Weekend Photo Phinery 07 Sep 07

[howmus]

Selector, see my comment across the street.....  WOW!  I love it.

[MAbruce]

 Selector - I said it before and I'll say it again here.  NICE shot!

Ok, here it goes - My first contribution to WPF.

Here are a couple of recent shots of I took on my N-scale layout.

[Dave Vollmer]

Niiiiiiiiiiice...!

I don't care how clear the photo is if there's a Pennsy loco in the shot!

Excellent scenery, Crandell!

Bruce,

That's some great N scaling!  Hey, what kind of track are you using?  Almost looks like ballasted Unitrack...  am I right?  Good job!

[Anonymous]

MAbruce,

Verrrry nice.  The clouds in both shots just make the pictures!

[gear-jammer]

Great shots, Crandell & Bruce.  Keep them coming.

Sue

[MAbruce]

Bruce,

That's some great N scaling!  Hey, what kind of track are you using?  Almost looks like ballasted Unitrack...  am I right?  Good job!

Thanks - and nope, that's good o' Atlas code 80.

And you missed my ‘homage to PRR' in my shots - the cylindrical hopper. 

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Here's a beat up old lady of the rails that will soon be heading to the paint shop.

[Anonymous]

 

[onebiglizard]

I am new to the forum and have a ton to learn about the hobby.  I have enjoyed the weekend photos (under any thread name), and hope this one stays clean.  All the recent foul language (and veterans sniping at each other in various threads) has really turned me off.  I considered quitting the forum. 

But I'm mostly past the emotion - these forums are a great opportunity for us to enjoy the hobby, share and learn.  Count me in to help fix the problems, rather than contributing to them or runnig away.

I hope to be in a position to contribute photos in a few months.  In the meantime, I'll keep asking questions and do my best to be a positive contributor.

Bill Field

MoPac & Frisco in St.L.

[selector]

Hi, Bill.  I firmly believe that everyone is trying to do their best.  If we just encourage it, everyone's photos, when they eventually appear, will get better.  Thanks for supporting the ethos that we try to establish here and elsewhere on this forum.  It works for so many of us.

-Crandell

[Anonymous]

Simply amazing, Selector!!!!!

And Bruce, how did you do the clouds? Photo backdrops?

[mikelhh]

Top photos already!

Great to see someone else running Guilford . A new MEC RS 11 is on its way here too. There might be hope for my US layout after all

 

 UK OO scale 

 Mike 

[MilwaukeeRoad]

My first contribution to WPF. This is the FIRST KIT I have ever built..

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[Dave Vollmer]

Loads eastbound, empities westbound near Spruce Creek, PA.  July, 1956 on the Pennsy Middle Division.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

My first contribution to WPF. This is the FIRST KIT I have ever built..

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Yeah, I liked that kit so much that I bought two of them myself.

[howmus]

And now..... For my contribution to this weeks great array of Fantastic Fotos!

I have been finishing up the Bandstand project and finally have the old girl in place permanently (OK, so it can be removed if I want to make it a centerpiece for an entry at an NMRA Division Meet....)  Bushes have been newly trimmed and the August flowers are in bloom.  She is just waiting for the band to show up for the next concert (On order as I write).

[lvanhen]

My first contribution to WPF. This is the FIRST KIT I have ever built..

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[img]

Excellent job for a first model - or second - or fiftieth for that matter!!

[selector]

Milwaukee Road, I feel the same way as the others... that wouldn't be too shabby for someone who had been modeling for decades.  Nice assembly!

Dave, it has been said many times over the months, but your N-Scale stuff has few peers...at least, that I have seen posting here.  I really like your arrangements in the "bush" with all the varieties, and that lone telegraph pole is so realistic.  Very natural.

Ray, your band stand would do well in a photo all by itself, but it looks really good set in place on your layout.  Congratulations!  Once you get your band and the onlookers and picnicers on blankets in the grass gathered 'round, you will have that much more of a masterpiece.

For all those who have said nice things about my modeling above, I thank you deeply.  Makes it all worth while.

-Crandell

[Teditor]

Here's my first contribution to WPF, thought I would kick off with something a little different.

This was an incident on our club N scale exhibition layout, the loop is called Tee-N-Chippee (Tehachapi ring in), and yes, that is a Micro-Trains State cars set in the mess, I buy to run, not collect.

The SD40 in the Desert Storm scheme was one of my first major repaint projects that used Micro-Scale decals, I have since got an ALPS and make all my own. (I know, it should be an SD40-2, but Kato only made the SD40 then and down here, no one has yet picked up on the error). Hope you like!

Teditor.

 

[GAPPLEG]

In deference to Bruces great clouds , please excuse the great service box in the sky. Haven't done anything about that yet.

This is my Stewart VO1000 heading out to the yard. My paint and decal work. ( black isn't hard)

[rayw46]

In deference to Bruces great clouds , please excuse the great service box in the sky. Haven't done anything about that yet.

Maybe that's where lighting come from.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

My MoW supervisor likes his luxuries when he's out inspecting the line.

[jbinkley60]

 

Some night pictures of my fuel storage facility with the lights on.... (after a month I finally got them wired up)

 

[Guilford Guy]

WOW, Nice job.

[jacon12]

Down at the station

are these boxes getting heavier or is Sam just getting tired..

Jarrell

[jeffrey-wimberly]

My last shot for today.

[Guilford Guy]

I spent an afternoon railfanning out at The Rockport Junction Depot.

First, a helper came back and slipped into the pocket just outh of the junction.

Soon after a south bound commuter flew by.

Half an hour later, an express train, pulled by a 4-8-2 picked up speed as It came flying through the junction.

