I'm trying to design and build a backshop with all the associated machinery, jacks, hoists, presses, anvils.....in O scale. Where do you get your stuff? Thanks
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I think I found it, seems likely to fit the bill.
http://www.sierrawestscalemodels.com/
Anyone buy their machine shop tools?
Thank you for the link to Sierra West Scale Models. The machines look like the ones that had been made by Western Scale Models but have not been made in a long time. They are great looking machines but are made with a lot of very small parts. If you are able to work with small parts, I say go for it but be patient. Have a set of jeweler files and a good CA glue. I use LockTite professional liquid. Here are some pictures of a machine shop I built. With all of the work you will be putting into the back shop you may want to have the roof being replaced like I have done in a few models with interiors. This gives a realistic reason to be able to see into the building with out having to take off the roof. To do it right with these machines you will also have to do the belt system. The building had been made by Downtown Deco but had been out of production for many years. 
Attachments
Images (13)
It depends on how detailed the machinery you want. For general purposes, weisman model services on da bayhas some csr and loco jacks. Kramer products has many pieces of small machinery. Crow river products has some older machinery esp for the steam era.
Stu Gralnik posted:Thank you for the link to Sierra West Scale Models. The machines look like the ones that had been made by Western Scale Models but have not been made in a long time. They are great looking machines but are made with a lot of very small parts. If you are able to work with small parts, I say go for it but be patient. Have a set of jeweler files and a good CA glue. I use LockTite professional liquid.
Sierra West has been around for a long time and Western Scale was another source of very similar stuff, although I think the former actually has more items in their catalog (when they are actually available). Western Scale Models was recently bought (have to look up the name...) and those kits are supposedly (or will be...) available.
Patience is an absolute requirement on building these kits - many small parts that take filing to get all of the gearing (like on the lathes...) to fit and match up correctly. Great stuff though when done!!!
I think I'm going to start building dioramas. It seems that by doing so I can get a better feel for the size and overall finish of a project. This project could take several years to complete, a diorama would allow for the many start and stop sessions. Anyone else build models this way?
Stu, how many hrs did that model take for you to complete. I won't be able to work on something of that magnitude full time, but it can give me a time line to work with. Thanks for sharing.
TrainJunkie posted:Stu, how many hrs did that model take for you to complete. I won't be able to work on something of that magnitude full time, but it can give me a time line to work with. Thanks for sharing.
The building was 13 but you will have to find a different building kit.. The interior was 35 hours. The total build was 48 hours. I remember that the large lathe was around 7 hours.
The overhead shaft and belt system pre-dated electric motors on each piece of equipment. There would have been one central drive for all the over head shafts power by a steam boiler. Equipment speed was changed by moving the belt from larger to smaller wheels. All those open belts, not for the faint of heart.
