Hi Norm, Thanks for posting those so quickly! I hope to have gunrunner johns prints in his hands by the second week in June, possibly sooner with a little luck. Memorial Day weekend is affecting my printing schedule!
As Norm mentioned, the pictures he posted are of the first run, test prints. He got the honor of being the first recipient. After all, I needed his collaboration, he supplied the high quality photos. What I really wanted, first of all, was his blessing to attempt this project. He most graciously agreed!
Like many of us, I admired his modeling skill & followed his progression over the years. I always felt his background buildings would make an excellent subject for a full size printed background. This particular master is actually 20’ wide x 4’ high & any section can be printed to fit a particular need. More than 2 feet of the height is actually sky, the buildings reaching about 18” plus high, from rail height. For the test proof & to save on cost, I didn’t print the upper 18” of sky & cut the backdrop in half, with about a 6” overlap in the middle.
As much as we wish, many of us don’t have the time, or even the skill to create buildings of the caliber that Norm has created. The beauty of this subject is that in a couple of hours, you can turn any bland wall into a realistic background, adding dimension & life to your railroad. I consider this project as a tribute to a very skilled & creative modeler, so many have admired.
My original goal was to print this quality subject as an addition to my railroad, as well as for a few friends. When I saw gunrunner Johns completed yard, the seed was planted. I felt Norms industry skyline would fit perfect!
If anyone is interested, I am considering producing these on an as need basis.
Thank you,
Joe