 

Soon afterward another northbound, consisting of the Southbound commuter after it had been wyed 

Enjoy 

[NYCentral1]

Down at the station

 

are these boxes getting heavier or is Sam just getting tired..

 

Jarrell

 Beautiful Images, I really like the lighting as well.

[Gryphon]

Thanks to a good friend of mine who has a camera I am finally able to join in Weekend Photo Fun. Here is the very first picture of the Wolf Creek Division.

 

 

[Teditor]

Thought I might as well put in another as it seems a bit quiet at the moment (probably because its early hours of the morning in the US).

This is a Kato N Scale P42 with custom decals that I printed on an ALPS, it is not correct in that the roof and nose should be dark blue, but as this was my first attempt at one of these I decided to leave it unique. Amtrak ran 2 of these.

 

Teditor. 

[R. T. POTEET]

Loads eastbound, empities westbound near Spruce Creek, PA.  July, 1956 on the Pennsy Middle Division.

Dave, as is true with most of your photography, your photograph is well composed, well lighted, and very crisp!

[PB&J RR]

Sexy gal ya got there...

I am not posting photos this week, again been too busy with business to take the time...

I have made some additions to the stable this week- a bachmann Spectrum 2-6-6-2, a set of PAs (a&b). a railcar set, and an all brass geep...

I hope to have some more photos soon, but the business is pressing right now...

I love the photos by the way.

[jacon12]

Thanks!  The photos were made with an old Nikon 990 3 mp camera

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Coolpix-990-Digital-Optical/dp/B00004RDMR/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-3957036-9800816?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1189254688&sr=1-1

discontinued years ago.  It's an ideal camera for close up work of small things.  The battery door latch on mine is broken so I'm holding the door shut with large rubber band.  I'm afraid it's on it's last legs though.

 

Down at the station

 

are these boxes getting heavier or is Sam just getting tired..

 

Jarrell

 Beautiful Images, I really like the lighting as well.

[fifedog]

Ya know, when you boys aren't squabbling over here, ya'll put out some very good results.

Nice pics, everyone.

[MAbruce]

In deference to Bruces great clouds , please excuse the great service box in the sky. Haven't done anything about that yet.

Actually your clouds are far better (service box and all) than mine, since mine don't exist on my layout.  I actually have plain blue skyboard.  The backdrops in my pictures are digitally added.   Sorry, I should have said that upfront.  Didn't mean to mislead anyone.

[Tom Bryant_MR]

No MRR'ng for me.  I have a lot of "yard" work to do this weekend .

 

Regards,

[secondhandmodeler]

Teditor,   Holy Cow!  Did somebody build their railroad on a fault line?

[da_kraut]

R. T. POTEET wrote the following post at 09-08-2007 6:57 AM:

Loads eastbound, empities westbound near Spruce Creek, PA.  July, 1956 on the Pennsy Middle Division.

Dave, as is true with most of your photography, your photograph is well composed, well lighted, and very crisp!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cut copy and paste is not available with Firefox according to the forum so using the old fashioned method of trying to achieve the same thing.

I would like to add to the above post that your pictures also show MR magazine modeling qualities.  It is hard to believe that this is N scale and not HO.  

Great work

Frank 

[C&O Fan]

I installed some track lighting this week

Before I only had the single overhead fan light

 

The track light really make a big difference

Before with just the window light

With the track lighting the coal mine seems to stand out and the light has a rosie glow

 

[fiatfan]

Cut copy and paste is not available with Firefox according to the forum so using the old fashioned method of trying to achieve the same thing.

Frank 

Frank, if you use the keyboard shortcuts rather than the right click, it works fine.

ctrl + a = select all

ctrl + x = cut

ctrl + c = copy

ctrl + v = paste

 

Tom 

[mr moto]

I finished my first ever completely scratchbuilt structure earlier this week.  It is a representation of the many grain elevators my son and I saw on our road trip this summer.  No real prototype.  I learned a lot from it and now know some things to do different next time.

[Ballantrae Road]

Very, very nice.I'm thinking of doing something like that in the near future. Not necessarily a grain elevator but some type of farm structure. Maybe a large barn. Hope mine turns out even close to yours.

Tom

[donhalshanks]

LilBeckett88...Your photos have really helped me, since I'm just starting on the card board strip scenery process.  Thanks.

Hal 

[Dave Vollmer]

Thanks for the kind comments, everyone.

I'm somewhat amused that people often say "I can't believe it's N scale," as if decent scenery or modeling isn't normally possible below HO scale...  I've found my scenery looks better in N than it ever did during the 20+ years I did HO, because the scenery-to-trains ratio is much better in N.

Also, detailing in N to the standard level of HO is not only possible, it's becoming widespread.

Glad to see some N scale stereotypes breaking!

[SpaceMouse]

Ya know, when you boys aren't squabbling over here, ya'll put out some very good results.

Nice pics, everyone.

Dang, I guess I sharpened my teeth for nothing. Now I have to find something else totally pointless to do. I think there might be a marathon of Charlie's Angels reruns on TV Land. I'll check back later.

 

[SpaceMouse]

Thanks for the kind comments, everyone.

I'm somewhat amused that people often say "I can't believe it's N scale," as if decent scenery or modeling isn't normally possible below HO scale...  I've found my scenery looks better in N than it ever did during the 20+ years I did HO, because the scenery-to-trains ratio is much better in N.

Also, detailing in N to the standard level of HO is not only possible, it's becoming widespread.

Glad to see some N scale stereotypes breaking!

