Gerard J. Wilikers Machinery Wholesaler -- HO/HOn3 Scale

"Gerard J. Wilikers Machinery Wholesaler"

Built 1989 by Richard E. (Ben) Bendever

Footprint: 22" x 18" x 12" tall

 

 

 

Overall diorama size is 22" x 18" x 12" tall, built on 3/4" marine plywood base. Basis of diorama consists of FSM G. Wilikers kit # wood clapboard siding, original & custom stone walls with metal standing seam, tar paper, shingle & corrugated metal roofing. Details begin with original FSM casting in addition to hundreds of "Hot Glue Castings" (NG&SL Gazette article by builder).

 

 

Vehicles are Jordan Highway Miniatures, Scale Structures LTD, Vintage Vehicles, Lee Town, etc.  The diorama is set in a rural setting and would be a foreground display on any HO/HOn3 layout. Custom built case also available as an extra.

 Upon completion this Gerard J. Wilikers model was first entered into an National Model Railroad Association SunShine Region Spring Convention meet where it was awarded First Place in Off-Line Dioramas, Best of Show

 for the Convention, and a Merit of Achievement Award (121 points out of 124). 

The great thing about this diorama is that although no track is installed. It is *very* easy  to install HO, HOn3, HOn2 or HOn30 track.

The image to the left is the same image of this model I sent to George Sellios, Owner and Manufacturer of Fine Scale Miniatures. George immediately responded with a postcard stating, "Richard, where ever did you find the prototype of my model?"

Although this G. Wilikers has some modifications differentiating it from the original kit (along with a substantial number of "Hot Glue Casting details), with the proper lighting and just the right setting, I had created the illusion fooling its Creator that this model was an existing and functional industry.