Custom Corner: Jade Fog Industries, A Freelance Industry.

 Despite it's image (possibly deserved...) as a hobby populated with detail-and-accuracy-obsessed "rivet counters", model railroading has vast space for invention and creativity.  In this vein, model railroaders have a long tradition of inventing clever names (often humorous puns) for their own railroads, locales and businesses.   The oft-referenced Gorre and Daphetid (pronounced "gory and defeated") by John Allen is a classic example that will be familiar to most railroaders.

Today I've got a very clever "freelance industry" to share.  Jade Fog Industries (JFI) is the invention Dave, my friend and a fellow member of The Tyco Depot Train Collectors and Model Railroading Forum.    Dave will be along in a future post to discuss the origin of and inspiration for Jade Fog Industries and to share more of his JFI custom work.  For now just know that Jade Fog Industries is his tongue-in-cheek take on a vaguely malevolent chemical conglomerate.

I expressed an interest in opening a branch of JFI on my layout, offered some trade bait in payment and Dave was happy to paint and decal some equipment for me.  In proper budget railroading tradition the two hoppers were $5 train show finds and the tank trucks are $1 Matchbox.

I encourage you to zoom the pics below to admire his excellent decal work.

This began as a Canadian Pacific Hopper.

This AHM Flexi-Flow Hopper is a rare bird.

These two Matchbox "Utility Trucks" were originally Jurassic World versions that are still in stores now.  A milk truck version is due in 2019. Dave repainted the stock grey cab (pictured on the right) into the blue shown on the left.

The tanks were painted metallic grey and he even painted the details and decaled the ends!

It will come as no surprise to hear that I'm thrilled with these.  I'm particularly impressed by the unique design language that Dave created for each kind of hopper.  His work shows an artists eye with just the right amount of humor.  With both trucks and hoppers I've got enough vehicles to make a very convincing industry.

Thanks Dave!