Manufacturer
Bachmann Industries
1400 E. Erie Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
www.bachmanntrains.com
Comments: Looking for an easy way to add some interest to a small town or roadside scene on an HO scale layout? Bachmann Trains fills that order with this fun ice cream stand.
The model is part of the Bachmann Roadside U.S.A series that features some of the quirky buildings that were meant to catch the attention of passing motorists. Other structures in the series include an airplane gas station, coffee pot coffee shop, sombrero restaurant, and teepee hotel.
Although freelanced, the Bachmann ice cream stand bears a strong resemblance to the signature structures of Twistee Treat. The Florida-based ice cream restaurant chain has been selling treats from giant cones since 1983. The building is also reminiscent of earlier structures from the first half of the 20th century.
The model measures 2-1⁄2″ wide, 3″ tall, and 4″ deep. This modest footprint makes it easy to use the ice cream stand as the centerpiece of a nostalgic scene on a layout. The structure could be easily attached to the layout scenery base with a bead of caulk, construction adhesive, or even white glue along its perimeter. A modeler could have a lot of fun surrounding the structure with HO scale vintage automobiles, carhop figures, and other details.
The ice cream stand is a one-piece resin casting. This type of construction doesn’t lend itself to fine detail, and the grill on the rooftop air conditioner is a bit coarse. Still, I appreciated the details that were added, including the front counter and the utlility meter on the rear of the building.
The front windows are separate parts consisting of clear plastic glazing inserted in plastic window frames. The casting behind the window is painted black. The overall effect adds some illusion of depth and looks a lot better than if the windows had simply been painted on the model.
The structure is smoothly painted with a glossy finish. The printing above the front windows looks intentionally crooked to simulate a hand-painted sign.
The ice cream stand and other Roadside U.S.A buildings provide an easy way to add a bit of Americana to a model railroad.
