Weekend Update 11/27/11

[packers#1]

All special effects were added with Gimp (open-source, free image editing software). 

Looks good! In art (graphic design) we sue either gimp or photoshop (depends on the computer) and i actually prefer gimp, it's a heck of a lot simpler!

[pwnj]

Looks good! In art (graphic design) we use either gimp or photoshop (depends on the computer) and i actually prefer gimp, it's a heck of a lot simpler!

Thanks Sawyer!  I used PhotoShop for years, but then I tried Gimp one day and found it to be very good.  Eventually, the effects and tools matured a great deal and I switched to Gimp full time.  Now I can't justify the expense of PhotoShop.  If I really need it, they do have a monthly license program so I can rent it temporarily, but I haven't needed it in years.

As for the effects, and specifically the smoke and steam, I hope to get this down to a repeatable process.  Once I'm there, I'll probably write up an article and let others know how to apply the same effects.  Getting the smoke effect right involves many steps based on a number of variables in your scene, including speed, direction, weather, time of day, wind direction, etc.  But careful examination of prototype photos have gotten me this far and I think I can continue improving on it.

[conrailthomas519]

In the past week I've done alot of benchwork on my layout. In this picture, you will see the new reverse loop hidden staging yard in the center of the mainlines.

[flight2000]

Since we are still posting and I'm just a little late (again...), I actually finished these on Monday night and got around to the pictures tonight.  The lighting really sucks in my basement unless the sun is out, which it normally isn't when I get home...    I think these are the first proto cars I've painted in awhile....

These are Providence and Worcester auto racks (Red Caboose).  Had to mask all of the panels and roof to paint the posts.

Brian

[bbussey]

Looks great Brian.  For future notice though, the roof will come off with some gentle prying, and then the panels slide right out, which makes it much easier to paint the posts (and the decks).

[flight2000]

Looks great Brian.  For future notice though, the roof will come off with some gentle prying, and then the panels slide right out, which makes it much easier to paint the posts (and the decks).

Thanks Bryan.  All of the creaking and cracking kinda scared me from pulling any harder on the roof.  It wasn't so bad cutting out the masking, just time consuming. 

Brian

[bbussey]

I pull the doors off, then push my finger between the top deck and roof slowly to pop the glue joints.  Haven't broken one yet, and I've done this to at least a dozen cars to modify the roof/sides/ends and paint the interior white.

[cv_acr]

Nice PW racks. Custom decals?

[chuck geiger]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zNNkzbHbKxA/TtcT48moKEI/AAAAAAAABi4/YADV0o9CTow/s400/018.JPG
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3XEYOKQdr8/TtcT5UM-a1I/AAAAAAAABjA/zz4NGcF-jPs/s400/020.JPG
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pdICqJSgO0g/TtcT6WkSICI/AAAAAAAABjQ/6o-w-qPUBws/s400/022.JPG

[flight2000]

Nice PW racks. Custom decals?

Thanks. 

Surprisingly, no.  Highball Graphics makes the decal sets and one sheet did both cars.

Brian

[Catt]

Nice racks,got a couple Con Cor racks that could use some prettying (new word in the Cattulary) up.Is that just a standard white or some other shade?

[flight2000]

Nice racks,got a couple Con Cor racks that could use some prettying (new word in the Cattulary) up.Is that just a standard white or some other shade?

Just standard white.  The lighting in my basement is terrible, so they look like they have a yellow tint to them.  They look better in person.

Thanks,
Brian