The center of attention!

[Dave Vollmer]

What's the center of attention on your layout?

Seems like a silly question...  but it's not.  Each modeler has his/her own idea of what the "message" is that he/she wants to convey.  This is often done by having some part of the layout be the center of attention.  For some it might be a steel mill or a coal mine.  For others it might be the scenery.  Still others build their layouts to showcase their structures.

For my layout, I wanted the center of attention to be the trains themselves.

To that end, I wanted the layout to be a 3-dimensional backdrop for the trains.

But, there's a problem...  In 1956 (the year I model), the PRR (and many other eastern roads) used drab colors that don't draw attention to themselves.  Locomotives were mostly a black-green (known as Brunswick Green or DGLE) or a Tuscan red.  Freight cars were variations on the boxcar/oxide red theme.  These colors, against a backdrop of trees and brick structures, don't exactly stand out.  So how can these trains be the center of attention?

The solution was in the ballast.  My previous layout had used a brown colored ballast (Highball Brown) with cinders-it looked very dark.  It made the overall layout almost too drab.  While the colors were similar to ones I'd seen on PRR coal branches in photos, it made the layout seem dark and unfriendly.  Plus, the trains did not stand out.

The current layout uses a much lighter colored ballast.  I used Woodland Scenics' fine gray blend.  It's a bit on the coarse side for my tastes, but the color was similar to some of the mainline PRR photos I'd seen from 1956.  Fortunately, the "Standard Railroad of the World" didn't really have a standard ballast color (photos show every color from brown to black to gray to almost white).

I then framed this light colored ballast with a cinder shoulder.  While prototypical for 1956, the cinder shoulder served a second purpose: it frames the track area like a picture frame or an outline.  Now my dark, drab trains can be seen against a lighter gray background, framed by a black outline that says to viewers that "this is the center of attention!"

How do others project the center of attention for their layouts?

[SpaceMouse]

There's a difference, I suppose in a table layout and a room layout. In my table layout, it was relatively easy to create two focal points, the first being a mountain and the second being the valley. You see the mountain first, but as you approach the mountain, the valley takes over as the focal point.

With the room it is different. I wanted the focal point to be a high trestle over a waterfall canyon, but to place in the only viable corner, other scenes, etc. come first as you enter the room.

From an artistic standpoint, I see numerous scenes on the layout. Each one having a center of attention and purpose for it's existence, and operations is a biggy. But I also find that in creating the scene, the engines and the rolling stock have the least flexibility in terms of creating the environment. I can take the same train and it would be just as appropriate in the woods as in the town or in the yard. So other than mucking it up a little--the train is set.

So the layout comes from everything else. The structures the scenery and the figures. With that in mind,  I do everything I can to create the drama of the railroad.

[tstage]

For me, so far it's actually four five things:

1. angle
2. lighting
3. size
4. detail
5. uniqueness

I model a NYC Freight stop and (re) fueling facility in the early 40s.  When facing the layout, the servicing tracks are angled at ~45 degrees to the mainline.  The dual servicing tracks are also lighted down the middle with scratch-built light poles.

 

Between the angle and the lights, your eyes are drawn along that area.   Along with that, my small yard (that faces the opposite direction to the servicing track) is angled as well.

My NYC Freight station is the largest structure on my layout.  Along with detailing the interior and exterior with wood plank flooring, sliding doors, painted figures, and trimmed windows and doors, I've recently added interior and exterior lighting to it.  When the 4 outside and two inside lights are glowing, it invites you to come in and stay awhile.

 

As far as uniqueness.  I have not been able to collaborate that the NYC definitely had a ball signal in their system.  However, I have a lighted 2-ball version on mine because I think it's cool looking. 

 

I do have to change the signal manually whenever a train wants to enter the mainline from the interchange, but the lights and balls are visable at all times and gives a very unique look to that particular junction.

Tom

[simon1966]

Without doubt the focus of my layout, and the area that I derive the most pleasure from, are the structures.  For me modelling places that my guests immediately recognize and can reminisce about is what it is all about.  Places like the Coliseum ballroom that family members have frequented over the last 70 years are the real focal points.

Most of my viewers have little relationship to the trains, so they are almost just a moving actor in the scene to add some visual interest. 

 

[WCfan]

Well my layout is farly small.(4x8 cut into a L. HO scale) And you see the whole layout right as you come in the door (it's a pretty low layout). It's dosn't have 2 side because one side is facing the wall. So the cnter of attention for my layout is, well, the layout. But I would like to add diffrent details to the buildings and streets that let people say, that's pretty cool. Such as power lines, people working, a building getting demolished, railraod workers, a abonded boxcar, ect.ect. So there is no main foacal point, but the layout it self.

But I have desnied the Railroad so it goes through these scenes. So the attenion isn't jut to the buildings and streets but to the railroad too. I'm going to do this much in a way Dave V did. My line is going to be a Former Milw line. Well, Milw had White ballast(In the area I'm modeling[Central Wisconsin]). Which will draw alot of attention to the trains. Even though WC's colors were't that drab. But all in all, the layout is the center of attention. 

