The Parker Grain Company

When I was a kid I was always on the lookout for interesting structures. I always carried a camera and took the time to photograph the buildings that caught my eye.

The structures didn't have to have a run-down appearance just different roof lines, additions and shapes. I also favored structures that served a railroad or were on the water.

This building was the Parker Grain Company and located on a river in Danversport, Massachusetts. It was way past it's prime when I photographed it in 1963.

I've built three models of the Parker Grain Company, all in HO scale. The first model was built from Strathmore card stock using the Jack Work techniques that were described in Model Railroader magazine. The second was from basswood sheets and strips using plastic windows and doors.

My last model was this one, shown in the photo. It's made from Evergreen styrene sheets and trim, Grandt Line doors and windows, and roof details from several plastic kits.

All the models are gone, either sold or destroyed, so it might be time to build it again.

My new DVD

My latest DVD Building Landform parts 1 & 2 arrived via UPS last evening. Just in time for Springfield. This is a full length, 80-minute version showing all my tips and tricks to build a realistic base for your scenery. It'll be on my web site soon.

I demonstrate installing tunnel portals, using cardboard strips, applying plaster wrap, cutting, stacking and shaping urethane foam, using hot wire tools, using both Gypsolite and Sculptamold, adding both foam and plaster rocks castings, carving rocks directly into foam using a kitchen knife, and then I finish with a rock painting tutorial, the colors you need, and how to dry brush the rocks for best effect. This is two videos in one. Price is $29.95.