A Automobile Assembly Phot Backdrop (Background)

[ChessieFan]

I am working on expanding My home n scale layout to include a automobile assembly plant. I realize it an enormous operation. I have numerous manufacturing building which plan on combining or kit-bashing together.

But the item I am in search of is a photo backdrop of automobile assembly plant circa 1970's. I have been searching the internet thru the usual photo backdrop, background web sites, but I have up empty. Does anybody have some ideas or suggestions where I might find such a photo backdrop (background)?

I would greatly appreciate any help or information provided.

Thank You,
 ChessieFan

[Jesse6669]

Do a Google search "Norwood Chevrolet plant" and you'll find a bunch of pics of this plant closed in 1987.  This is "on" my layout, but actually only the siding where they'd load the autoracks;  The plant is where the operator would be standing.  But if it was built in reverse--I'd do something like this screen grab as the backdrop.  You can see Chessie hoppers on the Midland Sub. in front.

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You could piece this together in photo editing software, depending on your skills-- and print it on one of the long paper printers (Office Depot, etc. do this).  Or just do flats from scratch with cardstock or styrene.  I'd be tempted to 3D design it but it'd be too big to print.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm not sure how much they've changed, but it's possible to turn Google streetview photos into workable backdrops with some work.

Where's the actual plant you're modeling? Is it still standing?

If not, browse around on Google Maps and find something that looks about right. Post a link here and I'll see what I can do.

[ChessieFan]

Jesse6669, Thank You for your Help I will look into that.

Ed, Thank You for Your help. The Plants I am looking for in the 1970's are the GM Fleetwood Cadillac Plant in Detroit, Michigan and the Toledo Jeep Plant.  Both Plants were built using Brick and concrete with a lot of Glass.  Presently only the conveyor portion of the Detroit Plat is still standing along Ford Street and the Toledo Jeep plant is also gone with only one of the smoke stacks still standing.
  I am trying to model an old automobile assembly plant the used a lot of brick, concrete supporting structure and glass.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Something like this, right?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toledo_Complex#/media/File:1915_Willys_factory.jpg

[John]

Do a Google search "Norwood Chevrolet plant" and you'll find a bunch of pics of this plant closed in 1987.  This is "on" my layout, but actually only the siding where they'd load the autoracks;  The plant is where the operator would be standing.  But if it was built in reverse--I'd do something like this screen grab as the backdrop.  You can see Chessie hoppers on the Midland Sub. in front.

(Attachment Link)

You could piece this together in photo editing software, depending on your skills-- and print it on one of the long paper printers (Office Depot, etc. do this).  Or just do flats from scratch with cardstock or styrene.  I'd be tempted to 3D design it but it'd be too big to print.

That sure looks like the Walthers Paper mill plant in that picture .. I had an auto plant scene on my old layout -- I used the walthers kit to copy and color print the sections, and from there made a building that looked similar to your shot above .. glued to some foam board and instand auto plant .. good background building

[ChessieFan]

First Off Thank You to everybody Who has responded to My inquiry. I am going check out all the suggestions.

[Jesse6669]

That sure looks like the Walthers Paper mill plant in that picture .. I had an auto plant scene on my old layout -- I used the walthers kit to copy and color print the sections, and from there made a building that looked similar to your shot above .. glued to some foam board and instand auto plant .. good background building

It sure does, the non-brick part especially and the power plant.  Color copies and bamalam!  Good idea.