Large Scale Central

Heavy Metal Structures

Modeling
#1

Are any of you familiar with the Mesker Brothers architectural materials? They made cast iron and stamped steel decorative architectural elements very popular at the turn of the century. Not this past one, but the other one! I have been doing a lot of research on these materials for my own large scale indoor railroad. Other manufacturers also made materials such as these. In the 50’s it was quite popular to “modernize” these buildings with new aluminum panels either covering the old steel or removing it completely in favor of the new, modern look. Lots of beautiful old architectural details were lost at that time. Thankfully, some buildings are being restored to their original beauty.

I gave made quite a number of resin bits and pieces to replicate this material. For those who might wish to take a little side trip into the Internet, please visit my blog by simply Googling The half Scale Architect. You might find it interesting…
Tom

#2

Its OK to post your url. I couldn’t find anything even half-way (pun intended) related to you, half scale and architecture.

#3

http://tomyorkeminiatures.blogspot.com/

#4

Thanks, John.

Tom, those are interesting buildings. Do you have detail parts available for the scratch builder? How does one order a piece?

#5

Somewhere I saw a catalog of these type of store fronts. They were very cool. I like your take on them Tom.

#6

I am in the process of cataloging all the parts right now. I just finished three appliances for interior details too: a Chambers gas range, Frigidaire of 1928 and a round wringer washer. These too will be cataloged. Since there are about 50 different pieces to date, it will take a little while to accomplish. You might be surprised at how fast different pieces get used in a facade. Flickr has several groups dedicated to Mesker Bros. and similar. Worth a look.
Tom

#7

Some links about Mesker Brothers buildings… Interesting stuff. There are some of these facades in the town I grew up in, Wenatchee, WA.

http://www.gotmesker.com/

http://www.illinoishistory.gov/gotmesker/Mesker_Catalog.pdf

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gotmesker/3677523192/in/set-72157594564758702/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/meskerbrothers/

#8

It was the Mesker catalog that I had seen before. Thanks Steve!

#9

Didn’t Eaglewings do something like that?

#10

Eaglewings makes large metal structures for use out doors. My structures are really for the indoor modeler and are thus much more finely and accurately detailed. It just depends upon what a person needs. My models will stand up to scrutiny with one’s nose practically pressed against them. They are true foreground models.
Tom

#11
Steve Featherkile said:
...the town I grew up in, Wenatchee...
Further to your little pronunciation puzzle, Steve... Do you scratch Wenatchee? :D :rolleyes:
#12

Very cool. I’ve seen the Mesker catalog and have planned to use it for reference when designing some of my structures.