original structure design Carlton Cornish
Pilot Model conception and construction by Brett Gallant
3D CAD Artwork by Emery Jackson, Jim Murdock, Karl Allison, and Brett Gallant
Names, Logos, Design, and Photographs Copyright Brett Gallant
exclusive structure design ownership Brett Gallant
- In Loving Memory of Jeff Crawford and Jim Ernst -
the HO and O Scales
Crawford and Ernst
at the Riverfront
Featuring an Amazing Selection of 3D Printed Details
A Bold Statement to Make… Yeah, this is My Best Kit
With over thirty years of craftsman kit manufacturing under my belt, this is my best kit. Let me explain. My best structure design is Shelby’s Marine. I am not the only one to believe that. The core structure of the Riverfront diorama was designed by Carlton Cornish. Years ago I purchased the exclusive rights to many of his wonderful structure designs. Notice however, I did not proclaim this is my best structure design. With the advent of 3D Printing I was able to create many, many stories (we all know how much I like telling stories) built around these beautiful new details. In fact there are dozens of brand new details included in Crawford and Ernst. I created the details to tell each and every story I envisioned. That was an extremely satisfying process (not to mention a ton of fun) and the results simply speak for themselves. The Riverfront was created from the ground up in the SierraWest 3D Printing era allowing complete freedom to produce any part I wanted with no limitations on story telling and scene formation. Keep this in mind as you study the photographs. Many of the wonderfully detailed scenes would not have been possible to the level of prototypical accuracy represented here without the mastery of this amazing technology. Now it is time to take a closer look at Crawford and Ernst.
Crawford and Ernst is a water “adjacent” diorama. The three prior waterfront kits I have released (Shelby’s Marine, Foss’ Landing, and the Shipyard) all relied heavily upon having the water scenery element front and center. Crawford and Ernst is different. The river (or lake) is positioned at the rear of the diorama giving you the option to pour water or not. All the great details and signing create and support a water adjacent environment without the requirement to actually include the water. This was a very purposeful design concept for Crawford and Ernst giving you a lot of flexibility in how you create your unique version.
Crawford and Ernst is a classic small American business easily at home anytime in the early to mid 20th Century. In fact, there are two vehicle options available when ordering that reinforce this. A 1920’s era MACK AB Utility truck option, or a 1930’s era Chevy Tow Truck option. These trucks are available separately as well. As with all new SierraWest releases, everything is available in both HO and O Scales. Photographs of these wonderful vehicles are pictured below as well as the add-on custom figure set that was designed in collaboration with Scott Eastburn. More on that later. Crawford and Ernst is a traditional SW kit with a laser cut wall base that individual stripwood is applied to. The laser cut walls create a very accurate frame that is fast and easy to construct. You are then able to concentrate on detailing the siding. The depth and character of the walls are evident in the photographs. The included laser cut window and door components are designed thoughtfully so they enhance the structures appearance. The laser is used only as a construction aide, not a substitute for quality modeling and sound scratchbuilding techniques. If you are ready to upgrade your building experience, Crawford and Ernst is the perfect place to start. Many first time modelers have successfully constructed SierraWest kits following the very detailed manual and most importantly enjoying the construction process.
Yes, ALL the incredible details pictured are included! I spend most of my production time creating the many 3D Printed details found in my kits. I take their quality very seriously and make the finest detail parts available. Supports are removed in house to ensure a flawless part is delivered and allowing you to spend your modeling time with the fun stuff, detailing and weathering. Study the diorama and notice how realistic the clutter appears. The many scenes are created using individual components like cans, wrenches, gears, bottles, etc... Weathered and painted separately then glued in place. This allows you to concentrate on creating more realistic appearing scenes with natural variety and unique storytelling. Making it your own by arranging the clutter as you desire is a simple and enjoyable process.
