Awesome work on the details @luvindemtrains! It’s amazing how a few pipes will take a small scene to a whole new level. @G3750 I was thinking the same thing with the yard! 😂

Thanks Rich! I agree. It definitely helps with achieving the "industrial" look.

Another well done segment!!

Thanks Mark!

Dave, wonderful work and I always love reading your post and checking out your videos as there is so much that can be learned from you!

Thank you sir!

Mike,

I always appreciate your complimentary words and encouragement.

Dave

Dave, I know you mentioned in the video that you put a lot more time into this area than you expected to, but it was worth it! Great scene that most folks wouldn’t have taken the time to address. I really enjoy your approach of trying an option and letting it sit for a few days or so. The level of detail is top notch as always.

Andy

Thanks Andy! This section of the layout is not very big so it's easier to concentrate on details. As far as "sitting" on an idea. I have changed so many things on the layout because I just wanted to get it done. So now I take this approach along with taking photos, so that there is much less of a chance that I will change it later.

Here are a few photos of some Downtown Deco kits I'm constructing. Over the last year and a half I have been collecting older D.D. kits. I like the newer ones as well and may add a few, but the older ones have a unique character that I really like. I'm kind of on a building binge, ala Peter(Putnam Division). I'm experimenting with an idea I discovered online. I'm assembling the walls of each structure first, which will give me a footprint in real time. I will then experiment with building  placement. I'm obviously assembling them one at a time starting with the larger ones. As I construct the four walls I can begin placing them on the layout and determine which one I want to construct and add next. Using this process I can also determine how much real estate I have so that I either continue constructing or stop. Besides that benefit, I can also use this process to create a bit of uniformity from one building to the next when I begin to paint and detail the buildings. I suppose I could fully construct and detail each building initially and accomplish the same thing but this way will give me a faster sense of satisfaction and motivate me to want to get to the next step when I see the potential. For a person like me who loses interest rather quickly, this might be the way to go.

This small town will not only be comprised of D.D. kits solely. I'm starting out with them because of their fragility and the time I know I will need to spend detailing them. Here's a few shots of what I have so far. My goal is to have two assembled per week. With these crazy work hours, that might be a stretch, as it's taking everything I have in me now just to post this, lol.

Dave

I have 20 or 30 DD structures on my pike, really like them. In the early days of developing the pike (pretty large, 25 x 55) I made foam board mock ups of the DD kits in order to develop the scenes on the pike.

I found that developing stylistic consistency among the buildings pretty much takes care of itself once you develop your techniques for dealing with plaster walls, etc. Just stick with what works for you. The literature abounds with discussions of priming vs no priming...  I always prime my plaster walls, have been delighted with the results. Others disagree.  The key is, when you figure out what works for you, therein lies your consistency.

I just wish I had more real estate for some DD buildings...

Jan

@luvindemtrains posted:

My goal is to have two assembled per week. With these crazy work hours, that might be a stretch, as it's taking everything I have in me now just to post this, lol.

Dave

If you mean 4 walls up, then maybe. If you mean fully built, then 2 a week is a bit ambitious IMO.  I’ve got a few sitting in various states of completion, and I work on them here and there as I get ideas or figure out what to do with them.  A lot are built and just need signs, but there’s others that are painted and nothing else, etc…

If you just slam em together like the directions say, you can build the small kits in a few nights. But, especially with the big ones, the details take time. I think the pillow factory took a few weeks to build and detail (the more windows there are in the building will increase build time exponentially). Don’t rush, but also don’t move em around too much, you’ll pick up little chips and nicks that way, and it’s annoying to try and blend the finish after you’ve painted and weathered it.

Jan,

Thanks for your input. I agree. My plan is to get a routine and consistency going as I address these kits. This is not to say I want the kits to look the same but I want it to look like the engineers planned the town out well.

