"The Original" Kittom Lumber Co.

Doctor G

Well-Known Member
Back when I modeled in HO scale I had a fairly large fictional layout that depicted the logging outfit of the Kittom Lumber Company in the 1930s. It was set in Eastern Tennessee and took up a big portion of the basement of the house we were living in at that time.




It was a lot of fun but the kids grew up and moved way and we moved into a smaller home. As the eyes got weaker I wanted to try my hand at larger scales. Without the basement for a larger empire and selecting On30 as my next modeling adventure I decided to build some mini layouts.

What follows is a pictorial history of the construction of "the original" Kittom Lumber Company. This will be the story of a backwoods outfit in Kentucky or Tennessee that was the starting point of the lumber empire that would come in the 1930s. The era I've chosen to model is 1900– 1910. Rough temporary trackage is a hallmark of these logging outfits. The early geared locomotives are just starting to come into favor and there is some primitive steam powered log moving equipment.







As this is a ” mini" layout there is a fairly simple track plan. The overall size is 48 inches by 30 inches.




I am also trying to break from traditional wooden bench work and the layout will be constructed of Styrofoam and aluminum structural pieces. I have already been to Lowes and loaded up on essentials.



Also I am breaking from the past and will model this layout in the dead of winter. I am fascinated by the modeling techniques that re-create patches of snow, ice, and bare trees. This little mini will allow me to throw out all the stops on scenery construction and creativity. I hope to learn many new techniques.



Thanks for looking and I hope to add to this story on a regular basis.

Doc Tom
 
Last edited by a moderator:

zathros

*****SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR*****
Staff member
Administrator
Moderator
Doc G, you have made a train hospital complex!! :)
 

zathros

*****SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR*****
Staff member
Administrator
Moderator
Man, you must have the most awesome wife!! :)
 

subnuke

Banned
Doc, big thanks for sharing your building log with us. This will help people see the thoughts and methods of scratchbuilding, which apply to all modeling endeavors.

Like the use of blue foam over plywood. With proper bracing that stuff works well. I build all kinds of projects with that material and love it. Most recently I used it as the structure for a TV antenna I built. For cutting, I use a knife blade (instead of saw blade) in my jig saw and it makes good cuts without all the mess.
 

Doctor G

Well-Known Member
Thank you Subnuke. I agree it is an excellent material to work with and I'm noticing it is increasingly used in model railroading. Another interesting way to cut the foam is to use a hot wire.

http://www.micromark.com/Hot-Wire-F...zX5DlBEsJjiEkc5DbALAby-Y8U3bDp73LbhoCqXvw_wcB

This too makes little mess but the fumes are toxic and best to do this outdoors or in a well ventilated area.

What I will do is build up the landforms much like a topography map. I will use the Dremel tool to sand and carve in rock strata. More to follow soon. Doc Tom
 

Doctor G

Well-Known Member
How do you like working with the Peco track and switches?

It is really well-made!! Not too expensive. I am being very careful to follow their instructions about placing insulated track joiners to avoid short circuits with the" electro frog" turnouts. Especially using DCC. The Drop in tsunami sound decoder is working well in the Heisler locomotive. I do not want to burn it up!!:hammerhead:

Doc Tom
 

Doctor G

Well-Known Member
Tom your stuff looks like it is loading, mine won"t. what browser are you using?

Hi. I noticed you were having problems. :violin: I am using Firefox as a browser. So far no trouble. Maybe Zathros will be along soon to help you with this issue. Doc Tom
 

zathros

*****SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR*****
Staff member
Administrator
Moderator
Post problems re: "Glitches" in said thread on the home Page.

I glanced through this thread and learned so much! The heat wire iron is great!!
 

Doctor G

Well-Known Member
Post problems re: "Glitches" in said thread on the home Page.

I glanced through this thread and learned so much! The heat wire iron is great!!
Thanks Zathros. Thanks for helping Bill with his very good pictures. Doc Tom
 

zathros

*****SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR*****
Staff member
Administrator
Moderator
Bill, the backbone of the Train section!! ;)
 

Doctor G

Well-Known Member
My wife and I took a summer break when my VERY generous sister-in-law, Peg, sponsored a Rail and Trail adventure in Switzerland. This certified "train nut" was blown away by the incredible Swiss rail system.

Imagine my surprise
jump2refection_125.gif
after huffing and puffing up the Swiss Alpine Mountain Rigi Klum on a hike I found this:






For a few Swiss Francs I was able to hitch a ride in mechanized splendor to the top of the mountain while enjoying the aromas of coal smoke and steam oil.

I commemorated the steam adventure in a short You Tube "trailer" I put together for other members of the trip.


Now its back to work on my little creation of steam in the mountains.

Doc Tom
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Doctor G

Well-Known Member
Oh Boy!, Tom You have stroked up your game rock wise! Looks great.



I can't wait to see your progress!
Thanks Bill. The strata of the rocks reminds me of your hydrocal carving technique. The Dremel and the foam sure made it quick and relatively easy. :smug: Tom
 
Top