218230447-29563844.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-070218230447-295642457.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-070218230447-295651948.jpeg)

Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: tct855 on February 07, 2018, 11:27:15 PM
BP~,

        Kudos to you for such a cool build.  Nice step by step pics.  I enjoy visiting from time to time.  Thanx Thom...
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Janbouli on February 08, 2018, 05:14:40 AM
Same here Bob , not much fun in  glass, unless it's a glass of your favorite beverage  ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 08, 2018, 05:39:31 PM
Here are two perspective photos of the project.

Working today on small detail and signs.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-080218173717-295661359.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-080218173717-295972405.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Jerry on February 10, 2018, 10:11:18 AM
Beautiful work Bob.

Jerry
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: GPdemayo on February 10, 2018, 10:38:57 AM
This is turning into one amazing scene Bob.....great work.  8)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Bruce Oberleitner on February 10, 2018, 04:25:12 PM
Yo Bob,
As always you do awesome work!  I guess there's no point in putting anything in the next model building contest around these parts with this little gem probably coming to the show! 

Hehe

Anyway, any chance I could stop by some weekend and see this in person? 
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 10, 2018, 05:57:05 PM
Bruce...

Come by any time.

I may not have it done for the spring meet.  I do need to have it ready for the regional in Portland in late May.

see ya
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: ACL1504 on February 11, 2018, 10:08:55 AM
Bob,

This is one great diorama. I'm loving it all the way.

Tom ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Bruce Oberleitner on February 11, 2018, 03:35:18 PM
Quote from: bparrish on February 10, 2018, 05:57:05 PM
Bruce...

Come by any time.

I may not have it done for the spring meet.  I do need to have it ready for the regional in Portland in late May.

see ya
Bob

Planning on taking it to Portland are you?  What a great idea!   But I do have to remind you that you only need to earn your MMR certificate once for it to count. 

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 11, 2018, 06:35:34 PM
Yes,...  I know. 

Tom reminds me of that regularly. 

This will be certificate #9. 

See ya
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 11, 2018, 07:14:10 PM
Wonderful modeling.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: S&S RR on February 11, 2018, 08:38:50 PM
Bob


This is really looking great. As always, I'm enjoying your thread.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 14, 2018, 02:06:18 AM
I knew this was going to happen.......

It out grew my bench.

I scored a piece 2'  of rigid insulation foam and clamped it to a small table that I use for my lathe.

I ran the lathe for most of the afternoon and cranked out the apothecary mortar and pistil and  the parts for the arc street light.  More on that tomorrow.

Here are a few photos below.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140218020358-296481352.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140218020359-297831153.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140218020359-297841931.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140218020359-297852078.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: rpdylan on February 14, 2018, 06:27:30 AM
really nice work!  you know, if i put a model on a piece of foam like that near the layout, I would knock it over after a few minutes! (yup, I belong to the #11 club and the dropped model club)!
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 14, 2018, 05:09:56 PM
Yesterday afternoon and some this morning were given to turning brass for a sign and a lamp post.

The apothecary piece is two parts with a wire that will poke into the front of the building over the door.  It is only barely visible in the left of the source photo.

The lamp post is an electric arc light.  They were popular in the 1890's but took a lot of maintenance.  There was a glass globe that would run low of oxygen which made the carbon sticks last longer.  They were very high maintenance however.  Another complaint was that they were VERY bright and spoiled night vision when walking and turned into a shadow.

Below is a close up of and arc light in Chicago from a different location that I used as the design for the one I made.  The glass globe is a clear bead that I use on trolley wire for insulators.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140218170130-297861272.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140218170130-297911713.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140218170504.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 14, 2018, 05:32:07 PM
Wow. That is really nice work on such small parts.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 14, 2018, 06:08:44 PM
Curt...

Thanx

Here is a photo of the parts in the scene.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140218180754.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140218180754.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-061117154714.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on February 14, 2018, 08:17:03 PM
Great job on the parts.  I really like the mortar and pestle, since I was a pharmacist at one time.  The street tracks in the photo look odd.  Under the trolley it looks like two tracks, one centered on the car and one on it's right side.  The left side rail must be the whitish line.  Cool photo. 


