Great divide freight building
One of John Allen's contributions to the art of model railroading was his ability to juxtapose custom buildings, rolling stock and scenery into realistic and compelling parts of his Gorre and Daphetid layout.
A favorite building is the brick freight building located next to the rail yard at Great Divide.
Randy Decker
Build Gallery
The train yards at Great Divide was also the location for one of John Allen's famous techniques to expand the depth of this scene. Note the location of the red brick freight transfer building at the far right. Is there a second building to the left as well? No, if you look closely you will see the installation of a mirror panel that reflects several buildings and rolling stock! Of course I will be duplication this effect on the Great Divide Line.
In creating the walls of the Great Divide freight transfer structure I copied the same technique as John Allen used, essentially taking plaster castings from one of the most common buildings ever made for model railroading -- the "Revell Superior Bakery" kit.
The completed wall sections were then cut to a narrow width to represent the multiple windows on the upper floors. These sections are glued together with cardboard and wood strips.
This clever cut work and stacking of layers makes for a unique looking building, especially when the brick red used for color is weathered and window material is applied.
The finished model is test fit in its final home in the Great Divide section of my layout. There is still looks of work to do to complete the entire scene, but the building is an inspiration to move forward and get it done.