Westcott Depot

Note: This is not a 'How To', but a display of a completed 'Scratchbuilt Project' showing what can be done with some materials and time. It does not have to have been judged for AP Points.

(Click on the small images for the full size view.)

May 29, 2004
This depot was entirely scratchbuilt from stripwood and sheet wood, using an article by Ben King in the February 1970 issue of Model Railroader. Besides being scratchbuilt, each of the two sashes in every window operate (that is, they slide up and down), and both of the outside man-doors open and close. The roof is removable and entire inside is detailed.

The majority of the details (like the safe, wall shelves, file cabinet) are scratchbuilt as well. The shingles were made from paper cut with serrated scissors; I then chucked two x-acto blades into one handle and used that to cut the 1/64" slits between the individual serrations. (Admittedly nuts, but effect turned out well.)

I plan to put the depot in the largest town on my layout, Westcott, named for my model railroading hero, Linn Westcott, former Model Railroad editor. The structure earned 117 points in the Thousand Lakes Region's convention contest in Grand Forks, ND.

Gerry Leone

PS - Gary informs me that he is particularly proud of that building because it won Second Place-Online Structures at the Model Contest at the National Convention in Seattle last July! - rph (10/29/2004)

See more of Gerry Leone's work by visiting his Bona Vista Railroad web site at:

http://home.earthlink.net/~gerryleone/trains.htm

If you wish to submit a photo for consideration, send the photo (no larger than 800x600 please) to TJ Klevar along with a description of how you built it, techniques you used, and any special tips you wish pass along.