One of my current projects is a long abandoned coaling station. I model diesel (mostly 70's to modern) and I wanted this structure to look like it hasn't been used since the 50's. I started with this Bachmann coaling station I picked up at the LHS. I then stripped the roof off it and weathered it appropriately. Next I rubbed aluminum foil into the contours of the original roof and spray painted it a rust color. The next step was to cut and place rafters where the original roof had been.
I weathered the rafters with a wash of gray paint and alcohol. The next step was to cut the roofing into scale 4x10 foot pieces. I then used white glue and a pair of tweezers to place the sheets where I wanted them. I used the tweezers to tease the bends into them. First one side:
That looks great. Of course, it's so old and worn out, I would think the railroad will probably have to tear it down soon - too much liability. Clever idea using aluminum foil to replicate worn-out tin roofing. -Dave
I agree about the liability part but there's just too much around it. Burn it from the top down maybe? The fire dept I work with has down control burns like that before, but not anything that tall. That's gotta be about 4 stories.
Not to get too far off topic, but you have me intrigued now - would it be abnormally dangerous to burn something potentially filled with coal dust? I'm thinking that if grain elevators can blow up, that coal dust has gotta be even more dangerous. -Dave
Not if the inside is thoroughly washed down first. Like grain dust, flour, powdered coffee creamer, etc, coal dust is only explosive when airborne and dry. Ever try burning wet coal?