Boilermaker,

When I say 2 a week I mean four walls. As I stated I know the kits will take some time to detail which is one reason I have chosen this process. I will feel better about detailing a kit I know is actually going on the layout not to mention getting ideas from one kit to the next. I'm also in the process of a kitbash with another D.D. kit similar to the pillow factory and it's been over 6 months since I started it. Once you get that thing going it's very fragile.

Dave

Here's the series of stages to building the Woolworth building from River Leaf Models. The kit was relatively straight forward construction and that left a lot of room for detailing. I didn't want to overdo it but added a few things not included with the kit. The building will not necessarily be a feature piece on the layout but when spotted it will certainly garner memories from viewers as it does for me. I'm not sure what is going on with Andre because there's another building I would like to get from him. Most of the items on the site show on backorder and he hasn't been responding to emails. Hope he is ok.

First several pics show parts and assembly steps. Then there are photos with the building completely assembled. I show both sides and the front of the building. Nothing happening with the back, at least for now. Lastly, I have a photo of it on the layout. Not sure if this will be its home but I needed to get it off the workbench.

Lastly, you can watch the build on my latest YouTube video.

Thanks for stopping by.

Dave

Dave, Wow, Awesome job on the River Leaf Woolworth building. Thanks for the instructive pictures and your video. Colors, signs and details just so realistic.

Tom

Great build! Am in process of building a Woolworth for Port Colborne on my layout. JohnA

Tom-Much appreciated and thank you for checking out the video.

John A-Thank you as well. Please share photos of your Woolworth when completed.

Dave

Very nice job on the Woolworths building, Dave.  We had one here I always remembered when we came to town; we lived 15 miles outside of town.

@luvindemtrains posted:

Here's the series of stages to building the Woolworth building from River Leaf Models. The kit was relatively straight forward construction and that left a lot of room for detailing. I didn't want to overdo it but added a few things not included with the kit. The building will not necessarily be a feature piece on the layout but when spotted it will certainly garner memories from viewers as it does for me. I'm not sure what is going on with Andre because there's another building I would like to get from him. Most of the items on the site show on backorder and he hasn't been responding to emails. Hope he is ok.

First several pics show parts and assembly steps. Then there are photos with the building completely assembled. I show both sides and the front of the building. Nothing happening with the back, at least for now. Lastly, I have a photo of it on the layout. Not sure if this will be its home but I needed to get it off the workbench.

Lastly, you can watch the build on my latest YouTube video.

Thanks for stopping by.

Dave

Dave, I really like what you did with the colors…..and, I too worry about what happened to Andre……I hope he is well and I hope the business starts up again. He has a true talent!

Peter

Dave I love this project and the way the building came out.

Brings back many memories.

Thanks - great job

@Mark Boyce posted:

Very nice job on the Woolworths building, Dave.  We had one here I always remembered when we came to town; we lived 15 miles outside of town.

I second Mark's comments. We had one next town over and always a treat to go to Woolworths. You project brings back fond memories and is so nicely done.

Tom

@luvindemtrains posted:

Here's the series of stages to building the Woolworth building from River Leaf Models. The kit was relatively straight forward construction and that left a lot of room for detailing. I didn't want to overdo it but added a few things not included with the kit. The building will not necessarily be a feature piece on the layout but when spotted it will certainly garner memories from viewers as it does for me. I'm not sure what is going on with Andre because there's another building I would like to get from him. Most of the items on the site show on backorder and he hasn't been responding to emails. Hope he is ok.

First several pics show parts and assembly steps. Then there are photos with the building completely assembled. I show both sides and the front of the building. Nothing happening with the back, at least for now. Lastly, I have a photo of it on the layout. Not sure if this will be its home but I needed to get it off the workbench.

Lastly, you can watch the build on my latest YouTube video.

Thanks for stopping by.

Dave

Dave,

Fabulous work as usual.    I am taking lots of notes on this project in particular.  I bought the same building from River Leaf in the S.S. Kresge variant.  You know the one I'm going to build, right?  On the corner of Market & Fifth?  My grandfather (the same one that bought "porgies" at Baker's Market) would take me in there for pistachios and cashews on our little bus trips to Steubenville.

