Model Railroad Blog

Sweetener Products 2-27

I finally finished up the Sweetener Products corn syrup structure.  Once I decide on the foreground composition I’ll add the unloading hoses and piping.  The image originals that I wanted to use for the photo wallpaper contained no doors, somewhat unrealistic for this application.  One of the more involved aspects of the photo editing was cropping in the roll up doors in such a way that the graffiti was continuous.  Stand off details consist of scratch built downspouts and scuppers, security lights, and a vent.  For the roof vents I used the Walthers details painted with Alclad II lacquers plus some K&S aluminum tubing.

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Tank Car Unloading

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When you think about it, those YouTube viewing preference “suggestions” are a little scary.  For example, you might want to take a hard look at your life path if you get a YouTube note that reads, “based on your past viewing experience you might like the suggested videos on (take your pick), joining ISIS, aborigine mud wrestling, or the Brady Bunch.”

Then it hit me, before I become too self-righteous I should take a hard look at what Big Brother YouTube serves up to me.  Case in point, the above video on How To Unload A Tank Car.  I’m not sure what’s worse, the fact my life has hit the point where this is what is suggested or the fact that I found it fascinating to watch!  Don’t laugh, most of you will too.

I can see it now, your significant other walks unexpectedly into your office and you minimize your screen in a panic.  SO demands, “Busted!  Show me what you’ve been watching and it better NOT be one of “THOSE” sites”.  You hang you head in shame because it is, in fact, one of those sites….. a site catering to those that like watching tank car unloading videos.

Simulating Metal Surfaces

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My attention of late has been on the Sweetener Products structure.  One of the signature features of corn syrup facilities is the preponderance of metallic vents and piping.  The question then becomes, how do you make plastic look like metal? Simply using silver paint, even traditional paints labeled as metallics, won’t work.  They’re far too grainy and look  like crap.  Fortunately, there is a system that is a) simpler and b) actually looks like metal when you’re done.  So, that leaves two options: the old way which doesn’t work or a simpler method which does.  The challenge is that old habits die hard in model railroading.

For decades, military modelers have been using Alclad II metallic lacquers (easily found online and in many hobby stores).  They are very forgiving and flow out of an airbrush far more smoothly than traditional paints.  They only require one additional step and it’s a simple on at that.  The parts must first be painted with a gloss black lacquer.  I prefer Krylon Fusion for plastic as it has a very sophisticated spray tip that lays down an ultra smooth coat.  Here’s all you need to do:

  1. Spray your parts with gloss black lacquer
  2. Let dry for 24 hours
  3. Set your airbrush on 7 to 8psi (the low setting is crucial)
  4. Spray on the Alclad II

That’s it!

Sweetener Products (February 13)

The next project is the structure for my largest industry, Sweetener Products.  I’m doing a bit of a prototype stretch here as the Sweetener Products facility is actually located on the UP a few miles away and in a different type of structure.  Call it plausible proto-freelancing.  Throughout the LAJ a distinctive feature of many structures is curved walls that match the bends in surrounding tracks.  I wanted to emulate that.

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I’ve found that when using .060″ styrene for larger scratch built structures, the plastic gets a little “wiggly” over time.  The cure lies in providing a hefty, stable core.  In this instance, I used half thick high-quality plywood cut to shape and sealed with shellac. After the core was done I cut the .060″ styrene veneer to shape and adhered it with Liquid Nails construction adhesive and ultra tiny brads.

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In the photo above, the styrene veneer has been attached.  The roof and wall cap strips have been mounted, painted, and weathered.  Next up is the photo wallpaper.  It’s a lot easier to get the roof painting out of the way before adding the photo wallpaper.