I am finally returning to my Triple O - 2023 Plans & Objectives. The boys’ interest in rocketry deserved support, but the downside is I have to share the lanai with them for building and storage space! We’ve negotiated a “peace,” and no one may start a new project until the current one is in the paint shop. This has resulted in a more linear approach to my railroading endeavors (I would be lying, however, if I said I wasn’t enjoying building and flying rockets, myself!). That being said, the water tower is off the railroad and in project box.
Here’s the background. My father-in-law, who is a handyman and, in my opinion, and undeclared folk artist, created most the Triple O’s buildings in the 2015/2016 time frame. His water tower originally stood on spindly legs that Mr. Otto, our late cattle dog, decided were prime chew toys. I cut a block of foam, clad it in craftsticks, called it a “pump house,” mounted the tank on top, and called it “good.” I think that project may have been among the first things I posted on LSC after I stumbled on this site to see if this was a place that tolerated beginners and open to 1:24-ish PLAYMOBIL Scale representations of a railroad. Years later, here we are, with LSC our railroading “home” and this little tower in sad shape.
Below, please find said tower as it stood last week:
The tower and cladding have held up pretty well, though the bands are all loose. Most of the craftsticks are warped, and some are peeling away, as my 1:24 gang shows below:
To boot, whatever I had been using to keep the tower level-ish is long gone.
Inspection complete, the crew took the whole assembly to the lanai, where it now sits awaiting rebuilding.
The tower will have to rest atop its pump house in its new incarnation, as, if anything, Pearl and Opal are crazier than Mr. Otto. Opal will gladly step on anything between her and the guppy pond! This also dictates that this building must be transportable, so that we can bring it in at the end of the day. Construction wise, I want to see if I can make the new pumphouse almost completely out of foam. The plan is to make it a timber framed, stone structure, exactly like nothing that ever existed on these islands. I know I can make convincing stone; I am curious if I can scribe foam to make convincing timbers. The tank is getting a new top, as I don’t like it, but I will preserve as much of its original character to honor the original creator. I think that stuff that passes from others’ hands and imaginations to take up residence on the Triple O should bear their thumbrints, even as the years take their toll and necessary changes occur.
OK. It’s on the board. Now I have to do this!
Have a great week!
Eric
