Zebra Lounge
A Z-Scale diorama by Paw of a Bear

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The Zebra Lounge Woodrow Wilson Shmaltzman couldn't pay to get folks drink in his bar. He was about to pack it in when he got his inheritance. Now Woody had a great-aunt who was mad as pants. She left him a nice sum of money and her giant zebra statue. Woody just knew that statue was good luck. So he stuck it on top of his bar, painted the club in stripes, and before you could say Bob's your uncle the best acts in the Jazz world were looking to play the Zebra Lounge. Now Woody has to turn folks away at the door.

Sold to a Private Collector

photo of Zebra Lounge Jazz Club scratch built Z-scale model railroad city structure diorama photo of Zebra Lounge Jazz Club scratch built Z-scale model railroad city structure diorama photo of Zebra Lounge Jazz Club scratch built Z-scale model railroad city structure diorama photo of Zebra Lounge Jazz Club scratch built Z-scale model railroad city structure diorama

This diorama was built from scratch using basswood, metal, paper, and styrene.

The Zebra Loungeincludes the following features:

  • hand made "leather" door
  • Zebra sign with intricate support framework
  • a detailed roof complete with scratch built smokejacks and ventilators
  • a rusty corrugated metal roof on the rear lean-to
  • a hand-painted zebra striped paint job
  • three scratch built trash cans with lids
  • a crumpled cardboard box
  • a scratch built electrical meter box
  • a brick back wall
  • an ornate trellis supporting a climbing rose
  • cracked sidewalks
  • assorted signs and posters advertising jazz luminaries

photo of Zebra Lounge Jazz Club scratch built Z-scale model railroad city structure diorama photo of Zebra Lounge Jazz Club scratch built Z-scale model railroad city structure diorama photo of Zebra Lounge Jazz Club scratch built Z-scale model railroad city structure diorama photo of Zebra Lounge Jazz Club scratch built Z-scale model railroad city structure diorama

The model sits on an 1/8th inch thick aircraft plywood base that measures roughly 3" x 1 3/4".  Measured from the bottom of the base, the highest point on the model is just under 2 1/2" tall.  As always, I will include a detailed materials list and a brief how-to should you wish to match the scenery materials that I used to make this diorama.

This model was designed for a 1950's North American model railroad layout. By changing the posters, it would be suitable for any era from the Roaring 20's to the present day. I hope that this hand made, signed and dated, diorama will find a place on your z-scale train layout or as a conversation piece on your shelf, mantle, or desk.

Please note this is a scale model, not a toy.  It is not suitable for children. Besides it is much too nice for children in any case.

SOLD TO A PRIVATE COLLECTOR If you would like me to build something like this for your scale model railroad, please do drop me an email at mthduggan@pawofabear.com. We can discuss your budget and needs.

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