Jeff
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 14, 2018, 08:34:02 PM
Jeff...

Good observation.  This was something that I discovered some distance into the project.  The white lines are sidewalks.  I cannot tell if they are concrete or some sand mix.  The street was completely torn up during the construction of the scaffolding,.

Lake Street was a lesser street as Randolph and Madison were the next two streets to the south and had evolved into the major thoroughfares. Also during this time they extended an 8 inch water line down the north edge of the street as a fire hydrant is visible on the northwest corner.

I will be carving into the foam the street grade reduction and then cover it all with plaster and shape stuff.

thanx for looking in.
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 14, 2018, 10:53:16 PM
Jeff ...

Another piece of the mix about the construction is that I don't think Lake Street was paved before the scaffolding.  One of the big expenses of the elevated lines was land acquisition and the greasing of palms of property owners. Chicago had some rule that a certain percentage of adjacent properties had to approve of the construction.

It got real expensive once word got around that they could be paid for their approval.

Lake Street was probably the cheapest street to build the elevated.  I know that after the scaffolding the street was bricked.  The promise of bricking the street after the scaffolding was probably an additional incentive for property holders to sign off. 

That may be why the curbing in the photo is such a mish / mash of stuff in preparation for the brick.

They actually put a trolley line under the elevated and extended service from State Street in the loop to Austin Blvd. in 1912.  They closed trolley service in 1954.

Below is a photo of where the line crossed the raised grade C&NW at Pine Street in the Austin District of Chicago.  There is still brick and rail under the bridge.  They never did much with it as building a sand / gravel base under new pavement would make the bridge height too low.  They had some years ago put a asphalt covering over the brick but even that is failing.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140218224309.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 16, 2018, 03:53:11 PM
So  one of my RR cronies said I was getting too carried away.......  He might be right.

Below are two roughed in beer signs from the source photo on the side of Kline's Saloon.

Curiously the one partially hidden and farther away is more legible..

I am however, having too much fun with this whole thing.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-160218154925-29832375.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-160218154926-298371405.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 16, 2018, 08:01:10 PM
Very cool Bob.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: MAP on February 17, 2018, 07:10:10 AM
Beautiful work Bob.  Really enjoying your thread.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: S&S RR on February 17, 2018, 07:37:27 AM
Bob


Now, that's fine scale modeling. Very cool - and you can't get to carried away with modeling. It's the details my friend.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: jerryrbeach on February 17, 2018, 07:41:59 AM
Bob,

I'm just catching up with your progress.  Wonderful modeling, and I really enjoy the way you weave the history into the thread. 
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 17, 2018, 03:14:49 PM
Got the signs done this morning and on to cutting in the streets and sidewalks.

More soon.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-170218151300-29838148.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-170218151300-298442335.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 17, 2018, 03:37:15 PM
Really,  really nicely done.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: S&S RR on February 17, 2018, 09:56:51 PM
Bob


Those signs are fantastic!




Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Bruce Oberleitner on February 19, 2018, 10:38:37 AM
Quote from: bparrish on February 16, 2018, 03:53:11 PM
So  one of my RR cronies said I was getting too carried away.......  He might be right.

Below are two roughed in beer signs from the source photo on the side of Kline's Saloon.

Curiously the one partially hidden and farther away is more legible..

I am however, having too much fun with this whole thing.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-160218154925-29832375.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-160218154926-298371405.jpeg)

Bob,
Even if you are getting too carried away, Don't Stop!  We love what your doing.  That sign made out of brass is pretty dang cool.....

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 20, 2018, 06:56:42 PM
Ran out of stuff to do on buildings for a while so here is what is going on with the streets.

I took a piece of 2" rigid foam and plotted out what I think will be a good spacing for the correct perspective.  Scaling out the streets according to the Sanborn maps creates some distortion.  It is close however.

I over dug the streets so there would be space for plaster and get a little arch in the center of the streets.
Shaped it all with a wood rasp and then 100 sand paper.

Then I made up the side walks  out of picture framing mat board and cut small lines with a #11 blade.