Keep up the great work.

And no, I've not given up on Highland and Superior.  It's just on hold while I wrestle this Open Hearth mill into existence.  It's a huge project and taking much longer (and more resources, i.e. $$$) than I expected.

George

Peter-Thank you. I'm hoping that someone will chime in to at least let us know Andre is ok.

John-Thank you. I really like adding things, to the layout, that many of us can relate to or in this case, remember.

Tom-Thanks again! If you feel that way then goal accomplished, as I like to create memories on the layout.

George-Thank you. We had a few of these 5 and 10 stores, some in the same block McCrory's, Woolworth, etc. Also, no problem on the Highland project. I'm                     the same way. I start a project and many times don't finish it because I go start another and it takes more time than I originally thought. I have a                         short attention span so this usually yields better results when I come back to the original project. Please post photos when you get to your kit.

Dave

Dave, your work still is Amazing! I don't have room really for many more buildings, but pleanty of room for some flats and I am sure I could use the same method on them. When I get some free time, I am going to sit down and watch your video! Thanks for posting your skills for everyone to learn from!

Thanks Mike! I really like using  background flat buildings. They really fill that smaller footprint and create depth.

Dave

Good Morning Everyone,

I recently reached 300 subscribers on my YouTube channel. Though it's a very small number compared to other content creators, it's a milestone for me. Here's a video with a tour of the layout and running session. Thanks for all of your support and watching my videos.

Dave

Absolutely beautiful work.  The scenery and the track work look like a movie set /

Marty

Very interesting and good quality video. Was there a certain material used to cover the side walls? It looks like rough concrete in a way.  Thanks for posting.

Jim K

Dave,

Absolutely sweet.  Very, very nice work.

Thanks for letting us see it.

Mike

Dave, proud to be one of the 300. Excellent work, and thank you for making the videos, they are interesting and an inspiration.

Andy

Thanks to all that have replied with messages thus far. It's really appreciated and very encouraging.

Jim K- If you're talking about the walls on the building showing before the video starts, it was a kit. The kit's walls were made that way. I just painted them.

Dave

Dave we are enjoying your videos and find them to be a source of new ideas. We are going to try a couple of DD buildings. Plaster is interesting to work with.

Thanks

Thanks Bill, I really appreciate that. The DD buildings have a lot of character and add variety to plastic and wooden buildings.

Dave

Dave.....your work is AMAZING!

I absolutely love your kit-bash of the Walthers/Atlas dairy.

Peter

Thank you much Peter!

Dave

Great to see the whole layout Dave. Very nice work .

Bob

Much appreciated Bob!

Dave

Dave, congratulations on 300 subscribers!  The video really shows off you fine modeling well!

David,

I thought the video was great. I loved watching the train run.

Thanks a lot Mark and Alan!

Dave

Good Morning Forumites! Here is the second half of my YouTube video celebrating 300 subs. In this one I'm just running trains.  Enjoy!

Dave

Dave the trains look great running on your wonderfully sceniced layout!

Mark I really appreciate the compliment.

Dave

I watched the part 2 video this morning. Wow! What a great layout! I was surprised to see a 2 rail section in the layout. You really did a great job blending 2 rail and 3 rail. Your layout should be in a magazine (if it hasn’t already been featured somewhere).

Awesome comment Phil and thank you much!

Dave

Dave, it has been a while since I got a comment on over here. I watched your video yesterday morning after breakfast before leaving home for a while. I got to say, one heck of a layout, great transformation. I have missed quite a bit from back over on page 3 or 4. Just get busy and miss posts. Great work, love the model building a lot. Towns look fantastic.

Hey Dave, I'm glad you got a chance to watch the video. Thank you for your wonderful compliment.

Dave

Excellent video Dave, and thank you for sharing it with us. I enjoyed seeing the trains run of course, but I also enjoyed seeing your layout in more detail and from multiple perspectives. Well done.

Andy

Hi Dave,  Not sure how I missed this thread,  but its great!  I just subscribed and will go back to Page 1 to get the full history.  I have several regrets with my layout, with the biggest being not having it an around the room type like yours. 

