Aerial photos are so handy. For model railways, they show you details from a perspective that allows you to measure, reference locations, and view what you are modelling at a similar angle. Postcards can be a great source for these shots.
This fall I plan to build the Imperial Oil facility to complete the remaining structures on the first module of the Little Current Model Railway. I have been held up because I needed more reference images.
I was lucky enough to come across a postcard that has the details I need. Visible in the middle right hand side just over from the swing bridge is the facility. Although its a distance away, its enough to fill in the distance between structures as well as other missing information to move forward.
The above photo let me confirm what I was seeing with a lower resolution black and white aerial photo I had previously to move ahead (Imperial Oil facility is visible in the lower right). If you look closely there are two less tanks in this photo which is closer to the date I’m modelling.
No doubt more information will come along as I go but if I wait for absolute perfection, this model railway only ever be a plan. As new information comes along, I’ll make changes. Stay tuned. More to come.