After finally getting all the ground throws connected, I started detailing Lampson Yard:
First, I put down fine ballast along the ladder, to simulate walking ballast. The visual difference between the medium track ballast, and fine walking ballast doesn't really show in the photo, but it very noticeable in person.
Then, I added a brown wash next to the rails.
Finally, I started adding weeds and stuff. It's a tad tedious keeping the growth off the ties, but it should look great when done. Note, that unless the track is heavily overgrown, weeds only grow in the ballast, and not on the ties.
I'm not sure how far I'm going to carry this level of detail though. The ladder for sure, but the farther you get into the yard, the less noticeable it will become.
Nick
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
Nick -
Looks like it's coming along well. The weeds really do it for me, probably one of the most important details. Maybe one of the last details to add will be some grease and oil stains on the ties and ballast between the rails? Looking dood.
Chuck
Grand River & Monongah Railroad and subsidiary Monongah Railway
Nick, does that vertical kink in the rail at the beginning of the turnout on the right cause any problems?
Mark
Chuck, thanks. I do plan on some grease/oil stains, as well as, some spilled coal/ore/sand type lading.
Mark, the severity of kink is actually a illusion. The angle of the photo, coupled with the fact I missed the joint when painting the track makes a minor deflection look like a glaring error. So far, I've had no problems with it.
Looks really nice Nick.
This looks great. Please continue to post the progress. In addition to the weeds you did a swell job on painting the rails and combining colors and texture. I am inspired when I see this kind of work to get started on my track detailing.
Chris
Thanks guys. Here are a couple of photos of my continuing progress:
The orange ties, if you can see them, mark the clearance point of each track. I also painted the ball of each ground throw arm orange as well. Then, I added the gray/black grease/oil stain down the middle. I followed that up with some spilled lading. And lastly, more weeds.
Very nice. I really like the weeds growing out. Maybe I need to do that .
Here's a shot of my small yard. Maybe this would help with oil/grease spill. I just used some thinned out black paint. I added more paint where the engine would run more, and I also added some near the shed where the engine may park.
Keep us posted with the progress.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
I like it! Keep up the good work.
Very nice work, gives me something to shoot for.
nbrodar After finally getting all the ground throws connected, I started detailing Lampson Yard: First, I put down fine ballast along the ladder, to simulate walking ballast. The visual difference between the medium track ballast, and fine walking ballast doesn't really show in the photo, but it very noticeable in person. Nick
Walking ballast is a finer grade of ballast, that is easier for trainmen to walk on then the gigantic road ballast. Believe me, walking on road ballast for 8 hours is not fun.
While not as common, in the era I model, nearly all modern railroads mark the clearance points in some manner.
Very very cool and inspiring.
What did you use to rust the rails if you don't mind me asking? I really like the effect it has and well, I want to try to replicate (copy) the result on my own layout.
Flynn What did you use to rust the rails if you don't mind me asking? I really like the effect it has and well, I want to try to replicate (copy) the result on my own layout.
I used to paint my rails like that, when modeling narrow gauge railroading. I have come to realize the color is too reddish for typical rail. My observations are that track tends to be more brownish when rusted and often is blackish/dark gray color such as pictured below.
Hi!
Your work is an inspiration!!! Please, keep sending in pictures of your progress!
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
FlynnVery very cool and inspiring. What did you use to rust the rails if you don't mind me asking? I really like the effect it has and well, I want to try to replicate (copy) the result on my own layout.
I brush painted the rails and ties with Polly S DRG&W Freight Car Brown. I made a wash of Delta Creamcoat Brown Velvet for the rust wash down on the ballast, and used a thicker wash of Charcoal for the oil/grease slick down the middle.
Thanks for all the compliments. I'll be sure to keep you guys updated.
Hello all...
One correction, the rails are painted DRG&W Freight Car RED.
And here's this weekend's project a pile of rail, ties, and a spike barrel.
The plastic ties I stripped off some flex track are place holders until I can get to the LHS for some wooden ones.
Hello again, I managed to squeeze in some layout time this weekend...
I worked on adding the rust wash and oil stain further down the length of the yard, as well as some more weeds. But the main project was detailing the two access roads between the tracks:
I also started work on the area around the yard office and between it and locomotive service center, mainly the road:
I finished off this round of detailing before I headed out to the Independence Day picnics...
I added blue flags, and ground air lines for my mechanical forces, and spread a few red flags around for my train service people. These last few details conclude the main work for Lampson Yard itself, before I give the track a quick polish and reintroduce the cars.
I still have several background structures to assemble and paint, and the area around the yard office to detail. So stay turned for updates on those projects.