All the best,  Dave

Hi Everyone,

Here's a video of the work I have been doing on small town on the layout. The area is only about 43"x 57" and the struggle has been how to arrange the buildings. The video shows the trials and tribulations I go through before I finally just make a decision on the layout of the town. Now that this is over the work can begin. Enjoy.

Dave

@luvindemtrains posted:

Hi Everyone,

Here's a video of the work I have been doing on small town on the layout. The area is only about 43"x 57" and the struggle has been how to arrange the buildings. The video shows the trials and tribulations I go through before I finally just make a decision on the layout of the town. Now that this is over the work can begin. Enjoy.

Dave

great video, and buildings

Thank you Dave!

@luvindemtrains

Dave:

Your layout is shaping up to be a GREAT one. Where did you get the Downton Deco, O Scale, Old Brick Sidewalks? I did not see them on the Downtown Deco web site.

Thank you.

Dave, I thought the angled street looked like a great idea, will be nice to see what you settle on.  I have several DTD buildings I need to assemble, but after a couple of WS buildings are completed. and of course construction of TPRR2.

Very interesting video. Can't wait for part 2!!

Randy-Thank you kindly sir. I believe those particular sidewalks are no longer being made. He has another type without the brickwork.

ScoutingDad-I liked that one too and probably was overthinking it and changed it. I actually took a vote with 5 of my train friends and 3 of them liked that one too. Do you have the newer or older DD buildings?

Phil-Thank you and part 2 is coming soon.

Dave

Dave, Thank you for taking us through the thought process that has gone into your newest town.  I am like Jeff liking the angled street, but surely realize what you have come up with now will suit you better.  Thank you for taking the time to make your videos.  They take a bit of time in and of themselves.

Will you be taking all those Hydrocal buildings off the base when you want to move it?  It seems to me as a group, they will be a bit heavy.

Hi Mark,

As always, thank you for your appreciation and supportive remarks. I'm starting to feel like I should've taken a survey on here for the town layout, lol. Several people like the angled street and it was a last minute decision to change it.

I will definitely have to remove buildings when I need to remove the diorama from the layout. The good thing about it is if I decide to change it up later, that option will be easy because it's not secured to the bench work.

Dave

Dave, that is what I was noticing; there is a nice solid base underneath.  You can position the base on it and the buildings will be weight enough to keep anything from moving.  Thank you!

Dave, like Mark and others, I enjoy the process. To my eye the angled street in and of itself is an interesting feature in the scene. But, as always you have to like not only the overall scene, but the features within the scene. I’m sure whatever you decide on will look great. Can’t wait to see this scene progress.

Andy

Thanks Andy. I hope this turns out the way I am envisioning it to. If not, I can always change it.

Dave

That’s the great part Dave, if you don’t like it, start again until you’re happy with the scene.

Andy

Morning Dave, I really love the video and how you explain the thought process! I will keep that in mind when I get to the point of putting my town back together. I really think the video is a great idea and thank you so much for sharing it with the rest of us! I can't wait to see part 2!

Dave what is the thickness of the foam?

@luvindemtrains posted:

Randy-Thank you kindly sir. I believe those particular sidewalks are no longer being made. He has another type without the brickwork.

ScoutingDad-I liked that one too and probably was overthinking it and changed it. I actually took a vote with 5 of my train friends and 3 of them liked that one too. Do you have the newer or older DD buildings?

Phil-Thank you and part 2 is coming soon.

Dave

@luvindemtrains  Dave I have 3 Downtown Deco buildings.  DD46 Trackside Tavern, DD48 Patterson Hardware and DD52 First Timer Bar (can't find this one in the still unpacked moving boxes). The latter is opened and I was looking into how to "glue" all the sides together, keep everything aligned and then finish. As with life, things got in the way and I have not been able to get to these buildings.

