Probably 3/8", Craig, maybe more. I say probably because I haven't measured. I just slop the stuff on trying to even out the lattice pattern. When cracks appear it's usually in a very thick spot. I don't try to exactly reproduce any scenery feature except roughly - so the joint compound is the way I prefer to work. I like to do at least two coats with 24 hours to dry between. So on a given area I can do the lattice, the cloth, and the first coat the first day, the second coat (which is sometimes enough) on day two, and then go on from there on day three to paint and grass or whatever.
I will have to try some joint compound. I have been mixing plaster and painting that on over my plywood and my foam board. And then I have been using the Woodland Scenics paints to color it. Craig
THAT has to be messy! Joint compound comes in nice buckets, too! You can change the finish by using more or less water on a brush and can tool it for a fairly long time, unlike plaster which, when it sets, sets.
I only have a few minutes to work with it and then the paint brush starts to harden up so I have to move quickly. That is why I like your way of doing it. I just have to use up the bucket of plaster I have before I make the switch. I just didn't try it before because I was worried about the cracking. But after seeing your results--- nuff said. Craig
And if you put it on thin enough, it will dry more quickly - you could paint on one coat in the morning and another in the afternoon. Remember, the cracking will only occur when the compound is very thick. Keep it thin and no problem.
I've pretty much finished the SE corner over staging - do need some more trees, they're coming - now it's time to play contortionist to get the other side done...
Looking great..... :thumbs_up::thumbs_up:. I wish my scenery will look this good when I start my module off Essex, MT
I had to pull out a couple of my BNSF locos and run them just because I have enjoyed looking at them on your layout (I have a pic of one of your completed areas as my Windows desktop background). Looking good! Jamie
(BLUSH) Aw, shucks! (When was the last time you heard THAT one!) Seriously, Jamie, that's very flattering. Thanks!
We're still in the southeast corner of the staging area. This area will be virtually inaccessible so the scenery HAS to be done now. You won't be able to see where the tracks go when finished - likely next week. Here's the first coat of joint compound: And here we are with ballast and vegitation: Now to the area immediately in front of the camera; I've been working on the lattice today but the camera was two floors away! Next week!
Love that S curve Jim. It reminds me of this stretch leading into Caliente, which I bet you're familiar with: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=241323&nseq=78 I have a similar scene in my plan, which I've started to mock up: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e5acdvEknRGXsn4n2M_q9A?feat=directlink but you're *way* ahead of me. Keep up the good work! -Gary
You nailed it, Gary. I have of course taken liberties - I mainly wanted to disguise the entry to the main level - and this will do that nicely. Gee, if I had another thousand square feet.... Thanks for the encouragement!
This week I installed the first six (of 18) sensors in the staging area of The Oakville Sub. I dabbled with sensors on the previous layout - and learned just enough to know that whatever I chose would have to be simple, foolproof, easy to install, and versatile. The product I chose impressed me enough to tell you about it. The sensors are from a company called MR MatiX http://www.mrmatix.com/ and I found them through Google. I placed a trial order which arrived quickly via the mail. I studied the well-written instructions and decided to try a vertical mounting. I would also enclose the sensor and source tubes in a 1/4" tube for lexibility purposes. I put the sensor and source in place and found it was VERY sensitive - it would see my hand a foot above the sensor! This was not a good thing since the scenery at this point will only be six inches above the sensor. Also with vertical mounting, the sensors would not detect gray or clack loco underframes. I decided to try a crossfire mount - the sensors mounted at about a 45 degree angle two ties apart. Here's a view of the underside: What a difference, with the crossfire mounting, the sensing is 100 per cent accurate. It doesn't see anything over two inches above the track, and colors make no difference. Here's a shot of a couple in place: The same board and sensor/source can be used across a track instead of reflective as I used them. There is an on board LED (see the first picture) for testing and a separate set of solder pads (with resistor) for a remote LED. And there's a set of contacts as well for triggering a remote device. When I installed the last four (of six) I didn't even adjust the source or sensor position - they simply worked, no fuss, no muss, no bother. The balance of my sensors are on their way, so the control panel for staging is about to become active. John at MRmatix also emailed me some very helpful hints, as well as allaying some fears I had about a large number (12) of sensors and sources in a small area. If you need sensing, give them a shot. I think you'll be pleased.
In addition to installing some proximity sensors in the staging area I continued work above the southeast corner of staging. Here's a couple of shots:
If I recall earlier posts correctly, I believe that is the entrance from/exit to staging? If so, that is a grand entrance. Makes you want to grab the scanner and climb the hill to wait for a few trains. Jamie
Dave, I haven't monkeyed with video just yet, other than one taken on the old layout. I just want to get further along before I go that route. And my sweetie doesn't mow my lawn...Lucky guy! Absolutely correct, Jamie, and it's working out as well as I'd hoped. In addition to the control panel for staging, I'll be adding some rocks to the hills this week. My main hang up at this point is needing the Atlas code 55 rerailers in place before I can button up staging...I tried building my own with no luck. I find myself gravitating over to that corner whenever I'm running - just something about that scene...
