Illinois Central/Canadian National Champaign Branch

[nscalemike]

More tree testing tonight.  No new colors involved, rather, the same green, red, and yellow that had different applications of spray paint:



From left to right we have:
Far left, Red flock with camo green spray paint, light application, shows more green in person and I think looks better than the first red tree
Second left, Yellow flock with red primer spray paint
Next, Green flock with red primer spray paint
Yellow flock with with a light application of camo green spray paint
Camo green spray painted tree, followed by yellow flock (this idea does not work, there is no difference)
and finally green flock with a way too bright yellow spray, heavier near the top trying to replicate more color transition than the bottom.  I think I need to find a better flat yellow spray paint for this. 
(the last one is from earlier and nothing new)

I am generally encouraged by the results.  I need more variation in the green to start out with I think.  If I could find a good yellow I could probably alter it slightly, but starting out with different shades of green is better than trying to change it later.  Also, one certain thing is every tree will probably need to be sprayed at least a bit.  I agree with Mark's comment that the fall colors which attract us are not the common fall colors.  While I do believe the yellow and maybe even the red tree has a prototype out there, and that prototype would be the subject of a photographers fall image, generally trees are not a solid bright color.  If I include something like that it would need to be on a ratio of about 1:100.  Then, that tree looks out of place because it is the only 'bright' tree in the scene, causing the whole thing to now look fake.  Putting that light overspray of paint on the solid base gives just enough of a hint that nature is at work and the leaves are changing.  And with that I believe if the base color is green you can change to yellow, red, or orange, and if the color is already red or orange the color changes to brown.  Leaves never go from yellow to green!

I am going to order some samples of the AMSI ground foam, probably first thing in the morning.  Therefore, my tree making is probably done until I get that shipment in.  Then I'll play with those colors and see how it goes.  I spoke with them today and encouraged by what he had to say.

Thanks for all the suggestions and comments.  I am determined to make this work and I really appreciate the feedback!

Mike

[Philip H]

More tree testing tonight.  No new colors involved, rather, the same green, red, and yellow that had different applications of spray paint:

Those look a ton better.

[nscalemike]

While waiting for the new ground foam to arrive next week for more tree building, I decided to turn my attention to road building. I have began to cut out a cork base for the sub layer. This helps to build the roadway to the tracks.

I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to use the BLMA road crossings on curves.  Every one of my crossings fall on a curve,  not sharp, but maybe 20" radius.  Is there anyway to modify the etching to curve?   I'm guessing probably not but I thought I'd ask anyway.  If not, what's the next best option for modern grade crossings?

Thanks,
Mike

[eric220]

Green flock with red primer came out really well. I like the effect there.

[Smike]

Hi Mike, trees looking a lot better. Your backdrop is also some fine work, some of the best transition from layout to flat backdrop I've seen. 

For the trees, have you tried blending some of flock colors? Also you can use one color, then re-spray and use another just on one side, but just a little. I usually tilt the tree at some angle and sprinkle just a tab until I get some blending.

Can't wait to see more.

[JohnnyB]

Any updates?

Really enjoyed the discussion and I'm now thinking about modeling this branch in HO.

Thanks - JB

[nscalemike]

Any updates?

Really enjoyed the discussion and I'm now thinking about modeling this branch in HO.

Thanks - JB

Oh wow!  Thanks for still thinking about this!  Unfortunately, there is no new updates.  I had done a bit of work last fall that never made it here, so below is a few new pics, but ever since then life has been in the way.  Started 2015 with a major remodel in the kitchen, then had a new work schedule for the summer, and this fall I have been trying to get everything caught up that was pushed to the side from summer time.  Mix in a 2 year old and wife and that leaves no railroad time at all.  No golf either!  That being said, I think I may be about to get back in there and do some work over the winter.

If you decide to take crack at this line, make sure and post on here too.  I'd like to see what someone else would do with this line!

[wm3798]

That's probably the best looking fall foliage I've ever seen modeled.   Usually people end up with the colors way too blotchy and bright.  You've got them perfectly muted, but still bright enough to get the atmosphere right.  Kudos.

Lee

[GaryHinshaw]

^Agreed.  These latest shots make me long for more updates.

[Santa Fe Guy]

I'm with you Gary those colours look just right. More pics please.
Rod.

[w neal]

Love the layout & concept. Tree colors look just right.

I am familiar with the "other branch" from White Heath to Decatur & the IT's trackage rights on it. I know that's not the area you are modeling, but very cool none the less. The whole area is very inspirational. I find the Wabash's line north from Bement also very "inneresting".

Keep up the very nice work! I'll be fanning it!

[Blazeman]

This is an interesting thread blending the history and modeling of the branch. Now I'll want to read it tonight at the expense of wiring my layout. Was thinking since there's no decent football game tonight I could spend a couple hours under the table with suitcase connectors.

[BOK]

Hi Mike:

I realize there haven't been many updates on this layout for awhile but I thought I would add some recent (yesterday) prototype information.

While, visiting my 94, year, old mother in Champaign, Il the last few days i had the good fortune of seeing the CN/IC crew for this line, switching a major customer,Kraft foods. Previously, I had kept an eye on this part of the Champaign branch via Google Earth and it appeared that Kraft was only recieving flour hoppers (air slides) but while watching the crew switch yesterday I saw tanks and boxes so I asked the conductor about those cars. He responded they were tanks of vegtable oil and sweetners, along with plain, old 50' boxcars(not RBLs) of tomatoe paste. So now in addition to plastics and sand covered , and aggregate open hoppers there three other car types to add to this interesting industrial job. The power was an ex-GTW (painted CN) GP38 or 40 along with a brown, ex-IC, long, porch caboose to act as the shoving platform since there is no run around track on the branch with the exception of a pocket one in at Kraft and longer ones as grain elevator tracks further west on the 10 mile branch.

Just some additional modeling information.

Barry

[w neal]

Not wanting to commit thread highjacking, but in a related topic...

I'm assuming appropriate ICG power for these branches was Paducah-style geeps and not the GP-40s, or GP-30s, or GP-38s that Atlas has released. I assume that, at the time, these locos were the "hot" new mainline power for the era and not proper for any branchlines.

Help me Obi-Wan.

[cjm413]

Anyone know if there is a n scale version of this car:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=449100

Thanks for any help!
Mike

Kitbash from Precision Masters Ortner RD hopper.

http://www.spookshow.net/freight/rcortner.html