The Modeler's Forum

Hello
     Some of you may be aware that I'm planning on doing a new On30 mini exhibition layout inspired by Disneyland's Jungle Cruise. 
No, the layout won't look like a theme park ride, but rather an African jungle themed layout but will have many of the signature buildings & scenes from Adventureland, because they look really cool.
So inspired by the ride, but sort of realistic, with a lot of fun thrown in.

I've already built one boat for it. Full build here:- La Quila boat (https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=7667.0)

So the first structure I'm scratchbuilding is the Lost Delta Boathouse, which is the entrance and building housing the queue line for Jungle Cruise ride at Disneyland.
I'm replicating the front facade with some selective compression.

here are some prototype pics
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826004125-578641863.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826004125-578661796.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826004125-57867617.jpeg)

First up is to build the distinctive 3 story middle tower.
Here is the left side, front and right side walls, made from card, balsa and NE lumber clapboards.
Took me about 3 weeks to make these sections, as I don't have any accurate measurements, just using the photos for reference.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826005145-578731771.jpeg)

Rob, that's a very interesting structure to build.
I'll be here to watch as you make progress with it.

Thanks Rick.  Yep, not your average structure you'd see on a model railroad.
The detail work Disney do on their buildings is stunning.

I got the three walls glued together and painted it.
For the green I'm using Tamiya Cockpit Green and for the yellow I'm using Chromacryl Yellow Oxide.
The yellow looks more garish in the photos than what it really is.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826005145-578741415.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826005145-578751781.jpeg)

Rob, those colors look exactly like the prototype.
Good choices.

This looks like a fun build, Rob.

The green looks very similar to Jo Sonja's antique green, which is one of my favourite colours to use.

Cheers, Mark.

Hi Rob, this looks like a really interesting & fun structure to build!
It already looks like your off to a great start.
I look forward to watching you build this!

Greg

Thanks Rick,  Yep, happy I was able to match the colours, especially as I already had that paint in my stash.

Thanks Mark. I'll have to check out that JS green, as I use the expensive Tamiya Cockpit Green quite a bit on my structures.  It's also a good colour for period type workshop machines, lathes, drill presses etc.

Thanks Greg.  Really looking forward to getting this one done.  Has always been one of my favourite Disneyland buildings.

On the top story, I've now done all the criss cross gingerbread pattern using balsa and
also all the stepped detail just above the entrance, for which I used styrene as it was easier to work with.  (if you refer back to the prototype pics, I think I've matched pretty well)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826005328-57880642.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826005145-578761672.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826005145-578771598.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826005328-57878971.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826005328-578791531.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-040826005328-57881681.jpeg)

next up will be to paint it all.

Rob, great job on the criss cross pattern.
I'm sure using balsa made it easier to cut those angles.
The trim work between floors is outstanding and does look like the prototype.

Thanks Rick.  Yep lots of angles to work out, but I'm happy with how the gingerbread trim turned out.

All the trim painted now.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-100826032339-578851362.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-100826032339-57886106.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-100826032339-578871983.jpeg)

Next up I need to get the backside wall on to square up & stabilize the tower.

Very nice!
That roof should be interesting to build.

Thanks Rick.  Yep, some interesting roof lines to this structure.  But the roofs will one of the last things to do, as I don't want to knock them.

I've now added the rear wall and floors to the tower.
Although the large open windows will have shutters on them, they will be partially open, so I've still added some interior wall detail to it. For this I've just printed out some rattan pattern to use.  Oversized but looks really nice.

Rear wall with gingerbread trim
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-100826213446-57888451.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-100826213446-578892331.jpeg)

Here you can see the interior rattan wall covering
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-100826213446-578901850.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-100826213446-57891468.jpeg)

And I've made up a sign.  Found a suitable one on the web, resized it and made a frame from balsa.
This won't be added till near the end, and still needs lights on either side.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-100826213446-5789252.jpeg)

I've now made the left side walls section.  I'm using Grandtline "stick" porch rail #3555 for this side balcony railing.
Whilst not a match for the Disney prototype, it's still a bit fancy so will suffice.