It's not so much that we are surprised that scenery can be well done in N scale. It's just that we are surprised when you blow up a picture of an N scale layout and we can actually see what we are looking at.

I felt the same way the first time I saw paramecium wiggling around in a drop of water.

[dragenrider]

Early afternoon brings shadows to the deep valley's of the Ozark Mountains.  Pictured below we see one of the Cedar Branch & Western's short trains threading it's way around the hills and hollows. 

 

The same train caught again as it rumbles across Gaskins Creek, near the Missouri Pacific interchange. 

 

 

[R. T. POTEET]

I finished my first ever completely scratchbuilt structure earlier this week.  It is a representation of the many grain elevators my son and I saw on our road trip this summer.  No real prototype.  I learned a lot from it and now know some things to do different next time.

mr moto, your photographs may be just a touch out of focus but I would like to address the way you have posed it against a solid background; the structure - and only the structure - receives the interest of the photograph. This is very professional for still-life photography. Keep up the good work.

[R. T. POTEET]

It's not so much that we are surprised that scenery can be well done in N scale. It's just that we are surprised when you blow up a picture of an N scale layout and we can actually see what we are looking at.

I felt the same way the first time I saw paramecium wiggling around in a drop of water.

Mouse, I didn't know you were acquainted with the mecium family; I use to date one of para's cousins, cilio phora!

[spectratone]

http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u44/calcity/?action=view&current=F3SP-1.flv

[tstage]

Beautiful work, mr moto!   Although I haven't done much scratch-building yet, I do find it very rewarding.  I also enjoy kitbashing and super-detailing.

Questions for you.  Are those working lights above the doors or just props?  Also, are the sliding doors working door or not.  Either way, you've done a splendid job on that structure!

Tom

[tstage]

Glenn,

Let's make that a working video link:

http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u44/calcity/?action=view&current=F3SP-1.flv

Tom

[trainnut1250]

A couple from the new layout,

 

 

 

Guy

[mj5890]

This is my first (and not my last) attemp at a costom paint job of a make belive short line that has a track junction in the middle of a lake(the junction is real)

 

Great pic's everybody

Joe

[C&O Fan]

Nice Photos Guy !!

I've always wondered Who the heck is Phoebe Snow ?

[mr moto]

Rtpoteet & Tom,  Thanks for the kind words. In answer to a couple of your questions/statements.  No the exterior lights do not work (they're Tichy castings) but it is wired for lighting inside the scale/dump room.  Doors do not work but I tried to add as much detail as I could to make it look like they do.  As for staging the shot on a stark background, that's no problem, I don't really have a layout so there's no other background to choose from!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

[MilwaukeeRoad]

What kind of kit is that Jeff? Looks very nice.

Also, can you guys help me find a good, big factory kit, already painted, I just have to put it together?

[gmcrail]

Nice Photos Guy !!

I've always wondered Who the heck is Phoebe Snow ?

 

 I refer you to the Wikipedia article on Phoebe Snow.  There was also a singer, songwriter and guitarist whose stage name was Phoebe Snow, but she was born in 1952, long after the  Lackawanna invented the character.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

It's a Walther's Cornerstone kit, I forget exactly which one. I bought it a few years ago.

Check here for your factory structures:

http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=&scale=&manu=walthers&item=&keywords=cornerstone&instock=Y&split=60&Submit=Search

 

[Mark R.]

  ....  no drama - no excitement  ....

C'mon - SOMEbody post some crappy pics !!! 

Nothing but three pages of great pics and cordial compliments .... maybe changing to "phinery" had something to do with it. 

Mark.   

[SilverSpike]

Great images and plenty of model railroading going on this weekend!

Here is my first stage of weathering on my old Atlas turntable, part of my ongoing Roundhouse and Roundtable Renovation project. For more details, check out Roundhouse Renovations web page.

A little rusting here!

Looks like the rails need some work too!

First run on the newly wired for DCC auto-reversing turntable.

Looks like the MOW crew needs to make a trip out to the roundtable!

 

Enjoy,

Ryan

[mikesmowers]

    Some fantastic pics here this weekend, as usual.  I have been working on weathering this water tower for the good people in Traintown. I used real dirt for the weathering, just a little, didn't want to much.  The painting on the front was done using the Testors Decal Maker.  I will post some pics of it installed on the layout  later.    

 

   I am pleased with the way this WPP is going this week,   Ok Mark R.  Are these crappy enough for you or should I change the settings on my camera LOL.     Mike
 

[spectratone]

I,ve been working on backgrounds. This is a test board I painted that changes daily. Either I add to or start over. So far I,m only happy with the sky. Clouds still need work but getting closer. Mountains and hills need more detail.  I am not a painter. So any artist out there want to offer help I,m all ears. 

Glenn 

[tcwright973]

I'm no artist either, but I sure like what I see there.

Tom

[MisterBeasley]

What kind of kit is that Jeff? Looks very nice.

I agree.  I'm a sucker for scenes with barrels and pallets, though.  Stuff on loading docks always makes the scene come alive.

Also, can you guys help me find a good, big factory kit, already painted, I just have to put it together?

I suspect that you'll find kits that are unpainted, or RTP (Ready to Plop.)  The Walthers Cornerstone series comes in "reasonable" colors, which I sometimes keep, but mostly I enjoy the process of painting, detailing and weathering a structure.  Seriously, painting isn't that hard, and once you've done a couple you'll find yourself looking for the "right" color for every part.  For me, even a simple structure takes a week (we're talkin' four walls and a roof here) and the more complex ones might be a month from box to layout.  It's not the only thing I do in that month, not even the only railroad thing, but, as my old Pappy used to say, "Patience is a virtue."

