Proposed HO/HOn3 Layout. Colorado Midland/D&RG/C&S

[Hawghead]

The structure is great if you have the notion, buy some Model Railroaders from the 1940s and you will see similar modeling as kits were few and far.
I for one appreciate basic simple models that looks like your finished structure.

Years ago I made a bunch of boxcars for HOn3 out of 2x4s cut down. They were covered with scribed siding and had all the other details like queen posts and grab irons.  The fellow that showed me how called them block cars.

Thanks for posting the update.

Didn't I see the "block cars" in an article somewhere?

Scott

[dcarrell8]

The structure is great if you have the notion, buy some Model Railroaders from the 1940s and you will see similar modeling as kits were few and far.
I for one appreciate basic simple models that looks like your finished structure.

Years ago I made a bunch of boxcars for HOn3 out of 2x4s cut down. They were covered with scribed siding and had all the other details like queen posts and grab irons.  The fellow that showed me how called them block cars.

Thanks for posting the update.

Thanks!  Do you have any pics of the block Cars? 

[dcarrell8]

Dennis,

The building looks great, I really like how you got the peeling paint look.

Scott

Thanks Scott.
That was my first attempt at peeling paint by just using a wash.  Really easy and effective. 

[dcarrell8]

Still working on my scenery technique.  I tried several different colors and textures in an attempt to get a feel for how to proceed.  I'm always terrified I'll end up with something I'll Hate!

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I worry that I'll end up with the dreaded "Poke-a-Dot" look of randomly placed colors that do not look like the real thing.  This looks a little Poke-a-Dotish" but I'd like to say it's because I was trying differnt things Not because I was trying for a seamless look.

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I'd love input and advice from all the experts!!
~Dennis

[dcarrell8]

I've done a little more work on the FSM structure that has been present on the layout from the beginning.  I'm pretty much finished with it except for the roofs.  I've decided not to use the provided shingles in the kit.  Instead I've ordered some from KC's Workshop, I think it will be a nicer looking roof in the end.

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Putting these on the layout helps me envision what I want the finished scene to look like.  I plan on scratch building another small shed for what I'm calling "Lehl & Son's"  It will be a boiler workshop/water stop unless I can find detail parts to make it a Water Well Drilling & windmill repair shop (which is what I would prefer) 

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~ Dennis

[Hawghead]

Still working on my scenery technique.  I tried several different colors and textures in an attempt to get a feel for how to proceed.  I'm always terrified I'll end up with something I'll Hate!

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I worry that I'll end up with the dreaded "Poke-a-Dot" look of randomly placed colors that do not look like the real thing.  This looks a little Poke-a-Dotish" but I'd like to say it's because I was trying different things Not because I was trying for a seamless look.

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I'd love input and advice from all the experts!!
~Dennis

Dennis,

I think your little practice scene looks great.  While I'm about as far away from being a scenery expert as one could get, I'd like to make a couple of suggestions.  First I'd get rid of the really, really dark patches you have.  I think the lighter greens and yellows would better blend the scene together.  Second, while using a small "diorama" to practice different techniques is a good idea, with such a small area, large variations in colors and textures, in my opinion, is going to look "Pok-a-Dotish".  The buildings you've done look outstanding.

Scott

[dcarrell8]

So this weekend I tried a few new things. 
1. Poured my first river.
2. Painted a practice background.
3. Finally made my first trees.


1.  I poured the practice river, it was colored with brown, blue and green dye, but I’m not sure if I like the color, I may need to add a little more brown. I think I may have poured it a little too deep as well, I’m still going to try and model some current movement but It may be a little more difficult since all my rocks are completely under water! 

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2.  My attempted to paint a back drop.  It is far from what I would call a success, but I will say that the end results were somewhat encouraging.  My plan for the future large layout involves printed background not my art work, unless my work is acceptable.  Feel free to tell me the truth!! LOL I’m on this forum to learn and grow as a model railroader. 

If you know of a source for painting backdrops I’m interested, I’d love to look into this further.

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3.  I’ve also built a few trees, I had originally planed on having pine trees next to the backdrop but after studying pictures of the Frying Pan, & Roaring Fork rivers (from my prototype area) I decided that it would be acceptable to have deciduous  trees along the river.  For the most part, these are super trees using Scenic Express Super Leaf.  I have a few more to make and pre plant before I’m ready to apply the static grass.  I tried a couple of Aspens, but I’m unimpressed. More research is needed.

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4.  I also built a wire tree, I used Heki dark green leaf foliage to cover the armatures.  I’m satisfied, it’s my first one, so hopefully they will get better with practice.

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5.  I’ve completed the roofs on “Lehl & Sons” Steam Works and Boiler Shop.  I have a few more metal castings to paint and apply to the water tower and work shed before the structure will be complete.  I have a ton of other castings to paint for the overall scene.  Way lots more to come on this build.

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[wazzou]

I dig just about everything you've got going.
Very smart to hone as many techniques as possible to gain a library of experience and confidence.
Take notes!

[dcarrell8]

I dig just about everything you've got going.
Very smart to hone as many techniques as possible to gain a library of experience and confidence.
Take notes!

Take notes!  That sir sounds like a very good idea!

Thanks
~Dennis

[dcarrell8]

I've worked up the rest of the river area, added static grass, bushes and some dead fall.  Right now the trees are temporarily placed.  I’m waiting on "water effects”  before I pour the resin, I may go in and darken the bottom of the bed to add a little more depth.  (Maybe next weekend I’ll have water)

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The scene is coming together nicely.  RGS #41 is on lease to the OC&RG for the time being.  She is the hottest model I have in the fleet right now!

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~Dennis

[dcarrell8]

The structure for Lehl & Sons is complete.  I did add lighting but I’m aways away from getting it all wired up.

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I’ve purchased a really neat casting from Rusty Rail,  (RRMS-H-20 “Slims Boiler Repair”). It worked as a perfect add-on to Lehl & Sons.

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I plan on scratch building a lean-to and loading dock for the Lehl & Sons siding track.  Boiler parts coming and going!

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I have drilled a hole up through the bottom of the boiler casting and drilled another perpendicular hole at the level where the welder is welding. (Insert small LED) If all works out by plan, when the siding is occupied by a resistor wheel set, my LCC system will start the welder “Welding”.   I haven’t worked out the exact ‘How to’s”  yet but it is a goal. 

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~ Dennis

[Cajonpassfan]

Love that boiler scene Dennis, nicely done. Can’t wait to see it finished!
Otto

[dcarrell8]

OPINIONS WANTED! 

I've scratch built a dock and work shed for my boiler shop scene.  I can't decide if I should add the shed, or leave the dock area open, full of detail castings to represent a more open work area.  During operation, the scene is well to the left of 80% of the switching, so the structure won't view block any scenery while operating.

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I know little about photography, and I figure that is the biggest difference in how it works out in the end, how photographic is it.

So, Shed or no shed?

~ Dennis

[LIRR]

Nice paint - work on the casting

[dcarrell8]

Nice paint - work on the casting

Thank you!