Welcome to the spin-off garden railway hobby of JigStones. My thanks to Peter Chandler, creator of the JigStone Cast and Build Molding System (Smallfield Surrey, England) for allowing me to share ideas and photographs sent to him by JigStoners around the globe. Thanks too to the many JigStoners here in the states who have written and sent photos of their JigStone projects and have agreed to let me share them with you.


The method has been transferred via computer to an isometric drawing of his technique below to show the way the blocks are assembled. Some of you might want to give it a try. For a more “Americanized” look, the brick quoins shown may be substituted for squared stone with a brick building.

Peter received a letter from Eric Matthews, a JigStoner in Australia, who sent details of his way of creating brick quoins for the type building designs that were ‘must’ for his particular location. If you are constructing an American building for your city circa 1900-1930, you may be interested in Mr. Matthews’ idea.

Don't forget that several walling molds will not only speed production, but will usually be about the same cost as an off-the-shelf model. As Peter says, “it’s nice to take something home that can immediately be placed on the layout, but with a little patience, the cast and build method will provide many models, thus releasing the cash difference for purchasing extra rolling stock, or track.”
Quoins: The main difference from normal assembly of blocks is that a number ‘8’ block has to be placed above each large block ‘1’ or ‘2’ achieve the correct spacing. Quoin designs will often project from the main walling for extra decorative effect. To do this means off-setting the blocks and filling any gaps created.
 


In future issues, I will address sealing and painting your completed JigStones project, and will continue to share other members’ ideas and discoveries. If you’re successful with a product other than those listed, please write or call and I will share it with the membership.