Large Scale Central

Hile 2018 Challenge: We Didn't Start the Fire Edition

The MIK - Annual Build Challenge
#1

As many of you know, the Carquinez & Alhambra Valley RR is loosely based on my town, Martinez, California, around the turn of the 20th century. On August 19, 1904, fire destroyed a two-square block section of downtown Martinez. Photos of the fire scene are below.

Among the casualties (not in the photos) was Bennett’s Livery and Stables, which will be the subject of my build. The upshot of the fire was that, as pretty much the only thing left standing was the brick safe of the Bank of Martinez, the area was rebuilt with unreinforced masonry just in time for the 1906 San Francisco earthquake but that’s another story. The photos in this post all came courtesy of the Contra Costa County Historical Society, which, ironically, is now located on the site of the former livery.

Below is my “napkin” and an undated photo of Bennett’s.

The only question left to decide is whether to model the livery as of August 18, 1904 or August 20. Stay tuned …

#2

Great story, looks like it will be a very cool build!

#3

That is the most detailed napkin drawing ever

#4

Great Drawing, Don’t forget to do a tree holding the sign cable

Dennis

#5

Building it how it looked on August 20th would be easier. (https://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#6

I agree with David! I started to say I would love to see a picture of it but I could just go open the wood stove and see one!

Steve

#7

Great napkin drawing. Glad to see you join in.

#8

And so it begins! I had a slower start than some of you speed demons out there. Apparently, grandkid birthdays (and there were two of them) take precedence over trains or some such thing. I don’t know. Anyway, regular order has been restored, I am fully complying with Rule No. 1, and all is now right with the world.

Over the weekend I continued to refine my “napkin drawing” and began cutting up my 42 inches of 2x4 (what you see, of course, is the original 2x6) redwood into usable scale lumber. Today I started building the frame, but didn’t get very far. I haven’t worked much with wood or with my pin nailer and was having problems with the pin sticking out a bit. Not quite sure what’s going on with that but I need to figure out how to fix it and avoid sticking myself. Having survived the table saw with no bleeding, I would like to keep up my safety record!

(https://www.gregoryhile.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_0192-e1516068537230.jpg)

#9

Kids and grandkids generally take precedent over most things in life. But that is the way it should be. Great start on Bennett’s Livery & Stable.

#10

Oil your pinner, a drop into the air port and another drop in the ‘barrel’ (groove). After shooting a lot of pins you may need to add oil.

Up the air pressure setting at the compressor

use shorter pins?

Hold the pinner firm against the wood.

They should be flush…

I use an spray oil in a can. Sea Foam brand…

Most of all Do Not try to use Harbor Freight pins, they bend and jam. HF pinners are ok, but not the pins, go for a brand name. A couple of years ago I found stainless pins on line, cuts down on the black staining…

#11

Dan Hilyer said:

Kids and grandkids generally take precedent over most things in life. But that is the way it should be. Great start on Bennett’s Livery & Stable.

Indeed, I wouldn’t have it any other way!

#12

John Caughey said:

Oil your pinner, a drop into the air port and another drop in the ‘barrel’ (groove). After shooting a lot of pins you may need to add oil.

Up the air pressure setting at the compressor

use shorter pins?

Hold the pinner firm against the wood.

They should be flush…

I use an spray oil in a can. Sea Foam brand…

Most of all Do Not try to use Harbor Freight pins, they bend and jam. HF pinners are ok, but not the pins, go for a brand name. A couple of years ago I found stainless pins on line, cuts down on the black staining…

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try them in the morning. The pin nailer is a Porter Cable and I don’t remember the brand of pins but I know I bought them at Home Depot. Stay tuned!

#13

Yea, I had to adjust the air pressure to get the pin to sit how I wanted them to. At first I had too much pressure, and blew the end off my scale board, and shot the pin across the porch.

Oh, and always know what direction the gun is pointed before firing. Always have it pointed away from you and anything you don’t want damaged by a stray pin.

#14

David Maynard said:

Yea, I had to adjust the air pressure to get the pin to sit how I wanted them to. At first I had too much pressure, and blew the end off my scale board, and shot the pin across the porch.

Oh, and always know what direction the gun is pointed before firing. Always have it pointed away from you and anything you don’t want damaged by a stray pin.

Does that include not holding the piece you are pinning in your hand (https://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif)Don’t ask how I know not to ever do that again. At least it was a little pin and not a big brad.

#15

Found some grain did ye? Yep.

Brads can wander too…(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-yell.gif)

#16

Try a 16P nail through the palm because of grain and knots. Go ahead ask me how I know because I will tell you. I was young and dumb. Thought I had my hand where it was safe but I was wrong. i chose poorly. Nail either followed the grain or hit a knot and curled and came out the top. As my Dad always told me: “PAY ATTENTION”.

#17

Ouch! No wonder I never used a nail gun! I will be spoiled on this project because all the aged redwood I am using is clear!

#18

Okay, now you’re just scaring me. I’ve got the paramedics on standby, the blood bank is getting replenishment supplies all geared up, and my work clothes are back from the armorer. I’ll let you know how it turns out … (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

#19

Safety goggles?

#20

Dan Hilyer said:

Try a 16P nail through the palm because of grain and knots. Go ahead ask me how I know because I will tell you. I was young and dumb. Thought I had my hand where it was safe but I was wrong. i chose poorly. Nail either followed the grain or hit a knot and curled and came out the top. As my Dad always told me: “PAY ATTENTION”.

When using a gun the nail can and “WILL” follow the grain then 45 out of the piece into your finger even with something as soft as fir/pine…