Really nice progress! Some of the features that stand out to me are: the tree height; the foliage variety along the edge of the woods; the road color and subtle weathering; and of course the signal & crossing gear. I think a light wash of road grime along the tracks, especially between the rails, would really make this scene pop. Something like this: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=52462&nseq=42 Thanks for the updates, Gary
Thanks, Gary. I have lots of prototype photos tacked up around the layout for guidance trying to get the prototypical look. I am pretty happy with how things are turning out so far. There are a couple of features I have to figure out how to build in the coming weeks (high tension powerlines, I-75 bridge, big grassy hill) that really will tie the model to the prototype. I am using Tortoises with the Circuitron remote signal activator mechanisms. Funny, programming the signals with JMRI was easy but it took me forever to figure out the remote Tortoise mount setup. Gary, I have really struggled with this. I had a bad experience with weathering the track here before. In fact, earlier this year I had to pull up the entire section of track shown in the above pictures because the weathering turned into a gummy mess. It is real hard to weather those concrete ties and get it to look "right". At some point I will build a mockup where I can experiment with different techniques, but for now I am just leaving the track as is. BTW your photo is the exact look that I was going for. Jamie
Fantastic work Jamie!:thumbs_up::thumbs_up: As you add the finishing touches it has definitely come to life. This is great eye candy and equally inspirational. Thanks for sharing. Jerry
Thats freakin cool. Happy Halloween to everyone. Keep the updates coming Jamie. First Class all the way.
That scene looks awesome!!! I really need to get back on mine! Just been so busy lately. But great inspiration here! When you try different types of methods for weathering your track between the rails, try Bradgon Chalks and a semi stiff brush about 1/2 inch wide. Dip in the chalk, wipe off most on a rag or piece of paper and then go between the rails and along the outside. A LITTLE goes a long way and looks great!
Wow, fantastic job Jamie! Been watching your work a while, and its really come along super nice. You really get each step nailed down before going to the next. (Wish I had that kind of patience) The one aspect that really captures me in that scene is the utter lack of 'compression' that happens in so many modeled scenes (due to obvious space issues, or scenery placement) Now you just need to trash up the scene a bit with random scenery shrapnel.
Ha ha! That is the best jack o' lantern I have ever seen!!! Keep up the awesome work on the layout and be sure to post many more pics!! Between your layout, Jim's Oakville Sub, and John Parker's Fall River Division, I am getting more and more inspiration for my own layout and future track plans!!
Thanks as always for all the compliments. However, I have to point out that mucho credit goes to the members of this and other boards who have armed me with the know-how to make this stuff happen. Today's update: I have been stalled for a while with my scenery work because I have a rock cut that I want to hand carve, something I have never done before. I have watched the chapter of the Joe Fugate scenery DVD about a dozen times so tonight on a whim I mixed up a batch of plaster and slapped it on the face of the hill where the cut will go. It's drying now, and once it is dry enough I will go in and start the actual carving. Should be interesting! Updates later... Jamie
awesome work on the working gates, now did you make sure to get your signal guys out and check that all the bonds are on the rails and the activation circuits are working properly? LOL are they set to work like the real thing or on push button?
Signal guys did a great job. Not only do the signals activate for an approaching train and shut off once the train clears, but they also have a timeout feature (just like the real railroads) so the signals will shut off if a train crawls up to the crossing and stops short. I got this design from Bill Darnaby's article in Model Railroad Planning 2010. It requires three dedicated blocks for detection, but adds a nice touch of realism. I will explain the details if I can ever get the second #$%^@@* crossing gate actuator installed. Jamie
I took a few minutes (hours?) and read this entire thread today. This is just awesome stuff, practically a complete narrative on building the greatest train layout ever. You've got a lot of talent, and it's threads and pictures like these that keep us newbies going. Thanks!! :thumbs_up::msmile:
Jamie, This is an amazing layout. I'm new here and you have given me some good idea's for my next layout.
Greatest train layout ever? Thanks- I may have to print your post, frame it and hang it in the train room. Seriously, I greatly appreciate the compliments. I really owe most of the success to following in the footsteps of other great modelers on TrainBoard and other forums who were so kind and thoughtful to share their experiences. Your compliments let me know I must be getting something right! Now where is that USB printer cable... Jamie
Thanks Andrew, I too have got a lot of motivation and ides from following the progress of other layouts. Glad I could help out and I have a lot of new stuff to post in the coming weeks. Jamie
