Been working on the mountain side of the layout (N-scale). The trees are hand made with a hand full of ready made ones. Anyone have more ideas on what else can be done? Thanks
Okay. I would like to see a 'dead/dying' tree every once in a while. I think the rocks need a coat or two of black wash to more define the cracks. Possibly it is just a lighting issue with your photos. I would like to see some yellowish foliage and some different shades of green mixed in the solid green bushes parts. Tunnel portals could use some weathering. Also one soot mark on one of the portals looks a bit off center. Maybe my eyes. The left portal has no soot marks. Ballast work is well done. I think it would look better a bit dirtier. Perhaps a black wash there as well. Do these things and you will have taken a step toward that elusive goal of "realistic" scenery. IMHO of course. Jim:tb-biggrin:
Thanks Jim, the soot marks l have not forgot about or weathering the tunnel portals. The ballast l will go over with a airbrush for a dirtier look.
Since I can not do what you have done I picked more of a southwest feel for my layout. I did not need a lot of trees or rock walls so each scenery phase of modeling on the layout came together fairly quickly.
Overall looks quite good; but I must agree a dash of weathering and a dead tree trunk or two would set that extra measure of realism. Good job though
As to dead and dying here and there, I agree. Also, which way is the sun traveling? Some tanned and bare lower branches in the dark areas would really set it up nicely. Don't forget some branches and dead limbs on the ground and some dark underbrush.
Previous suggestions are good. Something else to consider is not making all the trees the same way. I recommend more variation in size of trees. Having everything the same size makes the forest too "cultured." Imperfection is more natural. Even in evergreen stands there is usually some variation in colors caused by mortality, fire, disease or a diversity of species. Experiment. I have even unwound some of the "cheap" manufactured trees, thinned out the bristles, cut the branches to different lengths, rewound them, sprayed them with hair spray, dipped them in various shades of scenery materials, and placed them back on the layout... much improved. IMHO. You can greatly improve the appearance of the trees by spending some time "dressing up" the trunks--concealing the twisted wires, etc. (That's a problem on my own layout) I will eventually do that by placing better looking trees in front. It's a work in progress. Some examples of a drier climate than the one you are modeling....
Looks great. You are very brave asking for a critique. I think a touch more weathering on the bridge would be nice. This could also be due to lighting,
I think it looks marvellous! The rocks look great, although a bit 'fresh', as if freshly scrubbed. The others are correct in that you should do a bit of a very light wash, maybe some swipes with a dry brush here and there. I will offer an observation on your first photo. I did the same as you on my current layout...the goop is too light. Not enough dye or paint, whatever you used, to make it earthen tan. Unfortunately, the lightness also contrasts with the underlying rock, which is grey. I would like to see some grey pebbles and rocks, even 'soil' strewn or bared here and there on the facing bright slope. I also agree that the trees could stand some stands...uh...of deciduous, some bare snags still erect, and evidence of corpses strewn underfoot to give the impression that the forest is much older than the holder of the camera. :teeth:
