Noticed some posts on here about my HO Siskiyou Line so I thought I would update you on the latest. The most interesting recent development is the new series of videos on my layout being produced by myMemoirs Video. Advanced ordering starts next week (pre-order discounts) and they're expecting it to release by April 19. I hope to let you see the Siskiyou Line in depth just like you came over and we had several long talks and demonstrations of how I've done things with this series. And as a finale, I'll invite you to an op session so you can see what that's like in the final video. I'm hoping to scenic new areas of the layout between each video (released about one per quarter) so you get new scenes on each new video. Anybody have any questions they'd like to ask me since I'm now on this forum?
Joe, welcome to TrainBoard. It's great to have you on board. Also, thanks for the heads-up on the videos. Will they be offering them on DVD too? Hope so, I can't wait !!! Bill
Yes, the videos will be on DVD or VHS. The series goes like this: Vol 1: Siskiyou Line video tour Introduction to Joe Fugate's HO Siskiyou Line Vol 2: Siskiyou Line design/construction Designing and building a multi-deck layout Vol 3: Scenery on the Siskiyou Line Rapid techniqes for realistic scenery Vol 4: DCC on the Siskiyou Line DCC tips and techniques for large layouts Vol 5: Operating the Siskiyou Line Operating a large layout like the prototype. The videos will be $29.95 DVD or VHS, with a special deal subscription to the whole series available for $99 payable in 4 installments of $24.75 each. Plus myMemoirs is giving me a coupon code that I can post on my web site, so if people use that code, they can save another $5. Would you like to see some sample clips from the video? I can post a URL to the myMemoirs sites if you are interested.
HI Joe, I really like your layout. I think you have a great track plan that allows for big time operation yet there are some very scenic areas. I am looking forward to seeing the DVDs. You also have a great web site. If anyone out there has not seen Joe's web site you really should take a look at it.
Joe, Welcome to Trainboard, I hope you visit this place often, any questions feel free to drop me a line also we do have free galleries for railroad pictures both prototype and modelling just click on this link Rail Images I have been browsing your site, it is certainly an excellent place to learn about our hobby. The layout is one we all strive towards, I also enjoyed reading about your operating and waybill systems. Look forward to seeing more of your posts, once again welcome to Trainboard.
Two URLs: One is a "scenic train run" preview at: http://mymemoirs.net/previews.html The other is a clip that shows some of the demos and multimedia teaching that will be on the video. (It includes a special pre-release deal that myMemoirs has been making available to the Layout Design Special Interest Group of the NMRA.) http://mymemoirs.net/ldsig.html Let me know what you think ...
And thanks for all the kind words about my layout and web site. I'm glad to see you guys find it useful.
I watched the previews they are excellent although the first link isnt working I found it after going to the second link. Here is the correct link Preview I guess you used real locomotive sound for the effects it sounds excellent
Joe, It's great to have you on board. I remember your Model Railroader articles from way back in was int 1997 or so? And then seeing your 'Follow A Train' picture sequences really has been a treat. Welcome again.
Welcome to the TrainBoard Joe! We hope you can stop by permanently, or at least often! Where are we going to be able to buy your videos?
Sorry for the bad link ... yes, no 's' on preview. So the correct link, one more time, is: http://mymemoirs.net/preview.html And yes, those loco and train sounds have been added in post-production. Too bad we can't make them sound like that on the layout. Maybe some day with technology we can get close. MyMemoirs is making the videos available online to buy starting next Monday (advanced order). You'll have two options: get a single ($29.95 + $4 S&H) or a post-paid subscription to the 5-video series for $99, payable in 4 monthly installments of $24.75 each. The video releases on April 19 and I'm trying to twist myMemoir's arm into offering a special incentive on the subscription - a free round-trip ticket (worth up to $500) to come to an op session on the Siskiyou Line done as a drawing from among the subscription preorders. Don't know if they'll go for it. I talked them into offering such a prize to the Layout Design SIG members, but I'm thinking they ought to offer another one also to the "general public" preorders. At any rate, you can go to: model-trains-videos.com ... starting March 22 to get this video. Or you can call their toll free number: 1-800-920-6020. So that's the video thing. Any questions about the layout, plans, or progress?
Dang it, got to watch those extra "s's". This is what you type into your browser: model-trains-video.com No "s" on video ... and you will go to the page at myMemoirs about my layout video.
Thanks for the nice comments about my layout, website, and coming video. Now, tell me. What's your favorite part of the layout? What do you think I should have done different? What is the one greatest weakness of the Siskiyou Line track plan? A referesher visit to the website might be in order to answer these questions. I'll answer them myself after I've heard from some of you. Hopefully, we'll get some useful discussion going that will help other modelers.
Joe, seems like it will be easier to answer your questions after we see the videos. I do have some questions after viewing your website. What is the blue colored corrugated material which appears to be part of the backboard or a view block, and why was it used? It seems to be to form a curve, but then how is it finished-off, ie: eliminating the corrugated fluting? Also can you tell us more about the backboard itself? It looks very nice, even though you mentioned it still wasn't finished. Thanks, Bill
The backdrop is mostly 1/8" masonite, painted blue. When I go to put in the scenery in front of the backdrop, I mark the horizon on the sky backdrop lightly in pencil then get out the airbrush and white acrylic formulated for use in an airbrush (get it at an art supply store) along the lower 1/4 of the backdrop or so. This creates a more natural effect of distance to the sky. If you look carefully at the sky in the left half of this picture you can see the effect and it's very effective: http://siskiyou.railfan.net/images/train/p20.jpg The only corrugated material I use is cardboard box strips to form my scenery shapes. What specifically are you seeing? Can you point to a specific photo on the site?
The material I mentioned can be seen by clicking on "Model" then "Progress to date", then 5th photo down titled: "Construction progress by 1997 - South Roseburg. It is the blue fluted material in the upper left. Thanks, Bill
Oh, *that* photo. Actually, that's a lowsy scan that I have never replaced. Click on the image and you should get a larger image. On the larger image you should be able to see it's just blue painted 1/8" masonite. I need to replace that bad photo ... sounds like it is causing some confusion. Shows people are *really* looking over the site!
And speaking of backdrops, its surprising how a quite simple backdrop can enhance the layout and make it look much more finished. Here an example, notice how simple this backdrop is, yet it adds a lot to the layout. http://siskiyou.railfan.net/images/southRBp.jpg And here's a closeup photo ... and that simple ol' backdrop looks *terrific*. http://siskiyou.railfan.net/images/south_rb1.jpg Just an encouragement that you don't have to be Rembrandt to get an effective backdrop.
Yes, the comparisons are quite dramatic. What do you use on the seams between the sheets of masonite?...maybe Sheet Rock mud?? Bill
