Got started on a signature but non-rail served industry on the Grimes Line, Pallet Recyclers of Iowa. As the name implies Pallet Recyclers rebuilds and resells pallets to companies. The rather unique warehouse is located on Meredith Drive backed up to the rail line. Because of it's location I only had to model the rather plain backside as a backdrop flat.
Normally I'd recommend modeling both sides of a pitched roof when building backdrop flats. However the plot not only sits in a narrow space but also on a curve. I also wanted to maintain some sense of scale of the original warehouse. Pallet Recyclers also marks the end of the greenbelt part of the line and the start of the prairie.
Construction was a simple styrene core cut to fit the curve of the backdrop. Due to the rust, faded paint and very cool gouge on the side the photo paper technique was the only viable option. The sign along the road was attached to a separate styrene piece to give it some depth from the main building. The fence is a Central Valley kit that will eventually contain finished pallets.
Still to come is all of the standoff details, including the cyclone vents along the roof. Following Joe Atkinson's progress on his Bluffs Yard scene has inspired me to seek out as much detail as possible to help complete the building. Obviously a ton of pallets will be needed. Once that's complete I'll blend the building into the ground and finish up the scenery in front of the track.
James