Next is to dirt the streets and plant the buildings.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-200218185106-299082160.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-200218185106-30102161.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-200218185106-30103820.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: jbvb on February 20, 2018, 09:42:39 PM
I'm following along, and I like your beer signs.  Are there references that will identify the brand or brewery?  I can't read the words on either, but the logo/trademark might be guessable.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 20, 2018, 10:06:22 PM
James...

I have a brother-in-law who is an economist and routinely says, "torture the data until it confesses".  Translated... beat it up until you get what you want.

I put the photo in that I showed above in photo shop and worked with dither and sharpen and could read most of what is there.  The rear blue sign is H. Kalb and the bottom says Lager.  Kalb was a brewer that easily comes up on Google.  the next logical this after Lager is beer.   The only real fabrication was the top of the segmented sign.  Again Lager can be pulled out .  No amount of 'cooking" would bring up the upper part.  I made an executive decision on Dortmund as that was a common sign in Chicago when I grew up and also comes up on Google.

Thanx for looking in
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 22, 2018, 06:11:32 PM
Did a bunch of detail work on the structures and got them "planted" into the base work and side walks.

Time for some upholstery.  Although none of it is visible around the foreground structures, it cannot be overlooked.

There is no precise date on the photo but mid to late September 1893 is pretty close.  Withing two to three weeks otta get it.  People in Chicago started to switch back to dark clothing during September, away from summer whites.  Also the leaves are coming off the trees by October.

So I chose colors that still showed the not completely yellowed out of shrubs and trees of mid September.

There is still a lot of detail stuff but it's starting to look like something.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-220218180244-301412081.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-220218180244-301401942.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-220218180244-301391329.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-220218180244-30138193.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-220218180244-30104458.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 23, 2018, 01:42:44 AM
Having run out of structure stuff for a while I decided that I need to 'Plant' the scaffolding.

The source photo shows a poured concrete footing for each stilt.

I have done this before on other projects so it was no big deal.  I made up a crude form out of 1/4" foam board and pinned it together.  I then put common plaster Paris............... HOT hydrocal.  It gets too hard for this sort of stuff.

I then took it out of the form after about two hours.  I cut it into 3/16" sections sort of like slicing up salami. It cuts really easily with a small saw and does not hurt the blade.  I cut them into small squares and poked a hole in the middle.

The rigid foam has a /16" hole where each stilt is to be and a suitable wire crammed into each.  I then put the square footings on the wire and shaped them appropriately for each location.  I then glued them down and planted them also in the dirt.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-230218014111-3014273.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-230218014111-3014273.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-230218014111-3014329.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-230218014111-3014329.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-230218014111-301441169.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-230218014111-301441169.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-230218014111-30145407.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-230218014111-30145407.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Janbouli on February 23, 2018, 03:19:32 AM
Looking great Bob, wish you had enough room for a layout with this theme , would be awesome.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Dave K. on February 23, 2018, 06:42:45 AM
Quote from: bparrish on February 16, 2018, 03:53:11 PM
So  one of my RR cronies said I was getting too carried away.......  He might be right.

I am however, having too much fun with this whole thing.

And that's the ultimate point, isn't it? Wonderful craftsmanship and superb thread!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: jerryrbeach on February 23, 2018, 08:15:38 AM
Bob,

I love the way you have captured a moment in time by incorporating the history of the area with lots of detective work.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Jerry on February 23, 2018, 09:13:26 AM
Excellent work Bob and a great thread to follow along with.

Jerry
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 23, 2018, 05:30:17 PM
Great craftsmanship.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: postalkarl on February 24, 2018, 01:21:20 PM
Hi Bob:

This project is coming along quite nicely. Can't wait for more.

Karl
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 24, 2018, 02:27:00 PM
So maybe I am getting obsessive here.............

I started working on people yesterday afternoon.  There are about 20 in the photo.  I selected ones that were close and then heated up the soldering iron.  Most of these are styrene Preiser figures so I warmed up some arms and legs and got them where they each need to be in the photo.

But wait ! ! !   There are a lot of straw hats.  I was going to make them out of styrene but I didn't have any rod that didn't have a hole in it for tubing.

So here they are in brass.  I can bend the brims and shape the crowns to get them right of each one. Some have Hamburgs so they are done.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-240218142133-30159689.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-240218142133-30160827.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Jerry on February 24, 2018, 11:47:02 PM
Great job Bob!

