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Teen Model Railroader Place Locked

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  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Memphis, TN
  • 3,876 posts
Posted by Packers#1 on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 6:30 PM

ns3010

I haven't really done any modeling because I've been really busy. We had dress rehearsal till 5 today, and our concert is tomorrow, so that kills the whole week. Maybe I'll get to stuff on Friday. I have to make trees and install them on the layout, and if I get time, I may also do some weathering. But more than likely, something will happen and I'll lose even more of my week...

 

My problem is there ain't much to do. My dad's too busy to show me how to solder, and all i have to do is a paint and weather job on my GP30.

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
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Posted by ns3010 on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 5:06 PM

I haven't really done any modeling because I've been really busy. We had dress rehearsal till 5 today, and our concert is tomorrow, so that kills the whole week. Maybe I'll get to stuff on Friday. I have to make trees and install them on the layout, and if I get time, I may also do some weathering. But more than likely, something will happen and I'll lose even more of my week...

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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  • Member since
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Posted by Packers#1 on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 3:53 PM

 Well, nothing really from me. "weathered" (some people say I didn't really do anything to the model, but I digress) my GP35, and got the base coat of maroon down on my GP30. Should be done by Saturday.

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
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Posted by Railfan Alex on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 2:44 PM

What fun!

I have tried the photo feature on my camera, all it really does is use a frame on the Mini DV Tape...

Not too useful, and the quality is worse than a screen capture from a video I took!

Alex

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 10:55 AM

Our schools are closed the rest of the week...but I'm homeschooled, so I don't get snow days! On snow days I have all my work PLUS I get to shovel the driveway! Whoohoo!Whistling

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Posted by ns3010 on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 6:12 AM

We got about four inches, but I haven't been outside yet. It's always great to be able to get an extra hour of sleep.

Does anyone ever get anything for their half birthday? Haha, just kidding. Only in my dreams...Sigh

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 5:54 AM

Yeah, we've got a couple inches of snow too. School goes on as usual though! I just looked out the window and checked when I saw your post. When I got up around 6 it was too dark to see outside.

  • Member since
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  • From: North Jersey
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Posted by ns3010 on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 5:51 AM

I love the snow. We have a delay today, otherwise i'd be on the bus now. Anyway,

That makes perfect sense. Tyler's right. Your video camera may have that feature, but its usually bad. My phone takes decent pics, but they're not the best.

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 5:37 AM

No, I didn't think you were that desperate... I was sort of joking...Smile,Wink, & Grin

Does your video camera have a snapshot feature? Mine does, and it takes pretty bad photos, but you could try yours.

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 9:05 PM

I guess you weren't a forum member when I said this.

I want to document everything I am doing, and so in order to do that, I'll need a camera. And I don't think a video camera is the right way to go for that kind of stuff. I really want to take photos and document my progress along the way, and post some of it here.

Alex

  • Member since
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  • From: North Jersey
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Posted by ns3010 on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 5:37 PM

Why can't you start until you get a camera? That makes absolutely no sense...

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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Posted by Railfan Alex on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 4:04 PM

Shock Thanks, but I don't think I'm that desparate.

Alex

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 3:36 PM

I don't know if you remember this, but a couple of years ago, one member here was taking really bad photos because he had a really bad camera. Several members sent him cameras and now his photos are fine. Maybe if you posted something about how you can't start your layout till you get a camera, then someone will take pity on you and mail you an old camera of theirs. It's worth a try, I guess.

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 3:23 PM

I swear, it's the only thing that's stopping me!! A darn camera...

I doubt it, but just maybe my family will get a camera for Christmas. It's still kinda hard though, with my dad not really working. And I don't have the cash right now, i'd have to save up and like not buy anything for 6 months. But if that's what it takes, maybe i'll do it. But that means no money to start building a layout, I'd have to wait EVEN longer... Oh jeeze...Sign - Dots

Alex

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 3:06 PM

Ooh, I've always wanted my own paper company...Tongue

Now we need to get you a camera so you can start building your layout!Smile,Wink, & Grin

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Posted by Railfan Alex on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 2:19 PM

Awesome! Can't beat having an industry with your name on it! Tongue Thanks Ty!

Now I need to have an industry named after you...

