Layout Progress...Never too late!!! "Steel Mill Painted and Weathered" 6/25/24

Thank you Mark and George!

Dave

Hi Dave,

I did go back to see your earlier iterations of the gorge. You posted the first picture almost exactly 2 years ago- April 2, 2018. I like all three. You have definitely put your rock casting skills to work on the latest version, but the first has a certain charm.

These seem to be a rare case of nature returning to a wilder state rather than becoming more refined. The river has returned to a rock cut.

But this begs the question. Has this ever been anything but a dry riverbed? You mentioned adding water back in 2018 but I couldn't find any pictures of it.

Keep up the good work! It's fascinating to watch your scenic evolution.

Hey Will,

I never thought about this until you brought it up. I guess the first rendition did show a more civilized scene than the most recent. I put some time in with the first rendition as I was experimenting with cutting rock from pink foam. I'm not 100% sure what I didn't like about it but I just wasn't satisfied.  I can usually tell as I am nearing the end of a project how I feel about it. With the first two I "sat" on them for a while which is a sign that something is going to be changed, altered, or sometimes completely redone.  I did get "that feeling" as I completed the rock work this third time or it could've been a "like it or not" moment.  As far as the water, when that is added there is no turning back. That is probably another indication that change was going to happen for the first two renditions. I have four water scenes on the layout and I will pour them all around the same time. To me this will be like adding people and other details. When I get to that point I will be at the 95% complete mark with the layout. The last 5% will consist of all of the minute details that really give a layout character and a final layer cleverness. That process will continue until I decide to move or build another layout.

Dave

I realize one of the things I like about your layout is the lack of people and clutter. Sometimes, IMO, a layout can have too many people- particularly when it is the same figure you see on every layout. Loses its uniqueness ( I say this although I am guilty of this very thing on mine, )

The first version reminds me of an eastern landscape and the second of a western one. I think you have a winner with the last version.

Thanks Will, I certainly hope so!

Dave

That gorge is just....dang haha I haven't watched the youtube video yet but that scenery is just awesome.

I also like the less populated look. I guess that seeing static people takes the illusion away for me. I like the motion on layouts.

Thanks Bill, let me know what you think about the video when you get a chance to check it out.

Dave

Hey Dave, Things are sure looking amazing your place!  If you ever get tired and need a little change you could always do a instructional video! I know I would watch it!

I will be trying to keep my eye open for the next post and update!

Hey Mike,

Thank you for your kind words. They truly motivate me. I will certainly consider doing more of a tutorial type video with some of the techniques I have been using on the layout. In some cases I will simply make reference to a particular modeler I have learned the technique from while demonstrating. If it's my own derivative of that technique or something of the sort I could do more of a demonstration. Anyways I will keep everyone posted.

Dave

I thought the video was killer @luvindemtrains. The audio was a bit loud at the end.

I've enjoyed the last three videos to be honest. You got a killer layout coming along.

Thanks Bill, glad you enjoyed. More to come.

Dave

Hello Everyone,

I've been very busy lately as I have a goal to reach with the layout by the end of this year. Also, I will be part of the Piedmont Pilgrimage this year. This is a tour of layouts in the Atlanta area. I've been doing several different projects on and for the layout. This helps to keep me from boredom and monotony. I really enjoy working on individual projects but have to step away for sanity.

Anyways, I have been doing some structure building, kit-bashing, 3-rail scaling of some rolling stock, painting clouds, and the signaling system continues to move forward with headache included. The first few photos will show my kit-bash from an Atlas (Walthers) dairy kit. On my layout it will be a fruit factory. The photos show the inside of the building and its two floors, one side of the building that will be attached once all of the interior work is completed, and the conveyors w/fruit that will go inside the building. The building also will have interior lighting. I also am creating a side basement entry and have pictured that insert that was made out of styrene and detailed. I think I will be able to finish this one up this week. That's if I don't get any more bright ideas.

The last two photos show some work I have begun doing that will be around the factory. I am going to install a cobblestone road in this section. I want to have this area completed before the factory is put in place. These photos show me test fitting the road and sidewalk pieces after trimming the foam.

Next, is the gas station. I probably spent more time on this than I should have but once you get the detailing bug it's hard to just do nothing. Right now the gas station is ready to go but I am working on the gas pumps and sign to place in the front of it.