EDIT: This is your veiw at the layout right when you come in the room. To me I can't seem to find the big center of attention. Maybe you guys can?

(This isn't the most Up to date picture. But I havn't done much. Just set some more power poles and lines up. And removed the tape and weathered the roads.)

[secondhandmodeler]

Since my layout is a version of Spacemouse's,  the hill is the first thing you see.  It also probably has something to do with the fact that my room is tiny.  You have to look at the hill first! You don't have a choice. 

[Cox 47]

I'm like WC my N scale railroad is very small so I think most people see the whole railroad when they first look at it...and right now I have a area in the middle thats not finished..No ground cover or anything and most people probaly focus on that [gotta get to work]....Cox 47

[Pruitt]

Right now the center of attention on my layout is the Behemoth Helix, seen here as you enter the room:

(Y'all gettin' tired of seeing this thing yet?)

When I'm a little farther along it SHOULD be the refinery in Cody when you enter the room, which will be to the right of the helix in the above photo (the helix will be hidden behind a sky backdrop).

As you turn left into the aisleway next to the helix, the focal point should be the Wind River Canyon on your left - one single track snaking about twenty feet along through the canyon, against mountains which rise from the river to the ceiling.

[Dave Vollmer]

Yes, I should emphasize...

One need not restrict oneself to a single center of attention or focal point.

Muliple focal points work as well, especially in an around-the-walls layout situation, when at any given time only part of the layout is visible.  Like Brunton and Spacemouse mention, each individual scene or section of layout can have its own focal point.

The use of centers of attention or focal points helps guide the viewer to the aspects of your layout you wish to emphasize.  It also reduces view confusion as can occur when too much seems to be going on with no clear "main point."

[hminky]

I never thought of anything as centered it just flows along. What ever comes up is what comes up along the right of way.

I know the tank is leaning it is underconstruction

Harold

[on30francisco]

For me the emphasis is definitely on structures, trackside details, super detailed scenes,  detailed trackwork, and  one-of-a-kind pieces of rolling stock. I really enjoy scratchbuilding wooden structures and narrow gauge rolling stock that aren't available commercially. Right now the main attractions are a small (for Large Scale) super-detailed trestle for my Gn15 industrial line, yard office, and a small backwoodsy water tank for the three footers. The layout is built around the perimeter of a room which allows you to easily focus on individual scenes.

[tstage]

The use of centers of attention or focal points helps guide the viewer to the aspects of your layout you wish to emphasize.  It also reduces view confusion as can occur when too much seems to be going on with no clear "main point."

Dave,

I guess that would parallel your thread on over-detailing.  Too much of something tends to "muddy the waters" and make it more difficult to soak in the nuances.

Kinda like watching TV these days.  Watch a commercial, program or music show and take note how often they change shots.  Sometimes it's on average of every two seconds.  The sports broadcasts, in particular, are especially bad with all the extra graphics and stats that flash on the screen.

When it reaches visual overload, I just turn it off and listen to the radio.  Even then...

Tom 

[selector]

It's a bit of a cop-out, but I don't really have one.  Since mine is a duck-under to get at the central operating pit, I can turn and face about four different directions currently to find interesting tidbits that are, to me, eye-candy.  Later, once I have the Danby Sawmill and my coal mine looking realistic, they will be added.  I have one lone Doug Fir that I made during my long summer last year away from MR, which is getting desperately lonely.  Some folks comment on it if they see it...it's by itself in a corner where not much else is happening.

For some, they really like my backdrop...it seems to command as much or more attention than the rest of the layout.  This is especially true of women.  The men look at the hardware, the women like the expanses of blue sky and the trees hanging above everything.  Women will comment on the few fall colour trees I have in a short section, high over the yard.  The men like the turntable and the locomotives.

I had the most fun with the trestle.  I enjoyed learning about them and figuring out how to install it on the layout.   I feel that, when I enter the layout, it is always a draw for me.

[tstage]

I had the most fun with the trestle.  I enjoyed learning about them and figuring out how to install it on the layout.   I feel that, when I enter the layout, it is always a draw for me.

But it isn't a draw bridge, Crandell...

Tom 

[SpaceMouse]

I guess that would parallel your thread on over-detailing. 

Yep, just another example of Dave preaching to us on how to build a layout.

[SpaceMouse]

Oh yeah, add these to the above comment.

[Dave Vollmer]

I guess that would parallel your thread on over-detailing. 

Yep, just another example of Dave preaching to us on how to build a layout.

Ouch!  Chip, I don't see a smiling emoticon...  should I?

EDIT:  Whew! 

[SpaceMouse]

I guess that would parallel your thread on over-detailing. 

Yep, just another example of Dave preaching to us on how to build a layout.

Ouch!  Chip, I don't see a smiling emoticon...  should I?

EDIT:  Whew!

Gottcha!

[SpaceMouse]

My mean streak aside, I've enjoyed these reflections and discussions.  Sometimes it's good to reflect on the intellectual side of the hobby.

