New layout progress (Some scenery)

Merry Christmas everybody... 

 

Jim, here's a few shots around Bryant tower. I unpacked this water tower I built a few years ago and parked it here by the tunnel for now. I almost forgot I made this thing. I don't know if it will stay planted here yet or what. I also got my signals placed, but only in the normal running direction. Someday I may signal the layout for opposing traffic too if I get ambitious enough.

 

 

 

I spent quite a bit a bit of time doing the final weathering and a bit of shimming of the trackwork. I then ballasted half of the front yard area. I want to build my signal panels the next few days and get them working. 

 

PRR, that little two track dogleg thing coming off the crossover is going to be changed here in the next few projects. I want to have one siding come straight off the xover to host maybe a small freight station scene.

Just read the whole thread. You Sir are an Artiste!!!

Just amazing, and I may have said this before, but if I can get my scenery to look 1/2 as good as yours I will be jumping for joy.  It is very inspiring to see the progress you have made and the amount of time in which you have made it, plus the quality is top notch!

Nice work.

I particularly like the dirt road going down the hill to the tower. Neat touch. Provides the option to park a vehicle there once in awhile...

Very nice Norm! Keep the updates coming.

 

Andy

 

 

Crushin'

Fantastic!

 

Peter

Norm, I thought that my scenery looked good until I saw a picture of yours. Your method of capturing scenic realism on your model railroad is nothing short of phenomenal.  I refer to people as yourself as model railroaders but also as layout artists. My hat's off to you sir!

Thanks for the posts of your layout. My only comment on your layout talent is that I thoroughly enjoy it, you put an intangible quality in to it that is hard to describe. I think it is a mix of various things that mesh together very well.   Keep it up.

Norm,

The scenery is really great.  Thank you for keeping us updated.

Norm, as always scenery looking great!

Excellent work

Norm,

 

Have you written books or articles that describe how you do the scenery, or at least describing some of your 'tricks', for lack of a better word? References?

 

Your work is without parallel, and I (and suspect many others) would like to try to at least come close to achieving similar results. 

 

Thank you for sharing!

 

Alex

Um! 

Will, glad you like my layout efforts! I poked around on your blog and saw that picture of the Columbus Coated Fabrics factory and I think you need to build it!

 

Alex, I've never written any how-to articles and don't have any real interest in doing so. I'm not doing anything too radical in regards to methods when it comes to scenery, just trying to pick my battles. I tend towards simplicity and if I don't think something will look right, I just won't do it. Thanks for the kind words.

 

Thanks Dewey!

 

I've been meaning to post about my Atlas/Custom Signals setup. Maybe I'll get to it this weekend.

Norm Absolutely stunning work, question, that switch tower that you dont like?  Where did you get that?  Scratch or kit?  and if a kit whos kit, I love that design

Norm, next time you're in the scenery mode, set the video camera on the tripod and just let it roll. I don't care if you drink beer and swear under your breath, that's what I do lol I would like to see you in work mode as well, especially when it comes to this scenery stuff. Simple things like, do you glue everything down individually, do you put everything in place and then spray it with glue, is all that detail even glued down at all, are you using cheap ground foam, or the more expensive Scenic Express materials?

 

Lights, camera, action... real time  I want my scenery to look like yours does, and I suck at it! I'm just gonna drink beer and swear!  

Norm, I like your philosophy of "simplicity" and "less is more".  I think your work says it all.

Norm that is some beautiful work.  I must echo what Jim stated about less is more...your layout has "real" feel to it that pulls you in to see more.  It's not overcrowded and yet the details are plentiful.

H, that is a Walthers built-up that I just repainted. Eventually I'd like to replace it with a scratchbuilt model of the PRR Fassett tower that lived on the Elmira branch.

 

LOS, I don't think that would be a whole lot of fun for any of us, haha. I've been thinking about narrating a Youtube video on some layout subject (maybe my signal system) but I really don't like seeing or hearing myself on video.

 

Not sure why you think the way do about your scenery because your RH/TT area is looking totally awesome along with the rest of your layout!

 

Chris, thanks man, even though I haven't detailed things out fully yet during this heavy construction, I still try not to overdo it. There's a certain point where details just turn into clutter.

 

Despite goofing off most of yesterday, I did get some things done on this one outskirts section and started some utility pole flair:

 

Nice!!!

Norm, I just finished reading all your posts on this thread.  Your scenic work is so great.  I wish I had your "vision" when trying to create a scene.  Also, I observe your ballast is quite dark and adds a lot of drama to your scenes.  What did you use for your ballast?Basic black? 

Totally awesome progress.

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Keep using yours.

It's great

 

Nice progress Norm !

Very nice !!!!!!

 

Alex

Pennsynut, I use Woodland Scenics Fine Cinders over play sand filler for my ballast.

Norm-

I am glad that you like the CCF building...it is super cool and I would love to build it.  Problem is I am nervous as I have never tackled a project like that.  I don't know where to get the parts to make it.  Any tips would be very much appreciated!