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Modeling an Ant Hill in Z Gauge

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  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: Milwaukee WI (Fox Point)
  • 11,439 posts
Posted by dknelson on Monday, December 30, 2019 10:25 AM

Well let's get our vocabularly correct first of all, sir - it's z scale.  

The problem with modeling an ant hill in Z scale is the same as modeling an ant hill in any small scale: it is very difficult to correctly capture the facial expression of the ants.  Too many modelers have their ants grinning broadly.  Those of us who are actual prototype modelers understand that ants tend to have a much more neutral facial expression, a very flat affect.  Only the very youngest ants tend to smile.

What you need to do is more research.  I suggest going to an ant hill with a very powerful magnifying glass.  Details will be seen better on a hot sunny day.  Focus that magnifying glass on a particular ant and try to see and capture as many attributes of its facial expression as you can, before it explodes that is.  Prototype research has its costs ....

In parts of Africa, ant hills grow to heights of 6 or more feet.  Some Z scalers model African trains just for this enhanced ability to model the ant hills.  

Good luck.

Dave Nelson

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: 53° 33′ N, 10° 0′ E
  • 2,508 posts
Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Monday, December 30, 2019 10:20 AM

Could it be you are living in a different time continuoum than the rest of us mortals? On my caledar, it says today is December 30th, not April 1st.

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

  • Member since
    December 2016
  • 554 posts
Modeling an Ant Hill in Z Gauge
Posted by Shock Control on Monday, December 30, 2019 10:14 AM

I'm always amazed when I see the pros model an ant hill in Z gauge, but nothing I've tried looks realistic enough.  Any ideas?

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