A 19th Century Machine Shop Diorama

[J.L.]

Hi Chris,
Thank you for your kind words. And thank you for all of your interest and support during the construction of this machine shop.

Hi Marv,
Very kind of you to set this video up for viewing. I will study it closely.

[b.lindsey]

Thanks for the overall pictures John. As Chris noted, I think a lot of folks who hadn't followed the thread would think it a real shop. That is a testament to all the details you have included in this amazing model!!

Bill

[Tennessee Whiskey]

The only thing missing is the"smell "   Just beautiful John. The stove looks a lot like one that would have been used in an old caboose. If you didn't want to fabricate, perhaps the model loco suppliers would have something.

Cletus

[J.L.]

Thanks Bill

Hello Cletus,
You have nailed it! Yes, it is an old small version of a caboose stove! I could not have identified it without you. Thank you very much.

It is not available as a model in 1/12 scale, but the many pictures of it on the Internet will make it easier to draft up for modelling. You have moved this little project forward in a big way. 

[Flyboy Jim]

Looking at that last set of pictures I'm amazed how much they remind me of the machine shop at the old Bumble Bee Shipyard in Astoria, Oregon. When I was in it in the 70's, it still had a lot of the belt driven machines (the mainshaft was driven by an electric motor). The floor was Douglas Fir (plentiful in that area) and varnished or oiled. The walls were painted about the same and it was as clean as John's.

Here's a picture of the outside of the building it was housed in:
https://photos.smugmug.com/History/Construction/i-KvGhv84/0/L/1946,shipyard,CRPA,Astoria,Later%20Bumble%20Bee,-L.jpg
I'd like to find a picture of the inside. It was torn down some years back after the shipyard closed.

Jim

[J.L.]

Hi Jim,
Thank you for recalling memories of that shop.

Here is a mock-up of the total project.  If you look closely, there is an extension added to the left side of the foreman's office. That's the reason there was a door on that wall of the office...  It will not be added. I have other irons in the fire now and want to get on with the next project.

The fourth and final book featuring the diorama's development is now in the works.

I am going to pass on the making of the little stove. A casting would be the only way to get 'that look' in my opinion and I have other projects awaiting.

A videotape is being made of the diorama. I will post a link when it becomes available.

Thank you to all who have followed the development of this diorama. Thank you to all who made constructive suggestions that enhanced the project's overall presentation.

It's been a blast! 

[J.L.]

Here are three finishing photos taken with my camera. A photographer I know has agreed to take pictures of the diorama in RAW format and videotape the project as well. A link to the video will be posted in this thread - hopefully in the new year.

Regards,
John

[J.L.]

I would really like to have a go at making Sir William Armstrong's twin cylinder horizontal engine in spite of cautions given online about undersized castings and other minor flaws. It would be nice set in a pump house diorama setting.

But that is down the road. In the meantime, I am going to make a display engine - William Benson's vertical steam engine mounted on a wooden plinth. It has been made several times online. There are also a host of YouTube videos of the engine running.

So nothing too dramatic for the moment.

For me, the learning curve continues. I have the assistance of a very good machinist who smooths out the rough patches for me and makes it easy to complete a project by adding in the small, 'fun stuff'.

Cheers...John

[Flyboy Jim]

Absolutely stunning John! Well done. 

I'm looking forward to the pictures and video. Also the build of your next project.

Jim

[Kim]

As Jim, and many others have said, simply beautiful!  You have created a masterpiece for sure.
Thanks for sharing it with us all all along the way, John. It was a fun journey!
Make sure and keep a build log of your Benson Vertical. I'd love to follow along with that one too.
Kim

[b.lindsey]

Yeah, I have missed your updates on this one already John. But I am sure the next project will be just as enthralling!!

Bill

[10KPete]

Beautiful, John. Just beautiful. I've linked this thread to some friends who've been amazed at the work you've done. Can't wait for the video!

Pete

[Dave Otto]

Stunning piece of work John!
I'm sure that you are very proud and rightly so.


Dave

[Roger B]

Lovely    I am looking forward to the pictures and video 

[J.L.]

Thanks gentlemen all.
Roger, I have news on the video front. This afternoon my videographer friend came to shoot the last pictures in RAW format for the video.
Here's his still camera mounted on a boom for overhead shooting.