It must be "Margarita Time" so put down the iron and have a couple and relax!!

Jerry
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Bruce Oberleitner on February 25, 2018, 12:09:36 AM
As always your work is awesome Bob.  Missed seeing you at the train meeting today but hope to see you next month (If not before) for the Spring Meet.

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: GPdemayo on February 25, 2018, 08:53:27 AM
The scene is really starting to come alive.....and the "little people".....no wonder you needed an adult beverage.  ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 28, 2018, 01:47:21 AM
Got the little people done and the ones on the street mounted.

I also added a photographer.  Not shown in the source photo (pretty obvious reasons).

This was yelling at me really loud as my dad once asked me a question.  He had taught me to black ink pen sketching and I did a copy of Washington crossing the Delaware.  He asked, "Where is the guy that painted him?"

Seemingly an honest question but that always stuck with me.   Soooooooooooooo...........

Voila.......... a photographer.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218013957-30161773.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218013957-30205190.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218013957-30206250.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218013957-302071520.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218013957-302082400.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 28, 2018, 01:49:00 AM
And a few more...

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218014132-302091630.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218014132-302102493.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 28, 2018, 10:04:55 AM
Gorgeous modeling Bob. Was the road still dirt at that time?
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Jerry on February 28, 2018, 10:39:00 AM
Beautiful work & scene Bob.

Jerry
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 28, 2018, 11:46:01 AM
Curt...

I don't have a definitive answer to that.  In the photo it is dirt....... both Lake ( east - west across the photo) and Oakley looking north from the camera.

The the next two east - west streets to the south, Randolph and Madison were paved and a larger commercial area than Lake Street.

If you look at the side walk at the right under the seated kids it appears that the side walk was newly poured concrete that was cast over existing brick sidewalk.  On the left side the wood form is still there and the iron stake holding the form is also still there.  Further, at the very edge of the left side curb, cut sand stone blocks are visible on Oakley street.  My guess is that all of the area was in cut sand stone curb before Lake was torn up for this construction.  I am not aware of Chicago having "Local Improvement Districts" as we do today; but I do know that they followed major construction projects with street and grade improvements.

Chicago had huge sand stone quarries on the south side near the current location of Interstate 80.

The Sanborn maps show an eight inch water line down the north side of Lake Street and a fire hydrant is visible in the photo on the north west corner of the intersection.

I do know that the street was paved in brick following the construction of the scaffolding.

Sooooooooooooo  I'm pretty convinced that there was no previous paving as there is no sight of previous brick or Nicholson blocks sitting around.

Chicago was also famous for putting pipes down the street in shallow trenches and raising the grade elevation with new improvements.  They didn't have good machinery at the time for major excavation as we do today.

Thanx for looking in.
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: donatode on February 28, 2018, 02:59:23 PM
Bob, wonderfully realistic and authentic modeling. Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on February 28, 2018, 04:02:21 PM
So I need to go in another direction for a while.

The Prototype Modeling certificate has certain rubric requirements: structures, locomotive, passenger car and freight.  Then after that there is stipulations for how much is scratch built.

So I needed a freight car for this.  Not a problem as there is a ton of information out there on this line.

Although there is no freight car in the source photo, our region allows for equipment that can be proven to have been on the line.  Again not a problem.  In addition to how much must be scratch built there is no rule on any of them needing to score individually at 87.5 or higher.  You can however have them judged under structures if you need that certificate.  I do not need them to be judged individually.

Below are the starting photos for a work flat that lived into the 1940's.  The base is a four wheeled frame from either a horse drawn street car or an early cable or electric car that was taken out of service.  Four wheeled cars were not used extensively as they were rather rough riding.   

The wooden box is under construction and the brass strapping for hinges and corners are left over brass stampings from Labelle.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218154748-302111564.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218154748-302111564.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218154749-302151847.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218154749-302151847.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218155936.jpeg) (http://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218155936.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 08, 2018, 02:03:57 AM
Got some bench time today and went after the passenger car.

Windows, seats and glass. 

Then I glued on the roof and put the end railings and gates on.

