DKS Animation Collection Story Continues

[Sokramiketes]

Gather round for story time as we explore the subtle genius of the DKS N scale animations. This is chapter two, with some fixes, repairs, and continuation of his life's work.

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And it's always a good sign when all the boxes arrive intact and right side up!   

[Sokramiketes]

Maybe we should start with my mission. I love modeling but I also love the history of N scale. And the art of others.

Model Railroading is an interesting art form. It’s one that frequently meets the dumpster. Sometimes I have an opportunity and the means to do something about that sad path.

Here’s an example of what I mean. Lance Mindheim’s N Scale Monon layout was one of those layouts that changed the game. An artistic approach of dreary winter in Indiana?  Yes! 

In the aftermath of the layout coming down, I spotted the tail end of some Monon equipment rolling through the for sale pages at N scale supply. It was clearly Lance’s work. I grabbed what was left.

Next step was to check in with Lance. Did he save any chunks of the layout? Anything that was representative of that look and feel?  He was kind enough to accept a commission to pull some scraps into a diorama:

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So that’s an example. I’m trying to save chunks and impressions and examples of key modeler’s efforts. A side mission in this hobby for me.

Hey DKS, got a second?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Maybe we should start with my mission. I love modeling but I also love the history of N scale. And the art of others.

Model Railroading is an interesting art form. It’s one that frequently meets the dumpster. Sometimes I have an opportunity and the means to do something about that sad path.

Here’s an example of what I mean. Lance Mindheim’s N Scale Monon layout was one of those layouts that changed the game. An artistic approach of dreary winter in Indiana?  Yes! 

In the aftermath of the layout coming down, I spotted the tail end of some Monon equipment rolling through the for sale pages at N scale supply. It was clearly Lance’s work. I grabbed what was left.

Next step was to check in with Lance. Did he save any chunks of the layout? Anything that was representative of that look and feel?  He was kind enough to accept a commission to pull some scraps into a diorama:

(Attachment Link)

So that’s an example. I’m trying to save chunks and impressions and examples of key modeler’s efforts. A side mission in this hobby for me.

Hey DKS, got a second?

Oh *****. You have some of Lance's Monon (kinda)??

Now that I know that, you might to beef up your security system...



But seriously, I think this is awesome and I'm so glad they've got a good home.

I'm looking forward to visiting the N Scale Museum someday.

[Sokramiketes]

Oh *****. You have some of Lance's Monon (kinda)??

Now that I know that, you might to beef up your security system...

I know you get it!  While it wasn't cut out of the layout, it was of the time period, by his hand, and allows an exploration of the techniques shared in his articles and Alan Keller video.  And since he saved some of the details from the layout, he was able to include the Indiana Limestone trailer/entry sign, etched boom, limestone blocks etc.  We worked in the siding for the limestone gons.  Of what I was able to acquire, those said Monon and that layout more than MTL boxcars.  He added lower sills, painted and weathered, z scale couplers. 

There are other folks out there that must have other items from his layout, and may or may not know it.  They were unidentified on the N Scale Supply used pages, but Lance confirmed when we talked about the diorama project.  I'm keeping my eye out for an engine...

But seriously, I think this is awesome and I'm so glad they've got a good home.

I'm looking forward to visiting the N Scale Museum someday.

And maybe that's the 20 year goal, right?  I could already imagine a display of a DKS diorama with his videos of the animations cycling on a digital screen above.  Keep that digital archive going too OK?  We have to protect this info!

[Sokramiketes]

For long time followers of DKS, you'll know that a couple Z scale layouts met their fate at the hands of shippers.  So there was some trepidation, understandably, on the transportation issue from New Jersey to the Midwest.  Ultimately, DKS designed box-within-a-box transport systems, where the diorama is secured in an inner box, then floated with packing material inside a larger outer box.  Nothing that was damaged in shipping (it always happens, all one can do is minimize it) was terminal.  And that's where we'll start our story.

"Where She Sleeps" was the diorama that reached 100% completion first, and only.  DKS thought that one might be the one to save, in our initial conversations, and it's also the one that fits the culmination of history of White River layouts I-X to some extent.

It arrived in generally good condition, with the only major issue being a door hinge repair on the operating engine house doors. 

A little investigation, a little measuring, and it became apparent that the door was using .004" music wire for hinges.  One was left, two were missing.  But we have the means and materials.

Soldered on a long piece of wire as it was easier to align and handle.
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Clipped them to length. 
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And reinstalled with the door actuating wire in place... minor adjustment and hey, we're back in business.
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  (Video)

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I know you get it!  While it wasn't cut out of the layout, it was of the time period, by his hand, and allows an exploration of the techniques shared in his articles and Alan Keller video.  And since he saved some of the details from the layout, he was able to include the Indiana Limestone trailer/entry sign, etched boom, limestone blocks etc.  We worked in the siding for the limestone gons.  Of what I was able to acquire, those said Monon and that layout more than MTL boxcars.  He added lower sills, painted and weathered, z scale couplers. 

There are other folks out there that must have other items from his layout, and may or may not know it.  They were unidentified on the N Scale Supply used pages, but Lance confirmed when we talked about the diorama project.  I'm keeping my eye out for an engine...

Yep. Absolutely. It's not the original, but plenty of "studies" still hang in art museums.

And maybe that's the 20 year goal, right?  I could already imagine a display of a DKS diorama with his videos of the animations cycling on a digital screen above.  Keep that digital archive going too OK?  We have to protect this info!

Plans are in place for that. I've got the keys to the kingdom and it's all flat HTML, so it should be good for posterity, unless Youtube dies. We'll have to come up with a strategy there too.

[Lemosteam]

@Sokramiketes , I am heartened by your willingness to endeavor such a feat of legacy. Is there an N Scale Museum or true MRR Museum?  These would be the cornerstone.

Kudos, both for your sincere interest and desire to preserve such history.

[peteski]

That's great Mike. Nice to see David's modeling being taken care of by someone like you.  To add to this, check out https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=55889.0.

[wm3798]

The Retro flavored Newport and Rock Falls, highlighted in the recent N Scale Magazine article, is now in my possession.  I was able to pick it up from David personally last year

The only animation on it is the lift bridge, but that's plenty.  It's powered with a nearly silent gearhead motor, and includes full lighting, with the markers changing from red to green when the lift is open to shipping.  Just brilliant.

Those dioramas couldn't have found their way into better hands.  Looking forward to seeing your progress.
Lee