Hank's Machine Shop

[Larry C]

Time for another update:



Finished the Ford TT pickup. I decided to do this one a little different from the first one I built by using a different color scheme as well as a little more rust here and there. This was an easy build just following Brett's instructions.



Here's the other side of Jethro's truck. As I mentioned earlier he is standing fascinated by the new style steam engine while he waits for his air compressor to be unloaded and fixed. Jethro bought the pickup new back in 1920 and she still is reliable and drives well; almost as old as the compressor.



Awhile ago I made a decision; my railroad building days are over. I plan on building what I enjoy the most...dioramas. To that end I retooled parts of the old layout then painted the entire area to get rid of the green and pink foam as well as seal it.



So here's the old layout frame redone for dioramas. The plywood shelf is temporary and will be replaced with a 80 inch one made from a 1X8 which will be painted to match the foam. This will be built when the weather gets a little warmer and nicer. Currently there are 6 dioramas, and depending on the sizes, I should have room for 6-8 more in the future; now I'm a happy camper after finally making the decision to only build dioramas.

That's it for now and thanks for stopping by and for leaving all your great comments and/or suggestions. In a few days I'll post some final photos so stay tuned.

[PRR Modeler]

Larry I can see something similar in my future.

[Larry C]

Curt I went back and forth on this for the last year. The idea of a small layout sounded appealing but I'm really not into switching cars around and playing trains. This for me was a good move into what I really enjoy building. Also since I'm not getting any younger, when the time comes it'll be an easy tear down.

[Rick]

Larry, new truck looks good.
Nice display for you dioramas.

[Jerry]

Larry a very nice job on the truck.

I think that's a good idea with building just diorama's.

I just like the building part of it myself.
But I need to finish one before I get to old to do anything!! 

Jerry

[Pennman]

Larry,

What ever you decide is good for you. I like your ideas too, but I was thinking that
since my dioramas are now increasing, it would be nice to get a few of them off the
shelves and into a scenery setting rather than see them on display shelves. It doesn't
have to have track, as long as it appears to be just a big diorama. I am still undecided
as what to do with these. Any thoughts?

Rich

[Larry C]

Rick thank you. I figured since the frame and foam was already there why not take advantage of it.

Jerry thanks. I figured you were of the same mindset with dioramas. I like the fact that one can be built and finished in a fair amount of time without years of commitment to a layout.

Rich thank you. Actually your idea is a good one and has a lot of merit. If you have the room you could tell quite the story with a large diorama. Pick a theme, or two, and go with it. I would be interested what you come up with.