Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
I look forward to future updates!
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I am diggin' it!
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Always great to see a new layout going up!
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Nice!
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3D printing will be a game changer. It's affecting the model car hobby. I sat in on a half day seminar by a panel of folks in that industry and it's interesting to see what's coming. As of now, there are a few sources for 3D printed parts, but due to the cost of machine time and media it's mostly creating masters for resin casting.
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That is really cool! When you say solvent based paint... I use automotive primer under all my models. Sometimes because I'm painting resin, but much of the time on regular styrene models because it protects the body from the automotive finishing paints I generally spray. Brands, Duplicolor Plastikote... I like light gray as an undercoat for most everything.
Here's a 3d printed character that I was given as a sample at the 3D seminar. Incredible detail. It was held as part of the Greater Salt Lake Model Car Championship in Utah this spring.
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There is a guy at Board Game Geek who found some cheap train sets that are real close to HO scale. He is modifying them for Dust Tactics, to make a Nazi Gold Train. It's a cool thread like this one, where we can watch the transformation. 
http://boardgamegeek.com/article/20716473#20716473
Dust Tactics- http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/36367/dust-tactics
I look forward to watching your progress!
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I've had this for years if you want it send me a private message
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Chris, it's not just warping that is an issue with benchwork. As you add items to the benchwork such as roadbed, track, scenery and buildings, the wood will have a tendency to sag from the weight. Sags can cause trains to uncouple.
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You might be all right then.
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Hi Chris,
Just wondering how the build is going?
Regards... Tim
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Very interesting and fun to watch the progress of a well planned model railroad.
I find it particularly fascinating, seeing how this is the extent of my model railroading experience.
WB
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I lost my large HO layout during a large earthquake and would really like to build another, but old age and lack of time is holding me back. I've spent the last few months of free time, whenever possible, to lubricate and detail locomotives and rolling stock. Only have around 20 engines that are DCC, not ready to invest in upgraded the hundreds more that are not DCC ready. I have thousands of rolling stock, complete with correct prototyping and KD equipped but I'm too old to get involved to the point of making a 300' layout. I'm enjoying your progress and it brings back a lot of memories...Thanks!
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"would really like to build another"
You could always build a small shelf-style switching layout.
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Hi Chris,
Just wondering how the build is going?
Regards ... Tim.
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Wow this is really neat. It is fascinating to see how model railroads are built. I have seen working displays and exhibits but never the creative process. It looks like a time consuming labor of love. Thanks for posting the photos!
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The one thing with model railroads is that they are hardly ever completed. There is always something to add or change as one works along the "road". Abilities, talents and materials all get better over time, so tearing up a section and redoing it, or adding something new is commonplace. I started my layout in 1993. If I gave a "completion" percentage to it, I would have to say 85% to 90%. When I get the last larger area finished, that will bring me to 95%. The remaining 5% is small areas that I will redo or have to finish. Even when that is done, I have plans to upgrade and make other areas better.
You are right when you say, "a time consuming labor of love", except when things don't go right. Then we have to remind ourselves that model railroading is "fun"!
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You may want to cover up those garage door windows. I don't know how hot things get where you live, but I found that the sun coming through my garage door windows heated up the plastic models and warped some. I actually wound up replacing the old wooden doors with metal insulated windowless doors.
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Yes, this is fun watching the progress. Keep us posted!
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So ... any of you guys know any of these guys?
Extra points if you know anything about any other postcards published by the bank.
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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Hi Chris,
How is the build going? I've been enjoying watching a number of model railroading videos of late and have been wondering how you are getting on.
Regards ... Tim
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Hi Anglophile;
Nice looking layout, and I don't even like trains. Model cars was my thing in the 60s & 70s. And nowadays it is wooden model ships.
You should make a build log showing more different steps, and maybe a few scratch built buildings that are not expensive kits. This is a great way to encourage younger folks to get interested in trains, when they realize it can be affordable. Are you by any chance a railroad cancel collector?
The windows on your garage door are really cool. They remind me of transom windows on old sailing ships. This space on warships is where the admiral or captain and other officers would have their quarters.
Just stampin'....
