Reversing the Seasons

[guilfordrr]

Hello everyone;

I am in the process of converting my Christmas layout to a year-round setup taking place in the fall. I have finished most of the work, but have hit a #460 bumper ([:D]) as far as scenery. What products/techniques would you suggest in the way of autumn scenery?

Thanks,
guilfordrr

[Dr. John]

Woodland Scenics woodlandscenics.com offers foilage (ground foam) and trees in a number of fall colors. Scenic Express is another good source scenicexpress.com.

[Anonymous]

I know Fall is a beautiful time of year, BUT...it seems most photo articals I've seen of Fall themed layouts look a bit garish, color-wise, to me (the exception I can think of was one of the Horseshoe Curve area). Good luck with yours! Joe

[ole1]

To get some variety on our small three rail club layout we have a few items that we change with the seasons. Most of the trees are evergreens so they stay the same but with a couple the prominent broad leaf trees we change them with the seasons having a green version for the summer, a colorful version for fall and a bare one for winter. One of the houses has three small inset pieces, a yard sale for summer, pumpkins for sale in the Fall,and firewood for sale in the winter. We also put away the convertibles and get out the pickup with the snowplow for winter There is also a cow pasture in one of the corners that becomes a Christmas tree lot. Ole

[Anonymous]

Hello All: I think a layout featuring BEACHES of America in the fall or all season's would be just fine. You would never have to change the landscape at all. Just the scenery every so often.[:-,][8D] Kind regards Steve

[Jumijo]

Depending on how many trees you already have, you could just paint some to represent the autumn colors. If you have green foliaged trees, spray paint the foliage flat white. When the white dries, spray over it with autumn yellows, reds, and oranges. Instant "fall" scenery.

Jim

[cnw1995]

William, I've done the same thing - started with a Christmas village complete with snow -As you've probably found out, Summer and Spring are easy - I added green grass matt - summer trees from Life Like, Woodland Scenics bushes - and all sorts of found objects like packing box streamers - looks like kudzu when sprinkled liberally about a tunnel portal. I chose more of a late autumn - lots of browns and greys - bare tree armatures, and leaves on the ground.

[guilfordrr]

Well, I finished up the layout a few days ago. I still have to wire the cattle loader and place roads and lichen, but this is pretty much it. The awkward tunnel put limitations on the track plan, so all it is is a simple oval/siding. You can see the "making-of" at my new website:

http://lionellion.bravehost.com/transformation.html

Thanks for the suggestions everyone![;)]

[underworld]

Like Dr. John said....Woodland Scenics has some great items. You might also check at a craft store. This is about the time of year that they start to get fall items. Those crafters like to stay ahead of the game! [:p]

underworld

[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

I will always remmebr how my ex, who was born and raised in Hawaii, reacted when she experienced her first autumn in the eastern part of the country.

We were driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway, taking in fall in all its glory, and during one stop to admire the vibrant colors she said "It looks just like the scenery on your layout."

Probably the greatest compliment I have ever received relating to my model railroading ability!

And, yes, the small O gauge layout I'm working on now will feature fall scenery because that's my very favorite season of the year.

As for sources: Scenic Express. If you have them (and their catalog), you really don't need anyone else.

[FJ and G]

My favorite autumn was the autumn of 1970 (or 71?) when I took a trip through Vermont and rode the train at steam town. Recall the bright maples. Stopped and got apple cider, cheese and other must haves.

[FJ and G]

Gee, almost forgot to mention that on the way back or way there stopped in Saratoga NY and timing was perfect because a colorful passenger D&H train w/PAs went thru headed south. That and the foliage.

A summer I'll never forget!