Valley Fruit

 

I acquired this image of Valley Fruit in Pharr, Texas via ebay a couple years back. I have included a rather large scan here for the consideration of others. Given that I am replicating fruit packing operations, it provides me with lots of context and fodder for modeling. The date appears to be the late 1940s based upon the comments of Bill Badger (see in the comments section -- thank you Bill!) 

There are several details that stand out to me. First, the variety of vehicles, both in terms of types and ages, is interesting and worth noting when selecting vehicles to add to such a scene. I am also interested by the layout of the main packing structure. It appears that the then current loading dock was added after the main structure had already been in use, and was an add-on as operations grew. By main structure, I am referring to the facade with "VALLEY FRUIT CO." emblazoned in red as well as the rest of the structure behind that facade. The even newer addition at far right could be replicated as part of an even larger scale model operation (note that it appears that this business handled tomatoes and possibly other fruits and vegetables, as well.) 

The whole scene is worth consideration as a modeling subject for anyone needing such a facility on their layout. I suspect that the Walthers Valley Citrus Packers would be a good kit to use as a starting point to kitbash this, along with some scratchbuilding or kitbashing with other models. Enjoy!

Small Wonders General American Aerocoach Bus

A few months back, I saw an announcement for this interesting HO scale bus from Small Wonders (a Sylvan Scale Models affiliated company.) I ordered one from a seller on ebay a couple weeks ago. It's a classic late Steam to Diesel era bus. They were used in longer haul service as well as typical municipal transit. The site Coachbuilt has a fairly good history of the General American Aerocoach buses. I have already decided to decorate mine for a fictitious southern Oregon regional bus line serving towns between Ashland and Grants Pass (unless I find good information about an actual bus line that operated this prototype in that area, at that time.)

Three quarters view looking at the front

The basic castings appear quite nice after opening the box. Upon closer inspection, I discovered two issues. The first is that the "underbody" is not wide or long enough for the body casting. I added strip styrene to compensate for this difference. I also discovered a casting void created by an air bubble in one of the window frames. This was filled with several application of ACC. I hope that will hold up until I can get window glazing in place to shore things up.

Three quarters view looking at the rear of the bus

Overall, this is an extremely attractive model of a commonly-seen type of bus that would be at home on any layout from the 1940s to the 1960s. I am excited to build and decorate it.

Underbody illustrating the styrene strips added to improve the fit

Interior of the bus

Straight-on side view

The flaw caused by a bubble in the casting

The parts bag

A dedication

Right before Thanksgiving last year,  I corresponded via email with Chester Fesmire about his remarkable blog dedicated to 1/87 (HO) scale vehicle modeling, Modeling in 1/87. He is one of the finest scale modelers I have ever come across, be it railroad, vehicles, aircraft, armor or any other subject matter. I had been visiting his blog and asked if he might consider adding a search box to aid me (and others) in trying to find things he might have posted about by searching for various terms. Chester said he would try, but he wasn't entirely tech savvy, so I walked him through the steps and we succeeded in adding the search tool.

I was also hopeful I might meet him at the Springfield show in late January in the area where the vehicle guys congregate in the Mallory building. Imagine my shock and chagrin to find that Chester passed away in December from terminal cancer. What an incredible loss and what an amazing person. While fighting cancer, he took the time to respond and help me out. I am deeply saddened by his passing and send my condolences to his family.

I encourage you to visit his blog to see the incredible legacy he has left us in digital form.

Image above lifted with the utmost respect from Chester's blog. Thank you, Chester.