I am wanting to restore part of my 442 Lionel Diner, The car building and all of that seems good. I am looking if anyone knows where to get landscaping/bushes, stairs, and windows for the car building? I have searched everywhere that I can think of and cannot find anything.
Thanks
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I didn't restore an original diner I created my own from a Lionel 610 Passenger car.
To make the steps I used Precision Board ( a very dense foam board used by sign makers, you might be able to get scraps of it from a sign maker ) After it is painted it looks original.
For the bushes, I bought from Home Depot, a section of stuff ??? you put in gutters to keep the leaves out, you can cut and shape it to fit your diner. Spray paint it green, it looks pretty close to original.
For the windows go to an art store and get frosted acetate, cut to size, use small pieces of double sided tape to hold in place. I also added an another bulb in the car to even out the lighting.
I added a sign made from a brass plate and gold lettering.
AmeenTrainGuy posted:gene maag posted:I didn't restore an original diner I created my own from a Lionel 610 Passenger car.
To make the steps I used Precision Board ( a very dense foam board used by sign makers, you might be able to get scraps of it from a sign maker ) After it is painted it looks original.
For the bushes, I bought from Home Depot, a section of stuff ??? you put in gutters to keep the leaves out, you can cut and shape it to fit your diner. Spray paint it green, it looks pretty close to original.
For the windows go to an art store and get frosted acetate, cut to size, use small pieces of double sided tape to hold in place. I also added an another bulb in the car to even out the lighting.
I added a sign made from a brass plate and gold lettering.
That is so beautiful, is that considered tinplate?
Yes it is Tinplate.
outstanding!!
I restored this one a few years ago. Found in a junk box for $25. It was missing the bushes and steps also. The steps I made. The step part is plastic the sides of them are bulsa wood. It turned out ok.
I made my own from a 1630 $1 find in a junk box. A forum member sent me a tracing of his 442's base. Beautiful work guys.
gene maag posted:I didn't restore an original diner I created my own from a Lionel 610 Passenger car.
To make the steps I used Precision Board ( a very dense foam board used by sign makers, you might be able to get scraps of it from a sign maker ) After it is painted it looks original.
For the bushes, I bought from Home Depot, a section of stuff ??? you put in gutters to keep the leaves out, you can cut and shape it to fit your diner. Spray paint it green, it looks pretty close to original.
For the windows go to an art store and get frosted acetate, cut to size, use small pieces of double sided tape to hold in place. I also added an another bulb in the car to even out the lighting.
I added a sign made from a brass plate and gold lettering.
This looks awesome! You do amazing work! Thanks so much for the tips, I will let you know and post some pictures when I am done with the project!
DOC posted:I restored this one a few years ago. Found in a junk box for $25. It was missing the bushes and steps also. The steps I made. The step part is plastic the sides of them are bulsa wood. It turned out ok.
Very Nice, thanks for the advise!
I have an original, its kind of beat up. It was that way 60 years ago when I got it from my older uncles, who had it originally. Its living in my attic now.
To restore it, what would be accurate colors for the paint ?
Diner? Did somebody say "diner"? Guys/ladies, this is one of my favorite train topics -- be it the building or the car. Looking forward to seeing more photos and the "OP's" results.
Tomlinson Run Railroad
gene maag posted:For the bushes, I bought from Home Depot, a section of stuff ??? you put in gutters to keep the leaves out, you can cut and shape it to fit your diner. Spray paint it green, it looks pretty close to original.
THANK YOU FOR THIS ONE!
Been looking/testing materials to mimic my prewar tinplate landscaping.
Tim
Gentlemen,
Great job on the Diners, if I ever get the time I would like to restore one, similar to Docs. Although Steamer's original is very serious Tin.
PCRR/Dave
one of the mags had an article on restoring Prewar landscaping, and IIRC they used lofa sponges. Time to take the Mrs to Bed Bath and Beyond!
Steamer posted:one of the mags had an article on restoring Prewar landscaping, and IIRC they used lofa sponges. Time to take the Mrs to Bed Bath and Beyond!
>> LOL! It's good to know those fool things are good for something! Creative modeling, I say!
TRRR
There used to be a guy who made the steps, but I doubt he does them any longer as he did not replay to repeated emails. I've refurbished one of these that was in great original shape. I had to make the steps out of hard board and square balsa. The hedge originally was made from Loofa. Its very hard to locate in very long lengths. I found a 6" one at a drug store and cut it with a single edged razor and used two pieces. The shrubs are just hard lichen shaped and glued on.
Tin
Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I need some advice on restoring my diner. Paint and landscaping are beyond repair, so there's no value lost. Question is, how do I remove the bottom from the shell (i.e. the diner floor; not asking about the base it sits on) so I can pull out the window/signage parts? Does anyone have an exploded parts diagram? Thanks!
I know this post is like 5 years old, but I'm looking for the correct height and thickness of the original hedge.
I used green scrub pads cut to 0.5” height and added a coating of green ground foam. I think it looks pretty good.
@NNJ Railfan posted:
Judging from photos of originals that looks about right.
@gene maag posted:rtraincollector... I'm not sure but the foundation is 3/4" and I think the hedge is the same height. Maybe you can scale it from these photos of my restored Diner from a 610 Lionel Car.
Thanks I was thinking height of foundation also. Still waiting for mine to come in.
I have ordered off oof the Bay "Walthers SceneMaster HO Scale Tall Hedges/Bushes - Dark Green (5/8" High)"
I haven't gotten it in yet, but I believe it will work out fine.
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