While the thermostat is turned up to max back in most of the US, I'm going to try to chill it down with some of the coolest modeling photos I have ever seen. I don't do this very often, but I am highlighting a very talented modeler with just a sampling of his layout this week. *drumroll* The guest of honor is no stranger to MPOTW--Maandg's modeling knocked my socks off, since it is so realistic. With no further ado.... A pair of covered wagons receive some TLC in the diesel house: Union Pacific doesn't beleive in using these very often, but here's some wash racks installed in the shops complex: If you have to ask, you prolly don't want to know what might be draining from those pipes into the harbor--the grain elevator is large and imposing as the small steamer shuffles cars around the elevator: Is anyone else hungry for bacon all of the sudden? This back alley industry shot includes a well-executed billboard fence and ivy creeping all overthe place: Well done my friend! See you next week!
If I'm not mistaken the harbour/grain elevator shot is of the Napoleon Ave wharf on the MA&G, also known as the Magnolia route. A layout of incredible attention to detail, an absolute toure de' force and one that I return to often since discovering it several years ago. (I referred my club President to it just last weekend) The only problem with it, it makes me feel so inadequate and lacking in time and money, let alone talent, things you would need in abundance to complete (or even dare to begin). But because there is so much to marvel at and enjoy I cannot resist the need to immerse the senses in not just the detail but the insights and vignettes of human interaction with what we all enjoy. Railroading. If there is anyone not familiar with the layout, prepare to not only be in awe, but to have several days available for viewing if you wish to see it all from start to finish. The fact that I only immediately recognised the waterfront scene and not the others indicates I haven't done it justice.
I agree that the results are great and to even try to keep up seems daunting. My answer is don't try, but rather look forward to a time when it will all come together. Many accomplished modelers that I have seen locally have pieces on their current layout from many years and layouts of their past. So over a great time period they have created, destroyed, reworked, rebuilt, and updated to have a great collection of various items. I have realized that many of these folks simply have a lifetime of projects on display. I strive to be there one day too, but then most of us do.
My own modeling is made better by threads like this. When I see these great pictures, I realize that my own modeling, when I stop at "good enough," really isn't good enough. Just by seeing what others have been able to accomplish, I realize that I can do better. Thanks to everyone who contributes to raising the bar in this great hobby.
