Large Scale Central

In-ko-pah Railroad -- An authentic miner's cabin

Modeling
#1

I just completed a new structure for my In-ko-pah Railroad. It’s a replica of an old miner’s cabin in the little town of Ione, NV. Here’s a photo of the prototype:

As you can see, there are some unique features that really give this cabin a lot of character, particularly the homemade metal awnings over the windows, the stovepipe with its fancy clay cap, and the window cut into the original door. One of the awnings appears to be made from part of the roof of an early automobile. I only had a couple of photos, taken from a distance, and the the cabin is surround by tall weeds and junk. So I had to “fill in the blanks” using my knowledge of other cabins similar to this one. I also added a window to the blank wall on the opposite side. The model is made of styrene, textured and painted to look like old, weathered wood. The awnings and corrugated roofing are made of brass. The door and door frame are modified Grandt Line castings. Here are some photos of the model:

I replaced the saw mounted on the front of the cabin, with a bighorn sheep skull. The skull was sculpted from polyclay…

The rear of the prototype cabin was not visible. On my model, I opted to give it a different style of siding – a common practice on many of these old buildings. I also painted it with grayer, more muted colors, to represent the shaded side of the cabin…

Here are some close up detail photos. The window shades were made from Tyvek, cut from an envelope and painted a yellowish tan. The curtains were made from lace, saturated with acrylic matte medium and then painted grungy off-white::

Here’s the cabin temporarily in place on the layout. I still need to do more work on the site, to bring the concrete “soil” up around the cabin. I also need to add plants, an outhouse, and other details:

The cabin is located in an area without wiring, so I installed an LED powered by two D cell batteries. Here’s a test shot of the cabin at night:

As I complete the cabin’s site on the layout, I’ll post new pics: http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Miners_Cabin.html Enjoy!

#2

That’s really slick, Ray. I like your use of the brass as well as the weathering on the wood. Are you going to make a character for it?

#3

(http://www.largescalecentral.com/chat/emoticons/good.gif)

#4

Great detail, Ray! I’ve bookmarked this one as a great example of how weathered old wooden buildings should look.
Steve

#5

That’s neat… sure looks real…

#6

Ray,

as I remarked in another place it is a lovely model. One question crosses my mind. Is it meant to be lived in or has the occupant left?

#7

Another excellent model Ray. Thanks for sharing :smiley:

#8

That is awsome Ray. I love it.

#9

As always Ray, you have an eye for realism, and are a master craftsman too!! Regal

#10

Another triumph for you Ray. Both the modeling and the weathering are superb!

#11

nice shack, Ray…

#12

Yet another amazingly well detailed model Ray…

#13

Thanks!

Bruce, I might add a character at some point, maybe sitting outside.

Alan, yes it’s meant to be in use, either permanently or on a part-time basis.

#14

You have made an old miner happy! What a great structure.

I take it you made your own board and batten siding?

It still needs an outhouse!

#15

Very nicely done and it blends in well with your superb scenery. Good job!!!

                                                            Doc Tom
#16

Doug, the sides of the cabin are 1/8" thick, plain styrene sheet. I marked out 12" boards, scribed the wood grain into it, and then added the individual battens made from styrene strips which had also been textured with simulated wood grain.

An outhouse is in the works! I just finished framing it. I’ll make the seat part this evening, and maybe start putting on the siding.

#17

Ray, have been looking at your construction pages and remain impressed.
I however can not get my pea sized prain wrapped around a track plan, would you mind?

#18

The track plan can be found here:

http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/IRR_Trackplan.html

#19

I never realized you had such a long run :smiley:

#20

I figured you made your own siding. A beautiful job!