The Little World

I don’t normally take an interest in model railways or buy the kits for the structures – unless I realise that I need more detail in a quicker time than I am prepared to scratch-build. Don’t get me wrong – I used to build big-scale rail layouts. But the railway idea has not resonated with me lately as much as the plastic kits.

Nevertheless, I need some detail in the photographic set for my workshop builds – I’ve chosen Ess Bend Aviation to act as my go-to shop – and the bare set needs decoration. I’ve googled wartime American aviation plants and seen some of the common features of them: open spaces, lattice side walls, mezzanine floors, and parts storage. Also multiple lighting from above and factory windows at the side. I think I can make a generic aircraft factory set from this Walthers ice house.

I don’t normally go to HO scale for structures or vehicles. It is a fine size, but the disparity between it and the 1:72 aircraft is just on the edge of too much. Here, however, the back wall of Ess bend is going to be smaller than the planes in the foreground anyway and I don’t think it will detract at all. It’s forcing the perspective a little, that’s all.

There are plenty of big sheets of textured plastic – If I do not want a separate structure I’ve got more than enough to cut apart for smaller walls.

There’s the mezzanine walkway, right there.

And the lattice structure to lift it off the floor.

Stairs up to the bosses office…or the lunchroom.

And roofing…that can become siding sheet.

There’s no decals I can use, nor any need for them. I’ll be printing my own signs, patriotic posters, and advertising  for the factory.

If I’m careful it can all be built on a removable pallet to leave the main floor and wall free for future changes. I’ll try to include a window up on the wall, but I cannot make it too high or it will disappear out of frame.