TuskenRaider
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News just in for anyone interested in model railways.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-38584152
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Nice work Chris! The backdrop really does add depth and pulls the scene together. As a car modeler I've always studied the weathering techniques the model railroad hobby has used, and have employed a lot of what I have learned there. What scale is your layout?
My own model car work is 1/24 and 1/25 scale, which is roughly G Scale. I do look at G Scale accessories that I can use.
Here's a piece I scratch built. I saw plans to build a full size one in Popular Science Magazine and decided to build it in scale (1/25 scale) as an exercise in scaling and working with wood. This would be right at home on a G Scale layout.
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It's fun to work on a wooden kit now and then. Your picture of the Salinas company has given me an idea. Now, if I can fit it in...darn space is always a problem!
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Nicely done. Looks very sharp.
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Hello people
I know this forum has lots of model makers - this question is for you!
My wife bought a nice jewellery box with a hinged lid a few months ago, - it's faux leather, with a glass window (5.25 inches by 3.5 inches) in the lid. Got it from Hobbycraft, which I guess is the UK's Hobby Lobby. Unfortunately she dropped it a while ago and the glass in the lid smashed. Can I fix it? My craft skills are a bit rudimentary, but I'll have a go.
I've carefully removed all the bits of broken glass, and now want to fashion a replacement to fit in the lid. It's like there are two layers making the lid, and the glass was fitted and glued between them. Back to HobbyCraft where I've bought a small sheet of Midwest Clear P9olyester Sheet Clear/0.08. It's a bit flexible but not much. I figure if I can cut a piece a bit bigger than the opening - that is bigger in one dimension and about the right size in the other, so I can flex it and ease it into the slots between the layers in the lid.
So, first question - how do I cut this sheet? Is it about scratching a straight groove with a box cutter blade (we call it a Stanley knife) and then snapping it over a firm straight edge like the edge of a kitchen worktop? And hoping it breaks down the straight line of the groove?
Second question, having got a piece the right size and flexing it to ease it in between the two layers of the lid, how do I glue it into place? What adhesive should I use? Or is it a case of cutting a little bit off the spare bits and trying out different glues??
Third question, have I bought the right item - or is there something or some material more workable than this polyester sheet?
Come on, you model makers, give me a steer!
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While I am no longer in the modelling game I did dabble when my sons were of a certain age and read up a bit.
It used to be said that the difference between the US and UK approach to modelling was that "over there" the accent was on operating while "over here" the a idea was to produce a three dimensional moving "painting" which happened to have trains in it !
It seems looking here and elsewhere that there is now some convergence in this approach.
However I must draw your attention to what must be the ultimate in the latter approach. Just look at www,pendonmuseum.com and drool. I have visited this place and I have to say that the pictures understate the reality. What doesn't show in a static picture like here is that the trains are specially geared to run at scale speed - so a long freight train really crawls through the landscape, just like I remember "unfitted" freight trains ( that is without vaccuum or air assisted brakes, the guuard had to jump off the train and manually "pin down" the brakes on the waggons). Some of the farms and cottages took up to a year each to build and are exact scale models of now vanished buildings( although the environment is imaginary - all the buildings are accurate but were just not in the same place in real life. Before constructing the model, the original was actually visited by a surveying team complete with measuring tapes, theodolites and the like to take minutely accurate dimensions.
You can spend ages just looking at one building and marvelling at the detail. The trains are made up of accurate scale models of actual rail vehicles and are are marshalled just as a similar-purpose train would have been "back in the day".
Highly recommended.
Malcolm
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Further to my previous post I have discovered that there is some you-tube footage worth a visit.
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For many model railroaders, actually operating the model like a real railroad is the draw. I attend and also host operating sessions. It is something to watch your creation "move" as you stand back and supervise/observe.
Of course operations vary in scope from one modeler to another, from imaginary to precise prototypical operations. It can be quite an experience to participate in a session.
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I took out the tools and materials and went on a scenery working spree. It has been a while, but I'm holding an open house in a couple of weeks, so I wanted people to get a chance to see an addition to my layout. Here's the first image being released of my progress thus far (only about 1/2 of my work is visible in this picture):
New York State Highway 66 (Chatham, New York)
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Michael,
That is really impressive how you can achieve such a depth of field in your images. I wish my father had the technology to do that in the 60's with his S-gauge layout. Photos of his layout always suffered from the inevitable blurry foreground or background. I always felt that "proved" the images were "fake". Your images look believable. Well done, sir!