I also have a provided a photo of one wall that I painted clouds on and a few photos of some hoppers I have put Kadee couplers on. As you can see, by comparison, the next step is to weather them to blend with the existing cars.

Lastly, I have provided some photos of some building fronts I have painted and begun detailing. Some will simply be placed on the layout once painted and "glass" installed, others will be changed into shadow boxes, and a few will be full size buildings. Pictured you see a couple of Chooch fronts I painted and three DSL Shops row house fronts I am using to create a full building. Pictured I'm am test fitting the side panels. The building will be put together once all inside detailing and lighting are completed.

All of these projects will be documented on my YouTube page. I will do another post when these projects are completed.

Thanks,

Dave

You been a busy boy!! The work looks great. I look forward to your video on Youtube!!

I could never paint clouds like that. They look awesome!

Bill,

Thanks again for checking out the work. I stay busy on it because it keeps me out of trouble. As far as the clouds, if I can do you you certainly can. I did some free hand and also used a stencil.

Dave

Dave, all the projects look great!  The weathering on the left hand car really looks nice, so that long string of hoppers will really look more realistic going past your scenes.  I think the row homes look really nice as the fruit processing factory.  I like the stone building and am looking forward to seeing the cobblestone.

I'm with Mark, that weathered car looks great.

Outstanding work Dave, good luck getting ready for piedmont. I wish I was close enough to check it out!

Good Morning Everyone,

Mark-Thanks for the wonderful compliments. The row houses will be an apartment building but the brick building will be the fruit factory. My apologies if I didn't clarify in the description.

Dan-Thanks, I'm still working on my weathering skills but it seems to get better each time I do it. Mostly!

Mike- Yes, it can be a big headache because I try to do too much. It's good for people to see what stage your layout is in and that doesn't mean it has to be "finished". I just spend a lot of time trying to get it as far along as I can. The return visitors see the difference from year to year. Last year the tour was virtual for obvious reasons but this year we had a choice. I decided to do an in person visit but still have the opportunity to go virtual. If I do I'll let you know. If not, I'm sure there will be someone or myself getting some footage. I too, will share that. Anytime you're in Atlanta you're more than welcome to come by.

Dave

The weathering and the backdrop Dave, make that hopper look like the real thing.

Absolutely beautiful work on the layout. Very inspiring.

Jay Francis and Artie-DL&W thank you both.

Dave

Hi Everyone,

I've been doing some work on the left front edge of my layout. This is a section of my small town and has to be completed before I move on to a water scene I'm anxious to begin. I've been building kits, kit-bashing, and detailing the few buildings that will go in this area and am starting to finish those up. Today's entry is for the gas station scene.  The building, many will notice, is a kit from Walther's (Atlas) that many have used. This is my spin on it. Here are several photos of the project from beginning to about 90% complete. I've yet to add vehicles, people, and a few other small details. The gas pumps were modified and were an afterthought not included before the video was edited as are a few details I have added since publishing it. I have documented the project in video format. Just click on the link below to watch it on YouTube. The last photo shows the station as it stands today with a few more added details. Unfortunately, the photo does not show the station with the lighting on. More to come...

Thanks,

Dave

Great job Dave, I just got done watching your video and really enjoyed watching it come to life from start to end! Thank you so much for sharing it with the rest of us!

Thanks Mike! I try to document my steps. It's fun and helps me keep organized.

Dave

Great Video!! I thought the results were awesome! I was skeptical about fitting the building in front haha but I thought maybe the camera was playing tricks on my eyes.

Thanks Bill, that was my wishful thinking. Had I not put the gas station in that location maybe, but I'm glad I made the decision. However, I have found a home for the apartment building not too far away. Stay tuned...

Dave

Hi Everyone,

I made the mistake of not painting my walls before benchwork and yes, even some scenery began. DON'T DO THAT! Anyways, several years ago I finally decided to take the time to carefully paint the visible areas of the walls. Later I added backdrops on the areas of the room that have flat walls(the main train room is the bonus room over my garage). About 3 years ago I had an artist come in and blend those walls into the backdrop. He also painted some clouds. In doing this the colors of the walls without backdrops was off.

It didn't look right, to me, to see clouds and then have an entire section without them. Especially when a cloud was cut off at the corner of a wall. Because of this, I decided to try and match the wall color up or at least come close and also extend the clouds.   After studying some videos interspersed with stenciling this is what I came up with.