So I cut down the 3 sections of railing to appropriate lengths and this then gave me the distance I needed between the posts. The prototype has 4 sections, but I'm selectively compressing mine to three. And again used styrene for the stepped trim.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140826211049-579371113.jpeg)

Then added the clapboard siding in between as needed.  No, that bit with the grey card showing is not a doorway.  It will be covered by the ticket booth.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140826211049-579381845.jpeg)

All painted up, and attached to the tower.  Was quite fiddly to do.
At least now it's starting to look like a building
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140826211049-579402328.jpeg)

Close up of the balcony
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140826211648-579422172.jpeg)

Left end section to which I've added a window.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140826211049-579411503.jpeg)

And have added in the 1st level floor using 1.5mm balsa sheet
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140826211648-57943271.jpeg)

And the upright interior rattan wall section, just temporarily sitting in place, to see if I like it.
Just printed pattern glued to card
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140826211648-579442035.jpeg)

Rob, you're nailing the look of the prototype.

Very nice! Definitely gives off those Disney vibes.

Thanks Rick  & Jaime.  Yep I'm really happy that I'm getting very close to the look of the Disneyland structure.  I'm constantly referring back to lots of photos folks have posted on the internet.

I've now made the little ticket booth that sits out the front. Board & batten for the walls and used rope for the frond style roof.  Still needs to a sign.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-160826214713-57952726.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-160826214713-57953881.jpeg)

Nice roof.

Thanks Rick

I've now made up the right side front facade. Same method used as the left side.
However, the balcony railing trim is different.  On the prototype the left side railing trim is fancy whereas the right side is plain so I've replicated this look using Grandtline Porch & Lanai Rail #3549

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-200826181704-57956802.jpeg)

Then completed the rest of the wall section & painted it.
I'm having an entrance on the corner, which is my own idea, not on the Disney version.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-200826181704-579571658.jpeg)

Then attached it to the right side of the tower.  The right side facade is set back further than the left, as per the prototype.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-200826181704-5795895.jpeg)

Now it's really starting to look like the Disney building. Here you can see the two different types of balcony trim I used. (Refer back to the prototype pics)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-200826181704-579591251.jpeg)

Inside I have now added more balsa sheet to complete the upper floor.
There is also a cut-out in it so I can add a staircase.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-200826181704-57960608.jpeg)

Trial fit of the staircase I made using a Rusty Stumps staircase kit
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-200826181748-579611059.jpeg)

Still need to finish painting the remaining interior walls

Looking great, Rob.

Lots of fun.  Is the Rusty Stump stairway kit good?

Cheers, Mark.

Thanks Mark.  Yes, Mucho fun.  That's what it, or should be, all about.

Yes the Rusty Stumps stair case kit is great. I got a whole sheet of stringers and a whole sheet of treads, and have been using it on several of my O scale builds.
I also have the jig, made out of resin, so everything aligns properly.

Rusty Stumps sold out to Rail Scale Miniatures several years ago, but you can get the RS kits still or RSM have their own.  All available in N, HO, S and O scale.

here's a link to their stair kits in all the scales.
https://www.rail-scale-models.com/search.php (https://www.rail-scale-models.com/search.php)

Rob, it's looking good and turning into a large structure.
How big will the mini exhibition layout be?

Thanks Rick.  yep, quite a long structure.  Once the roof is on should be about 13" long.

The layout will be built the same size as I did my Mexican layout, so in two sections
so I can get it all in my car, a Mazda CX5.

So the main part of the layout with the river & boat, and the train circling and the mountains will be:-
1400mm / 4'7" long x 640mm / 25" deep.
Then an extension bolts on to the main layout which will have the boathouse, and other structures for the village, will be:-
450mm / long x 640 / 25" deep

So total is 6'1" long x 25" deep.

