15 replies to this topic

[UrbanRail]

On October 3, 2007, My Grandfather Gordon Hatch, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 88.

For those who do not know, he was known for 40 years as the builder of 1/4 scale model streetcars. It is these works of art and mechanical masterpieces that the family hopes to preserve for years to come. A memorial service was held on October 13, 2007.

One of my projects is to locate a site to build a museum type building to house these models and related artifacts and memorabilia, with the help of government and/or private funding.

I am in the process of designing such a building.



Aaron

[Holden West]

Hats off to Grampa!

[Baro]

We should honour him with a 1:1 scale model tram system through the city!

[Caramia]

Your grandfather was an inspiration! Good for you for making sure his work lives on!

[UrbanRail]

Just update the members, we did find a home and one of my cousins and her husband (who are building design consultants) designed the building you see in the pictures. We hope to have the interior completed, with displays and the models inside by the end of the summer. I will keep you posted.

The following pictures are from the Father's Day events at Heritage Acres in Central Saanich. The family set up a display table and brought on the models to show the public.










Cheers

Aaron

[Ms. B. Havin]

^ That looks pretty cool! Be sure to post opening dates & hours when the time comes.

[Phil McAvity]

but that streetcar is so small, how are you supposed to fit inside?


Sorry, I couldn't resist, that scene from Zoolander was too funny.

Seriously, that is one cool hobby your grandpa had UR. What scale would they be? About 1/8?

[Nparker]

What scale would they be? About 1/8?

According to the sign in one of the photos, it is 1/4 scale.

[UrbanRail]

The models range from 7 to approx 14 feet in length, from 3 to 4 feet in height and about 2 feet in width.

That model is over 40 years old, and was built without power tools. Over time, the next three were built using power tools of various sizes and types, including a 1oo year old lathe, which he bought for $35.

I will definitely keep you posted and will post the times to visit, especially the opening day.

[UrbanRail]

but that streetcar is so small, how are you supposed to fit inside?


Sorry, I couldn't resist, that scene from Zoolander was too funny.

Seriously, that is one cool hobby your grandpa had UR. What scale would they be? About 1/8?

Actually an adult can fit inside. In fact all of the models he built, can fit a full grown adult. The model in the picture had two removable hatches in the roof.

[mat]

The models range from 7 to approx 14 feet in length, from 3 to 4 feet in height and about 2 feet in width.

That model is over 40 years old, and was built without power tools. Over time, the next three were built using power tools of various sizes and types, including a 1oo year old lathe, which he bought for $35.

I will definitely keep you posted and will post the times to visit, especially the opening day.

Please do - last summer we were out with a bunch of kids for the special needs event. It was a wonderful day - I was amazed at the dedication of the Saanich Historical Society members, and all the kids and parents/minders were totally fascinated.

[UrbanRail]

An article from the Goldstream Gazette.

I was interviewed two weeks ago and the article came out yesterday.

Here is the link.

http://www.bclocalne...y/55199707.html

Its more likely that we will be finished later in the Fall. Will keep you posted.

Cheers

Aaron

[VicHockeyFan]

What's the undercarriage made of, like the wheels and all the black parts that hold the wheels and springs etc...

[UrbanRail]

What's the undercarriage made of, like the wheels and all the black parts that hold the wheels and springs etc...

Metal mostly, the car I am standing beside has 4 motors. The body is all wood, but the roof is covered in sheet metal over a wood frame. My Grandfather would gather metal pieces from I think scrap yards, and when he was working as a brake and alignment specialist, he would bring home unused parts. The motors are british starter motors. The trucks with the wheels also have pieces of bed frames. I do have a picture of the trucks under construction. When I get time I will post the picture.

[UrbanRail]

Here is the picture.

[UrbanRail]

Another article

http://www.bclocalne...y/56766722.html