I thought I would start at the beginning. The first photograph is what started at all. Through my research I discovered that the chain Grant line produced was perfect for the drive mechanism of this, but it would only work in 1:16 scale I took the model to the Narrowgauge convention in 2008 in Portland Oregon.
I really love to scratch build and in the scale I can pretty much make anything. I need my skills and available. Fools expanded since 2008. I will continue with what you all may have missed in the last 17 years.
Mj
That's quite the critter (prototype and model)!
dave
Marty, welcome to the forum and thanks for starting this thread.
Did you mean Portland, ME.
I remember seeing it there.
Matter of fact one of the figures in your diorama is my avatar picture.
That critter you built was amazing and I look forward to seeing what else you've been up to lately.
Welcome aboard!
A great kick-off!
Philip
Good to see the "Critter" again!
Rick it was Portland, Oregon.
Looking forward to the new stuff that coming our way!!
Jerry
Quote from: Jerry on October 13, 2025, 02:11:48 PMGood to see the "Critter" again!
Rick it was Portland, Oregon.
Looking forward to the new stuff that coming our way!!
Jerry
I didn't go to that show.
But I did see it at one of the shows because I have pictures of it.
Marty,
Welcome and fantastic critter. Thanks for sharing.
Tom
Quote from: Rick on October 13, 2025, 03:00:12 PMQuote from: Jerry on October 13, 2025, 02:11:48 PMGood to see the "Critter" again!
Rick it was Portland, Oregon.
Looking forward to the new stuff that coming our way!!
Jerry
I didn't go to that show.
But I did see it at one of the shows because I have pictures of it.
Yes you did!! Craftsmanship Structure Show Mansfield, Ma.!
The three of us! Did it get any better that that?? :)
Oh! to have those days back again.
You name them they were there for that show! Revelia, Nolan, Jones, Addison the best of best were there.
That's just to name a few.
Jerry
Sorry to steal your show Marty just got carried away.
That, is awesome. Thanks for sharing. As for those Craftsmanship Structure Shows in MA, wish I had been there. Some real modeling legends listed by Jerry.
To keep looking back, here was the beginning of my 1:16
machine shop. The Powell Machine Co. planer. Based on the Western Scale models 0 scale model. Bill made some beautiful kits!
The model is 14" long and 7" tall. Mostly styrene but the base is MDF. The pulleys are castings from Western scale and Ierra West. There's probably some brass parts too. The raised letters are laser cut.
I finished this model Feb 25 2012.
Hope ya'll are enjoying this.
If you have questions please don't be shy.
Mj
Amazing! 8)
As if the machine wasn't great enough the oil can is the cherry on top.
These models are fabulous. I could never do what you show here, just beautiful, and Jerry
is correct when he mentioned that you are his mentor.
I joined the Railroad Line Forums in September 2010, and might have contacted you only once, but
I'm happy that you have joined here. Can't wait to see more.
Rich
God MJ that was 13 years ago!!
Beautiful piece of machinery.
Jerry
Mj I can only echo what the others have already stated. Incredible modeling and the detail you've achieved in this scale is off the charts. Can't wait to see more; thanks for sharing.
8)
REALLY NICE! Keith Rucker did a series of videos on restoring a Planer, search for Vintage Machinery on YouTube. And check out the videos by Iron Jonesy on his 1890s shop and tool restorations.
dave
Thanks all!
Just trying to inspire/motivate.
Always glad to help.
Dave,
I'm a big fan of Jonsey since we share a last name. :o
Mj
June of 2012 this camel back drill press came out of my shop.
I love these things, with I had a 1:1 one!
This was quite a challenge tapering the 3/8" brass then bending it.
Mj
Off the charts outstanding!
Mj that is one of, if not the best drill press depiction I have ever seen; you actually put Sierra West's drill press to shame.
Marty,
That...is one beautiful piece of machinery!!
I second Larry and Rick!
Rich
You know you're pretty good at making these machines!!!
Glad you gave me the book!
It's a treasure to have!
Jerry
Thanks guys!
