Since they’ve shown up in previous posts I thought I talk about the ship models and structures for the harbor scene.
I scratch built both ships, the ore boat initially from the photo on the Sylvan website. Drawing it out was rather simple as the picture was from the front with the plimsoll marks visible on the bow. From there I made a ruler and could measure the rest of the ship. Using various images for deck structures I came up with a generic steam powered ore boat. I then drew it out full size and basically made a kit from .040 sheet styrene. The deck fittings are from Sea Port Models.
For the freighter, I Googled “Lakes Freighters” and found a Great Lakes museum website with photos of a wide variety of different ships. Working from general dimensions, I again drew plans and cut a kit. Again working with .040 styrene and Sea Port fittings I built the ship. The pulley blocks came from an old Revell sailing ship kit. Looking at the ship in the scene I think it sits high and will probably cut the hull down it get it riding a little lower in the water
The warehouse is a Walther’s kit (Walthers.com) from their Water Front series. I opened the dock doors and built an interior for the warehouse. I also added an office to the upper corner complete with a dock Foreman and assistant. The warehouse is also lit. I felt it was important as these structures are at eye level.
The Hullett unloader is also from Walthers. I am in the process of shortening it as it a little wide for the scene. Once that is done I will try and do it justice by weathering it. Once the scenery is finished and all the models are installed I have a variety of deck hands and dock workers that will complete the scenes.
I am still working on more backround buildings for the scene, but since I have not finalized the track plan for this area I am unsure as to what I’ll need.