[jeffrey-wimberly]

[selector]

The air smells nice and fresh after a whole bunch of pages and many interesting and fun images.  Great going, everyone.

I thought I would throw in another at this point, but I must say it seems to have lost some sharpness and zip that the original has on my hard drive.  This is cropped, and re-sized as you can probably guess, but its current size means that the image has lost quite a bit of sharpness and detail. 

Dang!

[UP2CSX]

Spectratone, what kind of scenery are you trying to recreate? If it's the arid desert Southwest, I think the background hills look just about right. Maybe a few more splotches of green to represent mesquite but it's very good as it stands.

Selector, your picture looks plenty sharp compared to the junk I take.

Jeffrey, did that GP-30 get involved in a grade crossing accident? The shop crew needs to get to work on those handrails.

[alfadawg01]

Very nice photos, everyone.  And the tone is so civilised this week! 

Anyway.  I spent a good part of the day manning a table at the Boeing Employees Railroad Club Swap Meet in the 'burbs of St. Louis.  Made some healthy sales and thus was able to treat myself to some phinery from the land of the rising sun:

....a shiny new Kato SD70MAC!  Now before you blow the civilised bit out of the water, please note that no, I have not yet applied all of Kato's tiny, tiny details, no, there is no ballast on that track (it's a 6' long test track, the extent of my layout, currently) and no, the SD will not clear the canopy behind it.  You're welcome.

[conrail92]

Ok the cork came today! Still waiting for more switch track and electrical stuff, But I started laying it down today. I got maybe 1/5 of it done. I'm still getting the hang of it for doing it for the first time.

Sorry for the one fuzzy pictur, I hope to share with you more progress on this as time goes on.

[medic_149]

Nice pictures everyone. Still laying track and roadbed. Didnt take any pics as I need a major clean up from the last couple days work first. Keep up the great work.

[UP2CSX]

Conrail92, are you using that white glue to lay the cork? If so, you might find it will go a lot faster with latex caulk in a tube and the cork will set up in about a half hour. Some folks are even laying the track using caulk by running a bead under each rail side of the ties. Don't know if I'm willing to go that far since I'm still a track spike kind of guy.

[UP2CSX]

Nice unit there, alphadawg. I just had the strangest experience. I have two industries at the end of my main street spur. Both have overhanging platform awnings. One clears a car on the side but not on the bottom. The other one cleared a car on the bottom. Now it won't clear a car on the side or the bottom. I have no idea what I did to change this. Hmmm....taps foot and wonders who is running a conspiracy to move platform awnings when I'm not looking.

[Don Z]

Conrail92,

Another item....I hope you peeled the plastic 'skin' from your foam before you laid the foam and cork. The reflection of the glue bottle caught my eye.

Don Z.

[loathar]

Jeffrey-NICE loading dock scene! You really nailed the lighting on that pic.

[conrail92]

... I'm getting this bad feeling all of a sudden, What would be the case if I didn't remove it. As no one ever told me anything about it. Is this going to cause future problems and such. How important is it?

[alfadawg01]

Nice unit there, alphadawg. I just had the strangest experience. I have two industries at the end of my main street spur. Both have overhanging platform awnings. One clears a car on the side but not on the bottom. The other one cleared a car on the bottom. Now it won't clear a car on the side or the bottom. I have no idea what I did to change this. Hmmm....taps foot and wonders who is running a conspiracy to move platform awnings when I'm not looking.

Thanks, UP2CSX.  You may have a case of extreme expansion and contraction on the part of the awnings, the freight cars, you operators or worse yet, a combination of all three.  You might want to enforce rule Z part 0.1 paragraph zed line 235.6 on operating nights ("The general manager reserves the right to deny coffee and donut priveleges to any and all operators and their accomplices found to be messing with the aforementioned general manager's head on operating night.....).

[Milwhiawatha]

Not really a photo more of an update well after a few months off I decided to start glueing down some foam. I'm planning on getting the rest glued down, and maybe get my yard set up.

[howmus]

Done went and bought me a heavy duty tripod for the camera today.  The one I had was light duty and didn't do a good job of supporting the Rebel or my Movie camera.  So I just had to go and try her out.......  Just a few more photos of Hopewell Junction.  Took the telephoto lens and went across the valley and took them from the top of Bare Mountain. (Well not really.....) ;) :D

Some old timers are having a game of checkers outside of Roses Diner.  The Reverend Miller is gonna have to stop reading so much and chase off them raccoons out back too in the garbage!



The afternoon freight coasts downhill behind the business district.

[claycts]

Well I will fire a salvo against ME

But this is a very DEER picture:

This was what I was doing this summer. Bought about 75 acers of land for a hunting area for some friends of mine (I do not hunt) My fun are the pictures and target shooting.

Sorry, but after all the FUN you where having I had to do it!! DEER I hope no one gets mad!!!

[claycts]

Done went and bought me a heavy duty tripod for the camera today.  The one I had was light duty and didn't do a good job of supporting the Rebel or my Movie camera.  So I just had to go and try her out.......  Just a few more photos of Hopewell Junction.  Took the telephoto lens and went across the valley and took them from the top of Bare Mountain. (Well not really.....) ;) :D

Some old timers are having a game of checkers outside of Roses Diner.  The Reverend Miller is gonna have to stop reading so much and chase off them raccoons out back too in the garbage!



The afternoon freight coasts downhill behind the business district.

What kind of paint did you use on Mechants Row??? I tried some Craft paint and it did not work very well.

Bear Mountain, Family lived in Havestraw NY.

