One Step Forward, Two Steps Backward (part 2 of the prior post)

The name of this post should be "Is It Better to Leave Things as They Are? (Part 2)". Before anyone takes me to task over my choice to strip the paint off the model and literally start all over again, the model was built over 40 years ago. What paint was originally used and how the model was finished are long forgotten. Unfortunately I had, at the start of the project, painted over the decals on the letterboard when they should have been removed. This short cut lead to my having to do more work.

The original goals of upgrading the model were:

• paint the letterboard maroon
• re-letter the car to my layout's name
• rebuild the interior

However, to get the model looking OK and in operating condition the following was done:

• painted striped off
• model exterior upgraded
• exterior painted with tough-ups
• lettered
• gloss over-coated
• re-wired
• interior rebuilt
• interior lighting rebuilt
• passengers and crew installed
• roof repainted

As you can see many more things had to be done to the model. Hence the names of the posts: "Is It Better to Leave Things as They Are?" and "One Step Forward, Two Steps Backward ". 

Least you think the model could have been left unfinished and picked-up later to work on, when my wife saw the model on my work bench she said, "Never sell the 'Lois Ann'. I want it for myself!" She knows the model and keeps tabs on it.

What was anticipated to take 2-3 weeks time has required 8 plus weeks. Part of the additional time was caused by avoidance on my part as other non-model projects came up.

This is the interior of the roof with the new lighting installed. The lighting uses 16 volt bulbs. Newer 1.5 v lighting wasn't used mainly due to cost and the need to get the model completed.

The front of the model is to the right, The lighting strip has been installed and needs to be painted white the same as the ceiling of the model.

The new interior was built-up from styrene. Much of the same layout was used, Starting at the front, right, is the cab. The companionway is to the top of the model. In the kitchen is Ike trying to figure out what to do with a giant lobster, The dinning room is next. Ike is not only the cook but also the attendant for the car, He set the table.

Lois and I are seated in the solarium-parlor with two guest Eric Bronsky and Bruce Moffat.

On the dinning room wall is a map of the Insull electric railways.

After the dinning room is a library which contains many books on electric railroading and information on Insull's empire.

Next is the master bedroom. 

The solarium parlor is next. Unfortunately no close-up interior photos were taken of this part of the interior.

Guest can sleep in the solarium parlor on a fold out bed made from the long seat next to the bulkhead. The tables and chairs have to be moved. Sleeping accommodations are mentioned mainly because sleeping accommodations for the crew seem to be missing. But then, it's only a model. 

The interior could have been altered more than I did when the model was first built many years ago. When the model was first built the motorman's operating area across the front of the car was added along with a door in the side of the car. For now Mike, the motorman, and Ike can sleep in the motorman's operating area in hammocks! 

The finished model with its new paint and lettering is on the railway.

The paint was purchased just for this model. It has the new orange color which to my eyes looks a little on the pastel side.

Cheers,
Ed