Here's a picture of my Mexican layout so you can see how the two sections join together, so same idea, as I know that will all fit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-220325005914-547861694.jpeg)

Howdy Rob.  Amazing!  ~mike

Thanks Mike.

I've been a bit caught up with real life things this week, but have finally manged to get back to doing something on the boathouse.

I always like adding lighting to my structures, and am always inspired when I see Ensign Greg's lighting works.  So I'm using 3v LEDs with 1k resistors attached as needed. That way I can hook them up to a 12v power supply.  11 lights added so far, but some are string lights.  I managed not to blow up any lights this time.

This week I've started adding the roofs. And I've also adding lots of interior lights so had to work out the best way to add them and get the wiring in.
Other exterior light will be added once the structure is finished.  That way I don't have to work on the structure with too many wires hanging down.

So here's the front facade long roof added.  I also made up the overhanging roof of the tower which was quite fiddly due to compound angles.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290826015458-579681696.jpeg)

The lights for the towers middle & top floors will eventually be mostly hidden when I add windows to the top floor and shutters to the middle floor.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290826015458-579711420.jpeg)

The sign is not glued on as yet.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290826015458-579721887.jpeg)

And this is the lighting for the rear of the structure.
The wires wont be visible once the roof is on.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290826015616-579751260.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290826015616-57976577.jpeg)

Rear roof temporarily attached.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290826015459-579731273.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290826015459-579742210.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-290826015616-579772354.jpeg)

Once the rear roof is on I can start adding all the open frame posts & supports to the back of the structure.

Rob, the lights are a nice addition.

Rob missed the last couple of posts.  That's some amazing work!

Jerry

Thanks Rick.  I always like to add lights to my structures.  Gives it another dimension.

Thanks Jerry.

Now that I'm happy with the lights, it was time to finally glue the rear sub-roof to the structure.
So I again used picture mounting board for this.
All of the lighting wires feed through the side enclosed part of the structure so all the messy bit is hidden.
Just to be on the safe side, should I ever need to access the wires I have cut a hole in the sub roof.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-030926011454-579831096.jpeg)

I then put the cut out bit back in, and this will eventually be covered with the corrugated tin roof panels, but should I ever need access, I would only need to remove a few tin panels.
As I've used LEDS, and the lights won't be on that often, I'm hoping I will never have to to replace them.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-030926011454-579841750.jpeg)

Now the rear roof is in place, I have finally been able to add all the open frame supports and ballistrades  to the back of the building
I still intend to add an outside staircase to the right hand side of the the rear.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-030926011455-579851400.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-030926011455-57986405.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-030926011455-57987333.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-030926011612-579881772.jpeg)

And here's some night shots.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-030926011612-579892272.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-030926011612-579902192.jpeg)

Very nice!

Following with interest this! Disneyland fan here (DLP).

Howdy Robert, it's looking mighty fine!  ~mike

Thanks Rick & Mike.

Thanks Yannis.  Nice to have another Disney fan on board.

I got the outside staircase made and installed yesterday.  Again used Rusty stumps staircase kit & jig.
I think this now completes the rear of the structure as far as it can go until I arrange it on the layout.
So I will now be able to move on to the corrugated tin roof.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-030926204009-579941543.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-030926204009-5799579.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-030926204009-579961136.jpeg)

Howdy Rob, 

The structure is progressing nicely.  The staircase with the kick panels on the treads is a nice touch that I haven't seen modeled before.  Excellent work as usual.

Have fun,
mike

Rob,

Superior modeling and craftsmanship. That looks wonderful and will be a fantastic addition to the layout.

Tom

Beautiful, crisp work!
Keep at it!
Mj

Thanks Mike.  Not exactly sure what you're meaning by the kick panels?  The staircase has open treads.