Hmm... The biggest industry is a paper mill, how about Trahan Paper Co, a subsidiary of CANFOR. Cool

Alex

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 7:06 AM

I hope Bergie will forgive me for posting a link to another forum thread, but here's a link to a great weathering tutorial. This is where I learned it. Just remember to use straight vertical brush motions! I also used a paper towel instead of my finger, so as to avoid fingerprints...

Also, I've got a new video up of the local switching Delery Pulpwood on the WRS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XKzfOWaBow

Enjoy!

  • Member since
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  • From: North Jersey
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Posted by ns3010 on Monday, December 15, 2008 7:24 PM

I've used several different methods, and they're all decent. I lightly brushed some black and gray paint on a hopper to simulate coal dust. It wasn't horrible, but it's not exactly pretty either. I also used some orangey-ish chalk dust to simulate slight rust. It came out pretty good.

This next one's a little more original. For my F40PH, I took a little of the Woodland Scenics asphalt- the stuff that you use to color your roads- and used a sponge brush to dab it on, primarily over the trucks and the fuel tank. It represented the grime pretty good, because it showed some color and the look of a hard working locomotive. It went on thin, which was good because it was enough to look good, without being too thick so as to look like it was painted black.

For faded lettering on cars, I rub sandpaper over the lettering until sections become lighter and seem to be fading

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
My Photos on Flickr: Flickr
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My Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives

  • Member since
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Posted by Packers#1 on Monday, December 15, 2008 6:36 PM

TrainManTy

Sawyer, I have to disagree with you on that point. While pastels are easier and "undoable" if you mess up, paint can be a useful medium to work with. All of my freightcars and locomotives are weathered with paint, and while I've been experimenting with pastels recently, paint is still the main tool in my weathering arsonal.

I've messed arounds with paint, and while it can create good results, it's a major pain in the butt because you can't go too far, or you have to either repaint the car or be satisfied with it. I'm going to try some water colors though. Also, acrylics can work well too, I got some good grime aroundf the fans and grilles on two of my geeps last night when I couldn't sleep. So, paint has its place, lol, and that place ain't in the garbage can.

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 15, 2008 6:17 PM

Vincent: That BCAX covered hopper looks great! That CB&Q gon is one of my favorites too.\

EDIT: Check your PMs.

  • Member since
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  • From: Shalimar. Florida
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Posted by Packer on Monday, December 15, 2008 5:54 PM

I made a few attempts with pastels, and I think it's starting to come along better than weatherining with paint.

This is the Walthers 100-ton cement hopper kit I got at the MR clubs christmas dinner. I personally think this one came out great, I tried to make it look like it's a fairly new car thats been used a bit. Next time I have a kit though, I'll try to do it as I build it, so I can get the hard to reach areas.

This one is a Walthers 4-window wood caboose kit that I managed to get off my project bench. I think the weathering is so-so, and the grabs could stand to be painted yellow and/or white.

I recently accquired another P2K GP30 (I have 3 now, should pull fairly well with the sound equipped unit in the consist) and an Atlas master U30C (It'll be my first atlas engine).  Pics when they get here.

Tyler, I like that CB&Q gon that's in your picture.

Vincent

Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....

2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 15, 2008 8:13 AM

Trains it is!Smile


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Posted by Wikious on Sunday, December 14, 2008 10:46 PM

 No, you are absolutely right, Ty. My parents always made the impression on me that how you communicate is how people get their first impression of you. I'm just advocating for a little bit of breathing room- after all, it is an Internet forum.

That being said, let's get back to those trains! :D Here's a quick shot with a really old engine that my mom owns.


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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 14, 2008 4:53 PM

Yes, these are commonplace. And you're right in that it's not just teens that sometimes type poorly. It's just that we'd be reinforcing the stereotype that seems to be lodged in the minds of many people: That teens post oodles and oodles of blurry photos and shaky videos of themselves and/or their work online, and accompany them with mispeleed uncappitilized words that rarally are gramatecly corect and oftin incloode shorthande 4 loong wordes and wow this was reely hard 4 i to speel evrything rong lol

Of course, this is total nonsense with many teens I know; they type very well, and many adults Do Type Badley U R Right.

Even if they are used in everyday use, some of them are too much with just them in most cases, "lol" for example. Other ones just don't make sense in the middle of sentances, "b/c" and "w/" for example.

