Large Scale Central

Building the Lemo J tower at Strasburg

Modeling
#21

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/Roofmockups001.jpg)

I removed all the panels today and cleared the inside of the corners, added a final coat of paint on the dado and lower wall and cleaned the windows. The red paint color seems bright however it was the closest thing I could find in red that matched the CVRR color. My Washington Street station model is also painted in these colors. The body color is Downing straw off Sherwin Williams historic pallet which would be appropriate for the time period.

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/Roofmockups007.jpg)

This is a roof and overhang mock up out of 1/8" plastic. The overhang turned out well and seems sturdy enough that I’m just gonna go with it. It all slides downward and removes in one piece as well. I really wanted to do this in copper however I can come back and do that later.

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/Roofmockups009.jpg)

The roof line is just plain crazy with the bay window and cupola. I have no idea what the pitch is as I’m doing this off the original pictures I posted, blown up to scale. An 8/12 pitch was too steep and 6/12 was too shallow. So I started playing with angles on the chop saw and I think I nailed it at 39 degrees. I want a roof mock up out of the plastic as “it’s free” and I have no problem pitching poorly cut pieces! I may still build the roof out of plexi or such but have to get the lines nailed down first. The roof line can make or break a structure…IMO

#22

David,

Sears has named a line of tools after you…

Beautiful work. Thanks for the pics.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

#23

That is one fine looking model.

#24

Superb engineering, precision construction and a beautiful result. I wish I had 1/3 of your talent. Nice job :smiley:

#25
Jon Radder said:
Superb engineering, precision construction and a beautiful result. I wish I had 1/3 of your talent. Nice job :D
I agree! Ralph
#26

Thanks again…
I’m continuing to work on the towers roof line.

  David
#27

Ken Brunt said:

(http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/img/photo-gallery/Train_90_JTower.jpg)

Yea, Ric…just to the north of the station

(http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/img/photo-gallery/East-Strasburg-Station.jpg)

You can just make out the roof in this pic…

Ken, I forgot to add, this post of Lemo in the distance really helped me a ton on figuring the roof line. I’m guessing you got it off Strasburgs site but I totally missed that distant shot. Being as close as I am to Strasburg I suppose I could drive down and get the measurements. But I’m enjoying the challenge of building this on a whim. David

#28

Yes, Dave, I did. I’m a half hour away from Strasburg in the other direction (straight down Rt 896). I knew I’d seen the tower at some point but couldn’t remember exactly where I’d seen it on the property. Most of the time when I drive by there I look for the LO&S railbus that sits by the engine house.

#29
David Russell said:
I'm not educated so you have to be handy or marry a rich woman! 
  David</blockquote>

Oh no,
Now I know I’m in trouble :smiley:
Ralph

#30

Great photos, Dave - keep 'em coming!

#31

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/December08003.jpg)

I finally got the roof lines nailed down tonight. Only after my A.D.D (or whatever it is) kicked in after work. Now I’m into the “holy water” and updating pictures. Disregard the cupola as it’s a mock up. Com’on Friday!

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/December08004.jpg)

Now for some copper spray paint to see where I’m at. It looks heavy and needs seam detail but making progress!

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/December08015.jpg)

My whole inspiration behind Lemo is I needed it for the below picture. It will be placed where the Aristo freight depot is. Com’on SPRING! My steel truss bridge now spans the area(future creek) the local is crossing lead by the SD Chessie unit heading south. I’m mismashing all eras of the CVRR as if it still exists… Currently owned CVRR equiptment roster will come later with progress. My line is open to all roadnames that have ever rolled down the rails that the CVRR laid. I’m modeling the mid 70’s early 80’s era and possibly future Dash 9’s lettered for the CVRR.

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/StreetsofTreatsoct08023-1.jpg)

#32

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/Finishingroof003.jpg)

Made the roof seams, drip edge and snow guards today. The snow guards were the most difficult as I had too rip the stuff at 39 degrees so it would sit straight up. Then after the angle was ripped I had to rip it again to the scale height (about 1/4") making a 6" scale snow guard. What I cannot understand is snow guards are usually raised up a bit allowing for drainage. However this tower has them flush with the roof?

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/Finishingroof006.jpg)
Question is how far do you take it…modeling wise?? The below pictures are the completed seamed copper roof and lower level overhang at different angles. I need to finish the cupola details and perhaps some detail painting to break up the copper a bit.
If your getting tired of my book please let me know. I reference to this page quite frequently thinking what do I need to do in order to complete this model. I’m learning that making a model is like restoring an old home… “YOUR NEVER FINISHED” so somewhere the line must be drawn. I’m getting close to that line!

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/Finishingroof018.jpg)

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/Finishingroof017.jpg)

Thanks for all your positive comments and inspiration so far Dave

#33

Dave,
It looks beautiful, just the way it is.
It is already impressive, where ever you decide to “stop”.
Ralph

#34

Wow, that looks great!

#35

Ok I’m finished with the exception of the vinyl window overlays. I added the raised panels,corbels and finished the cupola. I placed it on the line before the detail was completed and it looks great! Thanks again for all the positive feedback.

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/FinishedLemo037.jpg)

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/FinishedLemo035.jpg)

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/FinishedLemo016.jpg)

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f72/Shortybear/The%20Railroad/Scratchbuilding/FinishedLemo010.jpg)

#36

Fantastic :smiley:

#37

David, that tower is a masterpiece… THanks for sharing the construction methods used to build it…

#38

Wow, that is just terrific. looks great in place

#39

David,
When you have declared this complete, please take the time to add this subject to the Articles section of this site. You can just paste from here after removing the off topic comments and suggestions or accolades. What a great construction example.

#40

David, that looks really great! Good job.