UPDATE FINISHED 9-21 //PROCESS OF SCRATCH BUILDING A SINCLAIR GAS STATION

Alex:

Very nice. 

On a personal note, I am redoing my layout and adding 33% more table space - although I am also adding track, I am setting aside a parcel of that area for 'future use' figuring one of your creations will fit into that reserved space!

John

Thanks John, just let me know

Thanks, Alex

Alex, That is looking very nice, Where is DINO.

You really have a very agood START ON THAT PROJECT. KEEP IT UP

Microscale has the Sinclair decals. I used them on my Berkshire Valley project.

Thanks pops Dino is on the way.

Trainman2001 thanks I always use Mircoscale for my decals there great.

I also just saw you project looks beautiful.

Thanks, Alex

Looking like a great start Alex!

Hi Rich thanks, I'll be posting more photos as I make progress

Alex

Looking great so far Alex.  Might have to find room for another gas station on my little layout!

Thanks Jim, if you want one just let me know.

Alex

Alex....really like the look you are creating.  As a kid, I remember the blow-up Dino the Dinosaurs that you could get at the local stations.  Your creation brought back those fond memories....

Thanks,

Alan

Thanks Alan, I always wanted to scratch build a Sinclair service station wait until you see this finished. 

Thanks again, Alex

Alex,

I really like the garage doors. Did you scratch build them and what material are they made from ?

Alan Graziano

Hi Alan I wish I could build as good as you I see your creations on this forum from time to time and I must say you are a craftsman.

Alan I scratch build as much of the models as possible but the garage doors are from Rusty stumps they come three to a sheet item # D4514 O scale

Thanks, Alex

Alex, it's great work!

Question: Why did you choose wood? I generally lean towards styrene since it's so easy to fuse pieces together. 

Hi Trainman 2001 there's a two reasons why I like wood

1st I was a finish carpenter for many years before I was hurt and I love to work with wood.

2nd its extremely strong you can just about drop one of these buildings on the floor and it might not break.

You are right  styrene is much easier to work with but my love is with wood.

Thanks, Alex

Good answer, but I would refrain dropping highly detail models on the floor regardless of their material of construction... just a safety tip.

Yes of course your right about dropping it on the floor,that was just an example of how strong they are. LOL

Thanks, Alex

Good evening all here's some updated progress photos of the Sinclair service station

Just note there's still a lot more detail the front posts will have detail and there will be decals added to it. the garage doors are removable you can take them out or lift them up. Thanks, Alex

Looking awesome!

Cesar

Alex:

Just curious if you create a blue print (well, let's say sketch on a computer), or do you use another method.  The other items I have seen recently usually have the 2nd or 3rd of the same thing in the background, and they look identical.  Like here I can see at least one other Sinclair and it pretty much is the same.  And in the background is the general store you did a week or so ago and I think when you posted pics you could see a second one that looked the same in that background.  Amazing how you can replicate all those details.

The work is incredible.  Detail is excpetionally nice.  Just wondering (without divulging any 'secrets') what your process is.

Thanks.

John I thank you for your beautiful comments, I will tell you there is no sketch or plans at all. I've been around wood working all of my life most of my family are wood workers. I just look on the internet for a real photo of a sinclair gas station. And I create my building. I was a finish carpenter a few years back and then I was injured

pretty bad so I'm only able to do things like this. I can only work for a short time per day because I have nerve damage and arthritis all over my body. But my love is wood working. When I do a certain building I try to do 4 at a time. See the photos below of all the Sinclair stations. These are built all in aprrox 5 days.

Thanks, Alex

Alex...they are coming along very nicely....

Alan

Thanks Alan I appreciate it very much

Alex

Alex WOW LOOKING VERY SHARP!!!!

I thank you pops.

Thanks, Alex

Alex,

Very nice job. I work primarily with plastic but you show me that wood has it's place in the sun.

Alan Graziano

Good morning Alan, I love working with wood it's in my blood. But I must say I could only hope to have the talent that you show in your work, and I mean it.

Thanks, Alex

well everyone here's the Sinclair service station with the bottom base and the decals

the only thing left is the gas pumps.Just note the bottom base is not secure yet.

Also the curbs must be cut into the base.

Thanks for looking, Alex

Alex, W O W    The station looks so A W E S O M E BUTTTT I am waiting for DINO to make his arrival. I saw his little brother on the side of one of the bays BUTTTTT I am looking for the BIG GUY TO SHOW UP

Thanks pops, when I received the decals I thought there would be a big Dino

they just gave me a small dino.

Alex

Looks great! We've got ourselves a "Sinclair Fest". I chose this since it was one of the oil companies absorbed by the (then) Atlantic Richfield Company which is now part of BP. It's also appropriate for this part of the country (Midwest), although I was living in Philly when I bought mine and moving to Louisville was not even in the cards. So much for the crystal ball.

Hi Alex,

I have been following this thread closly and I am extremely impressed with the quality of your work. So much so, I would like to purchase one of the two extra Sinclair stations if still available. I have a void on my layout that this creation would fill perfectly. Please confirm whether station will be lighted and have gas pumps. 

I would appreciate if you can let me know via email (m.allicino@comcast.net) the cost, estimated delivery and your preference for payment.

Thank you very much.

Mike

Hi Mike I just emailed you

Alex

Well everyone this ones done. Added the gas pumps and secured the bottom base which can be unscrewed for easy access. I ran out of lights i should have lighting by Monday, notice the curb cuts. Thanks to all, Alex

That definitely works for me! That would be a 1930's or 1940's station? When did they stop using the pumps with the glass tanks on top?

Alex,

Great work! Love it!!!!

Cesar

I have followed since the begining. Beautiful. Thanks for keeping posts current with progress. Fun to watch. 

Alex,

Great work, the station looks great. I used to work for Sinclair station when I was in high school although not that far back as your station looks like. I'm not that old lol. If you ever do another one and want to sell it, let me know.

Dave 

Thanks guys, Trainman2001 I don't know when they changed there pumps but I know

they used a few different styles through the years.

Thanks again Trainman 2001, Cesar, Jeff, and Dave

Alex