Comments on First layout build **updated pics pg2*** ***Updated pics PG 2***** I'm in the process of building my first real permanent layout. I'm really new at a lot of these ideas and I'm not sure how it is going to turn out. Just going with what I feel might look decent. I still have a lot of work to do. I only have 2 buildings on the layout. The plan is to have the layout set up like an industrial center with multiple factories and businesses with a few restaurant/butcher shop/store fronts and similar businesses closer to the bridge (the entrance to the industrial center) while the heavy industry will be closer to the stream side of the layout. I've used the standard paper/plaster combo for the elevations. I used woodland scenics foam system for the elevated track. I don't want to bore anyone with the sub system pics so attached are a few current pics. I estimate I'm about 10% finished on the scenery lol. Just wondering what you all thought and if you had any scenery suggestions or comments.
I like the fall thing going on there. The water looks really good - what did you use for it? Couldn't help noticing the the license plate and metal signs on the wall - I have some old plates from states where I have lived and Creek Chub Bait signs - Creek Chub was in my home town of Garrett, Indiana.
Thanks, I still have a lot of trees to make. I used Woodland Scenics water not the beads you melt but the gel in the bottle I have acquired a lot of signs and things I have on the walls. I also have 3 shelves of beer bottles from around the world
Looks like you're doing very well! I'd just keep trying things. If they don't work out, you can always salvage the more expensive items for the next try. From what I can see, you've got the basics down, and are getting excellent results. I do have one suggestion. Don't make your roads and parking lots too dark. Medium gray is as dark as I go, and sometimes that's too dark. Asphalt is blackish only when it is very fresh. It soon weathers to a medium gray, or lighter, especially when viewed with the sun at an angle to it. The same thing with grass, although yours looks fine. I sprinkle a little yellow foam over a field. That's not to suggest that the grass is too dry; it's rather to suggest that the sun is on the field, and the camera is picking up yellow due to reflections. I do the same with trees--just a little yellow, or very light green, on one side to suggest that the sun is shining on that side. Or on the top. I try to sprinkle the foam in a semi-random way--a little patch here, an arc there, another patch over there--anything but a consistent sprinkle. I'll also sprinkle a little dark brown here and there, just to give some variation to the field.
The layout looks great so far,I also like the waterfall.Keep up the good work. Steve Church Milwaukee Road Iowa Division
The layout is looking great! One suggestion for photos, which isn't a layout thing, per se. The color registration is off a bit, and the camera is straining to light the area without darkening the background. You really have to flood model pictures with light to get the depth of field we need. Pick up some inexpensive reflector lamps (maybe 4?) with 40W incandescent bulbs. Place them at 45 degrees up on one side of the layout and face them all in the same direction to keep the shadows right. Maybe bounce one off the ceiling. Kill the fluorescents. The warm yellow light does amazing things for color, and it makes pictures look more like your eyes see them.
Thanks for the comments. I did lighten up the asphalt after the pictures were taken to make it look like old, weathered roadway. The "fields" arent really going to stay that way much longer. I used that as the base for whatever will go there rather than the white or brown painted styrofoam but I will try out your suggestions with the areas that will be field and the trees as well. As for the picture quality: I never thought about doing it that way. I'll look into it giving that a shot. I need a new camera (this one is over 5 yrs old) but until it stops working I think the $ is better suited elsewhere especially after going through the walthers catalog again
I like your work, especially the use of the Walthers overpass and how you worked it into the scenery. What is your plan for what your running, serving, time period etc. Keep us updated as you progress, there are some fantastic ideas and builders on the board who have helped me a great deal! Also, if the beer bottles on the wall get there during a construction session, I'm on my way. my best, Jan
Naw, I have an expensive camera, and it has identical problems. Even the best sensor has to have something to work with, and that's light!
Obviously the consumption of large amounts of fermented hops and grains (See first photo) hasn’t impeded your modeling. Always remember you can never have too much alcohol when ballasting track. I always begin with two or three shots of Jack Daniels with another shot every three feet or ten minuets whichever comes first.
soup: You have a good thing going, keep it up. I really like the over pass and the fall trees, excellent! Could you post a track plan and show an overall view of what looks to be a really nice layout. Pete: Good tips on sprinkling ground covers and highlighting. Something I hadn't thought about. Tony: More good tips on lighting, thanks. I need to up the lighting level in my own layout room as some of my photos turn out a little grainy.
When I get frustrated working on trains, I always consult the 3 wise men: Jim Jack & Johnny They always bring me back down to earth (or floor). T
I'll try and post some later tonight. The track plan has changed 4 times since I first started building everything
Here are pictures of the over all layout. Its pretty simple but but fun none the less here is also my first real attempt at weathering I painted the flat bed cars as well. They were all one color when purchased
here is a before image of the flats with trailers here is another angle of the after I dont have any before pics of the loco :/
This is as of tonight... Added about 100 pine trees and some buildings. Finished ballasting most of the track and picked up 6 more freight cars
