Still there in this Google May 2023 view:
Now that is a firehouse Mark. Ours downtown is red, and dang big. I don't know when it replaced the prior firehouse as I imagine it had to be replaced considering how big and modern ours is now. I believe it was built either very late 60's or very early 70's, 73 the latest. Looks great though. I really like the roof.
@Mark Boyce posted:Thank you, Richie! Yes Alton, New Hampshire! I found the fire house is right up at Alton Bay. I hadn’t seen anything about it burning and torn down, but it sounds like you are familiar with the community.
My family has summered at Lake Winnipesaukee for over 100 years. We rarely get down to that end of the lake, but I'm familiar with it and, from Dave's google map, it looks like it's still there - near the channel. It might have been the West Alton firehouse that burned down.
Thank you, Dave, Dave, Richie! It looks like a great place for a vacation! The photographs I see of the lake look great! That would be dandy if you get down that way, Richie! Don’t go out of your way, though. It looks like Dave found a good image.
Volunteer fire departments around here are having trouble getting volunteers. They are also merging, pooling resources, and when able building larger fire houses with several bays. A heavy equipment operator bought the vacant fire house closest to us.
Morning Mark, sorry I am a week late but wow what a wonderful job on the fire house! It sure is nice when things come together so smoothly like the way you make it look!
Thank you, Mike! Better late than never, as they say. I hope the new job is going well for you.
I'm moving on to something that I'm not so good at, that is carpentry. I made a somewhat permanent lift-off framework for the corner Idaho Hotel scenic section. It looks rough, but is surprisingly sturdy, and it is relatively lightweight. As is always the case, I used what I had on hand. I used some 1x2 poplar, and some hardboard I had removed from the backdrop sections that were too high for my purpose. The white boards are from an old decoration my wife had discarded. The thought is that I will make the hotel removable, as with any other structures on the layout. After removing the building(s), I will be able to lift this section off and set it on the floor in the adjacent room. Then I will have access to anything underneath. I am guessing I will make the rocky cut in the foreground and hillside to the right of the hotel permanent and the lift-out will seat up next to them with some ground cover hiding the seam.
I shortened it a bit from the mock-up to allow normal access to the two track switches. I'll make a rocky hillside much like you would find along a river, since you can see the edge of the track support where the double track bridge lowers into place. I still need to make some pockets to set the legs in for proper alignment, but it is secure enough it isn't going anywhere for the time being.
Here it is as you walk in the room. The placement of the hotel is approximate at this point of course.
Here is a better view of the little station scene underneath. I'll figure out something to make it a little vignette. I think the verticle separation is enough to not be distracting.
I'm glad I had time to do this now. I'll be getting out-patient surgery on my back Wednesday, July 12th. I have a herniated disc and stenosis at L2, just above my L3-L4-L5 fusion I had done 2 years ago. All of that is pinching the nerves going to my thighs and knees, causing pain with movement and intermittent loss of leg strength. I have to be very careful and have been not doing things that can cause me to fall. Recovery will be like the fusion but expected to be 3 months instead of 1 year for full recovery. Back to the no lifting, then adding pounds in increments. Taking that all into consideration, I'm looking forward to it.
That said, I have two kits to choose from when not working on the layout. One is a laser-cut River Leaf Models one-story brick sandwich shop-diner and the other is an Atlas O plastic car dealership, brick with big windows. I've had the laser-cut one for several years, so that may be the choice, but I may try my hand at a plastic kit again like the signal tower. I have a week and a half to decide and gather up kit, tools, paint, etc.
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Mark, the benchwork looks like it will do just fine. Great idea making it removable. Best of luck on your surgery!
Gene
Good luck Mark and I hope your recovery is swift. It’s amazing what is done on an outpatient basis anymore.
