Frenchies Bar

Explain hardware John please. Do you mean internal 'rack' type shelving?

I think he means Hinges and handles, Al.

Al:  Afraid it's my turn to be confused; don't know where "rack" shelving came from.    What I'm looking for --Buck was right--is hinges and latches.  They are much heavier than normal and usually have a unique shape.  I've found lots of hinges and such, but nothing appropriate for an old icebox.  I may have to test my carving abilities, such as they are.  

Like these John ?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/B-H-MINIATURE-Country-Collection-Dollhouse-KITCHEN-Furniture-Antique-ICE-BOX-KIT-/181371067630?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a3a8edcee

Sam: We're getting close. That would be great, but it's 1/12 scale which makes it too large for Frenchies. It is exactly the style I'm looking for though. Thanks.

That gives me an idea of style, now it just needs to be smaller. lol

Make the metalwork out of solder wire, it can be flattened, shaped and detailed easily with basic tools, sticks easily with superglue.

Roof and trussing look great.
I have used the Radio Shack acid in model RR'ing in the past and just loved the effect on aluminum corrugated paneling. As an 'old school' painter I have a high tolerance to noxious fumes, and didn't find the acid all that bad. Just didn't care to stick my nose directly above it. And it was fun to watch the acid 'kick' and really start working. Recently, in 1:25 scale, I tried to scratch build corrugated paneling out of soda cans and a tube squeezer . The etchant didn't work very well on that.
  

Looking good John   

As far as hinges go, you might want to try G scale Model railroad scale. they can be; 1:22.5 / 1:24 / 1:29 or 1:32 but will get you close on the size. The figures are close for 1:24 & 1:25 cars.   

Geezerman wrote:Roof and trussing look great.
I have used the Radio Shack acid  in model RR'ing in the past and just loved the effect on aluminum corrugated paneling. As an 'old school' painter I have a high tolerance to noxious fumes, and didn't find the acid all that bad. Just didn't care to stick my nose directly above it. And it was fun to watch the acid 'kick' and really start working. Recently, in 1:25 scale, I tried to scratch build corrugated paneling out of soda cans and a tube squeezer . The etchant didn't work very well on that.
  

Clay: I have tried soda cans also with the same results. I think it probably has something to do with the coating on the inside of the can. This time around I used an aluminum craft foil I got at Hobby Lobby. Comes in a roll which is, I think, 12 x 30 inches. With their 40% coupon it came to around $4.00. If you are interested Ill get out the package and let you know what it's called. BTW, I agree the ferric acid is more "fun", but it's just not practical to use here where I live now because of the nearness of the neighbors. Model on!

John and Colin: Thanks for the suggestions guys. Much appreciated.

I decided it was time to start gathering detail pieces for the diorama.  The first thing I thought of was that every bar needs a cigarette machine.  I went to ebay and found what I thought would be an appropriate piece and ordered it.  I was about to learn a valuable lesson.  Always, ALWAYS, take a really good look at the photos of the item you are about to buy.  Here are a couple of shots of the machine I bought.



It even came with the manufacture's mark on the back.



I think it is safe to say, I was just a little disappointed in the quality of the item I had just purchased.  In fairness to the seller though I have to say, the item was exactly as described in the ebay listing and his customer service was excellent.  The fact that I purchased this is my own fault as I did not closely examine the photos in the ebay listing.  My bad.....

After getting over my disappointment I decided to use the item I had bought as a pattern for my own scratch built version of the cigarette machine.  It took a few hours work, but I think I ended up with a machine I can proudly place in the diorama.  Here are a couple of shots of the finished machine.





Personally I think it turned out pretty well. If anybody is interested in how it went together let me know and I will do a step by step.

Here is a shot of a test piece of the floor I am thinking of using in Frenchies.



I'd appreciate it if you guys would let me know what you think of it.

Nice job on the cig. machine    Looks real.

I think the flooring is right on for the time frame and the color, texture are great   

Are you going to have a bar with the draft beer handles and a mirror behind the bar ??

John: Yes, there will be a bar. I don't think Frenchie's is a keg beer kind of place. Beer will be served in bottles.    Likewise, no mirror planned for the back bar.

Good stuff John. I think the floor boards have just the right amount of roughness to them. Gonna rock. Speaking of rocking have you thought about a Jukebox yet?

Buck: I hadn't thought of that. I'll start searching. Thanks.

Buck: Found and ordered one from Jimmy Flintstone. Thanks for the idea.

 

Made some progress this week.  Got the floors ready and installed in the building.



I also started a scratch built gas pump, but for some reason can't get the photo to attach to this file so I will post another file in a minute.

I decided to scratch build the gas pump for the diorama.  Decided on a Tokheim pump that was in use from 1938 to the late 1950s.  The pump is now ready for the detailing.

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The finished pump will have a rather "used" look.

Don't know why this photo refused to come up in the thread, but it can be seen by clicking on the link.

Looking good, John. Where did you get the Red Crown Globe?

Mike: It was in my parts box. Don't remember where it actually came from. I think it may have been in a bag of parts I bought at GSL last year.

Hardwood floor, jukebox, cold beer. I am liking this.

Zbuckster wrote:Hardwood floor, jukebox, cold beer. I am liking this.