Then we can say "screw it" and go back to running laps on our Plywood Centrals.

[secondhandmodeler]

Mr. Mouse, I sent you a pm.

[Anonymous]

WC Fan- I think your layout's center of attention is that huge brick building in the center, or the grain elevaitor. (forgive me if it's not for grain, I get the mixed up with cement plants all the time, although, knowing me, it's probobly not either!)

[Anonymous]

I think the center of attention on my layout is Allen Mountain, which is the largest scenic feature on the layout, is the first thing you see when you go over to my third of the basement, and yes, is named for John Allen. 

[aloco]

Locomotives.  Even when I look at other layouts I notice the locomotives first and foremost.  I also believe that layout photos are incomplete without locomotives in the picture.

[MisterBeasley]

I prefer to de-focus the viewers' attention and let them find the smaller details, rather than pull everyone in to look at only one or two things.  I believe in subdued colors, too, because to me they look the most realistic.

The eye-catchers are in the eyes of the beholder, too.  Some will concentrate on the structures, some on the figures and some on the automobiles.  And a few even look at the trains...

[BRAKIE]

For me  as the center of attention has to be the engine service/engine house area since theres usually a flock of locomotives to look at.

[selector]

...But it isn't a draw bridge, Crandell...

Tom 

(slap!!) So that's why all the funny looks....!!!

[wm3798]

The focal point of my layout is operations. 

The first thing you see coming into the room is the paper mill and all the attendent sidings that serve it.  As you survey the room, you'll see a yard and engine terminal, a junction, and several different points where industries are served by rail.

When you glance away from the scenery, you'll see car cards clipped to the fascia, clipboards with switch lists, and a train schedule.

 

The other focal point would be the scenery in general, which is my favorite thing to work on.

 

Lee 

[BRAKIE]

Lee,Mighty fine looking B&O GP35s.

[tomikawaTT]

Since it will be physically impossible to see my entire (presently under construction) layout from a single point, I propose to have several visual centers of attention, which will receive the appropriate level of detail:

• Construction scene where the track is being doubled - bridge foundation under construction (with operating pile driver), and a TBM working its way through the adjacent mountain (window in the fascia.)
• Large crew/engine change station, with a puzzle palace of specialwork, partially under catenary.
• 5-tiered pagoda, and the adjacent grounds of the Tomikawa Tera, overlooking beautiful downtown Tomikawa from a low hill with tracks on both sides.
• Single track crossing a steep cliff face, short tunnels alternating with short deck girder bridges (painted red-orange.)
• Hard little knot of trackage (including a double slip switch) jammed into the space between a high bridge and a tunnel portal.
• Major coal mine, capable of unit train empties in/loads out operation with the additional ability to live load loose cars.

At most, two of these might be visible from one place without turning one's head, but in one case the viewer would have to back up against the water heater to do it.

I look on each as a construction challenge, but MY main center of interest is operating the railroads - every train on time.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[steemtrayn]

What's the center of attention on your layout?

Seems like a silly question...  but it's not.  Each modeler has his/her own idea of what the "message" is that he/she wants to convey.  This is often done by having some part of the layout be the center of attention.  For some it might be a steel mill or a coal mine.  For others it might be the scenery.  Still others build their layouts to showcase their structures.

For my layout, I wanted the center of attention to be the trains themselves.

To that end, I wanted the layout to be a 3-dimensional backdrop for the trains.

But, there's a problem...  In 1956 (the year I model), the PRR (and many other eastern roads) used drab colors that don't draw attention to themselves.  Locomotives were mostly a black-green (known as Brunswick Green or DGLE) or a Tuscan red.  Freight cars were variations on the boxcar/oxide red theme.  These colors, against a backdrop of trees and brick structures, don't exactly stand out.  So how can these trains be the center of attention?

The solution was in the ballast.  My previous layout had used a brown colored ballast (Highball Brown) with cinders-it looked very dark.  It made the overall layout almost too drab.  While the colors were similar to ones I'd seen on PRR coal branches in photos, it made the layout seem dark and unfriendly.  Plus, the trains did not stand out.

The current layout uses a much lighter colored ballast.  I used Woodland Scenics' fine gray blend.  It's a bit on the coarse side for my tastes, but the color was similar to some of the mainline PRR photos I'd seen from 1956.  Fortunately, the "Standard Railroad of the World" didn't really have a standard ballast color (photos show every color from brown to black to gray to almost white).

I then framed this light colored ballast with a cinder shoulder.  While prototypical for 1956, the cinder shoulder served a second purpose: it frames the track area like a picture frame or an outline.  Now my dark, drab trains can be seen against a lighter gray background, framed by a black outline that says to viewers that "this is the center of attention!"

How do others project the center of attention for their layouts?

 

      Uh, Dave,

      The signal on the left reads APPROACH, while the signal on the converging track says STOP AND PROCEED. Doesn't that just invite a collision? Or are you just testing us, to see if we're awake?