Jay
Mark,
Overall your creativity on this layout has been wonderful. You really have found a way to make it all work, and the hotel vignette is no exception. I also like how you are planning to do the build projects during your recovery time. I'm sure which ever kit you decide to build will come out great and the focus will bring out some additional creativity. Most importantly take it easy before and after your surgery.
Dave
Mark,
Best of luck on your surgery. I hope the surgery and the recovery all go as well and as speedily as possible. If I can help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to ask.
All the best,
Rubin
@Mark Boyce, Mark, page 93 already, Wow, your buildings look so good, I love the firehouse and the hotel, very nice. You must be partly a magician with your use of space, lots of nice work in a modest space. Once you get the scenery in place, it’s going to be a spectacular layout, a fun to run railroad. You have come a long way and I’m so glad I’ve met you along the way. Keep up the excellent work. Happy Railroading Everyone
You always amaze me at what you can do with detail, planning and creativity. This is just another example of all of that focused on this section.
Best wishes on your surgery, you will be in our prayers for sure and hoping for a painless recovery.
Coming along very nicely Mark!
Add me to the chorus Mark. The buildings are coming along nicely. We all have to take liberties with size, scale, and placement on our layouts. After all- our trains run on 3 rails.......
Best wishes for you and a speedy recovery from the back surgery. Chronic back problems suck.....
Bob
Mark, your layout is looking great! I you would like to get more done before your surgery, but if you think about it now is a good time for you to get your back done.
That way you can have all winter to work on it as your back will be better by then! I have faith that you will make the best of the situation!
I pray for a fast recovery!
Thank you, Gene, Jay, Dave, Rubin, Larry, John, Alan, Bob, Mike!!!
I figure as long as the benchwork is functional, it will eventually be covered with scenery so won't be noticed. Sort of like framing a house. Yes, I certainly need to make all track accessible because we know where the trains will derail or the track will fail! 
I certainly appreciate the comments about creativity and figuring out how to cram as much into an 11x11 room, but not make it look crammed. I have so many folks here on this forum to thank for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement!!
When digging out the sandwich shop from a large plastic tote bin, I also discovered another small kit, BTS Greely's Place which is a boarded up cabin. I bought it at least 15 years ago when I dabbled in On30 because HO trains and models were getting too small 
I barely started it when my mother-in-law enticed us to buy her in-law's house 12 years ago. I put it away and then discovered OGR Magazine in a Giant Eagle grocery store near where I worked. It was the issue that featured Dave Minarik's now closed Mercer Junction Train Shoppe store layout about a 45-minute drive from home. The next Saturday, I visited Dave and came home with a RailKing train set. It wasn't long before I sold the On30 engine and cars and the rest is history.
I think I will hold off on Greely's Place until later when I decide to make it either boarded up and in disrepair as BTS intended, or make it a decently maintained and occupied cabin which would fit into my West Virginia layout. So, I will probably make the River Leaf Models Texas Tavern, which I had Andre make custom signs for Burger Hut here in Butler, Pennsylvania. The kit is a hole-in-the-wall place just like the Burger Hut here on Main Street. It's a pretty easy build when compared to the Thomas Station and Greely's Place.
I wasn't going to mention the surgery here, but thought I would have to since the layout construction will come to a halt. I will be glad to get it done. I don't want to dwell on it here, but many thanks for prayers and well wishes. @leapinlarry Larry, I am certainly glad I met you last summer, especially since I wasn't able to endure the car ride we had planned for this past April.
Hey… this forum is sort of like group therapy for train guys. If you're having a physical challenge, we provide the moral support to get you through it. Sharing is part of the deal… at least that's how I view it. Do exactly what the docs say to do. Expect it to take about a year before things really feel normal. Don't take any shortcuts and you'll be crawling under and over the layout before you know it. We're all here for you.
Layout is looking great! Speedy recovery from your surgery! You'll be back at it in no time at all.
Wunderbar!
I couldn’t have said it any better.
Get well soon, Mark.
