"Non-traditional" structures

By non-traditional, I mean using “non hobby” items such as bird houses, bird feeders, Lemax buildings, etc. Do you use them–or modify them–for your railway?

If you count my older pre-expulsion 1st attempt at a GR where every building was going to be a birdhouse or similar item, then I fall into the: No, but I considered it catagory.

Rene,
Of the 8 or so buildings that are or have been in my GR only one is a traditional “hobby store” structure. The rest are either bird houses or bird feeders. Only one was modified by gluing some scrap wood on to look like a door and window.
Jaime

Yes, I am a non-conformist and rebel. I use and modify just about anything I see fit regardless of the source.

I’m not “cheap”, I’m “thrifty”.

[oX)]

My GRR is so new that the dirt is not yet in place. Water has yet to flow over the waterfall. Currently the only plant in the layout (is that a correct GRR term?) are the tomato plants that were growing before the construction work began. My “structures” consist of a Wal~Mart Lighthouse, and some $15 bird houses from the San Diego County Fair. From my previous adventures in HO & N scales, I have several buildings that will be used “off in the distance”.

Too new to have any of those[:D]

Somebody posted a beautiful engine house that was actually a mailbox.

My “vision” for my “layout?” is there be no traditional structures per se-going for whimsy–everything will be a planter of sorts-water tower with top removed will hold a potted plant etc

markn

I would very much like to see a picture of the “planter water tower”. That sounds most interesting.

even just a concept sketch would do[:D]

I’m looking for a reather tall structure to “build around” and conceal the sprinkler head manifold that will be watering the as yet un-acquired plants. This one is too far from planned “stations and Yards” to be a water tower.

Make it a municipal water tower, they are W-A-Y bigger than the railway variety and usually on top of a hill - it does help the water pressure [;)][}:)][:)] - could be the perfect set-up for watering plants for some distance.

Yep, bird houses from our local Asda(Walmart) - now called Troy City! Less than £3 each. Got a cafe, florist, post office (spelt offis), store and one with no title. They all have extras like an American football, lamps, seats etc. Great value, just don’t put them to close to the track.
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

I do not use any buildings in my garden, only bridges. I run different scales at times. Like Kim, I have looked at the various bird houses in Asda ( Wally Mart to you). My wife bought one home but hung it up and a Wren laid her eggs in it. [:D]
Wouldnt mind one those lighthouses but they dont seem to have made it here yet.

All the best Ian P

I’ve considered it, but have yet to find something suitable. Since I run with a Dutch rural theme the choices are not so great.

Dutch rural theme?

Lots of birdhouses and garden decorations sold in USA would suit.

Rene,

Talking about non-traditional, last year my wife planted blue flowers to represent water near the bridge. This year she came up with the idea of using blue slate to represent the water (see photo below). Maybe some year we will get that water feature going.

I did not notice the log in the water till after I took the photo.

Jaime

Outdoors, I have five birdhouses, two bird feeders, three playskool houses, and two Aristo buildings.

Inside, six bird feeders.

My two Aristo products cost as much as all of the others combined.

Mark

I use Christmas houses and figures. Slightly modified they last for ever in any kind of weather.