Buildings modules Etgaine
As already mentioned on this other page , the first version of the Etgaine-modules in 2022 was a rush job. The last person in the combined module layout suddenly had to withdraw. So we had to tinker up something, to make it possible for trains to reverse at the end of the line.
The front of the module was covered with an old coconut matting to resemble a grain field. And there was no time for making buildings. So the back of both modules was filled with standaard kits by well-known makers like Faller, Pola, Kibri and Busch (see photo below)>
The right hand module of Etgaine in 2022
Garage Crevaison
In 2023 some of the standaard buildings have been replaced by self built constructions, like the garage below. (Note: Crevaison is French for leaky tyre).
This building is only a half relief; the back wall is formed by a mirror. De text Defense de fumer inside is therefor placed (inverted left to right) at the back of the facade. By way of the mirror, the building looks twice as deep as it really is.
The cars inside (not on the photo) have a different colour on their back, so that you see a different colour car in the mirror. The building by the way is modeled after an real existing garage in Leuven Belgium, incl. the hole in the roof and the vines that grow trough it into the interior.
More information on the building methods and materials of this model - and most of my other builds - can be seen on this page.
Eén van de nieuwe gebouwen op de module: garage Crevaison
Automobiles Masselin
A second self-built model from 2023 is this former car dealer Masseling, later Fischer, on the Lasondersingel in Enschede (NL). This building was heavily damaged during the fireworks disaster in 2000, but luckily restaured. In this premises, on the corner of the Lonnekerspoorlaan, Kroep Mondzorg (Dental care) is now located.
The second new building- here still under construction - is Automobiles Masselin; the 'frenchification' of Automobielbedrijf Masseling.
Ferblanterie (hardware store) and plombierie (plumbing) Guyot
The model below has been painstakingly constructed after a photo, that I made myself during a holiday in France. Even the posters behind the windows of the workshop are (reduced) images of the original photo.
My plan was to replace all standard buildings by my own creations for the Open Door Day of the TMC, by the end of October 2024. Unfortunately it did not completely work out. But 8 new builds were on show.
Le publicateur libre
I found this building of a French weekly on the internet. The model is made of forex (foamed pvc-board) and cardboard; and it is fully equiped with alternating lighting.
Azur factory
This model is not made from a photo of an original factory, but after an existing model (in scale 1:45) by model builder Hans Sassen. I made the building half that size (in scale 1:87) and added the necessary details e.g. on the roof. This building also has an alternating lighting.
Typo Lorraine
Another factory, but this time made from photos of the original, in Verdun (F). I only used the backside of the real building as the right hand side wall for the model.
The original building has been standing empty since 2000 and is in a delapidated state. At first I wanted to copy that on the module. But in the end it was also fitted with lighting, and is therefor still fully operational.
Mairie (municipality)
In France municipalities are much smaller than in the Netherlands. Almost every village has it's own city hall. Etgaine too. The original is located in Persquen, in Brittany.
In reality the text 'Mairie' belongs right above the entrance door. But I made a mistake in the model: the windows have been placed a bit too low. So the text did not fit.
Cinéma
My inspiration can come from everywhere. On television a programme was shown, in which the restauration of a former theatre annex cinema was featured. I though it was a funny little building, so I wanted to recreate that on my module.
The original is located in Selsey, in the very south of the UK. I remodeled it into a French cinema. (On the posters next to the entrance my favourite French movie 'Les uns et les autres', by Claude Lelouch from 1981 is featured).
I sent a photo of my model to the restauration team in Selsey. And now I have their commission for a second, larger model for in the real building! Quite an honour!
Patisserie (pastry shop) Ferrer
Another model, made by a holiday snapshot of my own. This time from Olot in Catalonia (Spain): Ferrer Xocolata. I did make the model one story lower than in reality as it would otherwise not fit in with the other, lower buildings on the module.
In the photo above the characteristic balcony railings are still missing. But they have been fitted in the mean time: modified garden fences by Weinert.
This model also has lighting fitted. Therefor I intend to set up an interior for the show window, so there is really something can be seen inside.
Au Paradis
This model of a former café in Goussinville in France is also made from an internet photo. The challenge here was to recreate the run down look and the fine lattice work. The latter is again a modified metal garden fence by Weinert.
Boulangerie (baker) Paul
My last project for the Open Door Day of October 27th...
A French village is unthinkable without a bakery. Then who can live without a fresh baguette? These premisses, of the French chain 'Paul', are located Lille in teh north of France.
Again I lowered the building by one story. Also the corner was enlarged to 90 degrees. In reality it is a wedge form, as can be seen in the photo on the left.