A 19th Century Machine Shop Diorama

[J.L.]

Thanks all,
Here are some shots of the diorama to date. This thread was intended to focus on the sub-base, but some have asked to have a look at the diorama as a whole...

[jschoenly]

Really beautiful work!!

[Roger B]

Still following along  It's a wonderful project 

[J.L.]

Thank you gentlemen.

The diorama grows.
Here are the stair railings. They were made from brass tube and rod to represent cast iron fittings and steel pipe used in the period.

[sco]

In that last picture it looks full scale!

Nice job,

Simon.

[vcutajar]

Those railings look really good.  What size of brass tube and rod are you using?

Vince

[b.lindsey]

John, the brass rod and tube idea looks very authentic. I will definitely file that idea away for future use. The diorama is looking amazing!!

Bill

[J.L.]

Thank you All,
Vince you were asking about the rod and tube. The tubing is telescopic 1/8" brass. It slips over 3/32" brass rod. The photos show some of the work. The trick with the fittings was to carve a concave out of the end of the tube on the milling machine.

[b.lindsey]

John, did you soft solder the joints, silver solder, or other adhesive means?

Bill

[J.L.]

Hi Bill,
A very good question. The fittings were soft soldered. Assembly of fittings to rails was done with CA glue and epoxy.
Thanks for asking,
John

[sshire]

John
A most astounding diorama! The detailing is spectacular.

[Don1966]

Very impressive work and the detailing is superb. I like...................

Don

[J.L.]

Thank you gentlemen,
Work continues on the railings...

[jeff l]

Great work on both the engine and the railings

[J.L.]

Thanks Jeff.