Mark
The layout looks great Love the firehouse I found that removable sections are better off having a hinge That was after many balancing acts on the layout trying to hold a section and place it somewhere Needless to say I fell through a couple of times.
@Mark Boyce posted:Thank you, Gene, Jay, Dave, Rubin, Larry, John, Alan, Bob, Mike!!!
...snip... when I dabbled in On30 because HO trains and models were getting too small
Considering what you have done in three-rail O, I just can not imagine what your "could-have-been" On2½ layout would be like!
Prayers for your surgery and recovery.
Good luck on the surgery Mark, and take it easy while you recovery.
Thank you, Myles, T-Bone1214, Darrell, Rubin, Ben, Dave, and Dave!!
Myles, you are so right! This is group therapy. Does a member need physical support? Another member needs emotional support at the loss of a spouse or pet. I could go on.
In response to everyone, I have been through enough of these 'setbacks' to do just what I am told. Besides my dear wife Kim is a retired Registered Nurse, so she keeps me on the straight and narrow. Also, the doctor listed the possible problems, and that there is no guarantee that I will get back to 100%, but I will work towards that goal. Thank you!
Darrell, what a great sentiment; Wunderbar! Thank you!
Ben, the hinge is a great idea. Even before looking at the layout, I was able to envision the hinged section. I can certainly imagine myself losing my balance and falling as well! I'll work that out after I recover!
Dave PRRMP54, I have imagined what I could have done in On2-1/2. Trying to cram what I have into an 11x11 room makes one think of those things. I bought a Bachmann 2-6-0 with DCC and sound and a Shay without DCC and sound at the Monroeville, Pennsylvania Greenberg Show at a great price even though I didn't have DCC. I also bought a few log cars. Bachmann really makes some sweet equipment in that scale. I didn't have DCC and was surprised by the sound worked on the 2-6-0 running conventional. I sold almost all my HO trains and used the money to help our daughters by books, etc. for college. It didn’t go far, but I was starting from scratch again with trains moneywise. Once I had the RailKing O gauge set, I couldn’t imagine running a narrow-gauge short line layout. I wanted to emulate mainline running. Of course, I could have run the On2-1/2 trains anyway I wanted, but the preaching by the HO media sources for prototype modeling and running was ingrained. I do like the freedom in O Gauge where nearly everyone says, “It’s your railroad, run it any way you want.”
Mark, it always impresses me how you are able to make something wonderful out of scrap. The lift out looks great. It’s positioned nicely and kind of prelude to what the visitor will see after they walk into the room more.
Sorry to hear about your pending back surgery, but as you mentioned, all things considered it does sound like a quicker recovery and hopefully a better outcome for you. I’ll keep a good thought for you and for a speedy recovery.
Best,
Andy
Thank you, Andy! I do what I can. 😊
I did spend some time working on the SCARM plan to show the as-built. It isn’t exactly correct, but close enough. I’ll post that later. I also need to type up the wiring and AIU and remote assignments since I only have what I documented by hand.
I am finding I made a mistake when wiring my Ross switches. I decided not to bother wiring for non-derail thinking I could remember to throw switches when needed. Wrong!!!!! Nearly every time I have a derailment, it is because I forgot to throw a switch. Once I get up and able to do it, I am going to have to rewire for non-detail. So far the only damage has been a broken step on two hopper cars, but I know I am on borrowed time. I am certainly glad I did install PSX1-AC fast breakers on each Z4000 output.
Mark,
I feel your pain. I did the same thing on my last layout and I’ve sworn not to make the same mistake again. We’ll see how well I do, especially since I really want to get some trains running by Labor Day when my New York grandchildren come out.
I’ve never installed any breakers beyond those on my Z-4000, without harm, but I’ve probably just been lucky.