Still needs a lot of finish work on the roof and detail stuff but................  It's coming together.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-080318015846-30490190.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-080318015846-30492500.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-080318020310.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-080318015846-304941281.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: tct855 on March 08, 2018, 07:25:24 AM
Bob.

     Nice Job So Far!!!

                  Thanx Thom...
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: S&S RR on March 08, 2018, 09:21:28 AM
Bob


Very fine modeling! I'm enjoying following along on your adventure.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on March 08, 2018, 10:10:10 AM
Excellent.  Are you keeping this or is it going someplace like a local museum for a diorama display?
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Jerry on March 08, 2018, 11:06:42 AM
Nice indeed.  Whose passenger car is that?

Jerry
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 08, 2018, 12:01:49 PM
Curt....

No it's not going anywhere.  I think after I take it to a local meet late this month and the PNR regional in Portland, in early June, I'm going to disassemble it.  The structures will go on my railroad and the scaffolding and rolling stock will go on the top of my roll top desk in the office. 

Jerry.... you asked whose passenger car it is...............  Mine   ! ! ! !

I couldn't resist the cheap response ! !

It is a narrow gauge Labelle coach that has been grunted around in almost every direction.  Shortened, new end platforms, end railings, open windows, seats, couplers and trucks.  I think Rick (owner of Labelle) might recognize it but not much after the basic kit.

You all might think it is some sort of heresy to take it apart but.........  like most stuff I build, it's about "can I do this?"

This will be certificate 9 on my MMR.  I have no chance of going beyond to Super MMR as I will never accomplish the "official" category.  I would never be a division boss.  I would never be what I have called those guys ! !   A good friend just finished his time in purgatory ( three years) and another very good friend has just begun. Not for me.  I take the side side positions that don't paint a target on me.  I ran the division newsletter for twelve years (life sentence) and am now the nominations guy for the other victims.

The only other certificate that is out there is dispatcher and I cannot do it on my own railroad.  I am working with another modeler on his really large RR that might be appropriate.  I have no delusions of grandeur ! ! !

Thank you all for looking in.
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 09, 2018, 12:16:21 PM
Going after detail stuff now.............

Next week is the trees in the back ground..

For now is the street names on the tops of the street lights.  These were at the corners of the main streets.  They used carbon arc lights that took nearly daily attention.

I printed the names in photo shop and did a negative reverse.  Also, Photo shop as also MS Word, you can put in any font size, not just what they hand you in a pull down menu choice.

I used a 3 font to get it small enough.

Below is also a blow up of the source photo to see what it said.  W. Lake and on the side is Oakley.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-080318124857.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-080318125332.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Jerry on March 11, 2018, 10:47:12 AM
Nice detail.

I thought you owned it!! ;)

Jerry
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: postalkarl on March 11, 2018, 11:16:35 AM
Hi Bob:

Looks just beautiful. Wonderful job with the street light.

Karl
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: ACL1504 on March 11, 2018, 02:05:36 PM
Bob,

This is the best diorama of a particular area I've seen, period. I love every aspect of your build.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: S&S RR on March 11, 2018, 07:59:23 PM
Bob


This is just a great project - I really like all the little details.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Rail and Tie on March 11, 2018, 11:07:51 PM
Very fine piece of kit there Bob!  Really liking how this diorama is turning out. Great work!

Reminds me of a little CD diorama I was planning to make for a contest a few years back but never got finished. I wanted to show the elevated railroad, ground level and the Beach Pneumatic Railroad undeground along with sewers electrical, subway and a few dinosours in the core out.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: jerryrbeach on March 12, 2018, 09:09:45 AM
Bob,

Not even sure how to comment on everything you have done without leaving something out. 

Your small details are great, taking the level to the tiny street signs is outstanding.  The passenger and freight cars are wonderful, too. 

Superb historical modeling!
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 13, 2018, 01:43:09 AM
Starting to size up for trees.  I'll fill them out and plant them tomorrow.......... no wait....... it's late ! !

Later today.

My marching orders are as follows:  paint loco, finish trees, finish candy wagon in center street, make awnings, create vanishing point on the back drop, all by the 24th.  That is when the spring meet for Division 3 of the PNR-NMRA.

No pressure ! ! ! !

