Thanks Matt: I appreciated the note. That clarifies everything. I suppose it's sort of a metaphor for what's going on in American politics today. Community is obviously important to social animals. However, communication must also involve asking questions. Assuming that what you see or hear (or think you've seen or heard) will tell you the whole truth may be a big mistake. Different viewpoints of the same thing could've led to the wildly differing points of view. Not knowing the significance of the "woodman" and his significance to you and your z scale history ...the figure could be viewable much differently depending on what one thinks they see, or is expecting to see. That said, a seemingly "random" inclusion of an unknown distraction doesn't take away from the structure, at all. I like the build ...and now feel much closer to the builder. I'm glad you responded. RoryBlake
Likewise! I've got a layout long over due (woodwork not even finished), too little time etc etc. A minor project that can be started and finished helps to keep the Z spirit up. I always find "how to's" and built thread entertaining and inspiring, so I figured I'd take some pictures and give a short description. Nice to get positive feedback, helps even more to continue. I hope to post more sometime soon. Matt
I have two workbenches (actually three, but the one in the garage is all covered up with train stuff!). My inside-the-house workbench needs to be "cleaned up by Christmas, or else!" according to some woman I live with. My new outside workbench is a re-purposed Ikea kitchen countertop that I'm happily painting foam rocks on now!
I've been busy. First, he's my first semi-successful hand-laid turnout on my third attempt. I wouldn't put in on my layout, but it looks and functions like a switch, more or less. I got the hang of soldering track at just about the end of this. Much different than electrical than I expected. Shown here with the template. I've also made progress on my Snowdon Theater. Here's the internal wiring. I used the JST connections because I had them lying around, it works, but from now on I'm going to use the magnet wire whenever possible. Here are the lights in action. I had to adjust the marquee light for photography as it got washed out, The exit sign can't be dimmed any more and looks much better in person. The marquee and roof are the only things I have left to finish. I'm going to gentri--, I mean redevelop the industrial part of my layout. For the warehouse turned casino/nightclub I printed out a scaffold to break it up into 1st (casino) and 2nd (nightclub) floors. You can see the RGB LEDs I'm using for the nightclub lights siting on top, they'll be wired with magnet wire and the 1st floor will be lit using the sequins. I'm also planning to put another light on the second floor to use as a strobe. That'll take some testing before I figure how that'll work.
Just built another turnout and it looks and functions better. I don't think I'm getting better at soldering track per se, I'm just getting better at fixing my mistakes.
Here's my 4th turnout, now with wood ties. Not prefect, but getting there. I'm out of rail (code 55), so I'm going to have to order some.
Another two gondolas HDA prtinted by Shapeways. Required just a little sanding and polishing. HDA is getting better.
Polar bears and mammoths from shapeways. Actually 3 each. One will end up in an iceberg or possibly glacier, maybe together with a stone age guy just throwing his spear (what do you mean, not prototypical?) for my tiny X-mas layout. Not quite sure how to do the iceberg though - will try acrylic sheets (from an empty Rocher pack) first... Sven
My first scratch model of a real prototype. It's the Paul Robinson Observatory / Buzz Aldrin Astronomical Center in Lebanon State Park in High Bridge, NJ. It's run by the New Jersey Astronomical Association and is open to the public on Saturdays (check ahead first, as the policy is seasonal), I was a member back in the '90s and was my first thought of what to model in Western NJ for my suburban station. I designed it in Fusion 360 and printed it on my Lulzbot Mini, then quickly and dirtily painted it. This is the first print/paint of it and it looks like I made the dome too small, so I'm going to have to fix that. The rest is close enough. I'll be nice to have a building I know on my layout that I made myself. Eventually, I'll hook a stepper motor up to the dome so I can have it turn. But, first things first.
Thx, the Darby gon has all printed details though. Just the break wheal was wrapped and had to replace it for an etched one. So I added a little more material for better suspension. Will send it to Shapeways for printing next week.
Got to many project in the pot and no time to complete these are just some of them got them primed, trucks in place just need painting. Lots of decals needed. The railcar are all either unusual one of a kind like the whooper hopper, boxcar refrigerator car, six dome tank car, plus more they all were used at one timeas a railroad car. All Z scale! Some painted hand painted! even palm trees!
Walt, This is a challange ! I also have a problem of too many open projects.... Some for other people
I was thinking of the woodland scenic water it harden and stay clear would look like an Iceberg. then use it as a flat car load. HA! HA! just thinking. but the woodland scenic water I think will do the trick. you might have to add in layers so each layer has time to dry! Like casting frame!
Here is something I've been working on since after Christmas. The Maitland's House was a gift. It is the latest kit from Animek. The church and greenhouse/garage cemetery are from Stonebridge Design. Both are paper product kits. I think they go well together. The module will be 16x12". It will have a river (Neponset) and a chocolate factory, both of which are in my neighborhood in Dorchester, Ma. I have added lights to the church and the house. The house is detailed inside w/ potted plants and wall hangings. The grappler is a 3-D printed kit from Popedesigns.
Here is some of the woodland Scenic water used! I did it in layers let each layer dry! then add more!