Over the past week, progress has been made on a highly detailed 1/87 scale city block from Walthers Trains. This plastic kit, known as Merchant Row, underwent a complete transformation to ensure it didn’t retain the appearance of bare plastic. Every inch of the kit was meticulously painted to achieve a realistic finish, with special attention given to texture and color variations that bring the structures to life.
To enhance the scene, several additional details were sourced and incorporated into the sidewalks. Bicycles, painstakingly assembled and painted, now rest against the buildings, while light posts, a cigar vending machine, parking meters, park benches, and a mailbox add to the bustling city atmosphere. Each accessory was carefully hand-painted to match the aesthetic of a vibrant urban setting.
The rooftops of the buildings also received significant attention. Vents and a custom-built rooftop stairwell access, crafted from scrap wood, were added to create a more dynamic and realistic skyline. These small touches elevate the kit from a simple model to a detailed centerpiece of a larger cityscape.
The buildings themselves were designed with purpose. The corner structure has been transformed into a city bank, showcasing a classic urban design. The middle building now houses “Todd’s Hobby Shop,” catering to miniature enthusiasts, while the far-right structure serves as the “Harbor Bicycle Shop,” a nod to the added bicycles on the sidewalk below.
Once completed, the city block will be drop-fitted into an expansive model city, adding another layer of realism and charm. The next project on the horizon includes an impressive 39-inch-long train station, which promises to be a standout feature, as well as continued work on a French military diorama. The vision for these projects continues to grow, bringing the world of fine-scale modeling to life with each new addition.
