models

Here are some recent examples of my Scale Models and Figures.
They are mostly train-related, and 1" scale

Il Burrito (little donkey)

This "locomotive" model portrays a home/shop built "critter" do work around
the local industrial area. It uses a modified Model A engine for power, and a chain drive off the
transmission. It is totally imaginary, of course. The model is built from scraps of plastic, brass,
commercial motor and chain drive, a bunch of parts bartered from my friends, and a
custom-sculpted driver. It has battery power and Radio-Control. Built and SOLD, 2019

These small locomotives were built in Paris, and were used to supply the trenches and retrieve the
wounded during WWI. After the war, they were used as industrial and agricultural locos. My model,
foreshortened and modified for my own tastes, represents what might have happened to one of
the survivors. It is entirely scratch-built in styrene and brass(except for the motor block), and has
battery power and radio control.

Starting in 1995, I began to sculpt scale figures to accompany my Model Trains. As I got more adept at it,
I got requests for copies, so I began molding them in silicon rubber, and casting them in white polyurethane
resin. I focused on 7/8ths inch scale, but also offered figures in 1/2 inch, 1:20 scale, and, most recently, in
1" scale. I sold hundreds of figures to modelers all over the world, and created master sculpts for several companies for resale. I sold my masters and molds in 2010, and retired from the business. Here are some examples...

1/2" scale figures are about 3" tall, 1:20 figures ... 3.5", 7/8ths figures ... 5.7", and 1"figures ... 6" tall

Same Figure; 1/12, 1:20, 1:24                A group of 1/2" Scale Figures

This model was my own creation, based on what a small railroad my do to make their own inspection
loco for the CEO. It is based on a Harley-Davidson "Knucklehead" engine from about 1937. The remainder
of the loco was scratch-built to display what the local shop mechanic might have been thinking. Materials
include styrene, brass, and some commercial castings and electronics. The drive is a servo-motor,
modified for continuous rotation. Control is through a forward-off-reverse toggle under the seat.

The "Cricket" (grillo in Italian) was a commercial model of a tiny, gear-driven live-steam
locomotive. I acquired an early production model, in 1:20 scale, and proceeded to rebuild
it in 1" scale. The entire mechanism and boiler remained, but I rebuilt the cab and
other visible "cosmetic" bits to 1" scale.

Built from a fabulous kit once made by "Back2Bay6" in England. The kit was produced
from white-metal castings, and I made certain embellishments and added details.
The painting was a layer of primer, followed by base coat of "Hunter Green"auto body
paint (both from rattle cans). The details and weathering are a combination of acrylic
paints and commercial rust treatments.

This whimsical little critter was built from bits in my scrap box. The drive was
salvaged from and old cassette player, the side-frames are from an old Bachmann
side-tip car, and the Vespa is a diecast model I picked up in Italy. I sculpted the figure,
and the rest is bits and pieces.

Below is a 7/8" scale Simplex loco, with an animated driver, built from scratch.
Both the loco and the moving head are battery powered and radio controlled.