scratch built garage

[Mike Stamper]

Many years ago in my "plastic period" I knew a guy who ran an engine tuning shop. It was in one corner of a larger building. I was taken by the place, it had so many layers of changes, for example a new security system had been added but the old system was kept. various electrical bits had been added over the years. I decided to make it in 1:24 scale to include a car.

I went a bit mad and decided to electrify the place, so I added working lights, refrigerator (the light went on when the door was opened) and the burglar alarm. The wildest bit was the sun analyser. I made it big enough to hold a 9 volt battery and made a switch that was operated by turning the arm holding the various wires. Cups, soap dispensers and all of the incidentals - including a kitchen sink and taps were scratch built.

the reason for this post is that it - and all my remaining cars will be going to a local car museum, so this is more of a future reminder for me.

The figure of the girl represents my daughter – she was mad on cars at the time. I painter her with her Snoopy T shirt, converse boots with stars and stripes and a book about Egypt (she'd just come back from a school holiday) I also added the glasses.

Because it's going to a museum, I have just re wired it so all the lights come on by pressing a button. The last picture shows some of the lights -fridge, oscilloscope and strip light.

I know it's plastic, but there's loads of paper on the floor and some in the bin;-)

[elliott]

I'd say you went a bit over the top on this one Mike. Still, it certainly has the desired effect in that it looks extremely realistic. A very good job indeed. I'd think a museum would be chomping at the bit to get this for display.

[Mike Stamper]

Thanks Elliot.

I forgot to mention that when it was first completed, the owner took my photos home (digital hadn't been thought of back then) and she couldn't understand why I had taken pictures of her husbands garage. For a time she didn't believe his explanation.

If you think that's OTT you should have seen the car I had made...... Lotus 7 with a Porsche 911 engine and very wide wheels!

[Don Boose]

This is a really remarkable diorama, Mike. It's exceptionally realistic.

Don

[SCEtoAUX]

Very nice. Easily understood how at first glance the photos of that diorama could be confused with photos of the actual garage. Nice touch with the lights.

[Richschindler]

Fantastic, I love all those little details you spoke of. Thanks for sharing the photos.

[Cami]

Not only detailed, but also weathered to perfection! I am really impressed!!!

Cami

[Dave Pete]

Very well done.

[rockpaperscissor]

Beautifully done. Incredible realism and attention to detail.

[whulsey]

Most excellent. At first glance I'd have sworn it was were I used to work. Can almost smell the oil, grease and tranny fluid.