[UP2CSX]

Ray, that bandstand came out great, as did your pictures. Those flower beds were the finishing touch! By coincidence, I just finished redoing my Merchants Row building that you have on your layout. I added a scratchbuilt lighted sign, put in some interior lights, repainted one of the store fronts I've hated since I did it, and added some awnings. I realized today while riding through downtown Prattville that that was the one things I was missing for an authentic Southern town - awnings. Have to do something to keep the scorching Southern sun off the shoppers. I'll take some pictures tomorrow when I get all the awning supports up.

George, I used a combination of Flouquil and Polly Scale paints. I think I have 12 different colors on all the store fronts. I tried some of the craft store acrylics but they are too thick and cover up too much detail. I'll be interested to see if Ray used the same kind of paints. 

P.S. I like your deer, nice shot.

[Gryphon]

I can't help myself I am so excited my friend tooks pictures of my layout that I am putting up another pic.

You can see my first attemp at weather on the UP gondola. The 2nd attemp is on the  D&RGW 0-2-0 Switcher on the tender I added the wood because the plastic wood pile was lacking to say the best. 

[UP2CSX]

That wood in the tender looks pretty good. The only thing I'd try is to stain some of the wood since a wood load is rarely all the same color. The weathering job is probably a little too much but that's how we all started out. If you want to try for an interesting effect, get some rubbing alcohol and rub it lightly on the flat panels between the uprights. It will remove some of the heavier weathering on the flat panels and leave it on the uprights, where most of the rust and dirt tend to collect. Just think about what part of a car the rain would run down in sheets. Those are the parts of the car that always stay (relatively) clean.

[claycts]

Ray, that bandstand came out great, as did your pictures. Those flower beds were the finishing touch! By coincidence, I just finished redoing my Merchants Row building that you have on your layout. I added a scratchbuilt lighted sign, put in some interior lights, repainted one of the store fronts I've hated since I did it, and added some awnings. I realized today while riding through downtown Prattville that that was the one things I was missing for an authentic Southern town - awnings. Have to do something to keep the scorching Southern sun off the shoppers. I'll take some pictures tomorrow when I get all the awning supports up.

George, I used a combination of Flouquil and Polly Scale paints. I think I have 12 different colors on all the store fronts. I tried some of the craft store acrylics but they are too thick and cover up too much detail. I'll be interested to see if Ray used the same kind of paints. 

P.S. I like your deer, nice shot.

Thank you for both. THe craft paint for me WOULD NOT COVER. I tried using FloTrol to slow down the drying so that it would flow better. I think I needed to wash the plastic better.

I have an Ultrasonic cleaner and I will try dropping the parts in that. DPM kits will probably be the same problem (have about 30 of them to do, OH JOY!!)

Nice work and pictures.

[Gryphon]

That wood in the tender looks pretty good. The only thing I'd try is to stain some of the wood since a wood load is rarely all the same color. The weathering job is probably a little too much but that's how we all started out. If you want to try for an interesting effect, get some rubbing alcohol and rub it lightly on the flat panels between the uprights. It will remove some of the heavier weathering on the flat panels and leave it on the uprights, where most of the rust and dirt tend to collect. Just think about what part of a car the rain would run down in sheets. Those are the parts of the car that always stay (relatively) clean.

 

Plan to do both just have not got to it yet. 

[Robby P.]

Well I haven't done to much to my layout this week.  I did paint a mountain but it would be a waste of a photo.  I did work on my next weathered car for Ebay.  I try to do one a week.  This one took awhile.  I did the graffiti by hand.  I tried to make it look like a sunset on the one side.  I also tried to make the couplers rusted real good.  Its a great looking car, but weighs a good bit due to the custom load. 

 

[GEUniversal]

here is my first contribution, these shots didn't came out the way I hoped they would, but at least they give you an idea about the first module of my layout

 

4 Axle EMD (GP38-2) waiting for a red signal

 

 main street

 

the yard..

 

I hope you enjoyed these shots, please note everything is still WIP 

[Tom Bryant_MR]

Spectratone, what kind of scenery are you trying to recreate? If it's the arid desert Southwest, I think the background hills look just about right. Maybe a few more splotches of green to represent mesquite but it's very good as it stands.

Spectratone, I agree with UP2CSX. You've done an excellent job. I would also agree that a few more very small indications of vegitation on the "painted hill" above the Santa Fe might be in order to fool the eye a bit more in blending the actual foreground into the background. The blend of the areas on the left and the right are perfect !

Regards,

[jeffrey-wimberly]

[CMLewis]

Well I will fire a salvo against ME

But this is a very DEER picture:

This was what I was doing this summer. Bought about 75 acers of land for a hunting area for some friends of mine (I do not hunt) My fun are the pictures and target shooting.

Sorry, but after all the FUN you where having I had to do it!! DEER I hope no one gets mad!!!

Looks to me like this deer has a nasty cold.  Therefore, this is a picture of a DEERailment and, as such, is appropriate for a train forum.

(Sorry all, couldn't resist!)

Chris

[secondhandmodeler]

Very clever!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

[howmus]

What kind of paint did you use on Mechants Row??? I tried some Craft paint and it did not work very well.

Bear Mountain, Family lived in Havestraw NY.