Lars
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Thanks, Lars.
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There is a direct (if inverse) relationship between aperture and depth-of-field.
Light is the Great Enabler ... if the 'target' is not melting, you are not using enough light.
So: add light, which allows you to narrow the aperture, which increases the depth-of-field. Rinse. Repeat.
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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Michael,
The picture looks great, as your layout pics always do. 
Which pieces in the pic are your recent work?
Regards ... Tim.
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Everything, except the track. This is one of the two areas on my layout that do/did not have scenery in place. If you recall, sometime ago I showed pictures of when I added a two-sided backdrop. This is one side of that.
The left side of this section (not in the picture) is about 90% complete with scenery as well.
Here is an old picture of the same area before the final (and different) backdrop and scenery were installed.
In the current scene, I have realigned the sidings and buildings. I'll take a picture of how it looks now from this same angle and post it here in a bit.
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Here are a couple of "helicopter" views of the newly sceniced area:
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'Tis the season for model railroading open houses:
http://www.limrre.com/openhouse.htm
https://www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com/
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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My layout is open for viewing on November 10th (afternoon until whenever) for members of the National Model Railroad Association (NRMA-affiliated event), and members of the Austin Model Railroad group.
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Very nice.
I look forward to future updates!
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re: Model Railroad Construction
I am diggin' it!
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re: Model Railroad Construction
Always great to see a new layout going up!
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re: Model Railroad Construction
Nice!
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re: Model Railroad Construction
3D printing will be a game changer. It's affecting the model car hobby. I sat in on a half day seminar by a panel of folks in that industry and it's interesting to see what's coming. As of now, there are a few sources for 3D printed parts, but due to the cost of machine time and media it's mostly creating masters for resin casting.
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re: Model Railroad Construction
That is really cool! When you say solvent based paint... I use automotive primer under all my models. Sometimes because I'm painting resin, but much of the time on regular styrene models because it protects the body from the automotive finishing paints I generally spray. Brands, Duplicolor Plastikote... I like light gray as an undercoat for most everything.
Here's a 3d printed character that I was given as a sample at the 3D seminar. Incredible detail. It was held as part of the Greater Salt Lake Model Car Championship in Utah this spring.
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re: Model Railroad Construction
There is a guy at Board Game Geek who found some cheap train sets that are real close to HO scale. He is modifying them for Dust Tactics, to make a Nazi Gold Train. It's a cool thread like this one, where we can watch the transformation.
http://boardgamegeek.com/article/20716473#20716473
Dust Tactics- http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/36367/dust-tactics
I look forward to watching your progress!
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re: Model Railroad Construction
I've had this for years if you want it send me a private message
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re: Model Railroad Construction
Chris, it's not just warping that is an issue with benchwork. As you add items to the benchwork such as roadbed, track, scenery and buildings, the wood will have a tendency to sag from the weight. Sags can cause trains to uncouple.
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re: Model Railroad Construction
You might be all right then.
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Auctions - Approvals
re: Model Railroad Construction
Hi Chris,
Just wondering how the build is going?
Regards... Tim
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re: Model Railroad Construction
Very interesting and fun to watch the progress of a well planned model railroad.
I find it particularly fascinating, seeing how this is the extent of my model railroading experience.
WB
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re: Model Railroad Construction
I lost my large HO layout during a large earthquake and would really like to build another, but old age and lack of time is holding me back. I've spent the last few months of free time, whenever possible, to lubricate and detail locomotives and rolling stock. Only have around 20 engines that are DCC, not ready to invest in upgraded the hundreds more that are not DCC ready. I have thousands of rolling stock, complete with correct prototyping and KD equipped but I'm too old to get involved to the point of making a 300' layout. I'm enjoying your progress and it brings back a lot of memories...Thanks!
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re: Model Railroad Construction
"would really like to build another"
You could always build a small shelf-style switching layout.
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Auctions - Approvals
re: Model Railroad Construction
Hi Chris,
Just wondering how the build is going?
