pilot model constructed by Brett Gallant, Karl Allison, and Kevin O'Neill
Names, Logos, Designs and Photographs Owned and Copyright Brett Gallant
the Award Winning
BlueSky Company Warehouse
Setting a New Standard with Amazing Detail!
O Scale Limited Edition Craftsman Kit Number 304
Now let's have a little fun and pull back the curtain... As you study the photographs pay close attention to the realistic weathering visible everywhere. Special care has been taken to present techniques that are easily reproducible. The castings are painted with adapted methods from Chuck Doan, Dave Revelia, Kevin O'Neill, Karl Allison and myself. They represent a fresh approach to creating the kind of results pictured here. Tools and materials used are straightforward and conforms to my "no more than four steps" rule. I had more fun painting and weathering details for BlueSky than I have had in a decade or more. BlueSky has so many amazing views that it's hard to choose a place to begin...
The tractor is in for a major engine replacement. Notice the newly created details like the paint cans with accurate vintage labels. That looks suspiciously like a pile of fresh beer bottles there in the front of the workbench. I Doubt any work will get done this afternoon. Glad the machine shop is out of commission... The masters for the beautiful old tractor are provided courtesy of Wiseman Model Services. Keith has graciously given me permission to cast these parts and include them in BlueSky. Thanks Keith!
The old machine shop includes a broken down pedestal grinder and drill press with the remnants of the line shaft still suspended overhead. Maybe someday they will get the machinery back in business but I bet with the large machine shop annex on the nearby engine house that it won't happen anytime soon. The safety signs are a bit ironic with all of that beer just consumed!
All that remains of the drive shed are remnants of the old foundation and one lone belt wrapped around the tired and rusty electric motor that once drove the shaft and machinery. Notice the rebar wire sticking out of the concrete footing. It is small details like this that makes O Scale so much fun to work in.
A few minor repairs can be made by the part time blacksmith (and tractor repairman... oh yes and beer drinker) along with some wood splitting.
Another view of the stunning brick cookhouse. Working with great materials is a true joy. Parts that fit, are cast cleanly, and proven painting and weathering techniques that end with these results make modeling fun. The stack of produce crates is just waiting for the cookhouse stoves fire I bet. These are created with stripwood and a laser cut end piece. They took me about fifteen minutes to make and look awesome don't they? What a great scene and this is the back of the diorama. I always detail all four sides.
I found a picture online of this cool old green trash can and remember seeing them everywhere when I was young so I had to create one for BlueSky. Notice the raised "PUSH" lettering on top. Did you see the "US MAIL" raised lettering on the front of the mailbox?
I can't decide which scene is my favorite, this or the tractor under repair in the shed? Most of us just love old gas stations and this little corner captures that feeling quite nicely. Lots of small details here including oil and coke bottles and old license plates. The scenery on BlueSky was inspired by our dear friend Brian Nolan whom I miss very much. Brian used to give me a hard time since I never took the time to create scenery as detailed as the rest of my pilot models. Brian was a master at many things but his scenery is second to none. Using his methods I adapted a great set of techniques that are very easy to accomplish. The results speak for themselves, I am very happy with them.
A view of the rear yard with all the realistic junk and clutter rusting away and baking in the hot sun. Texture is so important to quality modeling and this scene includes texture in the castings (rough and smooth), the brick cookhouse walls, tarpaper roofing, ground cover and scenery, and the wooden structures. These elements blend effortlessly and work well together to create a wonderful scene. This is the storytelling aspect to modeling. Rusty junk, encroaching scenery, dry, and dusty!
The barn has that definitive airy feel common with an old dusty barn. The laser cut wall frame allows light to peek through between the boards for a very prototypical feel. A couple of details to point out; the crowbars, (Should any loading dock be without a few to pry the crates open with?) the old floor safe, (probably filled with more beer!) and the wonderful hand truck. This is an old CHB casting that was destroyed years ago yet resurrected here.
I founded SierraWest in 1995 and have been a one man operation since day one. I make everything by hand to my exacting standards and know you will be pleased with your kit! I will never sacrifice quality for speed and always provide exceptional customer service and support including fast response to emails and phone calls. I am always here if you have any questions so please feel free to contact me anytime before or after you order. Thank you sincerely for you support!
The attention to the smallest detail is evident. The story telling is paramount in the development of each new kit. Instructions are provided leading you through every phase of construction including tool selection, assembly, weathering and aging, diorama composition, and scenery creation and application. It is of the utmost of importance to me that the techniques I develop and utilize are reproducible for modelers of all experience levels. When you view the pictures of BlueSky remember this. SierraWest kits are unique in the level and amount of detail provided. Since all four sides are fully detailed, you have a ton of flexibility in placement and view-ability.