Conrail Windsor St Yard (York PA) Engineering Report

[Ed Kapuscinski]

So, what'd you print in that photo?  The backdrop?

Yep. I went out and shot a few different ones the week before Christmas. Of course, the first day I tried, I got snow. Then, the second time, the weather was almost too nice. Luckily Photoshop saved the day.

[mu26aeh]

Nice !

Here I thought you did the decals on the trailers, at least the nose decals on the CR vans

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ok, printed up 48" of one of the denser forest scenes.
I have some adjustments to make, but I am very happy with it so far.







I think it makes for a HUGE improvement on the appearance of the forest.

[davefoxx]

I think it makes for a HUGE improvement on the appearance of the forest.

Agreed.  You could have probably just gotten away with a representation of trees, e.g., Scotch Bride pads, behind the Super Trees, but, where you can see through, your backdrop is very effective.

DFF

[Philip H]

it definitely improves things . . . except where that road runs into the trees . . . .

[DeltaBravo]

I like the mist, it breaks up the background nicely.

[Dave V]

Depth is good!     

Agreed.  Huge difference.  My only issue is that there's a stark color difference between your foreground trees and the background ones rather than a more subtle blend.  I'm wondering if perhaps your forground trees are still too brown.  If they're not glued in yet you may want to pluck them and hit them with a tad more gray.

[Scottl]

I agree, the foreground trees are almost straw colored to my eye.  Most trees in that region would be grey-brown I would think.

[Bendtracker1]

Looks great Ed!  Adds the depth nicely!

[GaryHinshaw]

It does add a nice depth to the scene, but I think I agree with the colour comments above.  How about a wider shot from further back?

[DeltaBravo]

I agree, the foreground trees are almost straw colored to my eye.  Most trees in that region would be grey-brown I would think.

 I agree, more grey on the trees. Even looking at the background photos the trees look more grey ghost like.

[chicken45]

I'm pretty sure those trees came straight from the box.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Interesting. The trees are actually graver than they seem there, but I'm going to give that more work.

Or... maybe I might just brown up the photo and re print it... lol

[Dave V]

Interesting. The trees are actually graver than they seem there, but I'm going to give that more work.

Or... maybe I might just brown up the photo and re print it... lol

Actually, that's a great idea.  Warm it up a hair.

[wm3798]

Paid a visit to Windsor Street this evening, and I have to say, the Hangover Junction portion is coming together beautifully.   The yard looks better than it did when I built it, and the operating scheme seems to be coming together.

I really like how Ed has taken an enormous system like Conrail, and served up a bite-sized portion based around York in a very plausible and authentic way.  We chatted at length about the importance, and the challenges of the urban district, something my little switching layout has made me acutely aware of.

While I appreciate Ed's desire to be faithful to the prototype, I would look for ways to add more scenic and operational interest, but that's just me.  I'm looking forward to seeing how he fleshes out this critical piece of his layout.

Lee