Shaun Toman's HO Scale Union Pacifc Hillsboro Branch

[hillsboromanshaun]

Hello All,

I just wanted to share some photos of my railroad. I would really like to get it in MR. I'm 23 and have been modeling since I was 14.

http://homepage.mac.com/designguyshaun/PhotoAlbum22.html

http://homepage.mac.com/designguyshaun/PhotoAlbum24.html

http://homepage.mac.com/designguyshaun/PhotoAlbum23.html

[Medina1128]

Good looking layout, Shaun!! Keep me posted on your progress!!

[claycts]

Very nice work. Looks like a lot of design time was put in with good results. Yes, please keep us updated.

[scubaterry]

Great layout Shawn! Lots of detail. Can't wait to start my scenery. For me thats the most enjoyable part of MRRing.
Terry

[dgwinup]

QUOTE: Originally posted by hillsboromanshaun



Hello All,

I just wanted to share some photos of my railroad. I would really like to get it in MR. I'm 23 and have been modeling since I was 14.

http://homepage.mac.com/designguyshaun/PhotoAlbum22.html

http://homepage.mac.com/designguyshaun/PhotoAlbum24.html

http://homepage.mac.com/designguyshaun/PhotoAlbum23.html

I'm not going to go on at length about how neat your layout is. It shows an incredible amount of work. A lot of courage, too, to put in those huge pine trees. At first glance, they look out of place, but when you consider how the real pine trees tower over the buildings, yours are just right for the scene!

What I will oooh and aaaww over is the photography! Your photos show some technical expertise that many modelers don't have (including me). The wide shots of entire scenes are very good, but it is the close-ups that realy speak volumes for your talent! Great depth-of-field! AS a former professional photographer, I admire your work. You might want to share details of your equipment and set-ups. I'm sure others would like to learn how to get those amazingly sharp close-ups!

If these were digital in origin, have you experimented with any of the photo editors? Many magazine photos are digitally enhanced with backgrounds and skies. That would really put some snap into your photos.

Darrell, being quiet...for now

[ereimer]

nice layout ! and welcome to the forums [#welcome]

QUOTE: I would really like to get it in MR

some MR staff do visit here , but i don't think this is the way to get your layout in MR . you probably have to contact them directly

keep up the great work

[Anonymous]

Nice layout and nice pics. MR routinely prints directions for those who want to submit photos of their layouts for their Trackside Photos section. There might even be directions somewhere on there website. That would be the first step.

Cheers,
George

[Train 284]

That looks great! That would definitly get into MR!

[Tom Bryant_MR]

Hey, really sharp looking. I'm jealous. If you do make it to MR, let us know what issue too. [bow]

[dehusman]

Hillsboro Texas?

Dave H.

[ARTHILL]

Welcome and nice work. I too am expermenting with huge pines. What are you willing share on construction. The basic design is standard. Its the little extras that make the difference. What can you share?

[hillsboromanshaun]

Thanks everyone for all the great comments!! I didn't think there would be this much responce! As far as the tree's they are completly to scale. Take a look at Canyon Creek Scenics. http://www.canyoncreekscenics.com

I'm using all digital for the photos. Just a Canon SD300. I'm using my railroad lighting, and a 650watt in the middle of the room (to remove shadows!) It seems to be working pretty well.

I really don't know much about photography at all, I just know when to take a took shot!
I think most model railroaders that are also artists have an advantage over others that are not. I'm not saying that only artists can have a model railroad! But if you look at some of the greater layouts you will find that they are artists. I myself am a graphic designer, so I see things with a different eye.

So who do I contact about getting into MR?
Thanks,
Shaun

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by hillsboromanshaun

So who do I contact about getting into MR?

http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/003/103ohnbr.asp

[AggroJones]

Hey Shuan, did you weather the cars in those pictures? They are pretty sweet....

[hillsboromanshaun]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AggroJones

Hey Shuan, did you weather the cars in those pictures? They are pretty sweet....

Yep I did all the weathering. I just looked at your photos and man you have some nice stuff! Your weathering is awesome!!

[Anonymous]

Shaun,

Nice layout and great pics. As for getting you layout published in MR (the Holy Grail for many modellers) I will echo what some others have said here and expand a little on my earlier response.

As a long time reader of MR, I've noticed that most featured layouts originally appeared as entries to MRs Trackside Photos section - usually on more than one occasion. So, as others have said, getting a photo in Trackside Photos is definitely a stepping stone to having your layout become a feature article.

That said, it shouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that photography is the key! MR has very high standards when it comes to model photography with good reason -- it is a very visual magazine. Every article has a high ratio of photos to text. In essence, the pictures tell the story. Anything you can do to improve your photography skills can only increase your chances of getting your layout, not only in MR but in any of the model railroad publication.

Finally, don't underestimate the value of persistance. Anyone who has ever had anything published anywhere will tell you that that first published article or photo is preceded by a mountain of rejection slips.

Cheers,
George

[pushnshove]

Nice looking layout!

[Anonymous]

Nice work, Shaun. Good taste in guitarists, too.

[Anonymous]

Shaun: I'm a new member and a big UP fan, tho I live in MA. I hope someday to have a layout as cool as yours. Thanks for the pix!

[Anonymous]

Really nice looking layout. You are a good photographer as well as a model railroader. Keep up the good work, and if you get a chance check out my post called Similar Interest with pictures, and please reply.

Lane