The reason I tend to prefer the curved streets is for the visual effect. Looking down a street scene and seeing the layout room wall in the distance tends to ruin the "effect" for me. Having the street turn makes the eye believe the street keeps going around the bend. I am going to have a real challenge with this on TPRR2 as I have narrow long spaces for buildings and scenery.

Andy-Absolutely and I have no problem with doing that...well maybe not, lol.

Mike-Thank you very much. I like looking at things that help, inspire, and educate me on here. I'm glad I can reciprocate. The foam is 1" thick.

ScoutingDad- Thanks for sharing what DD buildings you have. I was just curious. Those are some nice kits and if strategically placed will certainly add a certain character that are unique to those buildings. I agree with your statement about curved streets. It's all about illusions. We'll have to see if I stick to my plan. Keep us posted on your build as I'm sure, if  you get stuck, you'll get plenty of suggestions.

Thanks Guys!

Dave

Hi Everyone,

Here's Part 2...

Thank you for the update, Dave!  

You're welcome Mark! More to come.

Dave

Dave great update and love the teaching you're doing. But I do have one question, are you worried about the hydrocal cracking if you lift the section off the layout?

Mike,

Good question and I wish I could say that was the only thing I am worried about. To answer your question, YES! However I don't plan to ever move the diorama completely off of the layout unless I'm removing it for good. I will simply maneuver it around to work on it. Even with doing that, I will need to be careful. I have moved it off the layout once thus far, and realized afterwards I didn't really have to. This is all an experiment for me, so we'll see if it was worth it.

Dave

Hi Everyone,

Here are some progress photos of the roads and sidewalks I've created for my small town diorama. At the end I have posted my latest YouTube video on the project.

Dave

Impressive Dave. Now you've given me more ideas for my town and the new DownTownDeco buildings  shipping from Cabin Fever.  Jeff

Only thing is I will not use dry to set compound anymore. I am using the 45 minute drymix. Far less cracking and shrinking for me. Your sidewalks look great.

Really good work, Dave!

Peter

Really nice work Dave!

I don't know how I missed this thread.

ScoutingDad-Glad you pulled something from my shenanigans. I have to ask what DD buildings did you end up getting from Cabin Fever?

Peter-Thank you! I'm really enjoying your engine facility build.

Steve-As the title of this thread says, "Never too late". Glad you stopped by and welcome aboard.

Dave

Excellent work Dave! The process and results speak for themselves. Instead of dry sanding, I have done wet sanding in the past with good results. It allows for finer control when sanding, and as a bonus, no dust. I’ve used a damp sponge and add water to the sponge when needed. Or you could even use your fingers.

Andy

Looks great Dave! I was going to say the same thing as Andy but he beat me to it. Wet sanding is a wonderful way to go.

I love.the sidewalk drains and the manholes. Keep up the wonderful work!

Dave this is coming along nicely. The other side of the tracks reminds me of the travails of Lee Willis’s Trailer Park residents several years ago. Can’t wait to see what buildings, etc you have selected.

Andy-Thanks for the suggestion and please tell me more. Do you wet the plaster and what do you use to do the sanding?

Mike-Andy sounds like he knows what he is talking about but it doesn't hurt to hear it again. Thanks again for the compliment.

Bill-Thank you. I have a vision and hope that I can pull it off.

Dave

@luvindemtrains posted:

ScoutingDad-Glad you pulled something from my shenanigans. I have to ask what DD buildings did you end up getting from Cabin Fever?

Peter-Thank you! I'm really enjoying your engine facility build.

Steve-As the title of this thread says, "Never too late". Glad you stopped by and welcome aboard.

Dave

Dave - I could not pass these up even if for a kit bash.

Pawn Shop  - no number I can see

DD27 Pet shop / Massage Parlor

DD47 Tiki Time Tavern

DD56 Atomic Cafe

A Stoney Creek kit - Hodges Drug and Chemical

These should keep me busy for awhile.