Get well soon
Rubin
@Mark Boyce posted:I am finding I made a mistake when wiring my Ross switches. I decided not to bother wiring for non-derail thinking I could remember to throw switches when needed. Wrong!!!!! Nearly every time I have a derailment, it is because I forgot to throw a switch. Once I get up and able to do it, I am going to have to rewire for non-detail. So far the only damage has been a broken step on two hopper cars, but I know I am on borrowed time. I am certainly glad I did install PSX1-AC fast breakers on each Z4000 output.
Don't ask me how many times I've forgotten to throw the two switches that I converted to manual.......
And they are right in front of me on the edge of the layout too......
Mark just read about your upcoming surgery. We will be praying for you.
Great job on the buildings. Your layout is outstanding!
At least the work on the turnouts is simple… after you get to them.
I have come to appreciate this feature with my fastrack switches.
Gene
@Mark Boyce, Mark, yes we will be praying for your upcoming surgery, may the Lord Bless you. Now, you hit the nail on the head, wire the Ross switches for non-derailing when you install them, years later our bodies may not bend easily as when we were younger… I did the same thing with a few switches thinking my memory would allow the switching. Nope, it didn’t….So, to remedy the issue, we set up Routes via the Lionel ASC’s with the Cab 1L and Cab2 remotes, ta-da, problem solved. Each of my switches work with the remotes. Good luck, we are here for you. Your friend in Tennessee. Happy Railroading Everyone
Mark, I have my fair share of derailments. But most of mine are usually involved in train movements to get at a area I’m working on. Or getting a car or engine to the layouts edge to remove it to be worked on. My thought process is more on doing the the job I’m going to do than running trains. When I do just sit down and operate a train. Running that train becomes my main focus. I seldom if ever have a lapse and forget to throw a turnout. Running more of a rural road. I’ve got into the habit of stopping the train and pausing while the turnout is hand thrown. Then stopping again to throw it back.
While a non derailing feature is nice. I think when you get past the major construction and just run trains it will happen less.
Mark, Best of luck with your upcoming surgery.
Thank you, Bob, Bill, Gene, Larry, Dave!
I see I am in good company. 😊
Larry, I do have switches controlled by the remote and should set up routes to get the best use of it. I just haven’t done that yet. I think Bill mentioned it to me a few months ago since he helped me with the wiring requirements to set it all up. 😊
Dave, I run trains slowly and could slow or stop them to throw a switch as you do. One mistake is I try to set them up ahead of time, then don’t think the whole way ahead. I’m sure you are right, when I get more used to running the layout I will be able to do better.
Many thanks ahead of time for thoughts and prayers for my upcoming surgery Wednesday!!!
I still don't know how to run my layout as well as I should considering the track's been down for over 10 years. I'm just not running it enough to become a habit. I still have to physically look at each switch to make sure it's set right. I don't trust the lights on the Z-Stuff for Train operating buttons. I've lost line-of-sight on some of the switches with installations, so it's really better to run the layout with helpers (which I don't seem to have any longer now that they've grown up).
Mark…….feel better……best of luck with your surgery…..
Peter
Mark - wishing you a speedy recovery! Green signals going forward my friend!
Thank you, Myles, Peter, Pat!!
Myles, I had a time with those Z-Stuff LEDs as well. I thought I wired correctly, but still have a couple that I couldn’t figure out and finally gave up.
Bob, I have 4 switches for the new yard that I made manual. They are right up at the layout edge, within easy reach. I can remember those except the one that connects to the lower mainline. 🤷♂️
I know the surgeon and the therapists, and they know all my previous surgeries. That has to count for something. 👍🏻👍🏻
Best wishes on your surgery, you are in our prayers for sure. May God Bless you!
Continuing to enjoy and take inspiration by the quality and quantity of your work. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Smart of you to set aside some projects that you can work on during the downtime. Do you get frequent-flyer miles from the surgeons?
Thank you, John and Jay!
