This looks good, however the one thing I notice is a lack of utility access. Walking down the sidewalk here in SF I see an electric,water,cable,telephone, or sewer access cover about every 3-4 squares. Although this might just be the fact that I am in SF, I figure larger cities have more of these than small towns (if that is what you're going for), but either way, it might be something you want to consider.
Diezmon, good job on the sidewalks! They add up to the realism of the block scene. Mike, a turnout handlaying howto would be MUCH appreciated
Lots of them in Roslindale here along with the 4' tall type that control intersections (I think). if you want photos I'll be happy to get some.
I've been building and painting building flats. I got all of these from two kits: DPM's Wilhelmi Mercantile and the Walthers 3 in 1 Modular building kit #2. I hand painted everything except the Walthers windows. Then everything got a moderate airbrush weathering to fade the colors and reduce contrast. These will all go into the background at Dixon where I had attempted using the Model Builder software to make paper flats. My paper flats started curling and looking pretty lame. I'm just about ready to do some more photographic backdrop staging like I did earlier in this thread. Time will tell if I can get results as good as the first time around. The more I use the Walthers modular components, the more I'm impressed with their utility and quality. They're as much fun as Lego blocks. And I have yet to buy a DPM kit that I don't like. Their detail is just gorgeous, downright hard to resist, a joy to paint.
I was going back over some of my posts here in the Winter Party thread and seen this... Hey Owen, who were the lucky members? I bet they were really happy! -Mike
Well I think I'm getting to the final stages of scenery on the mountain side of the layout. I put some talus in last night and man does it really bring a sense of realism! Pictures: I think a few more trees and maybe some deadfall and this scene will be complete!
haha! you guys kill me! That guy has no idea that he's about to get eaten! Great stuff Mark =) So there was 8 things I wanted to get done during this party, and I'm just now starting number 2. =( Here is where my upper level work has gotten to. The green line is completed track work, the yellow line is just the wood subroadbed, and the red is just benchwork. Instead of continuing with the subroadbed in the top right corner of the plan, I started cutting up the subroadbed for the Walker River canyon area, which will curve back and fourth along the "long" wall of the layout room, at the bottom of the plan. Here is what I have so far. Coming out of the upper level staging, this is the sharpest curve on the main line, at a 20" radius. This is looking the other way from the top pic. This will be the top of the canyon, and I will also have a passing siding start here. The area at the curve here is Sonora Jct. (name taken from the actual place) Eventually Calif. State Highway 108 will cross the tracks here. This is a nice big 30" and 31" radius curve. This area will also be elevated about 2" so that the tracks really will go "down hill" in the canyon. -Mike
great work Mike, you're a whiz with a jigsaw I'm going more street work.. experimenting with cracks. lashedup over on RW gave me a tip about using a pencil.. so here goes
Very cool! Mike- Cant wait to see the Walker River area finished on your layout. Seeing trains snake along side rivers is my favorite!
Very realistic! Years ago, I used to manage highway construction projects, saw countless miles of cracking. Yours are the best I've seen. Good work!
To all Party Guests Soon they still on Back Order and besides I have been very busy with a Server Update and Maintenance.
