Modelling Inspiration

Inspiration for my modelling comes from a lot of sources. One source that has kept me well supplied with ideas is books and pictures. Several of my previously built models can trace their origin back to a photo, a drawing or a written description, some from books, some from archives. Both of the drawings below are from the Danish book "This is how it's made" from 1949 by the same publishing company that published the 'Who, What, Where'-series of year books through 60 years. Both drawings are 'photo shopped' a bit to make the main motif stand out. They are a testimony to how even small illustrations can convey charm and atmosphere. 


This could very well be the loading ramp in the factory yard at 'Bankes Bakelit' in Nystrup's small industrial district. In fact this drawing was one of several that made me embark on the 1:35 Chevrolet-lorry that was finished in the colours of the local haulage contractor.  

The book "This is how it's made" gave a short illustrated description of how several products were made. The production of cement, butter, bricks and pencils are among the many processes you can enjoy in the book accompanied by typical late 1940's drawings.  I have spent hours gazing at the drawings. With some knowledge of real Danish industries one is even able to recognize specific companies and locations. The book is available now and then through Danish antiquarian book sellers.

"This is how it's made" in all its striped glory. Those of you who knows Danish will notice the old spelling despite being published after the Danish spelling reform of 1948.



A probably very compressed drawing of a small chalk drying facility, that could become a nice prototype for a sand drying plant at Nystrup Gravel. The mechanism drivng the rotating oven can be seen through the cut-away in the right building. Even such a small building complex would be a huge structure in 1:35, though.