Jay, Over the weekend, I did a little pre-painting of the diner and gathered up some tools and materials to take upstairs in case I don't want to do the stairs much the first few days. From the last back surgery, I know he will want me to use them some, but not a lot at first. You are so right, we really have a lot invested in Tri-Rivers Orthopedics! My wife asked the knee surgeon if he would give us a BoGo when I needed a knee replacement right after her second. You got me counting. This will be my 5th surgery with their group, and Kim has had 4, with a hand problem waiting in the wings. We are even on a first name basis with the surgical group at Butler Memorial Hospital. Oh, I can't forget, NovaCare Physical Therapy group has seen a lot of as well!!
Mark,
Good luck with your upcoming surgery and for a speedy recovery.
Gerry
A little bit late with this but success with the upcoming surgery; prayers will be said.
Thank you, Gerry and Dave!
Mark, how are you feeling and will you be going to PT?
Jay
Jay, Thank you for asking!!! The anesthesia wore off last night, and I hurt from the middle of my back on down my legs. However, it isn't as bad as when I had the fusion or knee replacement!! The doctor told my wife that everything went really well, I was still in recovery. I didn't see him because all the surgeries were backed up an hour and a half due to a computer blitz! 
Actually, this is a very good hospital, the nurses did the incoming on paper (that's because they were both old like me), but other things had to wait a while. I go back to see him on Monday the 24th to get the staples out and general evaluation. If all goes to plan, then he will give me the script to start PT, let me drive the car if I want, and lift a little more than the 10-pound limit right now.
I am allowed, and in fact encouraged, to use the stairs to the train room, but I haven't done anything train related. Thank you everyone for all the prayers and good thoughts!!!
Mark, glad to hear the positive report. Wish you as speedy a recovery as one can have... This getting old thing is "way over rated !!!"
Chris, 😄
I was just covering for saying the nurses were old, so they had no trouble with the computer down. One told my wife she is 66, same as me! 👊🏻
@Mark Boyce posted:Chris, 😄
I was just covering for saying the nurses were old, so they had no trouble with the computer down. One told my wife she is 66, same as me! 👊🏻
Mark, sounds like you’re doing well. Nice to hear you’re slowly back in action!
Gene
First of all, 66 is NOT OLD. That said, I hope you have a quick and successful recovery! You can do all of things before you need to climb on or under your railroad. Build a model!
Thank you, Gene and Myles. You are right Myles, I’m not old. I’m hoping to be able to sit or stand long enough to work on the kit in a day or two. That Burger Hut is calling my name! I think there is always a little while after surgery that no position is comfortable. 😄
Mark, I’m so glad that you’re recovering quickly enough to be able to check in with all of us. Stay strong!
All the best,
Rubin
Mark, its great to hear your surgery went well! Here’s hoping for an equally successful recovery.
Good morning Mark, that’s great news echoing over the OGR Forum that your surgery was successful and you’re on the mend. That’s great, keep up the good work and keep us updated. By the way, the New 2023 Lionel wish book has many items that would look great on your layout…. Western Maryland mania…. Wow…. Have a great weekend. Your friend from Tennessee… Happy Railroading Everyone 
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Good to hear that the surgery went well Mark. Maybe it will be like when I had my wisdom teeth out. A few days of pain as the prescription of pain meds didn't do shoot(other word) for me, so I stopped taking them. It couldn't sleep much, but after the second day passed, I was better.
I do hope that it is easy, and yes, you are not old. My oldest aunt is coming in today from North Carolina and she is 85. She still gets around like she is ten years younger, and still sharp as a whip.
Morning Mark, I am sorry I haven't been around lately, I am glad that your surgery went well and that your doing well! I think you might want to make sure you take it easy on the Burger Hut while on your medication! LOL it could turn into a donut Hut! LOL
Honestly I hope you are doing well and I will be watching how things are coming along! Our prayers are with you and for a speedy recovery!
Bravo Zulu Mark!
Thank you, Rubin, Steve, Larry, Dave, Mike, Darrell!
