DABLER MILL & SUPPLY CO.... "MILLENNIUM
SERIES" KIT
click on picture to enlarge
Based upon "The Hinkle Mill", which was featured in an article in the January 1982 issue of RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN, the prototype for Dabler Mill & Supply Co. is located in Thomasville, North Carolina. In designing this kit, we made various modifications which should not only increase interest, but also add to the intrigue of the structure. The other main design consideration was to make this model fit any era and locale.
The structure is primarily clapboard, but one of the interesting features of the prototype is the use of "fake", rolled asphalt brick paper on the one wall. This is duplicated on the model. The prototype is obviously, a number of "combined" structures that were apparently built as "add-ons" over the years. For adaptability to the modelers layout, we have designed the company office building so it may be built as a separate structure that does not have to be attached to the main structure.
Some of the details of Dabler include:
- LASERkit's famous Peel & Stick windows and doors.
- Tab and slot wall construction for ease of assembly.
- An enclosed rail car loading/unloading shed with two dock platforms inside
the area. A standard 40' box car will fit completely inside the building.
- Exterior stairs leading to the main elevator house.
- Elevator Tower with visible gear drive wheel and "bicycle" type chain;
maintenance platform; and wood ladder.
- Intricately designed grain drying bin with detailed screw conveyor, access
ladder and delivery pipe.
- Ventilators with slotted sideboards and individual, tabbed "slats" that
slip in place to represent "true" vents. You can actually look up and see
through the slats as you would on a real building!
- All porch roofs have visible rafters and supports, with the porch roof
decks scribed board by board with visible "nail holes" laser etched in
appropriate fashion.
- A delivery pipe support tower which is laser-cut from a single piece of
acrylic - there is no "stick assembly" required!
- Dry transfers and full color signage.
- Peel & Stick tar paper, rolled roofing and simulated asphalt brick
paper.
- Unique white metal and plastic detailing parts distinctive to this
structure.
- Several wall areas have detailed framing exposed. (This was apparently
caused by over enthusiastic truck drivers backing into the building at the
loading and unloading doors!)
- Overall "footprint" of this model is approximately 13" X 18", depending
upon how the office structure is placed. The model can accommodate up to
three service tracks.