Regards ... Tim.
1 Member
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re: Model Railroad Construction
Wow this is really neat. It is fascinating to see how model railroads are built. I have seen working displays and exhibits but never the creative process. It looks like a time consuming labor of love. Thanks for posting the photos!
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re: Model Railroad Construction
The one thing with model railroads is that they are hardly ever completed. There is always something to add or change as one works along the "road". Abilities, talents and materials all get better over time, so tearing up a section and redoing it, or adding something new is commonplace. I started my layout in 1993. If I gave a "completion" percentage to it, I would have to say 85% to 90%. When I get the last larger area finished, that will bring me to 95%. The remaining 5% is small areas that I will redo or have to finish. Even when that is done, I have plans to upgrade and make other areas better.
You are right when you say, "a time consuming labor of love", except when things don't go right. Then we have to remind ourselves that model railroading is "fun"!
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re: Model Railroad Construction
You may want to cover up those garage door windows. I don't know how hot things get where you live, but I found that the sun coming through my garage door windows heated up the plastic models and warped some. I actually wound up replacing the old wooden doors with metal insulated windowless doors.
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re: Model Railroad Construction
Yes, this is fun watching the progress. Keep us posted!
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re: Model Railroad Construction
.
So ... any of you guys know any of these guys?
Extra points if you know anything about any other postcards published by the bank.
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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Auctions - Approvals
re: Model Railroad Construction
Hi Chris,
How is the build going? I've been enjoying watching a number of model railroading videos of late and have been wondering how you are getting on.
Regards ... Tim
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re: Model Railroad Construction
Hi Anglophile;
Nice looking layout, and I don't even like trains. Model cars was my thing in the 60s & 70s. And nowadays it is wooden model ships.
You should make a build log showing more different steps, and maybe a few scratch built buildings that are not expensive kits. This is a great way to encourage younger folks to get interested in trains, when they realize it can be affordable. Are you by any chance a railroad cancel collector?
The windows on your garage door are really cool. They remind me of transom windows on old sailing ships. This space on warships is where the admiral or captain and other officers would have their quarters.
Just stampin'....
TuskenRaider
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re: Model Railroad Construction
News just in for anyone interested in model railways.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-38584152
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Approvals
re: Model Railroad Construction
Nice work Chris! The backdrop really does add depth and pulls the scene together. As a car modeler I've always studied the weathering techniques the model railroad hobby has used, and have employed a lot of what I have learned there. What scale is your layout?
My own model car work is 1/24 and 1/25 scale, which is roughly G Scale. I do look at G Scale accessories that I can use.
Here's a piece I scratch built. I saw plans to build a full size one in Popular Science Magazine and decided to build it in scale (1/25 scale) as an exercise in scaling and working with wood. This would be right at home on a G Scale layout.
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re: Model Railroad Construction
It's fun to work on a wooden kit now and then. Your picture of the Salinas company has given me an idea. Now, if I can fit it in...darn space is always a problem!
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01:21:47pm
re: Model Railroad Construction
Nicely done. Looks very sharp.
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re: Model Railroad Construction
Hello people
I know this forum has lots of model makers - this question is for you!
My wife bought a nice jewellery box with a hinged lid a few months ago, - it's faux leather, with a glass window (5.25 inches by 3.5 inches) in the lid. Got it from Hobbycraft, which I guess is the UK's Hobby Lobby. Unfortunately she dropped it a while ago and the glass in the lid smashed. Can I fix it? My craft skills are a bit rudimentary, but I'll have a go.
I've carefully removed all the bits of broken glass, and now want to fashion a replacement to fit in the lid. It's like there are two layers making the lid, and the glass was fitted and glued between them. Back to HobbyCraft where I've bought a small sheet of Midwest Clear P9olyester Sheet Clear/0.08. It's a bit flexible but not much. I figure if I can cut a piece a bit bigger than the opening - that is bigger in one dimension and about the right size in the other, so I can flex it and ease it into the slots between the layers in the lid.
So, first question - how do I cut this sheet? Is it about scratching a straight groove with a box cutter blade (we call it a Stanley knife) and then snapping it over a firm straight edge like the edge of a kitchen worktop? And hoping it breaks down the straight line of the groove?
