I was cleaning up and came across a B.T.S. C&O MD Cabin kit I had started a while ago. Having some free time, I decided I would get back to building it and the joy of model railroading is coming back.
MD Cabin (cabin is the C&O name for interlocking tower) was located in Meadow Creek, WV and watched over a small yard and double track mainline. It was torn down in 1991.
This kit will be finished with the basic detailing that comes with the kit. After initially starting it, I came across several pieces of information and pictures of the cabin. The next model of MD Cabin I build will be based upon photos I am studying of the structure and surrounding area. Since the second model will be a clean canvas, I'll be adding weathering, chipped paint, and other various details I have come across. This will be a show piece.
Before diving into my progress, I wanted to show off a tool I came across that has been very handy. It's a nail file I found for less than $2 at Walgreens. It comes with 4 grits and I use it for sanding and wood detailing.
Here's the progress on the roof. The peel and stick shingles that came with the kit were painted before attaching them. The paint interacted with the glue and a lot of shingles raised off the roof. I found a package of American Model Builders 3 tab shingles for cheap and applied them before painting. I used a thinned Grimy Black in my airbrush and sprayed multiple layers until the color built up.
The following pictures are of the model in various states to date. I found out that the C&O used a two tone green paint scheme, but don't know the exact colors. Based on the recollection of a fellow modeler, I went with Hunter Green and Pistachio Krylon spray paint. The exterior is medium gray with light gray trim. (A bit too light that it looks white.)
Photos for study for MD Cabin #2:
MD Cabin looking from the West
The Chessie System Safety train and diesel indicate the pictures are from the period I am modeling. On the cabin can be seen worn paint, streaking below the top left window and MD sign, a half open shade in the top left window, a board or metal strut in the lower right window, and a vine growing up the cabin. The cabin walls and trim appear to be a uniform light gray, as opposed to the medium gray I have the model painted.
In the background can be seen the steep hills surrounding the New River (which is out of view to the right.)
The right of the photo is filled with lots of detailing goodies. The relay cabinet can be modeled with my Lionel TMCC lock on. There is a single track cantilever with two heads. A Meadow Creek sign is visible and lots of utility poles.
MD Cabin from the South and East
That double upper quadrant stood by MD Cabin for years.
