Welcome to a build of a HO scale diorama, depicting a scene from the 2004 movie "Polar Express". It's one of the first ever completely motion captured-computer animated major features. Actor/producer Tom Hanks plays several roles. The original children's story and book was written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg in 1985.
The film has been both widely praised and criticized. Praise for the storyline, characters and pacing, and criticism from the cold (some say creepy) animation of the humans, especially their "dead eyes".
I personally like the movie for its artistry and wonderful rendering of the 1950's American Christmas, Santa Claus and train themes.
One scene, near the end of the film, is the focus of this project. It's at the top of the world, called "North Pole Square". It is a circular city of factory buildings, populated with small elves in a huge toy making complex.
Due to copyright infringement issues, I will not post screenshots of the movie on this forum. I will post links to other web sites where you can view the movie stills that depict the look I am trying to achieve..
A general overview of the visuals of the movie are here from Google Images-
https://www.google.com/search?q=north+pole+square+polar+express&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjCmJLHlYbzAhWOIN8KHTfqBm8Q2-cCegQIABAA&oq=north+pole+square+polar+express&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoECAAQGFCOI1ijP2CQQWgAcAB4AIAB5QGIAZAOkgEGMS4xMi4xmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=YJ9EYcLoF47B_Aa31Jv4Bg&bih=855&biw=1472&hl=en
The diorama will contain 4 main elements, a scratched large 4 story brick administration building where Santa has his "office", and a multitude of workers.. . a scratched section of curved brick archways, a coach car arriving at the square (a Labelle kit), & a monstrous Christmas tree... on a 12" x 24" base.
I'll begin in the next post....
This looks like it will be a very interesting build! Looking forward to your usual fantastic antics!
The 4 story Santas' administration building at North Pole square is modeled after the Pullman Car Factory Office building in Chicago.
See a still of the building from the movie here:
https://www.teahub.io/viewwp/JbThii_polar-express-north-pole-city/
I have drawn my interpretation on large paper, only the left side, (the right side is mirrored) and the center clock tower. Even with some condensing its approx. 20" wide and 13" high. This thing is BIG for HO scale. It will be built as a 3 wall background flat.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-180921131158-505131919.jpeg)
It needs over 90 windows! The main office type units are Tichy 40 pane #2523 N-scale masonry versions, where I removed the bottom sash and replaced it with a single vertical muntin. The half moons I made of 2 x 4 styrene strip, that I formed and kept the shape inside this circle template, while the glue dried. Will trim the side legs flush later.
The small rectangular units in the upper left were made by cutting the same Tichy units down and trimming them out.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-180921131158-50514661.jpeg)
I created these templates out of .03" sheet styrene. The left side unit contains all the window openings needed. The right side is the shape I need for the arch trim build out of the top floors of each section.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-180921131157-50511599.jpeg)
I'll be using Monster Model Works 1/32" brick sheet for all the main walls, due to the ease of cutting. Unfortunately, it's fragile and too light to support itself. Therefore, I'll have to build sub-walls for everything, which is .05 chipboard. Here I have begun the task, which requires about 50 wall sections.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-180921131159-50516561.jpeg)
This 6" x 12" basswood brick sheet is very expensive, so I set out to use them in the most efficient way I could, to use as few sheets as possible. I cut paper templates of every wall and moved them around until I could fit in as many as possible. I started at 5 and 1/2 sheets needed, but a few hours of "puzzle" work reduced it to four sheets.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-180921131159-505171796.jpeg)
I could then cut the actual brick sheet pieces away, and I have begun working on window and door cutouts.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-180921131436-505181775.jpeg)
I need 4 very large arched windows. I chose Tichy 3521 "S" scale masonry units, and sliced and diced them to fill out the necessary shapes. One continuous 2 x12 styrene strip for the head and jambs, and 2 x 2 strips were used for stops to frame out the perimeter casings.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-180921131436-505191888.jpeg)
A coat of paint on every wall, just two colors used, randomly mixed together. Americana Burnt Sienna and Heritage Brick.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-180921131437-5052058.jpeg)
Till next time...build some walls....
Outstanding Carl !!
And really looking forward to you progress on this wonderful and unusual diorama. Based on your prior work this should be spectacular.
Thanks for sharing it with us all here on this forum !!
All the best,
--Paul
Very cool, Carl.
Its a cracker of a building, and a pretty challenging scratchbuild - especially with all those arches. I've never thought of using N-scale (or S-scale) windows for fabrication in HO-scale before. Are the details (muntin, sills, frames etc.) not significantly different in size between the scales? I do often find Tichy HO-scale windows too big for what I want, so it would make a lot of sense to check out the N-scale catalogue. The trouble being they generally take between four weeks and three months to get to my doorstep! What unit would follow the 0.05 chipboard thickness? It just sounded very thin. 1.27mm? Also never thought of using a circle template for making arched window tops! I've banked that one for the future.
Watching, as always, with a lot of interest.
Cheers, Mark.
Nice! I love seeing builds of large masonry structures.
dave
Darryl, Paul, Mark and Dave, thank you for your interest and following along.
Mark- The N scale Tichy window I'm using is not much thinner than HO scale. I was more interested in overall dimensions than anything else. The building HAD to be condensed. And the .05" chipboard does indeed translate to about 1.25mm. Plenty thick (and difficult to cut) for this application.
