Just got my December Model Railroader - with Mike Danneman's beautiful N scale D&RGW layout featured on the cover. The article opens with a breathtaking view of the Big 10 curves. There are additional pix of the Flatirons, Crescent Siding, a snowy Pinecliffe, and the knockout, the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel in a snowstorm. This layout is a showcase not only for Mike's astounding artistic and modeling skills, but also for N scale - this is a layout that's right up there with the greats, from John Allen right down to today. Don't miss this issue!
Now if only he would have used prototypically correct track. Jamie (that icon is supposed to be the sarcastic wink BTW)
I got my MR issue last Friday... and have been reading and looking at all the photos for the past three days. I have always admired Mike Danneman's work and bought his model railroading book(s). He has been published a few times in different publications; including a smaller layout (IIRC) N Scale Railroading. His new layout is a great achievement in N scale... and it still is under construction as of this article... probably about 60% complete. We will probably see more of this layout in future issues...he still hasn't finished the Denver area and a few other areas not photographed in MR.
Still admiring that scenery. An excellent job of blending backdrop with secenary. And take another look at some of the trackside details. Great scenes.
And the subscriber extra video on trains.com is outstanding! There's also the slide shows of this layout at http://www.model160.com/2011/08/02/images-from-mike-dannemans-moffat-route/
I couldn't agree more. And I'm serious. Guess that makes me an elitist, sorry 'bout that. I used PECO switches on the last layout, but now that the Atlas are available, no excuse. Track is the single most visible thing on the layout. Sorry, guys, must've got up on the wrong side this AM. No disputing his scenery and graphic talent, though. And it's always good to see N in MR.
I have to agree with WCL, the pictures are great but the video on Model Railroader's Extra site are way over the top. IMHO, one of the truly outstanding layouts I have ever seen. The overall affect is over the top! I think any of us would be proud to own it.
Wow! Just viewed the 10:22 minute video. Wonderfully done... so impressive... I'm running out of superlatives! My favorite segment was the Flat Irons views... but all the views were phenominal!
Joe, Do you have a link for said video? I have had the opportunity to operate on Mike's layout in 2005. It was a pleasure and ran as good as it looked.
Debra and I get to see it again after the Denver show in two weeks. Last time was during the layout tour at the old N-trak mini convention in April 2003 or 2004. Much has changed since then.
The link is in the post above by WCL. You need to be a subscriber to MR though. My subscription happens to end this month and I wasn't planning on renewing it... but... after seeing the video... I'm getting motivated to sign-up for another MR stint just to be able to view the 'extra' stuff not in the magazine. It's really the reason I subscribe to MR... if not for all the other resources they offer... I would just buy a magazine if it had an interesting layout (like this one).
:thumbs_up:This layout is spectacular! It had diesels, mountians, and even SNOW! I found it interesting how the Moffat Tunnel scene was modeled to look like it was still snowing and how he added the snowing effect to the picture of it.
If you get a chance, look at the messages posted to MR's site in response to Mike's article. I think they sum up the basic point: N scale has arrived as a suitable scale for serious, prototype modelers. Perhaps not coincidentally, the MR site's home page features their newly developed N scale content, including a monthly column and numerous additional features. In this month's issue, there's a *great* review of Bachmann's new 2-10-2... most informative and useful. As you contemplate Mike's incredible prowess as a modeler, don't forget his amazing achievements in rolling stock... just about all of the motive power you see in the photos and videos was repainted, and the Krauss-Maffeis were scratch-built. On the video available on the MR's site (for subscribers only), there's a shot of Mike's *perfect* model of the Yampa Valley mail, with a PA-1 pulling a heavyweight baggage car and rebuilt (air-conditioned) heavyweight coach... both are dead ringers for the prototype. I think Mike's layout attests to the hidden joys of prototype modeling. It is obvious that he's a student of all of the wonderful things that surround railroading... the glorious (and sometimes tragic) history, the amazing and beautiful environment, the men and women who ran the railroad, the many changes over time, and so much more. I think Mike's layout is a significant masterpiece of artistic expression... it captures a moment in railroading with astounding fidelity and realism. This morning, my wife and I looked at the shot of Mike's Moffat Tunnel scene on our HDTV... and looking at the snowy scene, both of us shivered! This is a significant event in the evolution of N scale.. a moment all of us should cherish. --Bryan
Mike nailed the overall look and his photography is awesome as well. I'm looking forward to seeing more updates as the gets more done on the Denver portion of the line. It's great to see when someone makes that snapshot in their head come to life like this.
I think it's an interesting point that Mike's work is so amazing, and yet for some reason he didn't go with the better track choice. Not that his track looks bad or anything (he definitely did a terrific job with ballast, tie, and rail weathering!), I just wonder why. Maybe as a way to specifically point out that this is N-scale that you're seeing? I remember taking photos a bazillion years ago up at the Strasburg Railroad and while looking to take a very true-to-period shot, the one tiny detail that I liked leaving in was that the person in the photo was wearing a tiny peace sign earring. So once the photos were developed, and processed in sepia tone, it was one of those little "hey, wait a minute" things. Anyway, regardless of his track choice, his layout is absolutely amazing!
I think the track choice was do to the era. Remember this layout was started before Atlas came out with their code 55 line.
Peco Cd 55 is still bullet proof, especially when combined with pizza cutters. Lots of guys prefer bullet proof over strict scale detail. Are you guys so sure that Mike wouldn't build the layout exactly the same way today? DC cab control included?
As an artist, I think Mike looks at things like lighting, shadow, and color with an artist's eye which shows in his layout. I'm certain it gives him a leg up on me! His simulated motion photos of the Burlington E5 in N Scale Railroading were brilliant. I would have thought he was moving the background if I hadn't read the caption on how he painted it and then streaked it. Andy Tetsu Uma
