Train Garden
When I started planning my diorama I knew it had to have a small grass airstrip representing the post war era in the great Midwest. However, I could not find a kit to build that looked the right fit. After researching many photos of various hangers from around the country, I came up with a plan to build one. At first it was too big. Then it was to long and not quite wide enough. I also could not find any aircraft of the right scale. Then my friend Eddy U. found a couple of aircraft of the right scale, and I had my dimensions.
After completion, the weathering and addition of graphics were paramount to achieve the right look. I searched many catalogs for what would catch my eye. I brought home the Atlantic Flyer to look through it when my wife Paula just cut out the logo and held it up to the side of the hanger. Wow, a perfect fit. The right colors, size, and length. So thanks to all of the people at the Atlantic Flyer, I think I have a great representative hanger of a time not that long ago. And if you didn't listen to your instructor, you probably ended up at Mortimer’s.
The whole layout is 168 square feet. Total track mileage is just over 180 miles in scale. I haven't completed the layout yet so I 'm not sure how many buildings there will be. I have been working on it for two and a half years at least ten to fifteen hours a week. Most of the buildings take twenty to sixty hours to build each. Wicked Wanda's was a very intense build.
All the buildings are wood except the granary and the church. Everybody is welcomed to come over and play and look if they want. There's no fun in having a toy you can't play with.
And why did I do it? Just look outside at the lovely New England weather. And Paula likes to work on it too, she's the landscaper!! She also did all the painting on the walls. She is a hidden talent! Thanks for your interest. There will be a lot more in the coming years. A layout is never really finished; you always find something else to add!!
Thanks again,
Perry Rhoads