Thanks Tom.  Looking forward to getting this structure done, so I can get the layout started.  Only the layout framework has been done so far.

Thanks Marty.  This structure is nearly done.

I've spent the last three days adding all the corrugated roof panels.
This time I'm using O scale corrugated card I got from well known Australian modeller John Hunter.
The corrugations are a bit hard to see in the photos as the card is white.

I'm exhibiting some dioramas at a large model train show this coming weekend, so I will take this structure along also, so I can paint and weather the roof to fill in some time over the weekend.  Plenty of rusty panels coming.

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080926013625-580181781.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080926013626-58019910.jpeg)

Dormer roof added and also the towers 3 top story windows that I scratchbuilt.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080926013626-580201256.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080926013626-580211461.jpeg)

Close up or the witches hat style roof on the tower
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080926015639-580261189.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080926013626-580228.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080926013735-5802445.jpeg)

I've also added 3 of the louvers to the bottom window.  I scratchbuilt the louvers from styrene N scale clapboard siding and strips.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080926013737-58025783.jpeg)

And here's the Disneyland prototype roof on which I'll be trying to replicate the rusty colours.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080926021115-580271835.jpeg)

Rob, you said the card was white but it's pink in the pictures.
Not a big deal.
I guess you'll be brush painting it.

Quote from: robert goslin on September 08, 2026, 01:48:28 AMThanks Mike.  Not exactly sure what you're meaning by the kick panels?  The staircase has open treads.

Howdy Rob.  After a third look, I realize the "kick panels" were actually the far side of the stairs showing through. I'll wear my glasses next time. 
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/586-090926085915.jpeg) 

Thanks Rick.  It's maybe looking pink due to the room lighting.
Anyhow, it will all be painted, and yes by hand.

Thanks Mike.  It's all in the angles I guess.  Thanks for clarifying as I was confused.  ;D

Rob, this whole structure is really shaping up well!
Keep up the great work!

Greg

Thanks Greg.

I was doing a couple of days of displaying some of my dioramas at a local model train show this weekend just gone.
So whilst there to fill in my time, in between yapping to people, I took along the JC boathouse structure to paint the roof.  Got it all done, but when I got home I wasn't completely happy with it so spent another 2 hours this morning detailing the paintwork.  Adding panel liner and some more drybrushing to pop the details.
Very happy with it now.
  So here's some final pics of this build of the Lost Delta Boathouse (until it goes on the new layout for final detailing. Still need to add the columns out the front, a couple more external lights and lots of detail junk).

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001143-580331983.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001143-58035448.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001144-580361441.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001144-58037278.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001144-580382480.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001345-580392288.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001346-580401811.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001346-580411755.jpeg)

I scratchbuilt the louvers from styrene
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001346-58042763.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001346-58043439.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001542-5804599.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001542-580461595.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001542-580471379.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001641-580492495.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001542-580482377.jpeg)

(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-140926001641-580502236.jpeg)

Great job painting and weathering the roof.
The whole build is excellent.
Well done!

Howdy Rob,

The boathouse is simply amazing. The roofing colors are perfect. The blend of textures and materials makes the boathouse look real. The subtle panel lining adds depth and highlights detail well.  

Have fun,
mike

That is one cool looking building.  Great work all around, but especially the roof panels. 

Jeff

Thanks Rick, Mike & Jeff for following along.  I've really enjoyed building this structure, even if it has taken me so long.
  When I painted the roof on Saturday, it had too much rust, so was mostly brown & oranges.  On the Sunday I went back and added more grey to the the panels to represent the metal colour so was improved, but looked very flat, and the corrugations weren't that visible.
    Adding the black panel liner between the sheet joins for shadows and then dry brushing the tops of the corrugations in light grey finally gave the 3d effect I was looking for.

Now that the largest & most complex structure, and the La Quila boat are done, I can really get started onto the layout now.
I'll document the layout build over on the O-Narrow Line page. I think would be the best spot.