Train project finished, finally.

[autobodyman]

Finally finished the tunnels for the train project.

The back panel for the "tunnel". It's 1/8" Baltic birch plywood, I used the knife to scribe the lines then the 1mm v tool to hand chase the bricks. RTX's to carve the mountain and track in the tunnel opening.

The tunnel surround is 1½" thick curly maple, used a 4" grinder with oriented carbide, then flap disks, then a lot of finish sanding. The outside tunnel "brick" is some darker maple, the trees are poplar (some green I had found).


Hung on the Wall. Used a keyhole router bit on the tunnels so they hang tight to the walls.

Right tunnel.

Left tunnel.

I still think the raccoon is to out of proportion to hang here, but my house is small and running out of wall space, also the wife likes it there so it will probably stay.

I had visions of a more intense Intarasia plan for the tunnels, but to be honest I was getting a little tired of this project, so I just sprayed the brick panel with black paint and put a satin clearcoat over it.

What do you think of it?

Thanks ~Mike

[sachbvn]

Mike..... you are too much man. That is AWESOME!!!!!!

Raccoon out of proportion? You just need to take it down and make a smaller one!

I seriously hope you have kids that appreciate all of this, because to think that some day this stuff might end up in an estate sale kills me - it's way too nice for that!!

Truly amazing - I really appreciate you sharing your work with us on W.O.W!

Zac

[dcarter636]

That is just stunning Mike. Like great art, there is too much to take in at one viewing.

Funny, I'm showing my wife the pics and comment that these folks are going to need a bigger house pretty soon, then read the text.

[fredbelknap]

Mike a very nice job. It's hard to imagine how much work goes into something like that.

[Doug B]

Just awesome! I love the tunnels, especially the back end of the one on the right where the track twists on the mountain. Neat effect.

[boodrow]

Mike great craftsmanship. U must have nerves of steel to be patient enuff for all the small detail work u do. Looks great and something u can be very proud of.
Boodrow

[jb34]

Mike I get really excited to see what you post. very interesting to see what your creativity comes up with next. I like the idea you had for the tunnels and the way you carried them out. very nice work.

[Leo Voisine]

Unbelievable - just - unbelievable

[brent]

I love it when you post pictures. Your stuff just makes me smile. Great craftsmanship and great imagination make unique and wonderful projects.

[Joe Lyddon]

Very NICE ... COOL! ;D