I have been a subscriber to Model Railroader for a number of years and I have been an occasional visitor to this forum.
The most recent mini project on my Kaley Yard layout has been to make a model of a cell tower disguised as a palm tree.
I searched the internet to find out how other modellers have tackled this subject - without success - so I thought it was about time I made a contribution to show how I did it!
http://kaleyyard.wordpress.com/
Trevor
Would like to see more contributions from you, You are definitely a talented modeler.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
Trevor, I see you are a big fan of shopping images and printing them on photo-paper. Your results look good, especially the Solar Panels. Did you add any 3D elements to it (e.g. panel dividers?).Also, are you putting any clear coatings (satin, matte, gloss, etc) on your printed models?
Very nice modeling. Really like the roads you created.
btw, I had no idea cell phone towers were discuised as trees. Never seen that here in Colorado yet.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
On the solar panel models and the road signage there are no 3D elements and there is no coating to the finished models.
When I get round to modelling buildings using photos, I will use the 3D techniques used by Lance Mindheim to such good effect.
I live in the North East of England where the atmosphere is damp (and cold) and I do have concerns about dampness affecting the layout, I did expect the backdrops to curl, for example, and I think over time the photo images may fade and dull. I do save all my images, and if the images do deteriorate, I can always replace them.
So far, I have had no problems with the layout, but all my magazines that have been in the same place for more than 7 years show signs of dampness!
Gidday Trevor, I really like how you've incorporated that up thrust strata into your facia board. . I hope you don't mind if I might pinch that idea one day. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
TrevorI would recommend spraying clear coats on the printed models to protect against fading/UV degradation/general rot. Try the coatings on a few test samples first, to confirm there's no warping (also coat both sides to also help prevent warping).
I assume clear coatings in spray can form are available in the UK, although I did make the mistake of assuming 91% isopropyl alcohol was as readily in the UK as it is in the US (found here on the shelves of almost any local pharmacy), but I was quickly dissuaded of that notion by the fine folks at RMWeb.
Actually UK modelers seem to be taking the lead in photo-printing and card models (although I do recall a RMC (US hobby mag) article about photo-printing buildings and adding 3-D elements for good background buildings - must have been about 6 years ago? - well, the hobby doesn't stand still), and Lance Mindheim may be taking hints from them by now...
In New York City, we disguise cell towers as apartment buildings.
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
In the UK, they are not disguised at all!
They are not subject to normal planning regulations and cell operators can place them just about anywhere they want, near schools, in front of houses . . . . .
. . . . . at least they are not as obvious if they have a passing resemblance to trees.
trevorsmith3489In the UK, they are not disguised at all!
They even wanted to put a cell tower inside of our bell tower. Did not happen, now cell tower is about a mile south of town.
ROAR
I've seen cell towers disguised as water towers.
Dave
Just be glad you don't have to press "2" for English.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ_ALEdDUB8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hqFS1GZL4s
http://s73.photobucket.com/user/steemtrayn/media/MovingcoalontheDCM.mp4.html?sort=3&o=27
ndbprrIf I may be picky in an otherwise excellent effort, the grade crossing for a road of that type would not have a paved crossing. It would probably have timber on the inside of the rails with a gravel center.
I'm sure it depends on the era.
There are grade crossings of gravel roads made with pre-fab panels on the UP in northern California.
Around here they've been disguising them as really thick flag poles. If you tried to model that, someone would undoubtedly say "Hey, you're flag poles are kinda thick."
Steve S
A dirt track on the way to Hill 582 has concrete panels
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36722129@N06/4059795254/
I've seen a cell tower near a church disguised as an enormous cross. Great idea, but it looks really silly.
S&S
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
I've seen cell transmitters mounted on old brick smokestacks, at abandoned factories...