Mobil Service Station opens in Longview

After many years the local Standard Oil Company service station was sold and new owners moved in. Actually we decided to make a modular decision based on era of operations. The 1930’s service station sets the scene up for Pre-War while the Mobile may in ways represent the 1950’s through the 1980’s.

Starting out with the 1940’s Service Station kit from Berkshire Valley.

A box of sticks as one fellow once told me.

Walls are painted with a 2 part process of sand-able primer and appliance lacquer rattle cans to simulate the porcelan coated steel panels applied to the station.

Masking and spraying red for the Mobil station scheme.

Some minor decal installation and test fitting. An unpainted Coca-Cola machine.

Gas pump work.

So many layers of detailing to complete. Using photos of the prototype I followed them as closely as possible for authenticity and historical preservation of this lost American iconic service station era.

Z scale sized detailing.

Decals applied to oil cans and stacked cans for display inside the stations office.

Hand finished details one at a time.

Jack, water can, batteries, and anything imaginable.

Installation of the base and painting.

Further refinements.

Coca-Cola machine needs the use of OOOO fine brush.

I decided to make only one of the garage doors removable.

Trash can with garbage, pumps installed on island.

Interior finishing begins with station merchandise and shelving.

Cash register and Coca-Cola bottles, bill of sale and merchandise on counter.

Detailing in an iPhone box, hey it works pretty well.

Bill of sale on the counter is a great touch of realism.

Finished decal installation showing washrooms and paper towel dispenser on island light. Yes that is a real paper towel in it.

Coca-Cola anyone? Only a nickle.

Sweeping and cleaning always important to a professional clean Mobil station.

Outdoor test shot, more detailing needed.

U.S. Highway 85 is busy today! A topic for another post is the asphalt highway. A big thanks to Gene Deimling for the post about the subject inspiring me to do it.