Don't tell Brett, I think he's already mad at me. :o
Mj
Last of the big machines. October of 2012. This one is mostly styrene and ABS except for the pulleys.
I'm actually working on finishing the building.
Stay tuned!
Mj
It just doesn't get any better then this.
Just outstanding work!!!
Jerry
WOWSA!!!!!!!!!! Simply amazing work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You guys are too kind.
I'm very humbled by the praise.
I found a few more pictures on the hard drive.
Just a simple hacksaw.
My saw arm raises/lowers, the clamp functions, the miter is Al's adjustable and the door opens.
I thought ya'll would find the "raw" model showing the different materials interesting.
Mj
Another beauty!!!!! The painting and weathering is on point.
Masterful!
Dangggg! 8)
I fogot how really good your at this!!
In this scale you have to have it right and you do.
Jerry
Very nice models, Marty. Wish I had your skills.
Rich
Marty,
Fantastic modeling. Don't worry about Brett, he gets mad at anything and everyone as well.
Tom
Thanks gentlemen!
Rich, it just takes practice.
I've screwed up so many times.
I know what not to do.
I enjoy a challenge, at this point all I got is time.
MJinTN
The beauty is capturing all the details in 1/16.
Is that a stock wood cove mold making the base or scratch built?
Philip
I milled the MDF with a router.
I don't know how as looking back it looks like a scary procedure. I still have all my fingers!
So yes, made in the shop.
MJinTN
Quote from: labdad on October 26, 2025, 06:56:14 PMI milled the MDF with a router.
I don't know how as looking back it looks like a scary procedure. I still have all my fingers!
Having all your fingers is a good thing!!
Mdf is great but make plumes of dust.
February 2013 yielded another challenging machine.
The universal miller.
Again another CHB/Sierra west supersize.
The first image shows (again) materials used.
Like with my furniture I use the best materials for their purpose.
MJinTN
https://bgjfurniture.wordpress.com/
Truly amazing modeling, Mj in TN.
Even the shavings are to scale!
Rich
I think it's amazing that you could go to that size and have everthing come out perfect.
Jerry
Outstanding!
Do you make the adjustment wheels/handles as well or do you buy those?
Mj that is just outstanding!!!!!!!!! You must have some pretty nifty tools to pull something like that off; beside your great talent. I would call ALL your machines "Museum Quality".
Now that I look at these again are you sure there not real machines that you took photos of?? ;) :)
Jerry
Thanks again. I am humbled.
Rick, the hand wheels are purchased.
They are brake wheels from smaller scales.
They (other scales pieces) come in handy.
Jerry you know better, you've seen the secret "in progress" shots ;D
MJinTN
Awesome! Looks like this co. went overly proud in pricing?
SH 2025 (https://modelmotorcars.com/collections/small-parts-hardware)
Larry,
Sorry I missed your comment.
Thank you!
I have a Sherline lathe and mill.
I couldn't do squat without them.
MJinTN
Well, since I showed all the machines, I thought it would be appropriate to show the building. I milled my own siding from old pallets. I did nothing to their color or finish, all I did was plane them down to 1/16" and cut them to 3/4" wide.
MJinTN
Marty the coloring is just outstanding!
What did you use for the brick wall??
Jerry
Wow! Band sawed on an acute angle or what? You captured the saw mill look in those boards. 1/16 for ya I guess. 8)
Wow!!! Now that's what I call a wall and I agree with Jerry.
Quote from: Larry C on November 07, 2025, 09:50:40 AMWow!!! Now that's what I call a wall and I agree with Jerry.
New world order. :o
You can't beat mother natures own weathering.
Looks fantastic!
Well since somebody asked about the back wall...
Here it is. If there is interest I will explain.
It's a long story.
Tornado watch here so it will have to wait.
Hopefully the girls from Wicked will show up! 😍
MJinTN
I hope the wind tunnel passed by without damage!!
Jerry
Labdad,
This is truly fantastic modeling. The exterior walls do look natural. Yes, we want to know about the back brick wall.
Tom
Thanks "Tom & Jerry" ;D :D :) ::)
The brick walls started as individual bricks. I bought a mold for military models.
