Latest Layout Rebuild Efforts

quote:

I then drybrush it pretty heavily

What do you drybrush it with?

Neal, your layout's looking real nice! Are those tanks for some switch heaters? I like that double pole you have in the background. The Weaver poles are the best, thanks for your efforts! I just built up another batch this week.

Any chance you can share your PRR color mix? From what I've read and from the photos I've seen, it looks like building colors were decided on by local management. I think the only buff/brown tower photo I've ever seen was one of the Panhandle Bridge tower.

quote:

Originally posted by PRRMiddleDivision:

quote:

I then drybrush it pretty heavily

What do you drybrush it with?

I've been using Liquitex Basics acrylics lately. For the initial drybrushing before the rubber cement, I use straight white over the brown. Like I said, I'll do it pretty heavily to give me an exaggerated gray wood look. The final drybrushing is done with white with a bit of black and/or brown mixed in, or whatever's open at the time. I'll also use flat white latex if it's already open. The Liquitex stuff is pretty easy to use though. The final drybrushing is done lightly and selectively to 'pop' details.

Norm,

We must be on here simultaneously.

Anyhow, here is a link to the paint mixture site:

http://kc.pennsyrr.com/model/paint.php

The tanks you see I believe were orginally used to pneumatically control the switches. Today, they appear to carry propane to the switch heaters. They are made of nothing more than PVC end caps glued together, then four L shaped Plastruct legs are attached.

Glad you are still using the Weaver Line poles. I use them all over the place and kit bash them into all kinds of configurations!

Hey Norm,

I see there is one other modeling technique we both share...LOTSA cinders!!!

Got a bit more done on this end of the layout and have started on detailing things out:









Tonight I am going to clean all my track and run some freight!

...and a video clip, perhaps?

norm,

love what you did with those weaver houses, will you be going to trainstock 4 this saturday.

quote:

Originally posted by Norm Charbonneau:

These streets are really something. Mind if I ask what sort of material was used? Are those cracks just "naturally occurring" or are they achieved through some special technique? Thanks!

- Mike

Looks pretty much like it did before.

Looks great Norm! I enjoyed the preview yesterday on your phone at De La Salle.

Doug - how ya been?? Going to the show next Sunday? We'll see how much progress I make tonight. Maybe I can set up a Youtube channel for the vids...

Pete, thanks, I'd love to go check that out. I enjoyed watching that layout in the new TMB Hirail videos.

Mike, the streets are made out of 1/8" masonite hardboard (1/4" for the sidewalks on this section). Most of the expansion joints in these photos are from joining up separately-cut pieces but I also use a razor saw and a straight edge. The cracks and spalls are carved out with a utility knife.

Jumijo, thanks (I think?)...

Hey, Norm. Sundays have been booked up lately so I wont be going next Sunday either. Layout is looking good!

Doug

quote:

Originally posted by mkcaruso:
These streets are really something. Mind if I ask what sort of material was used? Are those cracks just "naturally occurring" or are they achieved through some special technique? Thanks!

- Mike

MDF board, a utility knife, a B.F.H. to add character, and paint and india ink washes. Real easy to do!

Norm,
The pictures of this layout are just fantastic.


Alan Graziano

Norm just beautiful work.
keep the pictures coming.

THANKS ALEX

HOW ABOUT A VIDEO

Norm you have a special touch for getting it right. Nice Pics.
I enjoyed our chat Sunday, I hope to see you around the Glancy again this weekend....jim

quote:

Originally posted by Norm Charbonneau:
Jumijo, thanks (I think?)...

I should have written more, but my daughter needed the computer. I meant it as a compliment. It looks the same as it did before in regards to the excellent scenery you've created. The gasket company's cement foundation in particular looks great.

Perfection, Norm. Wonderful, inspiring work. There is nobody quite like you, sir.

I just showed my wife your photos of the old houses, and she was positive they were real-life and couldn't believe they were a modeled scene.

Your master-craftsmanship is always consistent, yes, in your level of skill, but never "looks the same" (as Jumijo wrote in his first remark. ) It's refreshing and exciting to see every time you do an interpretation of any subject, familiar or wholly new. Your work is always new. Thanks for sharing your artistry w/ us. I continue to try to learn from you and improve. At the very least, I get inspired and motivated every time I see your work.
Highest regards,
Frank

BREATHTAKING!!! Norm, I think you are the re-incarnated Michelangelo!!! Frank said it best and there is simply no better way to say it...so, double what Frank said!!

Thanks!
Alan

Well guys, geez I don't know what to say other than thanks a lot!

No worries Jumijo, in some ways, this whole rebuild effort might be nothing more than rearranging the furniture so to speak...

I took a break and got my track cleaned. I slapped together a few trains, made a YT account (or I somehow had one since last year??), and got to use my camera for the first time making a few quick videos. Nothing too fancy for right now. I have locomotive and rolling stock projects stacked alongside all the other projects, both to the ceiling at this point...

I'll try to do the embed thing here:

Norm thank you so much for posting a beautiful video
of the layout and the trains.

LOOKS AWESOME

THANKS ALEX

Very cool and the videos are a great addition to get a better appreciation. Keep the updates coming!!! Thanks

just like the last layout, it looks real to me.

Norm, I attended college in the rust belt, and those old houses look EXACTLY like what you would see in a broken-down part of town. Took me right back. Friggin' uncanny. My hat's off to you.

OK Norm
Time to come clean.
You located some B&W Film for the Steam Loco Video, Colorized it, Photo shopped the third rail in and you are passing it along as a model. Same with the other two videos.
Some outstanding modeling you have there sir!
Thank you for sharing your efforts.
Bill