Weekend Update 12/18/11

[muktown128]

Wow!  If I didn't notice the MT coupler on the front (and I had to look twice at it), I could believe it was a proto photo.  I could imagine myself standing there taking that photo...

Scott

[davidgray1974]

If it already isn't, that should be on the cover of a magazine!   

[rogergperkins]

I did something "green" for my layout room.
I replaced all the track light bulbs with 650 lumen Natural Daylight
bulbs which are listed as saving $44 USD in energy cost per year.
6 X 44 = 264 USD to spend on model railroad stuff. 
They are only 15W compared to 65W of previous ones.
I just happened to be in the light bulb section when a representative
of the local utility company was there promoting these bulbs which
were priced lower because of the company's support.
The downside is they were not made in the US. 
However, neither is much of our model railroad stuff.

[pwnj]

If it already isn't, that should be on the cover of a magazine!   

Maybe send it to CSX.  Perhaps that'd look nice on a calendar.  Amazing scene and shot!

[Sokramiketes]

Agreed with all the comments above, that is some seriously nice modeling.  You've done a great job making the rocks and talus look "grown into" the scene instead of sprinkled on top as is so often done.

[unittrain]

Man that CSX scene is awesome  I'm really happy that it has taken me so long to get to scenery because I've learned so much from this forum in the time between wiring and scenery. Is that static grass or the mats or just tufts?

[chuck geiger]

That would be the pic I'd mimic for David's layout, working the talus and tufts
together on the bank below the bridge and out of the tunnel. Mixing the
different foliage together. WOW

[Smike]

Thanks all, coming from a bunch of  such as yourselves means a lot. I hope I can inspire some as some have inspired me.

Lay down the talus (even pressing it into sculptamold.) Then add all the stuff around it to make it look built in. Again I used lots of different stuff (textures and shades of green).

Thanks David for the links to previous posts.

[chuck geiger]

I know what you mean about the Scenic Express tufts, 35 bucks a sheet. But they
do stretch in N. Plus if you mix them up with other foliage and materials, you can
cut down on what you use.

[Chris333]

Dang, they are $35 now? They were $19 back when I bought them, but still have a ton left.

[wazzou]

Dang, they are $35 now? They were $19 back when I bought them, but still have a ton left.

The Prairie Tufts are still $23.99.

[chuck geiger]

Plus shipping from the company....http://www.who-sells-it.com/cy/scenic-express-4880/grasses-ground-coverings-25338/page-10-fullsize.html

California Golden Grass Tufts 24.95 and ten and change to ship....

[wazzou]

So buy 5 and it's only $2 to ship.

[chuck geiger]

Puffballs that look great:

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/sites/model-railroad-hobbyist.com/files/users/pattersontom/dsc_0056_1280x853.jpg