Bear Mountain?  Naw, it is Bare Mountain (it's a pun on Bare Hill on Canandaigua Lake - old Seneca Legend and the fact that it is a Clear Cut Logging operation on the layout..... check out: http://www.footprintpress.com/FingerLakes/Barehill.htm

As for the paints, I used a combination of things mostly mixed to order from what I have on hand. I mostly used Rustolium American Accents (available in fairly small bottles and reasonably priced) I found at the local Value Hardware store, Some Muralo paints that I use for scenery - pint cans from the True Value Hardware store downtown, some Woodland Scenics paints (concrete was the only one I used), and the Badger line of hobby paints from my LHS.  Most were thinned a bit to preserve as much of the fine detail as possible and still get good coverage. You are right that a lot of paints just won't stick to that particular building.  I washed it several times using detergent and very hot water and still some paints didn't stick.  I have found that if you give it a light coat of plastic compatable spray paint first, then other paints can be brushed on with no problem.  There is lighting in some of the apartments on the second floor.  Since it is 1925, stores closed at a reasonable hour, everyone went home to their families..........

[howmus]

Looks to me like this deer has a nasty cold.  Therefore, this is a picture of a DEERailment and, as such, is appropriate for a train forum.

(Sorry all, couldn't resist!)

Chris

Ohhhhhhh!  gag, gag, gag!  That is BAAAAAADDDDDDD!  I loved it. 

[pike-62]

Here is a shot of the Finger Lakes Railway's U23B in the LV heritage scheme.

 

 

Dan Pikulski

www.DansResinCasting.com

[Anonymous]

Cool! I've never seen anyone to model Finger Lakes RR before!

[G Paine]

I have been busy for the past couple of days, and did not get to the forum until sunday evening. When I saw the 5 page "Photo Phinery", I first thought they are at IT again, but decided to take a quick look. I am glad I did. Lots of good photos and good examples of railroad modeling. Keep up the good works everyone!

[claycts]

Thank you. I am going to try some model car primer with an air brush on one of the buildngs. Even at my age you learn from reading!!

A Parting shot. Caught a REAL FOX running away!

I know, enough of my WILD LIFE

[oleirish]

Dave

you are an "N" scaler I think?I'am working with "N" my self,but have a little problem ID'ing an

Locomotive I got of E... It is an 2-8-8-2 It runs ok but has been droped and needs a new cowcatcher/rails the only thing is on the bottom it says"MADE IN GERMANY" that all I know about it.It allso needs new traction tires on the rear engine.I throught you might be abble to help me?I allso have one of the newer Bachmann 2-6-6-2 that is brand new and is real nice and runs exclent.

JIM

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Got this while I was in town today. It would make an interesting model.

 

[Dave Vollmer]

Dave

you are an "N" scaler I think?I'am working with "N" my self,but have a little problem ID'ing an

Locomotive I got of E... It is an 2-8-8-2 It runs ok but has been droped and needs a new cowcatcher/rails the only thing is on the bottom it says"MADE IN GERMANY" that all I know about it.It allso needs new traction tires on the rear engine.I throught you might be abble to help me?I allso have one of the newer Bachmann 2-6-6-2 that is brand new and is real nice and runs exclent.

JIM

Yes, I'm in N scale.  What's the specific issue you're having?  My knowledge of N scale steam is limited to those that can be kitbashed into Pennsylvania RR prototypes of the 1950s.  The Pennsy had a few N&W-style HH2 2-8-8-2s (similar to the LL P2K 2-8-8-2s) but they were generally used on Lines West of Pittsburgh (I model Lines East) and were off the roster by the late 1940s (I model 1956), so I don't have one.  They're neat locos, though, and I would consider one if I could pick up the DCC-ready one cheap.  Seems to me it might make a decent candidate for the new Tsunami micro-decoder!

[oleirish]

I would like to know who made the 2-8-8-2 so I go to them for parts.And yes the mirco Tsunami is on the list!!! for my bachmann 2-6-6-2

Thanks

JIM

Dave

you are an "N" scaler I think?I'am working with "N" my self,but have a little problem ID'ing an

Locomotive I got of E... It is an 2-8-8-2 It runs ok but has been droped and needs a new cowcatcher/rails the only thing is on the bottom it says"MADE IN GERMANY" that all I know about it.It allso needs new traction tires on the rear engine.I throught you might be abble to help me?I allso have one of the newer Bachmann 2-6-6-2 that is brand new and is real nice and runs exclent.

JIM

Yes, I'm in N scale.  What's the specific issue you're having?  My knowledge of N scale steam is limited to those that can be kitbashed into Pennsylvania RR prototypes of the 1950s.  The Pennsy had a few N&W-style HH2 2-8-8-2s (similar to the LL P2K 2-8-8-2s) but they were generally used on Lines West of Pittsburgh (I model Lines East) and were off the roster by the late 1940s (I model 1956), so I don't have one.  They're neat locos, though, and I would consider one if I could pick up the DCC-ready one cheap.  Seems to me it might make a decent candidate for the new Tsunami micro-decoder!

[Dave Vollmer]

Okay, the people who made N scale 2-8-8-2s are (are you ready?):

MRC

Atlas/Rivarossi

Life-Like (now Walthers)

ConCor

Could be any of the above (though most likely not Life-Like).

That it says "MADE IN GERMANY" and not "WEST GERMANY" tells you it was made after November 1989...

[medic_149]

just an update of construction progress. got some of the track laid, now need to get some feeder wires installed. Never new how much more complicated things could get with the addition of grades. Oh, and by the way, selector the ski jump as u put is now finished..lol

this was the ski jump before it was finished...lol

[UP2CSX]

Boy, lots of great photos this week. So much nicer when I can comment on photos instead of who's insulting who.

George, this is the Merchant's Row I just finished redoing. I repainted the Furniture company store front, added the Furniture sign, which I did an awful job building from sheet styrene, but I'm hoping it will look better lit. Added some awnings to keep the pedestrians cool, a TV antenna I built from brass rod, and a few signs.  Used all Floquild paints, which seem to work fine on whatever type of plastic Walther's uses for the Merchant's Row line. I still have some wiring to finish so I took these in my driveway.