Larry, the former C&O Challenger 1309 is great for sure!! The description says it can handle 054 curves like mine, though I’m sure the overhang would make me have to make clearance adjustments. Unfortunately, that engine is waaayyy over what my budget can handle.
Your photograph of me in Hobby Express reminded me to tell you, they did lease the unit to the left of the other two units. That whole section is full of trains and die cast cars. The engine wall is bigger than ever!
Dave, I had one wisdom tooth extraction get infected, but that was not nearly what this is. My mother-in-law is 87, 20 years and a few months older than me, and she has only started to be unstable this year.
Mike, well I’m trying to not take the hard stuff he gave me, but I haven’t been allowed to take my regular pain prescription since 5 days before surgery. That will last until I see Doc on the 24th. On the other hand, I do have to be careful on the Burger Hut. It could turn into a Dollar General!! It seems they are popping up everywhere, even in cornfields. 😄
Darrell, thank you! BZ
I am glad to read that your surgery went well.
I have wondered what hardboard Andre used for his River Leaf kits. I learned if you make a mistake it is easy to pull the glued parts apart. The hardboard gives way at the glued joint, and the joint cleans up easily. I’ve glued wall sections together twice and had to pull them apart. Andre used right angle joints on his kits. I turned out the lights and moseyed back to the couch. 🙄
I think I must still be affected by the stuff they gave me at the hospital!! 😄
It's good that you're not taking the hard stuff. You don't need it. I hate the feeling it gives. That's clearly why I've never used drugs (or even tested cannibis… and that's hard for people to believe since I was in a rock band in the 60s).
Mark, Glad your surgery went well and you're on a path to full recovery. Follow the surgeon's advice and take it slow. Good planning that you lined up some less strenuous tasks beforehand to keep you busy.
Gerry
Great news on the surgery!!!! You know to take things easy and steady. Prayers for a short recovery and the best results possible.
Thank you, Myles, Gerry, John!
Myles, you are right; we don’t take the pain prescriptions they call into pharmacy.
I’ve been here before, so I’m not in a hurry to try to do anything. I’m starting to not hurt quite as much with movement. Prayers are greatly appreciated!!
Morning Mark, I am glad you're feeling better! We have a shelf full of the Hard stuff that the Dr. prescribed after neck dissection. Pill form of Morphine that I might have taken 2 times and put on a high shelf as it was just not for me!
I will continue to pray for a speedy recovery and hope you feel better each and every day!
Mark,
I share your pain…and your aversion to pain killers. Over the course of 5 major surgeries over the last twenty years, I have accumulated, ignored and disposed of numerous bottles of oxycodone. 4 pills were used and 116 were disposed of. Stay strong; keep getting well; and building.
Rubin
Mark, I haven’t been around much lately but I’ve been thinking of you and hoping for a speedy recovery. Glad the initial period has been better than last time. It’s only up from here!
Andy
Hi Mark,
Catching up on various threads, thinking of you today and hoping for great outcomes all around!
Jim
Thank you, Mike, Rubin, Andy, Jim!
Continuing the story on the Burger Hut; I couldn't sleep last night, so I thought I would give it a go once again. I came down this afternoon, and discovered I had glued the parts correctly this time. I need to clean up the edges a little more before I glue on the little brick cover strips that are laying right at the rear of the building.
Building models isn't on the list of things patients aren't supposed to do until the meds wore off! How is one to know???? 
The custom sign Andre etched for me.
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That's a great sign! The Andre to whom you refer is Andre Garcia of River Leaf Models? If so, is he still in business? The last contact I had with him was he was full-time with an Israeli tech company. He did my distillery and Woodbourne Gallery laser cutting.
Mark, looks like a great start even with a late-night start! I will be watching and hoping the best for you and the burger Hut!
Mark- good to hear that the surgery went well. Hope your recovery and PT goes the same. Watch it with the opiates. They will kick your butt....
I'm getting hungry looking at the Burger Shack.....
