Winter Challenge 2024 - Flat Iron Corner Building - Tom Langford.

[ACL1504]

Several months ago Jim asked me if I would participate in a Modeler's Forum build challenge. I told him I would be happy to. I don't really have an area where I can install a diorama on the layout. Also, I need to only build something I can use on the layout and not have the structure become a shelf orphan.

My space is limited and it is shaped liked a flat iron. Hence, the title of a Flat Iron Corner Building.

The available real estate for the structure is approx. 25 square inches.

A flat iron building is one that resembles an old iron from the turn of the 20th Century. The next two photos are of a flat iron which I got from my grandmother. I've been using this flat iron as a door stop for the past 50 years.

The third photo is of an archival photo of a flat iron building.

[ACL1504]

The next photo shows you my available space.



This block of real estate is on the Dixie Hwy. and the front property line is on a slight curved section of the highway.

My structure will be scratch built to fit the space and will be surrounded by sidewalks.

[ACL1504]

I made a paper template of the space and then drew in the sidewalk areas.

[ACL1504]

I then used the paper template as a guide and did the same on a piece of basswood from Northeast Scale Lumber. The wood is 1/16" thick and is scribed on one side. I turned the wood over to give me the smooth side for the concrete slab.



The piece of wood I had on hand wasn't wide enough so I glued on a section at the top (curved portion) for the base.

[ACL1504]

Using my paper template as a guide, I used a #2 pencil and drew the sidewalk and expansion joints.



I then used one of my pointed punches to scribe the pencil lines to give the base some relief.

[ACL1504]

I used Floquil Aged Concrete and painted the basswood base. The paint is dry, but I'll wait for the paint to cure prior to adding weathering.



I cut off the end as I want a small section for a small tree or bush.

[ACL1504]

The actual footprint of the structure is seen in the interior sides of the sidewalks.

Again, here are the two photos for your convenience.





The flat iron building will measure, in HO scale feet as follows.

Front wall - 40 feet.

Rear wall - 36 feet.

North end wall - 7 feet.

South end wall - 23 feet.

[Mark Dalrymple]

Off to a cracker start, Tom.

I remember seeing a lovely iron front building in MRR built from City Classics iron front, front walls, with a turret protrusion on the small corner.  I bookmarked it as a project for on day in the future.  Looking forward to seeing what you do with your triangular site.

Cheers, Mark.

[deemery]

Building from the bottom-up!   Yeah, a great start, an interesting building to fit the space.

dave

[restocarp]

I love a good scratchbuild! So far so good! Looking forward to the journey!

Matt

[Jim Donovan]

Thanks Tom;

What a great start, I will be following for sure. I apparently screwed up where to post these challenge threads, I'd hoped everyone would just open  topic in the Winter Challenge Board area of Forum and put there challenge build there. If it is OK I will see if Craig can move the thread at this point if not not a problem and we will follow along here as is. Building on the layout is great and you have up to 288 sq inches to work with so enjoy the space.

I really enjoy how clean you build and explain what you are doing, I learn a lot. Already learned something about building realistic sidewalk area!

Jim

[Zephyrus52246]

This will be fun to watch.  I've never seen that type of track radius gauge before.

Jeff

[Vietnam Seabee]

Another well thought out build. Your SBS are always clear and easy to follow
terry

[tom.boyd.125]

Tom, great start to your build and nice photos too, will get some popcorn and sit back...Tommy

[GPdemayo]

That's going to be quit a "challenge", it will be fun seeing you put this one together Tom.....