Dave,

Wet sanding is done by using a damp sponge like a small cell applicator type or even a regular kitchen sponge. Sponges with larger cells will be more aggressive. You can approach it two different ways; by slightly wetting the surface by sprinkling a few drops of water on it, or misting with a spray bottle, and then sand lightly with the sponge. Or you can dampen the sponge and wring it out a little and then sand. This technique has its place. You have finer control and no dust. It does create a slurry that you will need a container of clean water the rinse the sponge every now and again. Also, it will create softer edges, but on the other hand it does allow you to transition more gradually from one surface to another. And I have done wet sanding with joint compound around the house. It is also a little slower process, but that’s not a bad thing for our tasks in this hobby. It allows you to sand a little and evaluate more easily instead of having dust everywhere. Give it a try, I think you will come up with some great results.

Andy

ScoutingDad-sounds great and know they will will turn out very nice on your layout. I've been looking DD47 Tiki Time Tavern for over a year now, so that was a good find.

Andy-I appreciate the tip and I wish would've mentioned this before I started the project. It would've saved me a few sanding pads,lol. Oh well, I know for next time. To be clear are you speaking about the plaster or the joint compound? Will the technique work on both?

Dave

Dave, I’ve only used the technique on joint compound. I can’t  speak to using it on plaster. I also think of it more in terms of smoothing rather than sanding.

Andy

Andy,

Great information and much appreciated.

Dave

Anytime Dave, glad to help.

Andy

Good Day Everyone,

I have started detailing some DD buildings for my small town scene. These are fun to build and have a lot potential when it comes to detailing. I'll start of with the building that had a very unfortunate accident.  This is Triumph Fireworks. A video of the process is at the end of the post.

Dave

Looks Great Dave! I am sure it is going to be perfect for your new layout area~!

That's an awesome building! Can't wait to watch the video later on!

Much appreciated Mike and Bill!

Dave

Nice work on the building Dave, the theme cracks me up. Someone had a bad day 😉. As always I enjoy the video too.

Andy

Thank you Andy, glad you enjoyed the video.

Dave

Good Day Modelers,

I just finished up another DD build for the new small town I'm working on. Again this was fun, but because the building is no longer in production, I always get worried about broken pieces. Anyways, here are few photos as well as the video of the build. The first photo shows the corrugated metal waiting to be installed on the roof of the stairwell. It also shows what I'm calling my signature decal, which is one of a superhero. I will put these on each of my DD buildings. What can I say, I grew up watching them and they made their mark. The last photo shows the lot the building will be placed on...at least as of today.

Dave

Dave great work on the new building and thanks for putting together another video on how you build them!

Having a skid row always says 1930's railroading to me. Love it!

Mike G. and Roy thank you much. These are fun to work on. Many possibilities.

David

Hello Guys and Gals,

Today I didn't get much done on the layout but felt compelled to post a memorial I can come back and look at from time to time. Today I lost my Elbee. He was a neighborhood rescue that kept coming back to the front of my home in 2019. We posted his information in our neighborhood facebook and group me but after 2 weeks he was situationally adopted. It wasn't too long after claiming him that we noticed he was having some issues and after a visit with the vet it was confirmed, Elbee had a heart murmur. At that point, my goal was to give  him a good home until it became too difficult to carry on. Well today, after a visit with the vet, we told him it was ok and he left.

A few have posted the loss of their pets and as long as we have them we know eventually we will lose them. Because I do not have any human children my dogs get the "royal" treatment but this part of the commitment never gets any easier.

I posted these photos earlier in the thread but here's how I want to remember him. I am putting together a memorial video for my Lil' Bit=LB=ELBEE and will share later.

Dave

Dave, I’m so sorry you lost Elbee today!  🐶  

I was going to write about the two rescues we have had, but I will suffice to say Kim and I understand!

Thank you Mark.

I’m so sorry for your loss Dave. I too don’t have any human kids and encountered a similar situation with my babygirl Dream last April. I’m sure Elbee was truly grateful for the last couple years of you being his savior. You’re in my thoughts.

David,

I just went on the forum and saw this. I am so sorry. The loss of a pet is really tough.

Thank you Rich and Alan. That means a lot.