A 1:700 scale 1944 Mare Island Navy Yard

[craigs]

Absolutely breath taking. The steam engine is probably a USRA 0-8-0 or 0-6-0. These steam engines were built as a result of the WWI US gov't take over of the railroads. These steam engines standardized steam some what as each road still added their own individual touches. Since this was a naval yard, the engines was probably stock or as close to stock as the USRA engines ever got. A google search for USRA steam plans should get you to some drawings. Or find a model railroader of US roads and ask him/her to let you look at their collection of old magazines, Model Railroader, Rail Model Craftsman, Mainline Modeller, or the NMRA Bulletin. I do not know the search fee but the NMRA, National Model Railroaders Association, http://www.nmra.org, library should have USRA drawings. I hope that this helps. Craig

[Quincy]

You guys are magicians!!!!!!!






Bob Pink.

[Jason M.]

THis project is hands down the most incredible thing I have seen in 1/700 scale to date. And to be made from mostly custom made photoetch!!?? Thats just sick!!

[Cadman]

Probably something a little more like this engine.


This popular model is typical of dockside engines.


The pics you posted look like a mining engine with it's low profile cab.

[masch3]

Wow, this really blows me away!!!

[gtb -red]

THIS IS OFF THE HOOK!!#$$^$*&80.

[gtb -red]

THIS IS OFF THE HOOK!!#$$^$*&80.

[destroyerman]

Both of you are to be heartily congratulated on what is quite honestly an outstanding project.
Whilst typing i look down at my (chunky) fingers and wonder how you can achieve results like that.

Very well done, and keep us up to speed regularly!

[bgire]

hello !
After a busy week-end Jean assembled more stuff...

A bunch of buildings :
Reader's help inquired : any idea about the TRUE WW2 era colours ?







Diesel engines... these are slightly overscale and will have to be redesigned...



The power barge which appears on the NavSource photos of USS Indianapolis in 1944 :
Reader's help inquired : what sort of power/engine was used aboard this barge to produce power ? Diesel generators ? Steam ?
Jean told me this barge was THE starting point of the whole project : he was building his Indianapolis and after looking at NavSource, in wanted to add the barge... One year later is the result. He wants to warn all of you : don't look too closely to archive pictures before building a model : this may drive you to the unthinkable







A bunch of GMC (resin cabins come from a Skywave kit) :



Many thanks to our loco fans of this board : Jean will soon release some steam engine...

Bruno

[nick]

I don't know about the colors but those look amazing!!

Nick

[JimRussell]

Bruno,

Fantastic work.

Colors - I would not worry about "true" colors. You captured the "earth tone" look used by steam era modelers. The only time color is obvious is if there was an identifiable "corporate" color, and I am sure you want to stay away from a 5-S or 5-N debate. Besides, naval colors wold be boring.

Barge - High probability it was steam powered. This goes with the era and the two set of tanks are for fuel oil and boiler feed water. You may want to "grime up" the single oil tank.

Diesels - The diesels are beautiful but too BIG. They would definitely be considered road engines and not switchers. I do not know if a 6 wheeled truck was in use that early. A picture of a diesel switcher used on the other side of the bay during this era is attached. For yard - pier donkey work an 0-4-0 wheel diesel would be totally appropriate (a small box with a cab on one end sitting on 4 freight car sized wheels).

Jim

[bgire]

Hello

What do we have today ?
A fleet of GMC (resin parts from the Skywave kit)







Enjoy
Bruno

[Cadman]

Those trucks look amazing. How about some scale windshield wipers?




OK, just kidding.

[bgire]

OK, just kidding.

Lets continue kidding... This evening work :





sorry... no wipers..... yet

Bruno

[Francisco P. de Nanclares]

Absolutely stunning. I am speechless.

[johndon]

WOW, this is one of the best things I've ever seen in 1/700th, just wish I could do it in 350th

John

[Avery Boyer]

[Cadman]

OK, I want one of those! Very nicely done switcher.

[bgire]

A BIG thank to all of you !
Jean and me now feel strongly backed by your enthusiastic advices.

Right now, Jean is finishing the prototype assembly (more pictures to come)... and is starting designing a stunning "East" extension, which should include the sub slip (with scaffoldings). He's also very tempted and busy about the large floating crane... maybe another crazy etching in the few next months.

On my side (Bruno), I'm completing "my" piers, which will be used as masters for resin production... and yes, now we're seriously thinking of producing that stuff for you fans on a "made on order" basis. This will take some months to be available, so be patient.

Again thank you
Bruno

[Devin]

Phenomenal work.

As far as colors go, I would think the buildings would be painted to blend in with the surroundings. If Boeing went through the trouble of making it's Seattle factory look like a neighborhood when viewed from the air, I imagine that a military installation would have at least use some sort of camouflage painting. Whether that would still be in effect in 1944 is the question.

-Devin