Circuit Reims-Gueux Virage de Gueux - The First Building of Three "Le Familistère"

A New Building for the Circuit de Reims-Gueux

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View from the Circuit de Reims-Gueux towards Virage de Gueux, Place des Lacs, in the distance.

The initial idea for the Reims-Gueux layout was sparked by my friend Tom Druckmiller. We had been discussing various ideas for a track layout, when he sent me pictures of the pits and grandstand at Reims-Gueux. After he diced not to build the Reims-Gueux layout I took over.

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Bugatti No. 36 with mechanical problems at the Virage de Gueux

During my research on the track pictures of a town or village frequently appeared. One showed a Bugatti stranded with some mechanics and the driver nearby on a corner. In the background two story building. The looks of that building caught my interest.

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Place des Lacs at Gueux with three houses on opposite corner of the crossroads at Virage de Gueux which was part of the Circuit Reims-Gueux until 1954.
Temple Of Speed: Circuit de Reims-Gueux

By chance I came across an article on Reims-Gueux , on Speedhunters, including that particular corner from a different perspective, revealing two other buildings at the corner, each with a distinct front. One has significant brick work, another a combination of half-timber, stone walls, column front entrance, and metal fencing, while the third has a plain front. The three buildings on the corner were added to the layout for reference of the nearby town, not knowing it was the once Virage de Gueux.

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Mockups of the three buildings at the Virage de Gueux with two Shelby Cobras Daytona and first Spectators to diced on the size and overall appearance on the layout.

All three were made into mockups and positioned on the track. The first off, the three to be made into a model, was the one with the brickwork. It took some time to decide how to approach the brickwork. The choice was to attempt building with real brick in scale 1:50. After the first columns were assembled it seemed that an endless number of pieces had to be preassembled.

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All the bits and pieces for the house front cut from cardboard before assembling

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Modeling brickwork for the house front in scale 1:50 using real bricks by Juweela

Besides the brickwork all fronts had to be made, consisting of various layers off cardboard. The same technique was used on all the other buildings for the track before. All parts were precut and assembled. The plan was to have a recess to hold the brickwork. During that time, it was still uncertain that the effort would eventually pay off.

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First three walls of the building are arranged to be mounted together

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Adding the slate roof and brick chimeneas to the building

With the first parts assembled, it became clearer that it was the right decision. The overall effect was very much to my liking. After all the bits and pieces were put together, the adjoining wall and gate, and garage was added. The cobblestone yard, a tall tree, paved path, and small garden accomplish the site. The appearance of the model transformed the layout, and I am hoping to add the other two buildings.

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The whole assemblance, consisting of the building, a paved yard, a small garden patch with a tree and garage is positioned on the layout.

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Looking at the Virage de Gueux from the distance

The pictures of the house suggested that a wine bar “Buvette” was situated on the corner. It seemed to be impossible to find images that would show the signs on the front and the side. Only recently new images came up, showing the house from a different perspective. I was so pleased to see the signs.

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Virage de Gueux, Place de Lacs “Le Familistère” Quelle/Source: GNV-GUEUX

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Virage de Gueux, Place de Lacs “Café Thilloise”

For many years I believed the door on the corner was the entrance to a wine bar or restaurant. The writing on the signs read “LE FAMILISTÈRE”. I believe it was a grocery. Unfortunately, the new images also showed another entrance on the front. A detail that was not apparent on the earlier images. The look of the front must have changed over the years.  and that there was an entrance on the front. Even thou I like to work close to the original, I am still happy with the outcome. 

There are still some details to be added to the building. But I leave it for now. Updates will be posted once available. Now spring and summer approaching, I will focus more on outdoor activities. Hope you enjoyed the journey. See you at Reims-Gueux.

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Customized Model Scale Building with real brick Front in scale 1:50. Virage de Gueux, Place de Lacs

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The yard of the corner house paved with cobblestones, a small garden patch, a tree and a stone plate path, and a gate with real hinges.

Reims:64 is a highly detailed h0 Scale Slot Car Racetrack built to Scale for the enthusiast.