Jerry- I think I've told you this before, but after spending about at least an hour browsing through your thread today, I'm reminded of just how much I love your layout. And in that time, I barely put a dent in the 500+ pages! I grew up here in Sacramento and traveled to San Francisco regularly with my family for Giants & Niners games, surfing, regattas, hikes, etc. The first time I opened the thread and saw the images of the ATSF, I didn't even question the location for a second. That's how dead on it looks. I simply thought "that is brilliant he modeled those lines." If you haven't yet, you need to take the Capitol Corridor Train from Sacramento/Suisun City/Davis to Emeryville. It'd be like traveling through your own layout! Also, I'm always in the area if you decide you need additional specific images for the prototype. Plus, it'd be an excuse to railfan. The layout I'm building is my first getting back into the hobby an adult, and is freelanced. But I always envisioned the layout-scape would be reminiscent of Sonoma-esque, oak- & eucalyptus-studded rolling hills, above a coastal river mouth. So aspects of what I'd like to achieve are not too dissimilar than your ATSF -stuff like the brownish tinted Bay water, and rip raff shore lines. Tell me, did you re-color the water at some point? In the early pages, it looks as though the water is much bluer. Or maybe you just changed the lighting? I skimmed through, but couldn't find anything on it. Nevertheless, you hit the water color (and/or lighting) dead on! I also caught your tree tutorial on how you did the California Black Oaks. I have collected numerous armatures from Manzanita bushes (in an area that is now engulfed by the Rim Fire). They'll make sweet little trees. But the tutorial using black poly fiber to make oaks was very helpful. Keep up the great work, and your work has truly inspired me! Noah
Thanks Noah! Im going to ride that train next time I am out there. Look forward to seeing progress of your layout too! I think the water color is from different lights. Eventually, I want to get some really good lighting in there, tubes, and some smaller spot lights to highlight areas. (Might be a light coating of dust on the top of the 'Ocean' too...LOL )
Well I thought I would catch everyone up a bit on my life while I have some time this weekend. This is a picture of me after my last trip as an engineer. I took a promotion to a Trainmaster, and Omnitrax Southern Region DSLE. Will be working in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Will have an office at the Fulton County Railway near Atlanta. I only signed a 1 yr contract to see how I like it, and can then see what they have planned or go back to an engineer with the ATN. I will still get to run trains on the ATN, but will also get to travel and run trains on other Omnitrax railroads. Im excited about the new position and what it will bring and what I can bring to Omnitrax.
WELL HEEEELLLLOOOOO No wonder we haven't heard from you. Total life change. Thank God Model trains are still on the list !!!! :startled: Mike
Yes Mike, complete change! LOL But all for the better.... And, she has a 14yr old son who after looking at my layout said, "This is the most amazing thing I have ever seen.....can we clean out our garage and let me build one, or would you just show me how to make the trees and I'll make them for you?" Score......
Congratulations! Was wondering what was happening with you, but had not thought it was this monumental.
Jerry, Congratulations on getting married!!!!!!! Are there any Omitrax RR's along the Gulf Coast? Glenn
Congrats, Jerry! And as to the previous photo, all I can think is you did a great job weathering that loco...