A very exciting project, Carl. I will certainly be following along. Great looking effort so far.
--Opa George
Great project Carl.....can't wait to see it complete and under the tree. 8)
Looking Great Carl.
Thanks for following along George, Greg and Dennis!
Great to have you on board...
Carl
Very interesting build - you are off to a great start. I will be following along.
WOW!
Carl,
I'm definitely in on this one as well. Love the scratch building and your techniques, explanation on the build.
Most impressive.
Tom ;D
Thank you John, Bob and Tom for following along! Nice to hear from all of you.
I try to make my narrative as short possible, but if I don't explain something you see, please ask!
Well Merry Christmas!! All aboard for the Polar Express.
Great start I'll be in the caboose following along.
Your allowed to drink there away from the kids on the rest of the train!! ;)
Jerry
Hey Carl:
I will be following along on this one. Looks great so far.
karl
Thank you Jerry and Karl! Appreciate you both following along!
Hey Carl:
you are quite welcome. By-The-Way do you know what Karl/Carl means?
Karl
Quote from: postalkarl on September 20, 2021, 10:40:31 PM
Hey Carl:
you are quite welcome. By-The-Way do you know what Karl/Carl means?
Karl
This should be good..... ;D
do you know what Karl/Carl means?
I thought it meant a "strong, sturdy" fellow?
There's sure a lot of C/Karls in the modeling world!
Quote from: carl b on September 21, 2021, 09:32:38 AM
do you know what Karl/Carl means?
I thought it meant a "strong, sturdy" fellow?
There's sure a lot of C/Karls in the modeling world!
That could absolutely be right , the word for strong/sturdy fellow in Dutch is kerel and in German it's Kerl , but the historic meaning of Karel , kerel , Kerl is "free man of non-noble standing".
Your explanation is good enough for me Janbouli!
For mortar, kids white chalk was simply scraped off and brushed into the walls. I wanted a very subtle look here.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-190921080233-505441816.jpeg)
Every wall is now supported by its own .05" chipboard back, with extra wide openings for each floor of windows.. Leaving a narrow piece of chipboard between the windows was too weak, so I went back and filled in those vertical spaces with stripwood.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-190921080233-50545531.jpeg)
Construction of this many walls was very tedious & took much longer to build than I estimated. Here using .01" styrene for the curved trim sections.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-190921080233-50546233.jpeg)
Windows are loaded, 4X4 sills, decorative trim & clear acetate applied on the two story and three story wall sections. All units are the same width: 2 5/8". The 2 story is 3 3/4" high, the 3 story is 5 1/8" high.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-190921080233-505472455.jpeg)
Working on the next larger 4 story wall sections. Large arched window on the first floor is completely surrounded by curved walls & ceiling. I first used thick paper card here, but switched to .02" styrene sheet for the 2nd unit. The card suffered a bit after repeated handling.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-190921080233-505482097.jpeg)
Appropriate size styrene strips were shaped around the front arch.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-190921080430-50549430.jpeg)
Now with three paired walls finished. The four story walls are 6 5/8" tall.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-190921080431-50550809.jpeg)
Till next time...close the front door...
Hey Carl:
Wow those two wall look just beautiful.
Karl
The two mirrored wings look fantastic Carl !!
A lot of work involved but the end result is most impressive.
Looking forward to the next installment,
--Paul
Beautiful modeling Carl.
Great work, Carl. Nice detail on the build thread, too.
Looking fantastic, Carl.
The photograph showing you holding the knife - are you busy cutting out little notches so the brickwork looks to continue around the edges? I can see a lot of things here that would have taken a lot of time. You are doing a tremendous job.
Cheers, Mark.
Hey Carl:
I don't know if you know this or not. Your real name is Charles as Carl/Karl is German for Charles.
Karl
Thank you very much Karl, Paul, Curt, Vince and Mark!
are you busy cutting out little notches
No Mark, I was actually using the tip of the blade to shave off a small overhang of the styrene strip- (I cut it a bit too wide)
Karl- Thanks for the info on "Charles", seems I've heard that before...
Hey Carl:
You are quite welcome.
Karl
Wow , that looks awesome.
Thank you Janbouli!
Beautiful simply beautiful!!
Jerry
Thank you very much Jerry!
The center wall construction has begun. Requires 4 regular windows, 2 large arched windows and the main front doors on the 1st floor. The center back wall is 7 1/2" tall.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-270921104024-506621111.jpeg)
The top (3rd) floor arched window (2" H x 1" W) is bumped out just a few scale feet. I'm using 2 different size circle punches to create the arched casings from styrene.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-270921104025-50663284.jpeg)
Top window complete and placed for a test fit. This pushed the center wall to now 8 1/2"high, or about 62 HO scale feet. And we'll need to go higher yet to fit in the clock!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-270921104025-506641077.jpeg)
2nd floor center window opening being prepped. Large arch window (2" h x 1.5" W) is mounted to the back wall instead of the front, similar to the first floor arch windows.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-270921104025-50665230.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-270921104025-506661768.jpeg)
Temporarily in place. Bottle shown is the Americana color ("Fawn") used for all trim.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-270921104233-50667212.jpeg)
The front doors were made of styrene strips and sheet, glued to a pattern I found on line, and printed on typing paper. Backed and stiffened with thick card.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-270921104233-506681994.jpeg)
After some reflection, I reduced the height of the doors I just made by one panel and installed into the front wall. I surrounded the doors with vertical 2x6. The black foam core and 1/8" strips are to provide a glue surface for the arch styrene walls to come.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-270921104233-506691298.jpeg)
Till next time...time for a clock..