Thank you, Myles, Mike, Bob!
Myles, yes Andre Garcia. I remember he worked with you on some projects. Here is the scoop on his homepage. https://riverleafmodels.us He says he closed in October last year.
Andre’s kit has a narrower front window than the real Burger Hut, but it certainly passes for the real thing.
Mike and Bob, they make a good Reuben also.
Mark,
Great news to hear about your surgery. Looks like you have a great start to your Burger Hut. Really like the custom sign. No doubt, some light work on your railroad will assist in a smoother recovery, mentally as well as physically.
Dave
Gald the surgery went well.
Just back from vacation up at Lake Winnipesaukee and attached are pics of the actual Alton Fire Station.
We were there last Thursday at about 2:00 PM and there was no one around and the building was locked.
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Thank you, Richie! They keep it up nice. Thank you for taking the time to go over to Alton.
Took the pics while visiting friends in Alton Bay, so no big deal.
I'd say the kit is pretty faithful to the real one. I did note, however, that it appears they replaced the double swinging doors on the original fire station with an overhead door.
Richie, I’m glad it worked out. I did notice the new door on the prototype photograph that came with the kit. My hose drying tower may be a few scale feet behind theirs, but not much.
Now that you've seen the prototype, you'll have to make up a decal for over the front door
Actually, that sign looks pretty basic. Even I could do it on the computer, I think. 😄
I got a little more done on the Burger Hut last night when I couldn’t sleep.
the windows and side door are in. The front door is a bit loose fitting, so I left it go for the time being. The red rectangles are the strips that go on top of the brick walls to keep the rain from seeping through. I need to get some better lit photographs of the brick. I tried a new technique for painting the brick and I like the results first go round. When does that ever happen??? 🤷♂️
Earlier, I painted the interior. White walls with black roughly where the roof will sit. Note that River Leaf Models didn’t include any strips to support the roof. The roofs of both my kits from Andre are exact fit. Also, Andre didn’t provide bases/floors. I will look through my scraps for something to make a base.
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Looking good. When I first read the revised title, I thought that it said Burger King! Whoops!!
Ha, ha! That is certainly easy done!!
Mark, a day late and a dollar short as usual, or should I say ten dollars short due to inflation?!
Glad to hear surgery went well. Are you planning any type of lighting for the lift-off section?
RJ, I look at it as, Better late than never! 😊 That’s the great thing about the Forum format, anyone can jump in and write something, a day, week, month, year later, whenever you see the posts.
Thank you. For underneath I was thinking it would be easiest to hand a section off LED road lights. As for the buildings on the lift-off or tilt-up as was suggested, I would just use some kind of easy disconnect plug on each building. This section will not have many, if any other buildings. Across the double tracks and over the yard tracks will be another lift-off/lift-up, probably two sections. That will be a town section, so a lot more plugs. In fact, even other buildings on solid benchwork would still need plugs. Thank you for asking. I can certainly get ahead of myself.
I updated the thread title Burger Hut Kit "Done". Done is because the "kit" is done, but I will be adding some interior and exterior details in the future. I am going to say it is done for now, since I don't have the details on hand like with my other structures.
Here is a front quarter view as it stands now. Notice some nice details Andre included. First is the laser etched plexiglass for the front door and window. Those are really nice. The 'Burger Hut' raised letter sign is a nice touch as well. I wasn't sure if I wanted the 'Eat" arrow sign, but decided it added too much character to not add it.
I mentioned the other day about the technique I used for the bricks. Here is a close up view of the bricks. Closeup you can tell the mortar joints aren't painted separately. I just kept dry brushing burnt sienna acrylic craft paint on the tops of the bricks hoping to leave the lighter color of the laser cut material showing to not bother with mortar. That didn't quite work out, but I like the variations in brick color. I decided not to mess with it any further. From normal viewing distance, I am well pleased with the results.