 

[UP2CSX]

Medic, those grades look like they were a lot of work but they look well-planned and reasonable. It will add a lot of interesting operation to your railroad when it's running. I like that ski jump at the bottom. All I could think of was posing a Harrier jump-jet at the end.

[UP2CSX]

Thanks, UP2CSX.  You may have a case of extreme expansion and contraction on the part of the awnings, the freight cars, you operators or worse yet, a combination of all three.  You might want to enforce rule Z part 0.1 paragraph zed line 235.6 on operating nights ("The general manager reserves the right to deny coffee and donut priveleges to any and all operators and their accomplices found to be messing with the aforementioned general manager's head on operating night.....).

LOL, Alphadawg, I think you nailed it. Someone here on my small crew is doing structural alterations without a permit. I need to track down this malcontent.

[Guilford Guy]

Here is a shot of the Finger Lakes Railway's U23B in the LV heritage scheme.

 

 

Dan Pikulski

www.DansResinCasting.com

AMAZING!

I LOVE THE FGLK. 2201 is a great loco! 

[howmus]

Here is a shot of the Finger Lakes Railway's U23B in the LV heritage scheme.

 

 

Dan Pikulski

www.DansResinCasting.com

AMAZING!

I LOVE THE FGLK. 2201 is a great loco! 

YES!  My favorite Short Line!  Is that out on Lyons Road? I think I know the guy who owns the Pick-em-up truck.....

[jeffrey-wimberly]

[conrail92]

I like the rusty car :)

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Shows what can be done to a Malibu models 55 Chevy.

[wm3798]

Worked on the caboose terminal on the temporary yard. I finished the track connection to make the caboose track a thru track, plus re-connected the existing caboose yard, which will now serve as a running repair shop.  The photos below are work in progress shots, not to be confused with publication quality modeling shots...

Here's the progress so far...

First, a concrete platform between the tracks, and preparation for the steel shed to be built.

I started working up the shed based on photos in Dwight Jones' excellent book on WM cabooses. Mine's a bit short, but it can hold two cars reasonably. I have to finish adding some structural members, then I'll simulate an overhead crane and add some lighting. There will be a bunch of detail added to this scene. While the yard section is temporary, I'll be able to use this structure in the Elkins yard when it's all said and done.

Here's a peek at the new caboose service track.

Lee

[howmus]

UP2CSX, Awnings, Oh yeah awnings!  That's what I need on mine.  Now,,,,, how the heck am I going to add awning when the building is already in place on the layout....... Hmmm, there has to be a way.  Awnings, why didn't I think of that.  Every photo I have seen from the 1920's of Canandaigua and Geneva, NY the buildings had AWNINGS!  Duh!

[SteamFreak]

Great photos, everyone, and we get to enjoy them in peace.

Crandell, always love to see your big steam up against that scenery. That Niagara roundhouse shot stirs the imagination. Which locos extra drivers are awaiting installation?

MaBruce, how did you create the rust and peeling paint on the bridge? Awesome!

Milwaukee Road, that tower is better than my earliest efforts, mainly because it doesn't have strings of Testors cement running everywhere.

Dave V, I like the density of your trees and foliage, and the way it encroaches on the riverbank, and even grows up under the viaduct. It's a very real touch.

Ray, great bandstand. I like the ground-level shots the best.

Mikelhh, good job on the spalling concrete on the platform.

And Jeff, it just keeps getting better.

Jbinkley; Jarrell - awesome! 

[UP2CSX]

UP2CSX, Awnings, Oh yeah awnings!  That's what I need on mine.  Now,,,,, how the heck am I going to add awning when the building is already in place on the layout....... Hmmm, there has to be a way.  Awnings, why didn't I think of that.  Every photo I have seen from the 1920's of Canandaigua and Geneva, NY the buildings had AWNINGS!  Duh!

Ray, yeah, I know. I don't know how I could have overlooked such an obvious detail either. The red and white striped awning was added while the building was still glued to the layout. I measured the storefront and bent an awning frame from florist wire. I'd use brass wire like I did on the solid awning next time since its closer to scale. I printed the red and white stripes on plain paper using MS Word and then cut it to shape to fit the awning support. I used that strip of styrene to hold the top of awning in place and cover it up. In retrospect, I could have used a smaller piece of styrene and it would have worked just as well. I drilled a hole in each side of the storefront and then slipped in the wire frame, securing it with a few drops of CA. I then dropped the paper over the frame and folded it so it would match the slope of the frame and leave some hanging down in front. You're better off to go too long than too short because you can trim it with a scissors - don't ask me how I know that.  

As long as you have decent access to the storefronts without a lot of overhead obstructions, this would probably work with most storefronts while on the layout. The solid awning is also installable while the buildings are still down since all you have to is cut styrene, make the top look like tar and gravel, and CA it to to the storefronts involved. I used stripwood to get it all even since you can't see it from anywhere but the bottom of the awning. The steel "supports" are purely decorative brass wire to make it look like something's holding the awning up. I've also seen these awnings with column supports that go to the sidewalk rather than top supports. The tricky part with my layout is the streetlights are already in place. The solid awning just clears the top of one streelight.

Now that I've started on the storefront awnings, I realized I'm also missing second floor awnings, the kind that came down over office windows to keep out the sun. I don't have a clue how to do those since each building has different widths and lengths. These awnings also have a compound curve if the were the type that covered the side and top of the window. Some would also have to done rolled up to make it look right. I may start another thread to see if anyone else has come up with such a harebrained scheme and has any advice.   

