Thanks - not really "on" my layout. This is my small diorama, which I took outside for the photo shoot. It was what I did first, prior to embarking on the full layout, to see whether I could actually do the modeling. My only prior modeling experiences, as a teen, are out-right disasters. My children laughed themselves silly when we found the boxes of them my father had packed away. In those days, my favorites were rockets and space ships. We would also take small cheap kits, and we would put firecrackers in them and blow them up! PT-boats blowing up in the pool! :mwink:
I just looked through the entire thread, you have done a great job on your layout! I love seeing layouts from benchwork to almost complete! Keep up the good work! I was showing my little boy all of the pictures, and he said he would like to come over and see all of your steam engines! ( I don't have any on my layout, it looks like I may have to get 1 or 2 some day!) Excellent work!
Thanks. Not sure if it is "almost completed", I have only about 10% of the surface area with any scenery, ballast, glued down track, etc. It is taking me about a month for each 2 square feet, which is fine by me. I would much rather go slowly, and do the best I can, then rushing. I do expect to move a bit quicker, once I "turn the corner" on the yard ballasting. Only tricky part there will be the turnouts. Glad your son enjoyed the photos.
Some new work in the back corner Been steadily working the past couple weeks, when I could, and wanted to share the latest (still a lot to do in this area). Basically, I got the three furthest back tracks ballasted in the back left corner (coming out of subway). Initially, I was trying for cement tracks on the ramp going into the subway, but instead went for the crushed rock look, because I really didn't like how the "cement" came out. But, it is under the rock, so adds the look. (I used joint compound, and no matter what I did, I just didn't like the "look", even with good color, nice smoothing, etc.) So, without further ado: Here's looking down the dual tracks curving into the subway, with a UP passenger consist coming up the ramp. A WP pulled California Zephyr is above the retaining wall, on the far back upper track Here's the upper retaining wall, with the ballasted track there, and the lead WP F3 (#801) A wider view of the back corner. The shed is only temporary, will be adding a bar/hangout up there, with an overlook of the tracks, road crossing in front. The signs I just won on eBay. This is continuing around, and is the extension of the road from behind the roundhouse. A service road will go from here down into the yard. Lots of work to do, here.
Looking across the yard to the new back corner wide angle looking down the tracks towards the newly ballasted area
Rick, How did you set your camera up for that last pic looking down the tracks at the newly ballasted area? Instead of a model, it looks very much like you used a tilt-shift technique on a prototype...
I held the camera basically at track level back long the tracks, then used the lens at 55mm, and, for this shot, f5.6, 1/60 sec shutter speed, with flash. You can tell by the depth of field. I wasn't trying for very artsy pictures, today, just some shots showing the progress.
Donner Pass it was. I'm taking the CZ for a visit home. I sure wish it was the prototype of your model CZ I was riding though.
Well, you might not have been trying, but I like what you got. Like I said, the wall and stuff are giveaways, but the trains themselves look like tilt/shifted prototypes!
Thanks - I do appreciate it. I like playing with different settings and trying for different effects with my photography, and the model RR has presented me with a whole new universe to "play" in with the camera. I'm having to "relearn" a lot, due to the relative vs actual sizes involved. Why I love studying the photos in the weekly threads, just to see what really can be done.
My long weekend progress I made a lot of "invisible" progress this weekend, tweaking track, wiring, etc., mostly because I didn't have any long time periods available for major work. But, was able to make significant progress on the area over the subway entrance, behind the yard. Here, we see an overview, with the new scenery at the top center. I finished off the section above the tracks where the subway tunnels descend A ground level view - as seen above, I still have to ballast this whole area not quite as good a pic
Here's a bird's-eye view of the new area ground level I haven't finalized the backdrop building placement, but really like how these look (I still need to cut out and mount some, as can be seen. Also need to build the tunnel covers for those big holes cute:
That underground transition sure came out nicely! You must have spent a bit of time planning it out. Any more updates lately?
With multiple graduations, house guests, moving eldest daughter, and work, I've been spending most of my time working on the ballast in the area just beyond the turntable and subway. I've got the removable covers for the tunnels ready (still need their ballast, but waiting until I build the vents for the tunnel to be on them). Pictures this weekend, I promise. The transition from the underground took a lot of time. What is seen is hiding two failed attempts at having that area be "solid concrete".