Scene creation and story telling are the focus of my kits. Everything I do in creating a miniature world is designed to provide information to the viewer. The era, age, care (or neglect) of the environment, level of activity, etc... are all created when we build a kit. Wipe the details away and the backbone for that story remains but it is the very details themselves that create interest and form the narrative. My longtime modeling passion is creating prototypically detailed scenes. I want my dioramas to evoke nostalgic memories and feelings reminiscent of a much simpler time. Combining unique details, laser cut components, and the scenery is the very definition of diorama modeling. I love it when non-modelers "get it" discovering the scenes narrative among the various components. My goal is to teach customers how I achieve these results and am so pleased to be able to combine my manual and online video tutorials for an awesome learning experience. I consider myself a teacher, cheerleader, and mentor as well as a kit manufacturer. This is so important to me.click here to
Take a Tour of Crawford and Ernst
First Time Ordering?
click here to learn about lead times and policies
O Scale Diorama measures approximatley 16" x 19"
HO Scale Diorama measures approximatley 9" x 11"
O Scale Crawford and Ernst at the Riverfront
Includes MACK AB Utility Truck with Canoe
Kit 317M | Shipping Begins 09/01/2026
Everything Pictured is Included Except Track and Scenery
price does not include shipping and/or taxes
HO Scale Crawford and Ernst at the Riverfront
Includes MACK AB Utility Truck with Canoe
Kit 215M | Shipping Begins 10/15/2026
Everything Pictured is Included Except Track and Scenery
price does not include shipping and/or taxes
O Scale Crawford and Ernst at the Riverfront
Includes Chevy Tow Truck
Kit 317C | Shipping Begins 09/01/2026
Everything Pictured is Included Except Track and Scenery
price does not include shipping and/or taxes
HO Scale Crawford and Ernst at the Riverfront
Includes Chevy Tow Truck
Kit 215C | Shipping Begins 10/15/2026
Everything Pictured is Included Except Track and Scenery
price does not include shipping and/or taxes
Exclusive Figure Set for Crawford and Ernst at the Riverfront
This set was designed in collaboration with Scott Eastburn and characterscountminiatures.com. This collection was so much fun to produce! Scott and I set out to create figures that enhanced that long established goal of my kits, to tell stories and create interesting scenes. Each figure was created to meet that important goal. These figures are printed here at SierraWest and of course ship with the supports removed. They're awesome and add so much to the overall character of the diorama. I am so excited to see what you do with this amazing set. A huge thanks to Scott for helping me achieve the perfect group of "characters" for the Riverfront.
Please Note: This set is not included in the kit. You must add it to your cart in order to receive this set.
O Scale Crawford and Ernst at the Riverfront
Exclusive Figure Set
Kit 317F | Shipping Begins 09/01/2026
Seven Figure Set
price does not include shipping and/or taxes
HO Scale Crawford and Ernst at the Riverfront
Exclusive Figure Set
Kit 215F | Shipping Begins 10/15/2026
Seven Figure Set
price does not include shipping and/or taxes
O Scale MACK AB Utility Truck with Canoe
Shipping Begins 09/01/2026
This is JUST the MACK AB Truck
price does not include shipping and/or taxes
HO Scale MACK AB Utility Truck with Canoe
Shipping Begins 10/15/2026
This is JUST the MACK AB Truck
price does not include shipping and/or taxes
O Scale Chevy Tow Truck
Shipping Begins 09/01/2026
This is JUST the Chevy Tow Truck
price does not include shipping and/or taxes
HO Scale Chevy Tow Truck
Shipping Begins 10/15/2026
This is JUST the Chevy Tow Truck
price does not include shipping and/or taxes
click here to
Take a Tour of Crawford and Ernst
First Time Ordering?
click here to learn about lead times and policies
O Scale Diorama measures approximatley 16" x 19"
HO Scale Diorama measures approximatley 9" x 11"
I founded SierraWest in 1995 and have been a one man operation since day one. I make everything by hand to my exacting standards and know you will be pleased with your kit! I will never sacrifice quality for speed and always provide exceptional customer service and support including fast response to emails and phone calls. I am always here if you have any questions so please feel free to contact me anytime before or after you order. Thank you sincerely for you support!
Here are just a few of the features of SierraWest kits:
- Award Winning Board on Board Modeling Techniques -
- Learn My Techniques for Detailing Wood Siding,
Windows and Doors, and Roofing Materials -
- Large Assortment of New Castings and Realistic Clutter -
- Unique, Incredibly Fine Laser Made Details -
- Comprehensive Fully Illustrated Instructions -
- Thoughtful Time-Tested Techniques that You
Can Replicate to Advance your Skills and Confidence -
- Industry First Laser Cut Jigs and Assembly Aids -
- Intricate Laser Cut Windows, Doors, and Wall Framing
Designed to Enhance the Structures Appearance -
- Signs Meticulously Researched and Reproduced
for Historical Accuracy and Time Period -