Excellent work Carl!! This is so well planned and everything is just falling right into place.
Jerry
Great watching you at work, Carl.
Its a masterpiece.
Cheers, Mark.
Carl
Great work - I'm enjoying your build thread.
This is looking fantastic. Love seeing it take shape.
--Opa George
Awesome! Just bloody Awesome!
Carl,
This is very time consuming modeling but it is also fantastic, thank you for sharing. This is a wonderful build and thread.
Tom ;D
Jerry, Mark, John, George, Darryl and Tom, thank you very much for your kind words.
And thank you all again for following the thread. I have a long way to go yet....
I'll be watching this one closely. Loved your prior lighthouse build. Love the scratch builds. Mark
Appreciate your kind remarks Mark.
Thank you for following along!
The first floor main entrance is 3 1/4" wide by 3 3/8" high. Same approach here as the others, a large arched ceiling, this one surrounding the front door. Additional trim on this one, all styrene strips and pieces. The top "deck" is made of wood and extends past the brick wall.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-270921104233-506702002.jpeg)
Test fit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-270921104233-50671992.jpeg)
All the sections completed so far.. just shoved together. Approximately 22" wide and 8 3/4" high. That leaves me only one inch on either side of the edge of the dio base.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041021073510-507492413.jpeg)
The clock is just above the top floor window. I found the clock face on line, and reduced it to 3/4" diameter. Trimmed out in styrene.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041021073511-50750575.jpeg)
To create more depth, I added another piece of trim around the clock face. Assembled and ready to install.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041021073511-507512216.jpeg)
The center wall can finally receive its two "wing" walls.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041021073511-507522165.jpeg)
All sections will need a sub-roof card and some minimal trim, which is a 2 x 8 and a 2 x 4 topped off with some basswood sheet. Once the diamond shape shingles I'm planning to use overhang this a bit, it will all but disappear.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041021073511-507532292.jpeg)
This structure will need over 20 lights, so I started with a single LED just above the front door arch, before attaching this section to the front wall. I also want to mount a light sconce on either side of this arch later on (as soon as I can find the ones I already have)...
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041021073736-507542264.jpeg)
Till next time...more lighting...
Outstanding Carl !!
And the sections "just shoved together" look most impressive !! Great to see your plan coming together so well,
Looking forward to the rest of your adventure,
--Paul
Wow Carl, that is some beautiful scratch building.
Looking just beautiful, Carl.
Cheers, Mark.
Paul, Curt and Mark, thank you for following and your very kind comments!
As usual your posts get better as you move along!
Amazing how everything comes together so perfectly!!
Beautiful work!!
Jerry
Man, that looks good, Carl. I especially like the light in the large archway picture. Looks like lots of warm wavelengths and not too bright. Very nice effect.
Great progress Carl.....looking good. 8)
Thank you so much Jerry, Vince and Greg!
Incredibly beautiful structure coming together, Carl. I'm blown away by your craftsmanship. This is exciting!
--Opa George
Carl,
As I was staring at the last picture you posted with the single light in it, I thought that would look nice if it had a hanging light right in the center. I've often seen pictures of such entrances with a chandelier like light in them. Just a thought.
Also when I seen the clock tower it came to me that they make miniature clock faces that could have been used. Here's a link to those small clocks. https://www.rockler.com/hardware/project-hardware/project-kits/wooden-clock-kits (https://www.rockler.com/hardware/project-hardware/project-kits/wooden-clock-kits)
Just a thought for your next project.
Bernd
George- Thank you for your kind words and continued attention.
Bernd- Thanks for your input- You are right on- I tried to buy/build an appropriate hanging fixture for that spot, but failed.
So I am going to use a couple sconce lights on either side of the arch instead.
I also looked at Rockler as well- but nothing was as small as I needed- 3/4" in diameter.
This is very impressive Carl
Thanks Steve! Appreciate you checking in...
There is a warm, glowing appearance to Santa's administration building. In the movie and book, all the windows are lit evenly. To achieve this, I first covered all windows with a material called vellum, which feels like plastic, but is an opaque .007" paper product.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041021073736-507552462.jpeg)
Then, to broadly spread the light of pre-wired warm white 0603 LEDS, I built & installed small white boxes to hold and contain some LED's in place. I painted the face of each LED with diluted yellow acrylic paint as well. Each LED/box could illuminate 3 or 6 tightly spaced windows .
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041021073736-50756253.jpeg)
Other areas required their own method of installation. The 4 "S" scale windows each needed its own LED, with a white card backer to contain and spread the lighting even further.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041021073736-50757538.jpeg)
In the attic windows, one LED was mounted against the white card. Pushing the card closer or farther away from the windows provided the necessary brightness.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041021073736-50758541.jpeg)
All sections were now ready to receive their solder pads....
