Makin some progress on the layout

[Ed Kapuscinski]

But it's slow going...

I got some basic ground cover down on the "town" side of the layout over the past few days, and then "paved" the lot around the industry (which I think I'm going to start  calling "Mid Atlantic Products" for it's extra generic name).

Here's the top down view:


I then plopped down the buildings and started checking out potential photos:


Here's the local coming to work the factory:


Somehow (use your imagination here), the locomotive got spun around, and here she is "making the spot":


On the other side of the tracks is a team track which still needs some more dirt:


I've still got LOTS of work to do, but since I made a modicrum of progress, I figured I'd share with my compadres.

Oh yeah, almost forgot, if you want to track it from start to finish:
http://ed.kapuscinski.net/gallery2/v/AptDoor/

[wm3798]

Go Ed, GO!!
You need some really dynamite buildings in there...  small layout deserves big details.  Maybe you do something with that Walthers tannery kit.  Lots of potential there.

Lee

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Did you see the DPM/Micro Engineering combo that's mocked up in there? There are more pics in the gallery.

I've actually thought about trying to send it across the bay for creation, because the space really DOES deserve something kick a$$, and I really don't trust my structure skills not to screw it up.

[wm3798]

Come over to run some trains... bring the foot print and the buildings.  We'll see what we can do.
Lee

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Awesome!

I made some more progress tonight. After sanding it last night, I still wasn't happy with the way the paving looked. It had way too many "craters" in it, and sanding them all out was going to be a major pain.

So tonight, I attacked it again with more mud. This time I used a REALLY thin layer, and so far (as it's drying) it looks MUCH better.

Pics tomorrow after it's dry.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

And a little bit of paint goes a long way.





Flash is horrible, but here's a top down view:

[Ian MacMillan]

Ed, looking pretty good!

Will look much better once you get some ballast down.

Did you try that Woodland Scenics SmoothIt?  I have had better luck with that stuff that with plain drywall mud. It tends to take expansion and drying a bit better.

[wm3798]

Man, I feel like I'm in York or someplace!  Looks awesome.  The trees in the background make the scene especially tasty.  Was that an unintended consequence or did you plan that?

Another good way to smooth out the pavement is to lightly go over it with a damp sponge.  You don't want it perfect... any major potholes you can go back and patch with some glue and cinders, and don't forget to use your black fine point sharpie to put in some cracks for the weeds to grow out of...

Lookin' real good.  Put that ballast mix on that you're using on the other side, and you'll have a prize winner.

Lee

[Chris333]

And look Ed fastened down the peaked roof on that red structure...knew you could do it 

Looks good I like how the outside siding is sunk down and half buried in dirt.

[mopaustin]

Already looks like Conrail Central, Ed!  ;D ;D ;D ;D

You intimidate me.

Team track looks nice, does need more dirt though, and nice trees as always! 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I don't mean to intimidate, merely astonish  ;D

This week I sanded and coated the pavement one more time. I'm much happier with it now, I think  :

I also am experimenting with photo angles. I like this one:


I am also thinking about putting this brick structure in the foreground, what do you all think?

[3rdrail]

You do plan to put some signage on the buildings, don't you? Or is the industry a hazmat plant trying to operate under the radar?

As to the brick building, what purpose would it serve there? Looks like one of those Life-Like station kits.

[Roger Holmes]

I also am experimenting with photo angles. I like this one:

I really like the railfan's eye view of this one.    Makes me feel like I'm really in the scene.

[wm3798]

Except you can't smell the liquor on Ed's breath ;D

Lookin' good.  Make the brick building look like it might have been an old freight house back in the day that is either boarded up, or has taken on new life as a diner or something.  Or, since it's across the tracks, you could make it the old boiler house, boarded up, with an abandoned coal pier and some piping scaffolded over the right of way.

Then when Jerry comes over with his 1954 stuff, you take down the plywood, re-open the siding, and voila!  Instant on-line customer.

Lee

[Pomperaugrr]

Ed, that layout is coming along nicely!  Even the unfinished scenes look very real.

Eric