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-130318014211.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Lynnb on March 13, 2018, 10:30:30 AM
Wow this is one amazing project, very interesting and I must say I learned something, I didn't realize they didn't use tie plates pre 1900's.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 13, 2018, 12:18:00 PM
Lynn....

I think the absence of tie plates was two fold: they knewthey were to be using ratiely light equipment and also, the were on a limited budget.  None of the elected railroads in Chicago were very profitable. 

Thanx for looking in.
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 13, 2018, 05:24:23 PM
This afternoon was the upholstering of the trees.

The candy wagon is on the bench getting its sign and some paint.

More later.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-130318172234.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 14, 2018, 03:01:34 PM
Got the work flat done and detailed.

Getting down to the small stuff.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140318145433-305531492.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-140318145432-30495892.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-280218155936.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Janbouli on March 14, 2018, 08:45:40 PM
Magnificent detailing on the flat.  Love it Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: GPdemayo on March 15, 2018, 11:23:54 AM
What grand details Bob..... 8)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 15, 2018, 02:08:36 PM
So here goes with the last of the major detail stuff.

I made up frames for the four awnings in the photo.  Three are all on south facing store fronts and one facing west.

I started with .030" brass wire and pulled them into loops and soldered the support legs on the bottom.  The wire is WAY out of scale but when done none of it will be seen.  Because this has to go on two road trips, local and regional in June, these buildings need to be pretty stout.

I have made up the printed edges of the awnings with paper but the larger tops will be fabric that I can shape from the underside with white glue for wrinkles and such.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-150318140200-30566232.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-150318140200-30565888.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-150318140200-305641870.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-150318140200-30563327.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-150318140200-305542313.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: ACL1504 on March 15, 2018, 02:18:53 PM
Bob,

Very well done on the awning supports.

Tom ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on March 15, 2018, 03:31:45 PM
Excellent modeling and details.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Jerry on March 15, 2018, 08:18:05 PM
Beautiful work Bob.

Jerry
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Janbouli on March 16, 2018, 10:04:28 AM
What an excellent idea for the awnings.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 16, 2018, 02:46:39 PM
Well the paint on the awnings is drying and so on to something else.  Last detail stuff on the passenger car and add people.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-160318143508-305672199.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-160318143508-30592544.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-160318143508-30593310.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-160318144345.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: deemery on March 17, 2018, 09:30:32 AM
It looks kinda funny to see a passenger car withOUT steps on either end.


dave
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 17, 2018, 11:05:54 AM
Dave...

They had all platform entries.  There were no street grade stations.  It is still that way.  But yes it is a little weird.  Also....... no one makes such a car end that I can find......... Sooooo scratch it   ! ! !   They really aren't tough to build.

Thanx for looking in.

see ya
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Lynnb on March 20, 2018, 02:39:21 AM
Interesting technique in the awning supports. Looking good.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 20, 2018, 06:29:07 PM
So today is either the last day of winter or the half first day of spring.  Either way I called this my winter project.

I got the back drop done and the loco painted.  Still some more small stuff before Saturday and the first division showing.  I'll get it evaluated and see what the judges say....... then shine it up for the Regional in June.

Waddaya think   ? ? ? ? ?

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-200318182511-30660873.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-061117154714.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 20, 2018, 06:32:53 PM
Here is a photo shop grey scale of the diorama.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-200318183108.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Lynnb on March 20, 2018, 10:24:02 PM
Looks fantastic, as I was scrolling back and forth between the original and your project I was thinking to myself, self this would look even better if they were both in black and white, and just happened to scroll a bit more and poof there it was.  ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Jerry on March 21, 2018, 12:18:36 AM
Very impressive.  In the black & white perfect.

Wonderful job Bob.

Jerry
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: GPdemayo on March 21, 2018, 08:27:26 AM
Really fine job Bob.....masterfully detailed.  8)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on March 21, 2018, 08:33:47 AM
Bob, this is simply amazing.  First class modeling.


Jeff
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: S&S RR on March 21, 2018, 09:12:30 AM
Bob


Great modeling! I'm really enjoying your thread.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: postalkarl on March 21, 2018, 10:30:04 AM
Hey Bob:

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is really cool. Very nice modeling. Keep the photos coming.

