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

[dcarrell8]

Dennis- These books come with maps (or when they were published)

The Midland Route : A Colorado Midland Guide and Data Book  by Mel McFarland 

Colorado Midland by Morris Cafky

And both also have scale dimensions of locomotives and rolling stock.

Thank you for the info on Silver Rails, I will be adding that to my library very soon.

The Midland Route is on it's way via eBay.  There were about 4 to choose from when I made the purchase, none claimed to have maps.  The cover appeared to be in better than fair condition in the photos so hopefully it still contains all the original content.

[Summit]

Dennis - Im excited for you, That was my first book on the Colorado Midland back in 1981.  If yours doesnt have the maps let me know - I know a guy 

[dcarrell8]

I've gotten a couple more structures completed, this one is Bar Mills Models "Amos Cutter."  You will probably recognize the Farmers Market scene by Woodland Scenics through the window.

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[dcarrell8]

So this is my 7th Wooden structure, I'm still trying different techniques and products I never really know what the structure is going to look like beyond the primary color.  I may have gone overboard with the weathering but I do like my buildings on the worn side. 

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~Dennis

[Hawghead]

Damn that looks good. BZ.

Scott

[Dave V]

That does.  That looks really great!

If I could offer any advice (and honestly it's trivial) it would be to consider painting some of those ties some different shades of gray in that last shot.  Even those lucky narrow gauge ties that got creosote bleached pretty quickly in the intense UV of the high country sun.  A few here and there ought to do it.  For me, I model the RGS well after they stopped using treated ties and so mine are all individually painted one of a dozen shades of gray and tan.  The D&RGW did a little better with their ties in that respect.

[dcarrell8]

Damn that looks good. BZ.

Thanks Scott!

That does.  That looks really great!

If I could offer any advice (and honestly it's trivial) it would be to consider painting some of those ties some different shades of gray in that last shot.  Even those lucky narrow gauge ties that got creosote bleached pretty quickly in the intense UV of the high country sun.  A few here and there ought to do it.  For me, I model the RGS well after they stopped using treated ties and so mine are all individually painted one of a dozen shades of gray and tan.  The D&RGW did a little better with their ties in that respect.

Thank You Dave!
The ties are definitely a work in progress.  So far they have received one dip in ink/alcohol and a few others were colored with some AK enamel washes.  You think I should actually use gray and tan paint?  I'm open for suggestions.  I did look at some reference pics but I focused more on construction than color.
~Dennis

[CRL]

I remember reading about a technique many years ago where the modeler used a damp sponge with 3 or 4 random drops of different weathering colors of acrylic paint in different areas of the sponge. He dabbed the ties randomly and the end result was pretty effective and nicely random. I’ve not tried it yet though.

[Dave V]

I just brush it on.  Various shades of gray and tan.  The very specific colors are less important than staying with a muted, natural palette and being as random as the human brain is capable of being (we can never be truly random since our brains are evolved to find patterns in everything).

[dcarrell8]

Things have been busy for the last month but I did get another structure completed and some work done on the backdrop.
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I attempted to do a panorama of the backdrop, but it didn't turnout very good.  It compressed one of the hills, but you get the idea.

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[Hawghead]

I don't know, it all looks pretty damn good to me.

Scott

[dcarrell8]

A review of 2020 progress.
~Dennis

[Bob]

What incredible progress in just one year!  2020 was awful in so many ways, but not for your layout!  Your buildings are spectacular, by the way - I am envious!

[John]

A review of 2020 progress.
~Dennis

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WOW!!!!!

[Hawghead]

Dennis,

When you first proposed this layout, I thought to myself, "This guys is about to bite off way more than he can chew!"  After watching your work for this past year I'm now just quietly sitting in the corner eating a large portion of crow.  Your modeling skills are outstanding, between you and Dave V. I'm getting hesitant to even show any of my work here.  I'm sure we will see your layout featured in the HOn3 annual at some point as well.  I very much look forward to seeing more of your work in the new year.  If I could make one very small suggestion it would be to reconsider the use of the cork road bed on track other than the dual gauge "main line".  It seems to me that  Colorado narrow gauge railroads used very little if any built up ballasted road bed for their track.  Near as I can tell most of the track was knock off the brush, throw down some ties, spike down the rail and throw some dirt on it.  Either way your layout looks fantastic, BZ.

Scott