Question of the day: Observations

[Anonymous]

I look at the world the same way I always have... love the open spaces and hate city life.

[Anonymous]

I have started looking at the weathering on actual train cars and engines and doing more research on steam engines in order to be authentic. I used to only look at mass produced trains that are cheap and do not match any railroad. Now I am looking at ways to make the mass produced engines more prototypical or even looking at more expensive locos.

Daniel (UP fan)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage

I'm talking like the mundane, everyday, as-you-walk-around kind of observations. I find myself starring at things I never really considered before.
Tom

That's a big part of the "art" of model railroading. Some people get it some don't. Check out grassed areas anywhere - there are varying shades of green and other colors, the same when looking at a forested area - you'd be amazed at the different shades out there. Yet some modelers don't observe - on their layouts the grass is all one uniform color green, looks more like a pool table than nature. The same with trees - all one boring color green.

Most everywhere where there is dirt, things will grow - weeds, grass, bushes, trees, etc. Only where man trespasses will there be paths, clearings etc.

So if you're adding a grassy field, lawn, or field area on your layout vary the colors of the foliage and trees. Look around and copy nature. [:D]

Bob Boudreau

[randybc2003]

Yes. I agree on the principal. When I was younger, I received Bill McClannahan's book on scenery. He had a lot of commentary on "composition". I found myself looking at the countryside with a more critical eye. Particularly Geology. When my work is displayed, people have a tendancy to react to it a little more strongly than others.

[tstage]

I'm talking even the mundane, everyday, as-you-walk-around kind of observations. I find myself starring at things I never really considered before. I think to myself, "Now, how would I go about modeling that." But, sometimes I'll look at something differently without thinking about my layout. I'll think to myself, "I never noticed that before."

One things for sure, I notice a lot more how many freight trains go roaring by the university campus where I work and what type.

Tom

[mondotrains]

Hi Tom,
I've also noticed that I look at the world a little more closely since I got into model railroading. Isn't it great to really SEE those trees and buildings that we all have taken for granted before? That's one of the great things about this hobby....in our endeavors to recreate our world in miniature, it forces us to look a little more closely at it.

Happy railroading.
Mondo

[SpaceMouse]

I'm not fully immersed in it yet, but yeah, I have. I found myself looking at books and online to see how things really look so I can plan my model.

[tstage]

Since the point in time you first began your endeavors in MRRing, do you look at the world and all that is around you a bit differently.

Case in point, I have always noticed and appreciated trees. But it wasn't until I began making them for my layout that I started noticing more of the subtlties and nuances of how trees grew. It's the same with buidlings and other facets of the hobby.

Just wondered if many of you have come to the same conclusion.

Tom