Large Scale Central

Todd H Mik 2021 Build

The MIK - Annual Build Challenge
#61

HI Pete. The suction cups are just over 1" wide. They came with a hook that I straightened one side of and formed a curve on the other. It was then drilled and pressed into the top with a dab of instant glue then painted grey. What was really neat with the ones that Daniel Smith built for his mine building was he used pins with large white heads to make the light bulbs.

The complex has a large footprint of a approx. 45"x48"x27" tall.

When do we need to have the final photos in? The RR has several inches of crusty snow on it and the only spot that is relatively flat is in the car port but the lighting is lousy. I need some sunlight for the glamor shots.

Here is one shot of the near finished building that looks pretty good.

This build was a challenge that came down to the wire. I used near 40’ of 1x5x8 pine. I had 3 boards but had to buy 2 more to finish plus the cake pans that were cut and crimped to make the 4 roll up doors. The extras added up to about $26.

It is snowing now but maybe tomorrow I can get some better photos.

#62

Finally a bit of sun popped out. The site where this will eventually go is covered in snow plus the track will need to be reconfigured so that will have to wait for a warmup.

The Glamor shots.

#63

It all came out great Todd.

I don’t think your idea of starting next year’s Challenge with a bottle is a good one. This year guys gained some extra weight eating the contents of their cans, but if they have to DRINK they may never get past the napkin stage. Present company excluded of course.

#64

Damn I like those wall lamp tops for the roofs idea. I’m a stealin’ it from ya pard. (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

#65

David Marconi,FOGCH said:

Damn I like those wall lamp tops for the roofs idea. I’m a stealin’ it from ya pard. (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

Me first!

#66

You’ve created quite an impressive structure, Todd. I too like the lamps, they provide that little touch of realism.

#67

John Passaro said:

It all came out great Todd.

I don’t think your idea of starting next year’s Challenge with a bottle is a good one. This year guys gained some extra weight eating the contents of their cans, but if they have to DRINK they may never get past the napkin stage. Present company excluded of course.

That is true John we wouldn’t want any of our guys to be rushed into drinking their favorite hard liquor just to get a empty bottle for the build. We want our guys to be upright and working at the bench not passed out under it. Still there are many types and shapes of bottles that could be used for all sorts of things. Just an idea.

I really like the suction cup light idea. A guy named Daniel Smith over on the “G scale trains” face book page recently built a huge mine facility and that is what he used. If you have the time go to facebook and look him up. He is big into Civil War reenactments and trains and he has created all sorts of amazing things for his camp and clients train layouts.

If I can find more of the 1" cups I will be making more of these lights for other structures.

Thanks guys.

#68

Todd

That really came out great. I liked it from the start but the finished product is better than I imagined.

#69

Awesome job, Todd!!

#70

The weather has finally warmed up enough to get out and kneel on the ground for an extended time which allowed the factory site to be prepared.

This weekend the first train was backed into the factory facility. Here is a video featuring the build up and the celebratory train filled with RR dignitaries and revelers arriving at the facility and testing the new siding.

In the video the building at the 60 second mark was part 2 of Mik from last year. I had cut the chimney in half with plans to use it on 2 buildings but only completed one for the challenge. Guys that live in Massachusetts will recognize the gas tank.

#71

#72

One of the things I love about garden railroading: People who build wonderful scale models and aren’t afraid to populate them with Smurfs and whimsical figures! Great video Todd.

#73

Great video, Todd. Thanks for sharing. I am still amazed that you completed that magnificent structure in 30 days. It takes some of us a life time to build something of that magnitude (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

#74

Wow Todd great video, Great looking structure, excellent location setting, Thanks for sharing

Dennis

#75

Jon Radder said:

One of the things I love about garden railroading: People who build wonderful scale models and aren’t afraid to populate them with Smurfs and whimsical figures! Great video Todd.

Too true! Great building - looks wonderful! I really like the Smurfs, probably because they are the “EXACT” scale! (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)

Well done!

#76

I was wondering how you’d fit such a big factory on the layout Todd, and wow, it looks just perfect in its new home!

#77

Looks great! Kid-zilla and I heartily approve!