drive in movie theater

Hey Big,

 

I have one on my layout that is parts and pieces of the Star Light Drive In kit that was released by Miller around 2000. It was HO scale, so only certain items work well. In O gauge it's pretty much fend for yourself. Also to get the real size of a drive in it takes a pretty good foot print. Just some food for thought. 

Simple items really.....Google some photos and build your own. Evergreen siding and dimensional stock and you could build them all.

I've seen a Plasticville Turnpike Tollbooth used as the entrance gate/ticket booth, as well as the Playground pieces (swings, slide, etc.) setup beneath the screen as the real ones often do. Projection, Snack Bar & restrooms could probably be made from similar structures. 

Here's what I did to give the illusion of  the projection booth:

Use an Ertl 1/64 chicken coop painted flat black inside and out. Add a bright white LED inside that shines through a hole drilled below the upper windows. Add some ho-made signage if wanted. When facing towards your screen it gives a pretty good imitation of a projection booth and also can double as the snack bar on the ground floor.

The entrance/ticket  booth can be made from an empty clear acrylic case from an 1/64 scale M2 Machines auto. Add a roof, drill a hole in each end for the attendant to take the money, add some signage,people and an interior LED for lighting.

 

Get creative!

 

The Dept 56 Stardust Refreshment Stand 56.55065 has some nice speaker stands. Over the years I have purchased many of them,

The only "bought" things was a MTH Fireworks Store converted to a snack bar, and a Miller Engineering animated entrance sign. I spent some time making the speaker stands, and have the speakers going to each car. My Drive-In is quite detailed, thanks to personal memories and 2 reference books. This module has been a big hit at train shows (including York twice).

A company called Innovative Hobby Supply (add dot com) to this, sells an "O" scale drive in movie theater kit. They look good and don't cost a lot. The kit doesn't require much detailing, but does need to be assembled. Curious to know what you think.