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-111021094951-508342274.jpeg)
I did as much as possible on the flat to prep all the solder pads I'll need. Same technique I've used in the past, with copper tape wrapped around stripwood. Separate "+" and "-" voltage busses.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-111021094951-508351270.jpeg)
Mounted onto the appropriate section, then soldered LED wires to the corresponding pad.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-111021094951-5083616.jpeg)
Began gluing individual sections to each other.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-111021094951-50837707.jpeg)
Till next time...heading to the top......
Carl
Great work. This project is really coming together nicely. Love the lighting.
Carl, great progress,
AND thanks for showing your approach to achieving the effects of a natural, subdued warm glow .... "I'm beginning to see the light" ;)
Following along here,
--Paul
Terrific, carl.
Looking forwards to a night shot.
Cheers, Mark.
Thanks very much John, Paul, and Mark!
Appreciate you following the project.
It will be a while before I test all the lighting.
Let there be light!!
Just amazed on how you get all those lights to work. ;)
Great work my friend!
Jerry
Hey Carl B:
Walls are looking just great so far. Glad to see you added mortar between the bricks. Just love you last photo.
Karl
Beautiful work. I don't have enough adjectives to describe how cool this project is.
--Opa George
Thank you very much Jerry, Karl and George!
All 7 sections are now glued together. Started working on the rooftops with steep triangular supports for upcoming sub roof cards.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-171021083605-509042105.jpeg)
All roof supports are .06" chipboard.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-171021083605-509061433.jpeg)
After looking over my finished effort several times, concerning the roof pitch and angles behind the clock, I decided that it just wasn't right. So I obliterated that section with my Dremel mini saw and grudgingly started over. GRRR.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-171021083605-509072177.jpeg)
Finally made it to the very top of the clock. I'll need a small finial, so we're now at 13" high.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-171021083605-509081884.jpeg)
Sub roof cards are made of .024 " stock, which was the retail backer card from one of my stencils. Started with the front, tack glued in place- then measure the remaining sides.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-171021083605-509091095.jpeg)
Beginning the diamond shape shingles, and I'm not using the "pinking scissors" method this time. Here, a metal cutting die from the "paper crafting" hobby, on loan from the Mrs..
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-171021083812-509102178.jpeg)
This hand cranked machine rolls the die with a sandwich of thick plastic plates, the die and brown construction paper stock. The die cuts the paper easily, and it is moved and reinserted several times. She also has a larger electric motor powered version.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-171021083812-509111711.jpeg)
I cut the sections apart with scissors to create nearly (300) 3 1/2" long strips. The project took several hours.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-171021083812-50913405.jpeg)
Till next time....more roofing...
That is one impressive structure Carl.....looking forward to seeing it with the shingles installed. 8)
Man, that is terrific - what a great super-project. Really looking forward to seeing the final result.
Looking most impressive, Carl.
Cheers, Mark.
Greg, Vince and Mark, thank you for your encouraging remarks and continued interest!
Clever use of the crafting machine! I look forward to seeing how you finish the shingles.
dave
Thank you Dave.
It was a lot of work doing it this way, but the required amount of commercial shingles would have been pricey...
This project is already costing a bunch....
For what it's worth, I've had luck talking to some vendors to buy sheets of unassembled shingles in bulk.
dave
Hey Carl:
that is one heck of A building and you are doing A beautiful job with it.
Karl
Appreciate the compliment Karl, thank you.
Carl,
Amazing, simply amazing.
Tom ;D
Thank you very much Tom. Appreciate your continued interest.
Hey Carl:
You are quite welcome.
Karl
29 sub roof cards were covered with diamond shingle strips. I had just enough from the die cutting session.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-171021083812-509142242.jpeg)
All cards were then painted with Rustoleum flat black spray. Then dry brushed with Apple Barrel Elephant gray.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-231021181053-50938356.jpeg)
I asked a fellow retired coworker that lives across the country from me, and now proud owner of a 3D printer, to produce these (6) tall chimneys for the project. They're 4" long, 1/2" wide and 3/16" thick.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-231021181053-509401354.jpeg)
The white filament plastic, which is somewhat glossy, required several coats of paint to cover, so this is after 2 coats of Americana Heritage brick. Now I'm adding my own wrap around "masonry" trim of 4 x 12 and 4 x 4.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-231021181053-50941533.jpeg)
Complete and ready for install. I used diluted Liquitex Modeling paste for mortar.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-231021181053-509422430.jpeg)
I glued all (6) chimneys in place, and then attached the appropriate roof card.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-231021181221-50944267.jpeg)
Also from my 3D associate, these railings will be used on the 2nd floor balcony. One long piece will have to be cut to the needed sizes.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-231021181221-509452316.jpeg)
Trimmed, cleaned up and painted, now setting between two brick pillars. I made those from small square chimneys he 3D printed for me last year.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-231021181221-509461033.jpeg)
Till next time....
Beautiful modeling.
Your work continues to impress me!!
Jerry
Looking most splendid, my friend.
That elephant grey is a nice colour. It works very well for the tiles.
Cheers, Mark.
Thank you Curt, Jerry and Mark!
