Set in
1942, my Oahu Sugar Company (36” Gauge), is a work in progress. I chose
the WWII era as most published photographs were taken by
servicemen/railfans stationed in Hawaii during this period; and the
WWII era permits us to model photogenic scenes of bombs stored in sugar
cane fields (documented in era photographs). I model Waipahu, Oahu and
surrounding areas in summer with clear skies. Layout Design Elements
include water tank; sugar mill; and bombs storage in a sugar cane field
behind a gate. While utilized only in resting poses, the number of
figures and vehicles will be minimized since even stationary poses
require excessive suspension of disbelief.
My
Fn3 Scale (1:20.3) narrow gauge (45mm) sugar cane plantation uses
Llagas Creek Railways code 215 track (scales to 65 pounds/yard) without
ballast as verified by prototype photographs. A heavily
reworked Bachmann Porter has been weathered and lettered for the
prototype Waikane Number 9. Scratch built rolling stock are under
construction. The first section of the wall shelf layout consists of
fascia, valance, and wings. Lighting is concealed behind valance. Wings
conceal curved styrene backdrops painted with low horizons and minimal
scenery; each backdrop has two (2) artfully disguised penetrations
allowing train to move from one scene to another.