Here is the opposite side and rear of the building which was designed to look like stucco that is starting to fall off. These two sides definitely need weathered if they are going to show when the town is built. I will cross that bridge when and if I come to it. I think another building will probably be placed right up beside this one.
Ah, the base. I cut it out of some thick styrene I have and glued on little posts to center the building when placed on the base. I need to decide what treatment I want for the foundation. But as I said at the top of this post, the kit itself is done.
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@Mark Boyce posted:I updated the thread title Burger Hut Kit "Done". Done is because the "kit" is done, but I will be adding some interior and exterior details in the future. I am going to say it is done for now, since I don't have the details on hand like with my other structures.
Here is a front quarter view as it stands now. Notice some nice details Andre included. First is the laser etched plexiglass for the front door and window. Those are really nice. The 'Burger Hut' raised letter sign is a nice touch as well. I wasn't sure if I wanted the 'Eat" arrow sign, but decided it added too much character to not add it.
I mentioned the other day about the technique I used for the bricks. Here is a close up view of the bricks. Closeup you can tell the mortar joints aren't painted separately. I just kept dry brushing burnt sienna acrylic craft paint on the tops of the bricks hoping to leave the lighter color of the laser cut material showing to not bother with mortar. That didn't quite work out, but I like the variations in brick color. I decided not to mess with it any further. From normal viewing distance, I am well pleased with the results.
Here is the opposite side and rear of the building which was designed to look like stucco that is starting to fall off. These two sides definitely need weathered if they are going to show when the town is built. I will cross that bridge when and if I come to it. I think another building will probably be placed right up beside this one.
Ah, the base. I cut it out of some thick styrene I have and glued on little posts to center the building when placed on the base. I need to decide what treatment I want for the foundation. But as I said at the top of this post, the kit itself is done.
Mark, your burger joint looks great. I also enjoyed the step-by-step tutorial.
Well done, Mark!
Peter
Looks great Mark!
Art
Nice work Mark! Now I want a burger.
Dave
Thank you, Dave, Peter, Art, Dave!!!
"I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today"
I love it Mark. Great little structure.
Great job Mark! I like the realism you achieved on the brick. One of my favorite things to do on the layout is building and weathering the wood structures.
Gene
Great job on the Burger Hut! I hope rehab is going well !!!!
Looks fabulous, Mark!
And remember to eat your spinach!
George
Another great model Mark. I like the "Eat" sign too, adds character to an otherwise bland storefront. Marketing 101- make sure you stand out from the crowd!
Hope your recovery is going well.
Bob
Thank you, Joe, Gene, John, George, Bob!!
Gene, thank you, I was really pleased with the results. Yes, I think it is easier to get nice effects on wood than it is on styrene or other plastics. In this case, I took it slow, and it almost just happened on its own.
George, I yam what I yam!!
Bob, Yes, I thought the sign may be too garish for a small town joint, but then similar signs started being drawn from deep in my memory.
John, Bob, Everyone. I get my staples out tomorrow and get evaluated to see if I should start PT. Having been here before, I'm going to guess that will be the case. My wife says the incision looks good. The pain isn't as bad as it was a week ago, but my back does tire quickly. More important to me is that since surgery, I have not felt tingling going down my legs and I haven't felt like my knees would give out. That tells me that whatever was pressing on the nerves, isn't doing it anymore. Thank you so much for asking!
Good news so far on the tingling and knees feel solid! Hoping doc confirms this, that will be great news. You are in our prayers and hope for a good consistent recovery
I dig the brick! It came out great, as did the entire structure. Great work!!
Great skills on display with the build. Watching your progress, especially while dealing with medical issues, puts me to shame. Best wishes for continued recovery.
I can't recall if your layout has ever been in the magazine. If it hasn't, it should be - between the design, innovative use of space, and workmanship, it definitely deserves to be in print. And doing so will earn you a little bit of extra train cash. Tagging @Allan Miller...
Thanks for sharing your progress.