I've gotten great results by stippling on different colors of chalks/pigments onto slates. That adds just a touch of different color/texture. But they look great even without additional coloring.
dave
Thanks Dave.
very nice :) can't wait to see it finish
Eric
I haven't been posting much lately, but I always look in on this build. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Mark
Thank you Eric and Mark! Appreciate your posts...
Much more to do ......
Hey Carl:
All looks very well done sofar. I just can't wait to see this one finished.
Karl
Carl,
This gets better and better with each post. Fantastic scratch build.
Tom ;D
Karl and Tom, thank you very much!
I installed the 3D railings on the main balcony. For some extra illumination, I also added 2 globe sconce lights on either side of the arch.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-231021181221-50947720.jpeg)
The building is just about finished...some minor touch ups needed..
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-231021181221-509481224.jpeg)
A darkened room test fire of all the lighting...it is always meant to be close to midnight for this model... a relief to get this far.....
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-291021162118-510282213.jpeg)
Next task is the begin a "pedestal" base for the just completed structure.
3/32" balsa is cut to fit in a general shape around the building perimeter. Two pieces were butted together for the required depth.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-291021162118-510361460.jpeg)
Supporting frame with 1/2" high x 1/4" thick balsa strips.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-291021162118-51037574.jpeg)
Now glued down and trimmed back.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-291021162118-51038971.jpeg)
A very thin skim coat of joint compound all around to depict smooth masonry. I'll set this aside for later when I build the actual diorama base...
But first I need some separate decorative brick arches, and a railroad coach car...
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-291021162118-51039669.jpeg)
Till next time....
That looks great, in both light and dark!
dave
Wow...what an ambitious and masterfully built project! Outstanding!
John
Fabulous, Carl.
Such a wonderful structure.
Cheers, Mark.
That is truly outstanding.
Absolutly amazing.....and the lighting is going to look amazing under the tree. 8)
Spectacular. Can't say enough about it.
Does it get any better than this! What a magnificent scratch build!!
Jerry
Incredible work! I love this.
--Opa George
Just wonderful Carl !!!
And it keeps getting better and better ...
All the best,
--Paul
Absolutely stunning piece of craftsmanship , beautiful , beautiful , beautiful.
Thank you all very much Dave, John, Mark, Curt, Greg, Vince, Jerry, George, Paul and Jan!
I truly appreciate all your positive comments and attention! A few more things to build yet...but this big one is finally out of the way!
Wow - went back and checked the actual building in the Polar Express book - Nailed it Carl! Just beautiful.
Doug
Thank you Doug!
I'm always amazed at how some of you folks can scratch build these impressive structures. Well done.
Jeff
Thank you Jeff!
Hey Carl:
All I can say is WOW!!!! Just beautiful work.
Karl
Appreciate your interest Karl, thank you !
Very nicely done :)
eric
Thank you Eric!
Hey Carl:
You are quite welcome. I forget did I tell what your name Carl means in German?
Karl
Karl
Yes Karl, we discussed our names back on page 2 of this thread.
Decorative brick arches lie directly in back of the Christmas tree in North Pole Square..
See a still from the movie here:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338348/mediaviewer/rm3683486720/
They form a semi-circle and connect two sets of buildings. I must condense mine to fit the space. I drew up a plan...
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041121140340-510642107.jpeg)
Transferred those dimensions to .05 chipboard and cut out two side pieces, and two curved sections.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041121140341-51065205.jpeg)
I used an ellipse template to guide my pencil and cut lines on .010" styrene for the smooth masonry. I'll cut the .02" thick JTT Scenery brick sheet to fit as well. 6 x 6 square styrene is used as "divider" trim.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041121140341-51066925.jpeg)
I created the curved trim by pre-bending the styrene over a small diameter drill bit shank.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041121140341-510671576.jpeg)
All pieces were filed down smooth.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041121140341-510681259.jpeg)
For lighting, I installed small styrene tubes to contain each LED and its wires to reach the upcoming interconnect points. Each will shine down over the center of the arches....Here testing....
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041121140523-51069263.jpeg)
I set both of these walls under weights for 2 days to form the curve I'll need. They only bounced back a little.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041121140523-51070851.jpeg)
After I glued together both the front and back walls, the gap needed to be filled with modelers paste. I added a beige directly to the paste. It will be painted a lighter, similar color.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041121140523-510711951.jpeg)
Till next time...more arch work...
Very impressive Carl. Really appreciate you taking the time to document and show the steps leading to you wonderful creations. Outstanding methods and problem solving skills.
And it just keeps getting better !!
All the best,
--Paul
Just exceptional scratch building. Every detail so well thought out.
Jerry
Another fabulous part of your scratch build.
Paul, Jerry and Curt, thank you for your positive comments.
I threaded and glued 0603 LEDS thru the tubes with their leads exposed. I already have mounted solder points with copper tape at the ready.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041121140523-51072335.jpeg)
Now with the lights soldered in and dressed, I can't choose the value appropriate resistors, until I get a count on the total for the entire project. This will be left open till then.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-041121140523-510731610.jpeg)
Front and back smooth masonry walls will hide the electronics. This is .020" styrene glued to a card backer.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-101121192455-510821970.jpeg)
My own diamond shingles, cut with the pinking scissors, will be used for a small roof on this piece. Cut on the curve, and only very short pieces to maintain alignment.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-101121192456-511051333.jpeg)
I need 8 Tuscan style columns, which are 7/32" styrene tube, .030" sheet cut into 2 different size squares, and a .02" "ring".
