Numerous molded styrene panels make up the main buildings while the optional piping and other details are molded separately. Most of these parts are tan plastic, but clear window glazing is supplied for the office.
A well-illustrated instruction sheet shows how everything fits together with exploded isometric drawings and minimal text. Assembly is easy with a sprue cutter, sharp hobby knife, and a few small files. Liquid plastic cement applied with a small brush secured all the joints.
The assembled model’s footprint is relatively small, measuring a scale 59 feet wide, 56 feet long, and 85 feet tall. A supply yard around it, driveways, and a siding will require more space.
Painting and weathering the model will greatly enhance its appearance, and a little preplanning will make this step easier. I left the office, office roof and glazing, and cement silo loose. Then I airbrushed the main building with a tan color that nearly matched the Walthers plastic color to give it a nice flat finish. While it dried, I sprayed the other parts white and let everything dry overnight.
A decal sheet (shown at right) includes signs for three companies, as well as some general plant signs.
The last step was to cement the loose parts in place and then weather the entire structure. I dry-brushed the rust on the various parts with a paintbrush and then blended everything with light sprays of earth, gray, and white to simulate the dusty look of these businesses.
This interesting structure will look right at home on most contemporary layouts.
Price: $39.98
Manufacturer:
Wm. K. Walthers Inc.
P. O. Box 3039
Milwaukee, WI 53201-3039
www.walthers.com
Description:
Injection-molded styrene kit