Lastly, the hillside on one of my backdrops is abruptly cut off at the corner where the wall meets the vaulted ceiling. I couldn't let that be so I decided to rip apart some unused backdrop and continue the hillside.

As with the latest postings on this thread, I have a video of this. If you're interested click on YouTube link below.

Thanks,

Dave

Dave, I watched the video.  Your ceiling is more chopped up than I originally thought.  I finally figured out what your outdoor roofline must look like.  We lived in a cape cod house at one time with two dormers and two sloping ceilings, but that was less tricky than your room.  I think you did a great job picking colors and blending them together.  I see how the valleys in the ceiling helped you make scenic dividers.  Great job!!!!  I need to go back and see your other videos.

Great job in a difficult situation Dave. I don’t know that I would have the patience. But, it does make for a nice result.

Mark,

First thank you for you complimentary statements. Yes the room is a challenge as it pertains to backdrop work. It also influenced the height that I could have the bench work. If and when I move I will take those things into consideration. Right now, I am content and find it rewarding to overcome those challenges. Secondly, thank you for watching the video.

Jay Francis-Thank you for the compliment. You are correct in that a lot of patience is involved and that is not one of my strongest characteristics. I guess I can consider it an exercise to strengthen that characteristic within me. If I fail at it, more time spent correcting it and possibly more money. I don't want that so there's only one choice, lol.

Dave

Dave, outstanding work on the walls and the clouds look great! You definitely had a challenge with the way the ceiling is. As for learning Patience I have not got there like you, but I keep working on it I just keep putting more money out for train stuff!

Mike,

I appreciate it man. Definitely a challenge but much of it is making a decision and going with it. Also, hoping it comes out ok. You just have to go in and do it. I'm just happy that the results are acceptable. I don't put myself in these "learning" situations they just come to me and I have no choice but to accept, lol.

Dave

@luvindemtrains posted:

Hi Everyone,

I made the mistake of not painting my walls before benchwork and yes, even some scenery began. DON'T DO THAT! Anyways, several years ago I finally decided to take the time to carefully paint the visible areas of the walls. Later I added backdrops on the areas of the room that have flat walls(the main train room is the bonus room over my garage). About 3 years ago I had an artist come in and blend those walls into the backdrop. He also painted some clouds. In doing this the colors of the walls without backdrops was off.

It didn't look right, to me, to see clouds and then have an entire section without them. Especially when a cloud was cut off at the corner of a wall. Because of this, I decided to try and match the wall color up or at least come close and also extend the clouds.   After studying some videos interspersed with stenciling this is what I came up with.

Lastly, the hillside on one of my backdrops is abruptly cut off at the corner where the wall meets the vaulted ceiling. I couldn't let that be so I decided to rip apart some unused backdrop and continue the hillside.

As with the latest postings on this thread, I have a video of this. If you're interested click on YouTube link below.

Thanks,

Dave

Yeah, been there, done that.  Caused lots of wailing, screaming, and gnashing of teeth.       

At least you are correcting that before going much further. 

The layout looks fantastic, too.

George

Thank you George! For part of this I used one some of the stenciling I bought from you at York.

Dave

Good Day Model Railroaders and Enthusiasts,

Today's post is some work I have begun on what used to be my work area. I waited to begin scenery here until the work further back on the layout was in a more completed state. The main goal of this project was to install the cobblestone road and street lamps.  I also, did some scenery work in the area. There is still a bit more work to do in the area but this work has motivated me to continue tackling it.

If you get some time click on the link to my YouTube page to see this project in video form. Also, please subscribe to my page to receive notifications of new uploads concerning my train related endeavors.

Thanks,

Dave

Dave, very nice job on the road.  I watched the video.  Thank you for taking the time to do it.

That road is amazing!!!

George

Mark and George,

Thank you both. It was fun to do.

Dave

Good Morning Everyone,

I recently finished my "scratch-bashed" apartment building and installed it on the layout. This is one of the buildings that will be on the cobblestone road in my last post. I wish I had two or three more of these DSL shops fronts because I would've had more options with configuration. With that being said, I feel good about how the building turned out. It's one of those things I can say is "one of a kind" on the layout. Not to mention, this was my first build of this kind.

You can see the steps I took to create the building by watching my latest video on YouTube. Just click below.

Dave