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-101121192456-511062088.jpeg)
Columns painted and attached, except for one where I will pass the power wires up from a column and attach to the distribution section.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-101121192456-51107161.jpeg)
Nearly finished , many touch ups necessary....
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-101121192456-51108793.jpeg)
Till next time...a Labelle Co. Interurban car
Keeps getting remarkabler. Loving watching this come together. Thx, Carl.
Beautiful scratch building. Truly a work of art.
Carl, this build and the results are coming along wonderfully !!
What also strikes me is the level of planning, design and problem solving that goes on 'behind the curtain'. I can only assume that you have an equal share of design and development as you do actual modeling on these spectacular builds.
Just keeps getting better,
Thanks and all the best,
--Paul
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!!
You continue to inspire, Carl. Your model is looking truly magnificent.
Cheers, Mark.
Current Limiters are a much better choice than messing with calculated resistor values.... Unfortunately, the MicroLumina tip sheet on using those is not available right now.
dave
Vince, Curt, Paul and Mark thank you very much. I appreciate your continued interest.
Dave- I disagree current limiters are a "better" choice. CL1 and CL2's output a consistent 20ma, therefore the LED is at full brightness. I don't want that. I would still have to add a resistor after the limiter to reduce the brightness to realistic levels.
Additionally, there's price....in bulk, limiters are approx. $.50- 1.00 ea., resistors are .02 ea. This project uses 32 LEDS.
Bill Santore (Microlumina) and I have discussed this matter, and he agreed the "resistor only" works fine & only requires more math. Online resistor calculators are available, but during my 40 year career in electronics maintenance, I used this equation: P = I^2_R.
Well, if you worked in electronics maintenance, then you probably know how to read resistor bands :-)
dave
Indeed I do Dave.
Hey Carl:
Great job on the bridge so far.
Karl
Thanks Karl.
Actually it's a colonnade, a row of columns connected by its own roof.
Looks good Carl.....nice addition to the scene. 8)
Thanks Greg!
Hey Carl:
As I said it looks great. Keep the photos coming. I'm very much enjoying your build.
Karl
Will do Karl. Next update is tomorrow Nov. 11
In the movie, the Polar Express coach car was one of several carrying children to the North Pole.
See a still of the movie car here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338348/mediaviewer/rm4237134848/
I already had a Labelle Co. Interurban car wood kit on hand, that will do. It's the first one I've ever built.
The instructions are single spaced typed, run together, and assume complete familiarity with coach car terminology and parts identification. I have neither, I freely admit to building 95% structures.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-131121072758-511092127.jpeg)
Spreading all the parts out shed very little light on this project. I had to do much on-line research and learn some new stuff....The wood is well machined and fuzz free.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-131121072758-51117991.jpeg)
These larger pieces are "window posts", which are separately applied in between each window. The smaller sizes are "Mullion casings" and are installed in the narrow gaps.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-131121072759-511182120.jpeg)
The scribed siding is underneath the windows and short lengths are spliced together to make the necessary length.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-131121072759-51119465.jpeg)
I have glued the passenger doors at the ends, and am building up the front and back doors.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-131121072759-511201188.jpeg)
"Bumpers" & "formers" are used to assemble the three sections together. I pre-painted many of these parts.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-131121073016-51121380.jpeg)
The clerestory has the window casing itself, and inserts to provide some definition between windows.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-131121073016-511222373.jpeg)
Till next time...more of the same...
Quote from: PRR Modeler on November 17, 2021, 08:11:54 AM
Very intricate modeling. Well done. How many are you building?
Thanks you Curt. I am building just this one car.
Excellent work!!
Jerry
Carl
I just got caught up with your build. Fantastic work!
Appreciate your comments Jerry and John. Thanks!
Hey Carl:
It's coming along nicely.
Karl
Thank you Karl.
This is the first build of a LaBelle passenger car I can remember. I have a couple of those kits put away, so I'm watching this closely!
dave
Carl.............
Labelle has notoriously tough instructions. I've built at least one of everything they have ever produced. I did a series of construction article for Rick Steel about twelve years ago that cover most of the weird stuff that you can run into.
Here are two links that should get you there. First is the page that shows about ten "How To" articles that I did and the second is the one specific to interurbans.
E mail me on the side if I can help . Looks like you are on your way.
https://www.labellemodels.com/hints-pointers-c-91.html?osCsid=rbr1ub35ni8gv0np13m649vph4
https://www.labellemodels.com/building-interurban-cars-p-1480.html?osCsid=rbr1ub35ni8gv0np13m649vph4
see ya
Bob
Dave- Thanks for following.
Bob- Appreciate your offer & thoughts. I have accessed your articles on Labelle's site many times!
I forgot to mention those resources in this thread. I highly recommend them.