[UP2CSX]

Lee, I don't think I've ever seen a caboose shop modeled before. Great idea and it looks like you're well on your way. With the amount of cabooses you have, the yard crew needs some place to work on them.  

[claycts]

Boy, lots of great photos this week. So much nicer when I can comment on photos instead of who's insulting who.

George, this is the Merchant's Row I just finished redoing. I repainted the Furniture company store front, added the Furniture sign, which I did an awful job building from sheet styrene, but I'm hoping it will look better lit. Added some awnings to keep the pedestrians cool, a TV antenna I built from brass rod, and a few signs.  Used all Floquild paints, which seem to work fine on whatever type of plastic Walther's uses for the Merchant's Row line. I still have some wiring to finish so I took these in my driveway.

 

Thank you, I hope to get back to the railroad Tuesday. Have to get a car ready for a show in October so train time may be short.

Great PEACFUL pictures Y'all.

[R. T. POTEET]

As for staging the shot on a stark background, that's no problem, I don't really have a layout so there's no other background to choose from!

mr m, regardless of your reasons for photographing your model as you did you did it in the way which models SHOULD be photographed.

[Maurice]

Sorry I am late with this but I was pretty busy all weekend attending a college football game. It is amazing the errors I find in my own work once I see a photo of it. Here, warts and all, is a structure I kitbashed from an Ertl/RDA "Produce Warehouse", though I think it is more appropriately called a transfer building. I simply lengthened it by one bay, thereby making it capable of handling two 36' cars at one time. I also made new roof from Evergreen plastic's metal siding, made a longer vent on top, a new foundation from Walthers Modulars foundations and added a railing to the stairs. I didn't use the loading dock as the local ones didn't either. I think a little more weathering is in order and a sign. Oh, the building in the background is not permanent I am moving photos around for the backdrop trying to decide on a final plan.

 Maurice

 

[UP2CSX]

Maurice, I think the basic building looks great. With some weathering and signage, it will look outstanding!

[R. T. POTEET]

Dave

you are an "N" scaler I think?I'am working with "N" my self,but have a little problem ID'ing an

Locomotive I got of E... It is an 2-8-8-2 It runs ok but has been droped and needs a new cowcatcher/rails the only thing is on the bottom it says"MADE IN GERMANY" that all I know about it.It allso needs new traction tires on the rear engine.I throught you might be abble to help me?I allso have one of the newer Bachmann 2-6-6-2 that is brand new and is real nice and runs exclent.

JIM

The reason it says Made in Germany is because it was Made in Germany; more specifically it was Made in Germany by Roco and was imported beginning in 1969 by Model Rectumfryer Corporation; I know the date because I was serving a hitch in 'Nam when MRC introduced it at the same time they introduced their Berks.

Con-Cor eventually - through one of Mr C's many machinations - wound up with the dies for these things and they were made by Rivarossi for many years.  They have been out of production now for many years and probably the only way you are going to effect a fix is with cannibalization!

Do what I did with my old-acquired-second-hand-maybe-even-third-hand Model Rectumfryer Corporation Berks; use liberal doses of rust and put them behind a fence in City Park!!!

[pike-62]

Shows what can be done to a Malibu models 55 Chevy.

I went the other way with my '55 chevy. Did a mild custom job on it.

 

Dan Pikulski

www.DansResinCasting.com

[jeffrey-wimberly]

[MAbruce]

What a terrific turnaround in WPF (or WPP) this weekend!  I was relieved to see that the topic didn't stray like it did the past couple of weekends.  A lot of impressive work on display.  Great pictures all!    

[oleirish]

Thanks Dave

I think it is an MRC,under the magnafieing glass I think I found an MRC mark on the tender!

JIM

[loathar]

Sorry I am late with this but I was pretty busy all weekend attending a college football game. It is amazing the errors I find in my own work once I see a photo of it. Here, warts and all, is a structure I kitbashed from an Ertl/RDA "Produce Warehouse", though I think it is more appropriately called a transfer building. I simply lengthened it by one bay, thereby making it capable of handling two 36' cars at one time. I also made new roof from Evergreen plastic's metal siding, made a longer vent on top, a new foundation from Walthers Modulars foundations and added a railing to the stairs. I didn't use the loading dock as the local ones didn't either. I think a little more weathering is in order and a sign. Oh, the building in the background is not permanent I am moving photos around for the backdrop trying to decide on a final plan.

 Maurice

 

I know what you mean about the mistakes you can see in photos. What is that white background building and where did you get it? Looks interesting.

[ShadowNix]

Nice work, everyone.... and NICE positive comments!  Glad to see the classy WPF return! 

Pike... love those flames and the flowers on your cars... very nicely done!

Jeff, wow, what a difference in your pictures!  Equipment can make a BIG difference, eh?

Lee... I love that scratchbuilt caboose shed... you have the prototype pic's we could see...love it!

Everyone else... AWESOME PIC's... too many to comment on all of them!  See ya!

Brian

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Found the thread on page 2. Can't be having that.

 

[Maurice]

I know what you mean about the mistakes you can see in photos. What is that white background building and where did you get it? Looks interesting.

An actual "skyscraper" that I photographed in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, USA. Printed it on normal paper with my HP deskjet printer. I had to photo-shop it to eliminate cell phone antennas on the roof. The real one is a "signature" building for the city, so I thought I would  try to add it to my backdrop. I am trying to get photos of other actual buildings to add to the backdrop but it isn't easy. Either old photos are only black and white or there are now new buildings in the way.

 

 

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

[Javern]

I really like that gazebo

[jeffrey-wimberly]