Karl
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: rslaserkits on March 21, 2018, 12:30:59 PM
WOW that is great will try to make the Portland show to see it up close
rich
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: the-idaho-guy on March 22, 2018, 11:35:56 PM
I think the sun is in the wrong position! Can you move it just a little to the right? (to the right? Get it?)  : )
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 23, 2018, 03:25:54 AM
So I am presenting this to the division level evaluators. 

Understand......... in the NMRA.......... you can go up in level........ division to region.  That is to say, you can judge up but you cannot judge back down.

So I am presenting on Saturday, this diorama for judging for Prototype Modeling.

Here are the helicopter views of the module.

see ya
Bob

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-230318032121-306611071.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-230318032121-306881979.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-230318032121-30689222.jpeg)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: tct855 on March 23, 2018, 07:30:36 AM
BP,
      I think you captured it.  looks like it could be an opening scene in a movie from a photograph to real.  Good job Maestro.  Thanx Thom..
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: jerryrbeach on March 23, 2018, 09:15:06 AM
Bob,

After looking back and forth between the two black and white photos, I think the only difference I can find is the horse's head is in a different position.   

Seriously, you nailed it!  Absolutely awesome historical modeling.  No question at all, that is a bases loaded walk off home run!!!!!
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: DACS on March 23, 2018, 09:45:07 AM
Bob you did a masterful job on that diorama. It appears that time has stood still!

Dave
Seattle
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: PRR Modeler on March 24, 2018, 04:43:26 PM
Really top notch modeling Bob.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 24, 2018, 06:27:57 PM
So the judges got after the module today....

Scored 104.  I'm ok with that.

One of our toughest judges was a part of it.  It goes next to regional in June. I'm not making any significant changes.  I want to compare.  Few judges evaluate prototype model certificates. There are no matrix charts to go by.  Just read the rubrics. 

They didn't like my back drop. I'll get over it.

I have a bunch of friends who want me to take it to the National in Salt Lake next year. I'll hve to think on that one.  I hadn't planed to go.  It is there because of 150 years since the trans con rr.

See ya
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Bruce Oberleitner on March 25, 2018, 01:41:07 PM
She sure looked nice on the judging table yesterday Bob.  I don't care what Clyde said, Don't change a thing!

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Bruce Oberleitner on March 25, 2018, 01:43:50 PM
BTW, Remember that box of structure parts that you priced for me from Bruce's Estate Sale Yesterday?  I am happy to report that they are no longer parts in a box!

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: GPdemayo on March 25, 2018, 03:48:20 PM
Glad to see you back at it Bruce.....neat looking frame structure.  8)
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Lynnb on March 25, 2018, 04:12:52 PM
Looks great, nothing worse than parts abandoned in a box.
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Bruce Oberleitner on March 25, 2018, 05:19:53 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on March 25, 2018, 03:48:20 PM
Glad to see you back at it Bruce.....neat looking frame structure.  8)

Yea, it's turning out pretty cool.  What I found at the show was a box with three of the four walls finished with the remaining needed window trim paint.  So off I went to Micheal's to find some matching paint.  The interior of the structure had been started but I ended up scrapping that as there was no way to match that going forward.  Once the paint dried, I glued together the building walls and then added window glass, a foundation, weathering and a much needed roof.

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: Bruce Oberleitner on March 25, 2018, 05:21:11 PM
Quote from: Lynnb on March 25, 2018, 04:12:52 PM
Looks great, nothing worse than parts abandoned in a box.

I can't agree more.  And I suspect that it would have gone in the garbage if I hadn't bought it   :-[
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: bparrish on March 25, 2018, 05:35:16 PM
Actually Bruce....

Nothing went to the dumpster yesterday......... It was a good event and a great tribute to Mac.

We had one small box of books left and a small tote tub of weird stuff..... aka, Rivarossi parts ! ! !

Glad you got that together.

Quit being so scarce ..........

see ya
Bob
Title: Re: My winter project - Oakley Street Chicago
Post by: deemery on March 25, 2018, 06:06:32 PM
I'm a big fan of 'recycled' and revitalized structures!  Glad to see that one made it out of the box.


dave