Maybe I am taking this a bit far, but is it too much to ask that people try to write knowing that some people judge them by their writing? Just my My 2 cents

  • Member since
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  • From: Wisconsin
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Posted by Wikious on Sunday, December 14, 2008 4:28 PM

 Ty, I think it depends on how much 'shorthand' is used. Some of it really is commonplace: c'mon, b/c, w/, etc. These are in almost every-day use (I've seen them on advertisements, even). However, taking it too far is a problem. "hey gyz wts up n hear" or whatever they say is pretty awful. Learn at least part of the language we've all agreed on.

 On a side note, it's hardly teens that might type poorly. I know many older people That Feel The Need To Capitalize Each Letter Online. Almost as bad.

  • Member since
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  • From: North Jersey
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Posted by ns3010 on Sunday, December 14, 2008 4:23 PM

TrainManTy
Not to point fingers, but I've noticed that some of us have become lazy typers, replacing long words with shorthand, such as "with" with "w/" and "because" with "b/c" and generally typing as if this is an instant messanger or a chat room.

You were probably looking at my last post...

And since we're going to do this correctly, I'll type this in correct grammar. I've also noticed that some others, not in this thread, but others, have been typing like this too. I have the feeling that people do this because the forums are a "informal" way of communication. They do think of it as a chat room, rather then a letter or a phone call. Also, I'm not sure about others, but the spellcheck option on my computer is not installed. Back to the shorthand/incorrect grammar, people probably think of communication like this:

Formal- letter, phone, etc: Hello, I think of this form of communication as formal. I write in full words and senteces with correct spelling and grammar.

Informal- IMs, Facebook, chatrooms, forums, etc: heyy watsup. im like not caring if this is formal so like w/e.

I'm not sure what to consider this, but it's really up to the person. It's really easy to split hairs over this.

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 14, 2008 3:30 PM

Providence and Worcester! Cool I agree with Alex, the weathering should be heaviest near the bottom of the car, made by kicked-up dust and grime from the wheels. I have no idea what's wrong with that covered hopper, maybe it carried sand and over time the spilled sand took it's toll? I've never seen another car like that, and I'm fairly certain a boxcar would never weather that way. It's your railroad of course, but...

Sawyer, I have to disagree with you on that point. While pastels are easier and "undoable" if you mess up, paint can be a useful medium to work with. All of my freightcars and locomotives are weathered with paint, and while I've been experimenting with pastels recently, paint is still the main tool in my weathering arsonal.

                                                                        

Not to point fingers, but I've noticed that some of us have become lazy typers, replacing long words with shorthand, such as "with" with "w/" and "because" with "b/c" and generally typing as if this is an instant messanger or a chat room. Spelling, grammer, and capitalization can also be problems.

Let's just say that it isn't great for our (us teenaged train buffs) image as serious hobbists. Everyone participating in this thread gets grouped together by the general populace, even those that type well as much as an adult; Railfan Alex, for example. (I'm only using you as an example because you brought this topic up several months ago. I'd quote you, but I'd have to search all 118 pages to find the post...)

All this is just a suggestion, but it definetely would earn you a lot more respect from the other (mostly adult, but some teens may notice too) members of the forum.

Any thoughts?

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Posted by ns3010 on Sunday, December 14, 2008 12:55 PM

Ok, so I havent updated in a while. I finallly got something done on my layout. It took kinda a long time b/c of school, hockey, a concussion, and of course, shortage of glue. I finished phase 1 of scenery, including the corner area, area next to the road, and between the main and the passing siding. I just need to install the trees. I cant wait for christmas cause i finally get my dcc and the factory. I will also post upates on the website.

My Model Railroad: Tri State Rail
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My Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives

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Posted by demonwolf224 on Friday, December 12, 2008 10:43 PM

That's cool, but could you tell me why covered hoppers look like this: http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=40012?

This post has come to you from Lewistown Pennsylvania!!!
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Posted by Guilford Guy on Friday, December 12, 2008 10:23 PM
You have a good technique, I just think the rust is in a poor area. Usually cars get road grime on the lower half. Rust spots are seen where paint has been removed and water allowed to get onto the metal, causing it to rust. This is often next to the order, where repeated, or wrong openings cause it to scratch paint off the area, causing it to rust. Roofs don't see as much attention by the railroads, and some can be very brown... To simulate this kind of rust, I make a batch of brown by mixing red, green, and a little black or gray paints together, then dipping a brush first in it, then into weathering powder(doesn't really matter what shade, but I use AIM) and then brushing it on. The Weathering powder gives a ruff texture, as opposed to a brown painting roof.

 

Alex

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