Much fiddling, gluing, sanding and adjusting to get to this point.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-131121073017-51123452.jpeg)
The roof is not shaped correctly out of the box, till you make it that way. Adding pieces and sanding them down to the contour desired. As Bob P. mentioned, there are some helpful instructions concerning a few procedures to build these kits, on the company website. https://www.labellemodels.com/
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-131121073017-51124700.jpeg)
I want the interior lit, but with opaque white windows. I am building an LED board with 3 lights, and it will tuck into the roof.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-221121131522-511772439.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-221121130818-511732351.jpeg)
The underframe details were applied, and I worked from other sources I found on-line.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-221121130818-5117461.jpeg)
The roof was finished, painted and then glued on.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-221121130818-511751644.jpeg)
This will be a static model just for the foreground of the scene. I'm sure these are the wrong trucks, but I'm not being picky. I may have some Kadee couplers somewhere....
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-221121130818-511762050.jpeg)
Till next time...
Carl
Very nice work. It looks great.
Beautiful modeling Carl.
It's looking great. Can't wait to see it all come together. Great modeling! Always following along. Mark
Carl.....
Looks great...............
Regarding couplers...... Kadee makes an extender pocket that I think they intended for passenger but it works great for trolleys. It is self centering and puts the swing out at about three quarters of an inch with as standard M-5 coupler. Their part number is 451.... you will probably need to call them directly. I doubt if any hobby shops keep them.
I asked Rick Steele at Labelle and he had never heard of them. Well guarded secret I suppose.
If you consider powering it you can easily get NWSL Stanton drives to go in there or watch on e-bay for Tenshodo spud drives. They still show up from time to time.
I have also successfully grafted Bowser trolley drives into them. You will need to call them also as their page shows almost nothing of their trolley products any longer. They do offer a drive kit that has the geared truck and idler trailing truck. You can hit it with any can motor out there.
Most of my box motors have Proto 2000 SW 1500 switcher drives in them. It's a little work but it is a really dependable drive. Shown below..
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/81-260414145217.jpeg)
Again............ very cool.
Thanx
Bob
Hey Carl:
Thanks and more great pics. Love your color scheme.
Karl
John, Curt, Mark, Bob and Karl thank you very much!
Bob- I appreciate your impressive knowledge concerning these coaches,
unfortunately this will be a lonely static model on a stand alone diorama.
I certainly know who to ask for more information!
Carl,
Just reviewed this thread...what a massive project !
The modeling info you shared on the photos of this build has several neat tips in it too.
Trolley car came out great...but that lighted structure makes the holiday season look very bright.
Tommy
Thanks very much Tom! I appreciate your interest.
I firmly believe sharing "how-to" info is the best way to increase overall interest in any hobby.
Hey Carl:
You are quite welcome.
Karl
Good work on the trolley Carl.....well done. 8)
Carl,
Fantastic build all the way. Now I need to go back and watch the movie, again, Seems like I watch it at least three times every December.
Tom ;D
Thanks Greg and Tom!
Greg-I have my own DVD copy!
THis month's RMC has a nice spread of (O scale) trolley models by Tom Picirillo.
dave
The diorama base is two 24" x 12" sheets of 1/4" birch plywood. I rounded and sanded the corners. They will be separated by a set of spacers to allow for wiring underneath. Man, lumber prices are whacked....
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-261121081514-51245269.jpeg)
The spacers are 3/16" X 5/16" balsa.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-261121081514-512462316.jpeg)
I glued those down to the "bottom" piece about 3" apart.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-261121081514-512472091.jpeg)
The "top" piece was covered with a 1/8" thick coat of joint compound to depict large curved rectangular stone pavers. I'll be scribing the expansion joint lines in this later. I previously glued down two code 83 rails for the coach car to sit on. They are nearly buried in the lower left. Expectedly, this will shrink and crack and require a 2nd very thin top coat to finish.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-261121081514-512482439.jpeg)
2nd thin top coat of JC added, then sanded down smooth. Dark beige for a paint primer/sealer, and makes it a lot easier to see what I'll be scribing.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-261121081514-512492489.jpeg)
Such a large expanse of masonry requires some character. I quickly made two crude trammels of basswood, one for marking the perimeter circles and another for the individual vertical joints. I experimented on paper with varying sizes until it seemed plausible. It's just a semicircle wrapped around the front steps to the building.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-261121081717-512501638.jpeg)
Marked off the lines on the joint compound, and began scribing using a dental pick, first the outer circles.....
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-261121081717-5125137.jpeg)
Then the connecting lateral joints...very slow going...
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-261121081717-512521544.jpeg)
Till next time....
All I can say is WOW. This just keeps getting better.
Thanks for the compliment Curt.
I appreciate your interest.
Another part of the project that comes out just right.
Amazing work Carl.
Jerry
Thank you Jerry.
Should have it done soon....
This is just amazing and wonderful to watch it all come together.
Tom ;D
Thank you Tom.
I'm glad you're enjoying the build!
The base is now painted and dry brushed its final colors. Steps, railings and pedestal glued down. Between the rails I installed a wooden insert, and covered it with a light coat of joint compound & more paint.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-261121081717-512531819.jpeg)
A common 12" twisted wire bottlebrush tree is being decorated with miniature lights and ornaments by the Mrs.. Some were hung with decorative string, but a hot glue gun was used for most items..
