Fisher Pickle Works On30

Fisher Pickle Works

Brine shed, sorting shed and a massive amount of detail!  6 weeks manufacturing time.

Brine shed footprint = 11 1/2" long x 4" wide

Sorting shed footprint =   7 1/2" long x 4" wide

total in-Line arrangement = approx 24" x 4"  (better to allow for 5" width)

total L shape arrangement = approx 17.5" x 8 1/2"

So much detail! So much flexibility!

Some background.

Firstly I must give due credit to my friend and UK modeller Paul Fisher. Paul originally made a pickle works for a On30 club layout in 2014, and it has been a pleasure to use his original scratchbuild as the inspiration for this kit. I revisited Paul's research and we collaborated closely during the kit design. I believe the kit has succeeded in capturing the operational workings of an early 20th century pickle salting works.

"It works" for your little people too. The work flow was tested in CAD (using 1/48 CAD workers!) and then again in the model with crates figures and a 1/48 scale model farm truck. Even though Paul only allowed me 82mm deck width, the spaces around the vats is large enough for wheelbarrows. The walkways are arranged so that barrows can pass along without getting in the way of loading vats or pickle cars. The sorting deck area with scales and large sorting table was checked for sensible workflow. The whole process, from delivery of cucumbers by farm truck to loading of pickle cars was analysed and checked against the practices of the day. This way of thinking creates a realistically pleasing static model that "makes sense".

"How hard is it to build?"

This kit is NOT a bag of sticks and a plan! It is made up of series of manageable sub-assemblies, each one having been engineered for straightforward assembly by the "average modeller". You can bring the sub-assemblies together in various ways to achieve quite different looks. The pdf instructions have approx 250 photo and diagrams and take you through the build in manageable steps, clearly showing the various options where they exist. There is a lot of sub-assemblies and detail parts. It will take you a few weeks of nights to make everything including the gluing, staining and painting time, depending on your skill level.

Brine shed details

-> the symmetrical framework is based around the slot-together floor - while there is no such thing as a "standard pickle car" the height of the working floors are set for RS laser kits On30 27ft and 18ft pickle cars, which happen to be the same height as Paul's scratch built 18ft ones.

-> brine floor is planked with nail holes aligning with the framework.

-> 4 vats are built as closed tubes using 2 wraps held in jigs. They have planking detail inside and out so can be modelled empty (I will have one being cleaned) have inserts to "fill them". they have hoops and hoop fastners and sit on bearers.

-> roof frame is a separate assembly so can be reversed, and is fully removable.

-> roof material is KHM industrial 6" rib corrugated iron. this pre-rolled 0.15mm aluminium can be etched with ferro-suphide solution for amazing results (as i did) or painted and weathered in the traditional manner.

-> 8ft square water tank with outside framing and hatch detail. brass for pipework included, but no fittings like taps etc.

-> pump shed with access on ground and working floor. there is no detail provided inside but the doors can be modelled open - if you want to model a pump, a brine maker and heater etc ! brine temperature at the time pickles were loaded into the vat was a key part of the process.

-> 2 small loading and access platforms with steps and ladders.

-> plenty of separate obechi wooden boarding included used for covering vats, loading ramps for pickle cars, etc. Vats did not have huge lids - those couldn't be managed. Its a lot easier for a worker to handle and stack a pile of loose boards.

Sorting shed details.

-> the symmetrical  framework and deck follows same principle as the brine deck, roof is also removable and reversible.

-> the sorting deck layout can be arranged for linear flow as shown in these pictures, or with office across the end, which is more suited to L shape configuration.

-> sorting deck wall panels have their own separate lighter frames which can move around with the layout design

-> the internal office sub-assembly has 2 glazed doors and 5 windows. trimmed inside and out. frame work allows this to be seen clearly.

-> The undercroft has a scale 6ft high clearance. one side is an open work area, enclosed by 2 framed walls, the other is a salt store with 2 access doors. this also has internal framework and planking engraved on both sides. As the areas are square and symmetrical the undercroft has numerous possible arrangements.

-> access stair case (for customers and the boss!) can be made in line as shown or against the shed.

-> sorting shed details include large sorting table, a long workbench, 24 crates of 3 sizes, platform scales, a loading platform, access ladders, 4 wheelbarrows. and roof signage. most of this detail is also available in the building depot if you want more crates, etc.

Kit instructions are emailed in pdf format. there are no printed ones with the kit. if you want to see a lot more before purchase then i am happy to email them. electrons are free. ask me on the contact page.