Second question, having got a piece the right size and flexing it to ease it in between the two layers of the lid, how do I glue it into place? What adhesive should I use? Or is it a case of cutting a little bit off the spare bits and trying out different glues??
Third question, have I bought the right item - or is there something or some material more workable than this polyester sheet?
Come on, you model makers, give me a steer!
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08:55:04am
re: Model Railroad Construction
While I am no longer in the modelling game I did dabble when my sons were of a certain age and read up a bit.
It used to be said that the difference between the US and UK approach to modelling was that "over there" the accent was on operating while "over here" the a idea was to produce a three dimensional moving "painting" which happened to have trains in it !
It seems looking here and elsewhere that there is now some convergence in this approach.
However I must draw your attention to what must be the ultimate in the latter approach. Just look at www,pendonmuseum.com and drool. I have visited this place and I have to say that the pictures understate the reality. What doesn't show in a static picture like here is that the trains are specially geared to run at scale speed - so a long freight train really crawls through the landscape, just like I remember "unfitted" freight trains ( that is without vaccuum or air assisted brakes, the guuard had to jump off the train and manually "pin down" the brakes on the waggons). Some of the farms and cottages took up to a year each to build and are exact scale models of now vanished buildings( although the environment is imaginary - all the buildings are accurate but were just not in the same place in real life. Before constructing the model, the original was actually visited by a surveying team complete with measuring tapes, theodolites and the like to take minutely accurate dimensions.
You can spend ages just looking at one building and marvelling at the detail. The trains are made up of accurate scale models of actual rail vehicles and are are marshalled just as a similar-purpose train would have been "back in the day".
Highly recommended.
Malcolm
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09:06:09am
re: Model Railroad Construction
Further to my previous post I have discovered that there is some you-tube footage worth a visit.
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re: Model Railroad Construction
For many model railroaders, actually operating the model like a real railroad is the draw. I attend and also host operating sessions. It is something to watch your creation "move" as you stand back and supervise/observe.
Of course operations vary in scope from one modeler to another, from imaginary to precise prototypical operations. It can be quite an experience to participate in a session.
Login to Like
this post
re: Model Railroad Construction
I took out the tools and materials and went on a scenery working spree. It has been a while, but I'm holding an open house in a couple of weeks, so I wanted people to get a chance to see an addition to my layout. Here's the first image being released of my progress thus far (only about 1/2 of my work is visible in this picture):
New York State Highway 66 (Chatham, New York)
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re: Model Railroad Construction
Michael,
That is really impressive how you can achieve such a depth of field in your images. I wish my father had the technology to do that in the 60's with his S-gauge layout. Photos of his layout always suffered from the inevitable blurry foreground or background. I always felt that "proved" the images were "fake". Your images look believable. Well done, sir!
Lars
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Model Railroad Construction
There is a direct (if inverse) relationship between aperture and depth-of-field.
Light is the Great Enabler ... if the 'target' is not melting, you are not using enough light.
So: add light, which allows you to narrow the aperture, which increases the depth-of-field. Rinse. Repeat.
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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Auctions - Approvals
re: Model Railroad Construction
Michael,
The picture looks great, as your layout pics always do. Which pieces in the pic are your recent work?
Regards ... Tim.
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re: Model Railroad Construction
Everything, except the track. This is one of the two areas on my layout that do/did not have scenery in place. If you recall, sometime ago I showed pictures of when I added a two-sided backdrop. This is one side of that.
The left side of this section (not in the picture) is about 90% complete with scenery as well.
Here is an old picture of the same area before the final (and different) backdrop and scenery were installed.
In the current scene, I have realigned the sidings and buildings. I'll take a picture of how it looks now from this same angle and post it here in a bit.
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re: Model Railroad Construction
Here are a couple of "helicopter" views of the newly sceniced area:
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re: Model Railroad Construction
'Tis the season for model railroading open houses:
http://www.limrre.com/openhouse.htm
https://www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com/
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
Login to Like
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re: Model Railroad Construction
My layout is open for viewing on November 10th (afternoon until whenever) for members of the National Model Railroad Association (NRMA-affiliated event), and members of the Austin Model Railroad group.
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