In
the comic strip lil Abner, a couple enterprising(?) fellows named
Barnsmell operated the Skonk Works, where they distilled dead skunks
and old shoes into a powerful elixer that ---- I don't think anybody
ever found a good use for.......
The AV's Skonkworks attempts to blend humor, storytelling, basic scratchbuilding skills, and some real history into every little mangle it produces. If, by reading the build logs, you learn something new - or get up the courage to try making something yourself - then the project was a smashing success!
Like Big Barnsmell, the inside man at the Skonk Works, I pretty much end up doing a lot of stuff all by myself. And often using things other folks didn't want, to do it.with. If there is another Large Scale modeler within 20 miles, I haven't met him. Plus, being on Disability, I have lots of time, but not much money. If I want something, I can't just whip out Amex, so I whip out a razor saw instead.
What is a 'Backshop'? Most real railroads had a cluster of buildings called a backshop where heavy repairs, or even new construction took place. There was usually a large open building with several tracks leading inside, a machine shop - with huge lathes, milling machines, planers, etc, a foundry where they cast parts and a forge - which is something like a blacksmith shop on steroids. Some also have a separate smaller shop building for freight and passenger cars
The Shops at East Broad Top RR in Rockhill Furnace, Pa.
The AV's Skonkworks attempts to blend humor, storytelling, basic scratchbuilding skills, and some real history into every little mangle it produces. If, by reading the build logs, you learn something new - or get up the courage to try making something yourself - then the project was a smashing success!
We now even have our own mascot! Meet Stanley Stinkem, esq.
Like Big Barnsmell, the inside man at the Skonk Works, I pretty much end up doing a lot of stuff all by myself. And often using things other folks didn't want, to do it.with. If there is another Large Scale modeler within 20 miles, I haven't met him. Plus, being on Disability, I have lots of time, but not much money. If I want something, I can't just whip out Amex, so I whip out a razor saw instead.
What is a 'Backshop'? Most real railroads had a cluster of buildings called a backshop where heavy repairs, or even new construction took place. There was usually a large open building with several tracks leading inside, a machine shop - with huge lathes, milling machines, planers, etc, a foundry where they cast parts and a forge - which is something like a blacksmith shop on steroids. Some also have a separate smaller shop building for freight and passenger cars
The Shops at East Broad Top RR in Rockhill Furnace, Pa.