Author Topic: Mount Union Re-Development Committee  (Read 18163 times)

david

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #75 on: February 06, 2023, 03:07:34 PM »
Way cool Rick. You have such an eye for detail and the ability to make it happen.

I don't know what you have planned for interior lighting, but I have some "Florescent" color LEDs here if you need them.

David

RickBacon

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #76 on: February 12, 2023, 01:27:00 PM »
More details…going to need some O scale dimes!


Rick Bacon
Windsor, CO

david

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #77 on: February 12, 2023, 08:57:53 PM »
When pop came in those crates, 10 cents was my week's allowance. We'd go out on our bikes searching alleys and roads for empty bottles to redeem for 2 cents each. Find 5, and you could buy a soda. Woohoo!
David

RickBacon

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #78 on: April 20, 2023, 09:22:49 AM »
My progress lately seems easier to measure with a calendar! 

In my mind's eye, the little diner scene is topped with a vintage 50's style neon sign.  I spent a lot of effort researching different methods to achieve this effect.  Unfortunately, I haven't been pleased with anything I've looked at! Too bulky, too large, out of scale, too gimmicky, visually out of balance, violates the laws of physics...

While wandering through a Hobby Lobby, I stumbled on a bag of inch tall laser cut wood letters.  After staring at them for a few minutes, I hit on an idea.  Back at my workbench, I glued these letters to a piece of .010 styrene sheet. I cut, trimmed, and sanded the styrene to conform to the letter's shape. A heavy coat of light grey primer followed by carefully outlining the edges with bright red completes the coloring.  I think these letters deliver a believable and convincing shape for sign letters that fit the scene.

Next will be some delicate spot light lamps using surface mount LEDs to illuminate the sign and make the scene "POP"...I hope!



Rick Bacon
Windsor, CO

RickBacon

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #79 on: April 26, 2023, 08:35:35 AM »
Working on some interior details. A coffee mug, some plates, napkin dispensers, and a dessert display.  Styrene bits and pieces make up most of this.  The lid on the dessert display is a cut down capsule that originally held Kadee coupler springs. Still need to make some burgers, fries, and utensils.




Rick Bacon
Windsor, CO

Craig

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #80 on: April 26, 2023, 05:06:43 PM »
Cheese burga…..cheese bugga…..cheese bugga….
Craig
A&O Track and Electrical Crew

david

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #81 on: April 28, 2023, 07:28:39 PM »
This is seriously insane, Rick. HOW did you make all this??? It will make for a lot of Peeping Tom action as operators pass thru Mt. Union.

The 1968 A&O RR calendar hanging on the wall is the crowning placement touch. Well done.

David

RickBacon

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #82 on: May 01, 2023, 09:54:11 AM »
It is common for a product distributor or manufacturer to provide a standard sign with a national brand that can be modified for a local business to help with advertising.  Since this diner is a "branded" Coca-Cola serving business, it only makes sense to have a branded sign.  I found a picture of a back-lit design, common to the modeled era, that I modified to advertise Dave's Diner, open 24 hours.

I laminated a pair of signs printed on photo paper to a piece of Plexi-glass with an LED inserted into the side. I used some aluminum ducting tape to trim the sign and make everything light-tight, so there are no light leaks. 

The sign will mount off the diner over the side walk and will make a nice eye catching contrast to the other various signs along the block of buildings.


« Last Edit: February 06, 2026, 04:10:32 PM by RickBacon »
Rick Bacon
Windsor, CO

Bob

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #83 on: May 02, 2023, 07:49:27 AM »
Nice!

RickBacon

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #84 on: May 22, 2023, 10:13:02 AM »
Only 2 weeks until the O Scale National Convention. Yikes! So much to finish!

The interior of the diner is pretty much finished, just need to drop the window "glass" into the walls. 

The gentleman reading the paper is a 3D print from MB Model, gifted by fellow O scaler Greg Amer out of Seattle. Thanks Greg!

The seated boy and the cook are from vintage 1960s Revell vehicle models.  The cook has an apron and hat made from post-it notes and super glue.  The seated guy is modified the same way with a hat.

Now to finish the roof and the wiring for the lights and signs.  Still need to build the separate walk-in cooler that goes behind the diner.


Rick Bacon
Windsor, CO

david

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #85 on: May 31, 2023, 04:40:17 PM »
Okay, this has gotten insane. How utterly cool this is. I just decided that Mt. Union will viewed by moonlight for the SONC open house a week from Saturday. Too cool, Rick.

RickBacon

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #86 on: June 05, 2023, 09:52:01 AM »
Almost out of time! Looks like some late nigh work is in order to finish before the show!  The good news is that the lights work! 

Final details are in process; steps with railings, window glass and doors, and the detached walk-in cooler.

 

Rick Bacon
Windsor, CO

RickBacon

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #87 on: June 05, 2023, 10:02:21 AM »
The walk-in cooler is scratch built from styrene.  I went with a rolled seam metal structure to add variety to the overall city block.  By my count, this scene now has structures made from brick, cement block, tarpaper covered wood, clapboard siding, stainless steel ribbed siding, and rolled seamed metal.   The cooler will be weathered to appear to predate the the modern diner it serves.  Rusty and losing the war with creeping vines is the plan!



Rick Bacon
Windsor, CO

RickBacon

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #88 on: June 07, 2023, 10:35:04 AM »
Meanwhile, back at the Mothership...

Here is the diner in it's permanent home.  There are some details on the backside to be finished to include some kudzu vines, trash, cans and alley trash.


« Last Edit: June 07, 2023, 10:37:17 AM by RickBacon »
Rick Bacon
Windsor, CO

Bob

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Re: Mount Union Re-Development Committee
« Reply #89 on: June 07, 2023, 06:49:45 PM »
Your work will certainly be a bright shining star at the O Scale National open house.