Well, instead of attempting to scenic the entire layout all at once, I've decided to concentrate on creating mini-scenes, small areas where the scenery is mostly completed before tackling another scene. I already have the fishing scene complete, that's the "immovable lift out section" that shows the railroad crossing the Illinois River. Here's the next mini-scene to get started: St. Mark Church & School. St. Mark Lutheran Church sits on Church Street just as you come into town...see the sign! Many Lutheran churches have their own school. St. Mark is no exception. Here's the playground. Another view of the playground. The grassy area to the right on the picture is the St. Mark Cemetary. There's still a lot of work needed to be done. Trees and gravestones in the cemetary, a fence around the cemetary, a taller fence between the playground and the railroad tracks is a must. Also, little details still needed, like a sign on the school. Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois) http://www.pegnsean.net/~revnjeff
Actually, I like this method. Sort of a "modular scenery" idea. It's the way I'll be doing my planned empire. If only finishing the basement could be done this way! Boxcab E50
The scenery is simplicity at it's best. The gravel parking lot is WS ballast. The grass is WS grass blend. I use full strength Elmer's white glue smoothed over the surface to be covered. Then I dump a handful (or two or five) on the glue. It's smoothed out to cover all the glue-covered area. Then, I use a round bottle of paint (craft type) and use it as a roller over the surfaces. When the glue is dry, I sweep up the extra, saving most of it. Then the shop vac cleans up the rest. This area took less than 2 hours, with the gravel being done prior to the grass. Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois) http://www.pegnsean.net/~revnjeff
It looks Great Reverand,Being the son of a Lutheran Minister and the Brother of another i know a few things about Lutherans.#1 there would be some Flower beds somewhere or you would never hear the end of it from the ladies I spose a lutefisk and Lefse booth might be a bit much,but a kool aid stand by the church corner was standard when i was a kid Great Job though.the grass gravel parking area is awesome!!
That's one thing that has to be added. Flowers. Just trying to find the appropriate material for N-Scale. Well, I am from the German Lutherans, so I was considering an Oktoberfest party, complete with German Ompa Band and Beer! Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois) http://www.pegnsean.net/~revnjeff
At one time I lived in Kitchener Ontario and at Oktoberfest there was always a parade through town so hope to see a parade scene at some time Jeff. Nice modelling.
Nice job on the scenery. That's a good idea: do one scene at a time. It should really make the modeler think progress. By the way, we Episcopalians consume wine but also enjoy beer. Will you serve brats at the Octoberfest? RevJohn The Milwaukee Road! Yes!!
Keep an eye peeled for weeds this summer that have tiny buds just before the flower blooms. Clip some off while green, tie them at the stem, and hang them up in your garage out of the way untill this fall so they can dry out. When dry, dip the whole thing in thinned green paint and allow to dry. To "plant" use a push pin to make a small hole where you want the flowers, and hold one with a tweezer, as you clip it off to the length desired, and dip the stem in white glue, then insert it in the pin hole. It will stand up while you do others. Use various colors and just touch the tops to make the blooms stand out. At "N" size they look like a row of flowers, or can be a whole full bed. It just depends on how much time you want to plant flowers. If you have a plywood top, remember most flower beds are raised a few inches above ground level for good drainage. Use a thin piece of foam painted earth color. The push pin will go in easily, and any flowers that get broken off can be replaced with another at any time. You might even wish to place a lady working in the flower bed. This also works well for HO.
Hmmmm. Interesting! I've seen tornadoes, circuses, baseball games, airfields, and more. But never a parade in N scale. How a scene from "The Music Man?" Do I hear 76 trombones...... Boxcab E50
Brats? Of course...along with healthy helpings of saurkraut. But for those who aren't into cabbage, brats will be available without the saurkraut. Beer will be Point Special, straight from the keg! Taxi service will be provided (for a fee) for those who have too much to drink. Oktoberfest will be held October 3-5, Friday 6pm til Midnight, Saturday 11 AM til Midnight, and Sunday 10 AM til 5 PM. A special polka service will be held Sunday morning. Tickets are $10 per day, and a 3 day pass for $22.50. All proceedes go to help raise funds for a new school roof. St. Mark Oktoberfest Committe