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-261121081717-51254240.jpeg)
The interurban, colonnade and the tree are having their LED wires fished through the top, then the entire unit lowered down & glued to the bottom section.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-031221190328-51319876.jpeg)
I can now mount the building and finish up the wiring.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-031221190329-513201808.jpeg)
A 9 volt 1500 ma power supply is sufficient for this many lights.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-031221190329-513211717.jpeg)
I found a Micronart (sadly closed down) brass kit of an 1889 4 passenger sleigh. A single small .009" sheet of parts. Instructions were straightforward and CA glue is recommended.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-031221190329-513221599.jpeg)
The bench seats are folded in to shape. I pre-painted these and other parts and will touch up later.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-031221190329-513232471.jpeg)
You could leave the brass alone in some areas like the main runners and rails, but it just looked too stark. I mixed some silver and bronze metallic paints together instead.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-051221081226-513311421.jpeg)
Preiser brand reindeer and Santa Claus are receiving some much needed color alterations and aging.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-031221190513-51324133.jpeg)
Till next time....the final pix....
This thread continues to be mind-bogglingly good...your work is so creative and yet your progress so steady and decisive -like you're following instructions.
Really great.
John
Simply gorgeous modeling Carl.
Just fantastic Carl !!
The final diorama will not disappoint, I'm sure.
Wonderful creativity and craftsmanship,
Looks like this will be finished just in time to display for the season, love it when a plan comes together,
All the best,
--Paul
I am totally in love with this thread , what a wonderful build.
John, Curt Paul and Janbouli- thank you all very much for your kind words.
I sincerely appreciate your attention.
Fantastic work Carl. Just so much precision and how it all comes together so easily!
Jerry
Wonderful work, Carl. This has to be one of my favorite threads of all time. And it really puts me in a festive mood.
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful work. Can't wait for the final unveiling!
--Opa George
Nailed it Carl- just awesome work
Doug
Jerry, George and Doug, thank you very much!
Happy this put you in a Holiday mood, that was my purpose all along!
Hey Carl:
All look just great so far. Love Santa's sleigh.
Karl
Thanks Karl.
The sleigh is a nice kit, & Santa looks great in a long coat too!
I'm calling this done....thanks to everyone for watching and commenting.
The theme is the children have been given a ride on the Polar express to meet Santa at the North Pole. This is just before he departs on his long journey across the world, which means it's just before midnight. All of these pix were taken to depict that time.....(even though in reality- during late December-the North Pole experiences 24 hours of daylight! )
Thanks to everyone for the compliments, suggestions and criticism. I appreciate the encouragement and support of all members.
Many challenges were here. I hope I explained my procedures plainly, and passed on some usable tips along the way.
Hopefully , others will try more scratch building
I posted 100+ photos, which do a much better job of showing the process than words ever can.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-031221190513-513251187.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-031221190513-513261114.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-031221190513-51327538.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-031221190513-513282236.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-111221074605-513741916.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-111221074605-513751612.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-111221074605-513761522.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-111221074857-513781174.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/661-111221074857-513802309.jpeg)
WOW, we're not worthy. This build is simply gorgeous.
I'd rate this as one of the top builds ever reported in a railroad forum.
dave
Absolutely breathtaking.....what a scene to find under the Christmas tree.....well done Carl. 8) 8) 8)
Quote from: deemery on December 11, 2021, 10:08:40 AM
I'd rate this as one of the top builds ever reported in a railroad forum.
dave
Double ditto on that. What a wonderful creation. Amazing. Such a feel-good subject, too. Thanks!
Carl....
Just amazing.........
Thanx
Bob
Carl,
Amazing and expertly built. I feel like I'm in the scene.
Tom ;D
So cool, Carl!
Just love it!
Cheers, Mark.
Absolutely wonderful Carl,
Kinda feel like a kid again myself,
Thanks for sharing your creativity and efforts here with us !!
Merry, merry,
--Paul
A Masterpiece! Thanks for sharing.
Jeff
Oh wow, that is just so great, gorgeous , can't say enough how much I like this .
(https://c.tenor.com/_tKVUzKmJKYAAAAd/wow-amazed.gif)
Thank you Curt, Dave, Greg, Vince, Bob, Tom, Mark, Paul, Jeff and Jan!
I am humbled by your compliments, and sincerely appreciate them.
It was a pleasure to bring the Spirit of Christmas to the forum.
Quote from: vinceg on December 11, 2021, 10:59:55 AM
Quote from: deemery on December 11, 2021, 10:08:40 AM
I'd rate this as one of the top builds ever reported in a railroad forum.
dave
Double ditto on that. What a wonderful creation. Amazing. Such a feel-good subject, too. Thanks!
Absolutely agree. This is my favorite build, for so many reasons. Can't say enough good things about it.
Thanks much for sharing all this beautiful modeling, Carl.
--Opa George
This is such a fantastic build Carl. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you very much for your kind words George and Steve!
Oh, and Congrats to Janbouli for the best meme post ever :-) :-)
dave
Hey Carl:
All I can say Wowie. Beautifully done.
Karl
Thanks very much Karl!
Just awesome Carl
Doug
Appreciate the compliment Doug!
Hey Carl:
You are quite welcome.
Karl
Great build! Fun from start to finish. Mark
Thanks very much Mark!
And thank you for following the build!