Once I had enough I built two wall masters.
One vertical and one horizontal. Each 3" x 6" accordingly.
Those were turned into silicone molds.
When I cast the molded walls I used tinted (powder used for concrete) in the plaster of Paris. I added black and brown tint randomly to the molds before pouring the red plaster.
I made the sides of the molds staggered so the sections would fit like a puzzle.
I did have to cut out some for the windows and door.
And yes it took a while!
MJinTN
MJ the time was certainly well spent; the brick wall looks amazing.
Great looking walls. I'll bet building the wall "brick by brick" took awhile.
Jeff
Sure looks fine for making your own molds and coloring is just right.
A job well done!
Jerry
Thanks for the back story on the wall.
Thanks guys!!!!
Keep the questions coming.
It was a challenge but that's why I model (and build furniture).
And why I chose 1/16.
I enjoy a challenge. 💪
You ain't seen nothing yet!
MJinTN
A machine shop needs power, so a brass Corliss should do. It killed me to paint this, but that was always the plan. I did buy the flywheel but modified it some.
I look forward to finishing the foundation.
MJinTN
Wow, that's quite close to the drawing on the Wikipedia page on Corliss engines: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corliss_steam_engine
dave
Your sure making it look easy.
I guess working in 1/16 can make it a little easier on the eyes!! ;)
Jerry
A bit Jerry!
Splendid work!
I get all my reference information from Wikipedia LMAO! :D ;D ::) :P
Thanks guys!
Mj
Mj that is one sweeeet looking steam engine; can't wait to see what you do/did with the boiler.
I am NOT looking forward to the boiler!
More rivets than the vices I have.
Then there is the plumbing.
Good thing I got the rest of my life.
MJinTN
There are two schools on NBW and rivets. One is to drill the holes and insert the stems. The other is to cut the head flush, and glue the head on with CA. How do you do it?
(That will tell us if your vices are embedded, or just shallow. :) ;D )
dave
Gosh, MJ, you bring modeling into a whole new dimension!
explicit work!
Rich
Dave,
I'm a drill and fill guy so I can space them exactly on my rotary table.
I take a tall extra large straight jacket. 🤣
MJinTN
These were done that way with 3D printed rivets
MJinTN
Quote from: labdad on November 15, 2025, 05:51:48 PMThese were done that way with 3D printed rivets
MJinTN
Really great looking boiler/engine combo! Do you know how many horsepower the prototype was rated for? I wonder how many machines you could drive with that.
dave
Fantastic looking boiler!!! Love all the details.
Howdy MJ, the boiler is amazing and is a work of art. Excellent work. ~mike
Thank you all!
It's a Dolbeer based on the CHB/sierra West O scale kits.
In 1:16 of course.
It has a motor inside the boiler that runs the engine/crank and operates the capstan.
I hope to power it on the layout...eventually.
MJinTN
Mj the detail you're able to accomplish in this scale is nothing short of mind blowing. Your work is truly "Museum" quality!!!!!
Museum quality for sure.
To see it actually operate would be amazing.
Machine shop reference ::)
MJinTN
WOW!
I started laying track. I started with a stub switch 'cause they're easy.
I figured I needed a switch stand.
So here it is.
And yes, it's functional. 😎
MJinTN
Wow Martin wonders never cease! You do marvelous work!
Rich
Of course it's functional. ;) ;D
Of course it would work. Otherwise the Shay wouldn't know which way to go!! ;D
Jerry
Dang MJ!! You have to be one of the few people laying track and has functional switch stands to boot. Fantastic!!!!
Quote from: Larry C on December 02, 2025, 11:34:38 AMDang MJ!! You have to be one of the few people laying track and has functional switch stands to boot. Fantastic!!!!
Bernie Kempinski has working switch stands on his O gauge Civil War railroad. He also has working link-and-pin couplers. Operating on his railroad is an unique experience. Fortunately, he doesn't require that you also learn Morse Code.
dave
Thanks guys!
I had L&P on my On30 layout.
I had the plastic ground throws. 😳
This one is also L&P
MJinTN