Kraff T Fox - Rail Tales VA

Kraff T Fox Models are structures for model railroading built by Rail Tales staff. We build them as demonstration projects and as examples of the structure building art but we also offer them for sale to the public.

Although most CFM products are built from kits, all have been finished in unique ways. Each is a one-of-a-kind work of art, so we will not make another one ‘just like that’. Rail Tales builds kits to order through its Model Services department and will of course build the same kits more than once but the particular scene created for each Kraff T Fox Model will never be duplicated.

General Construction Notes: Unless otherwise stated, all weathering is done primarily with Hunterline Stains, Vallejo Washes, acrylic paint dry-brushing and Bragdon Enterprises weathering powder. We have tried almost every commercial product on the market and many home brews and have found that this combination gives us the best result without a lot of practice or artistic skill. Hunterline stains replicate the old ink based stains mentioned in much of the hobby literature and they are very affordable. Vallejo washes do things that nothing else really does. The acrylic paint we used to favor was Polly Scale but this brand is no longer manufactured. Vallejo paint is every bit as good and in some ways better but works a little differently so some practice is useful if you are used to Polly Scale. Bragdon weathering powders replicate the effects of pastel powders put out by many other companies except that the Bragdon powders have an adhesive so no sealing afterwards is required.

Unless otherwise stated, all structures are built of wood.

Country Store: sold

The country store used to be where rural kids went in the summer to get a pop, put air in the bike tires, or hang out. If enough came by, there might be a pick-up basketball game. The renters upstairs seems to be a basketball fan. This is a JL Innovative design kit with Woodland Scenics figures and a CMW delivery truck. The roof is Vallejo “Lava”. Gary Whistleman built the kit with direction and assistance by Bret Jones as this was Gary’s first project for Rail Tales. Bret did half the weathering as a demonstration and Gary did the rest.

Dan’s Welding Diorama: sold

Dan's Welding is built from the Laser Art kit of the same name. A lot of details were added but this is a very interesting kit for small spaces. By Gary Whistleman — Dan’s Welding is built from the Laser Art kit of the same name. A lot of details were added but this is a very interesting kit for small spaces. By Gary Whistleman

Pride of the Neighborhood Diorama: sold

Old Town Theater: sold

Old Church Revival: sold

The old church was falling apart until a new pastor was hired to bring it back to its former glory. The carpenters have started on the steps but they have a long, long way to go. At least the stained glass looks good!

This is a Branchline “LaserArt” kit with Woodland Scenics figures. The stained glass is done with craft sequins. The design and build is by Gary Whistleman with weathering and some additional detail work by Bret Jones.

Recess Diorama: sold

Rural one room schoolhouses were the center of life for most children, like it or not, but it didn’t matter how you felt about school when the weather turned warm, pretty much everyone liked recess. The school is a Branchline LaserArt kit, the figures are from Woodland Scenics and the old school bus is a Jordan kit. The bridge and outhouse are scratch built. Construction by Gary Whistleman with instruction plus some touch-up and detailing by Bret Jones.