Of cardboard empires and such.

Though I'm only scratching the surface here where a good deal of what  me and my ego would like to share with you was never recorded and, of course, never filed back in the 'good ol' days ' before we got bogged down with computers and stuff.


There's thousands of pics to choose from ( read that as many hours of ploughing through files and magazines ) so I aplogise if you find this thread something of a long haul and especially where I shall have to limit six pictures to each post. 


So, and without any particular reason, I would like to kick off  with a selection of church pics and, as one will notice, built out of Wills stone sheets that, for me, took over where fire cement ended way back in the 70's/80's.


Allan

Next up. Cottages and the first buildings I ever modelled using fire cement over card where the stone work was worked in by hand with a guitar pic. The finish left a lot to be desired but back in the 70's - well, what else was there ?



Here then a Cotswold village theme, in 4mm and in black and white photographed by Mike Boardman on a hill somewhere is Sussex.



Allan

Cottages continued where later models benefited from modern materials - or did they ?

Could be like comparing the clock work key to DCC.


Allan.

And just a few more…

And recent additions.

Allan

And the old Post Office, Tintagel.

I don't very often model prototypes - too many restrictions where what is, is more important than what isn't.


So, modelling Tintagel Post Office proved to be a right PITA since there were no plans available  ( which was just as well because I couldn't have read them if there was ) and a trip down to Cornwall with tape, rule and ladder was definitely out of the question which had a lot, if not everything,  to do with wifey's map reading.


Anyway, Tintagel Post office, the fire cement version.


Allan

Hello Allan,
Its only me again! I must say Tintagel post office is a real gem
ATB
Stephen

Your modelling has enthralled we mere mortals for many years Allan - I'm certain it was your use of computer chads that nearly drove me insane trying to source them in the days when, to me, an abacus was an advanced piece of mathematical engineering !!!  

You were demonstrating at some model railway show I attended just because you were going to be there !!!  Don't remember the layouts nor the venue but I do remember seeing what I suspect was probably your steel works on display………….. :roll:    I was blown away then and still am.

Seeing these shots simply boggles the mind !!!  Absolute masterpieces, each and every one of them.  Looking forward to seeing more.  :thumbs :thumbs :thumbs

Many thanks for your kind comments, Peter. Most appreciated.

I think I remember that show, wasn't you the dashing gent that my wife was forever going on about !


Anyway, it's always nice to see one's work appreciated and there'll be more to follow.


I did try to copy paste what I had posted on here and share it with RM web of whom I also subscribe to - but first the photo's came up , then they disappeared ! So, I had to start all over again, rummaging  through my files which takes hours.


Again, many thanks


Allan

[user=1427]allan downes[/user] wrote:

………………………………….

I think I remember that show, wasn't you the dashing gent that my wife was forever going on about !


…………………………………………….

Spot on Allan - that was the show.  ;-) :cheers :cheers

As  a reminder…

And a little Welsh narrow gauge.

Though I'm only scratching the surface

As you mentioned Alan only scratching the surface !  So I decided to see what I could find and have taken the liberty of gathering a few links together so other members (and me  :thumbs )  can easily find and browse more of your work 
I will also put a link to this Topic in a Scratchbuilding photo box on the right of the forum front page so it's easy to find

Cheers

  matt

   Alan Downes   A Lifetimes work 



2013

Lost in Colorado

Monks Bay, permanently exhibited layout

Buildings,drawings, diagrams, scenery setting, etc

A little Welsh Narrow Gauge

Monks Bay update

Larger than life buildings!

Heavy industry

Railway Structures

Small village industry:Wheelwrights yard,plans,dimensions

Country Station:Plans,Drawings,Dimensions

Lineside Warehouse Plans,Dimensions etc.

Engine Shed/Goods Shed:Plans,drawings, dimensions

Signal Box/Coaling Stage/Water Tower/Weigh Hut:Plans,Drawings, dimensions

Scratchbuilding - can I help?

Detailing Buildings with Evergreen Plastics

Scratchbuilding

0 Gauge - Millhouse Lane

Bishops Castle

Build a High Street

Tin Giants

Building Plans

Not for the faint hearted!

Early exhibition work at Pecorama

Back on the horse.                                                                            (it's a castle)



2014


Old mill, old methods and materials

Tintagel Post Office

A different kind of Castle Coombe

Arlington Row, Bidbury

A GWR(ish ) Goods shed

Stone build barn

Crossing Keepers Cottage



2015


Scratchbuilding (Churches)

Derelict factory

Derelict water mill

Fishy new project underway

Tudor Buildings



2016


American clapboard

More Seaside Hotels

Dereliction

Quaint Signal Box

Trowse Pumping Station - abandoned

Ardverikie Castle

Another Scottish Castle

The old stone mill revisited

Victorian factory

Clydebank Riverside Station



2017


O Gauge on a door

Tetbury Goods Shed. An alternative

The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells

Large Country Station

A Scottish Castle

Tools of the Trade ?

Battery Street Sidings

Photoshop Enhancements

Building a derelict watermill

A lifetime's work in pictures

Small country station




 And Finaly

CONFESSIONS OF A MODELMAKER



                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                     âœ”       Barchester
                                                                                                                

"Just scratching the surface"
Pun intended?

Your work is quite lovely throughout

The passing of a legend ?



Just saw this and thought I would link it here (hope thats ok Spurno )
link re Alan Downes from Rmweb




Such Sad but not unexpected news


Matt

Such sad news.RIP.

Oh yes, not the best news but it was not unexpected.
RIP Alan

We knew it was inevitable, but still extremely sad news.

  

Such sad news.A huge talent lost to the hobby but we are lucky that Allan was a part of our forum and he has left us with many examples of his work.

RIP Allan.