So work's begun on my present day layout, some track is down; ballast too. I'm able to run my CSX MP15AC switcher around a bit. I started working in my first industry, a small scrap metal yard. I pretty much borrowed the idea from Lance Mindhiem's East Rail layout. It seemed like a quick, easy industry to model and it's placement fills an area between the track and the edge of the layout. I thought I had gathered enough scrap parts to make a decent pile, but clearly I probably need about 6 times what I have. I'll just keep adding more until it looks right.Modeling the present seems, to me anyway, much more difficult then modeling the past. I suppose it because it's a language I have been working in. For instance, every time I begin to plan a building I'm thinking clapboard, beat up wooden fence, lots of details, etc...instead I need to be thinking sparse, metal siding, concrete block, some details...when I look at an empty space on my layout I can quickly visualize some ram shackle building crammed into whatever available shape I can. Fortunately all I need to do is leave the basement and go drive around and look at modern buildings and details for reference. I can't wing it like I would with the character driven, detailed buildings I'm used to. It's an interesting challenge for sure. There are times when I think this whole endeavor might be to boring, plain - but when I see examples like East Rail, I feel otherwise. More than anything I like the idea of doing something different in model railroading.
And when I get stuck, I'll get a jump on my 1950's layout just a few feet away. I'm looking forward to switching gears between each layout.
P.S. If you haven't checked out the new Craftsman Structure Show kit, visit www.css08.com.
And if you haven't seen our new video features on our site, check out http://www.foslimited.com/VIDEOS_ALL.htm It's new for us so bear with us with the shakey camera work...(we're getting a better tripod)....the quality will improve, hopefully.
4 comments:
Doug,
Noticed you're also a fan of my good friends Lance Mindheim's Miami switching district. You may not be aware the layout in GMR is only a prelude to a much bigger effort. Lance tore down his N scale Monon layout to make room for a basement-sized Miami switching district.
Take care, enjoy your work on the podcast.
Marty McGuirk
Marty,
Hi. Thanks for mentioning it. I have been following his new layout in progress on his site, http://www.lancemindheim.com/downtown_spur2.htm
After seeing his East Rail layout in GMR, I wanted to see more so I'm glad he's working on something basement size that will have the same quality as the smaller shelf layout. I go on and on about it ad nauseam, but it's one of the most exciting layouts to come along recently, unique and realistic; filled with great lessons one of which truly underlines less is more.
Thanks for the comment, I enjoy your work in MR.
Doug
Doug,
Great web site, do you have any plans to intoduce an O scale lone?
Also, on the most recent of Scott's podcasts you made the comment "that Amtrak was ok unless
you were riding on one". I'm booked on the Empire Builder" this September to Portland, Or for the NNGC convention. Should I be worried?
Great work your doing, keep it up.
Rob Mackenzie
Doug,
It's looking good. I liked your comments about how "challenging" switching to modern modeling is for you. I am feeling it, albeit the opposite way: I have a hard time seeing how I can bring the older-era craftsman kits up to modern times and use them differently than a steam era, ramshackle structure... yours looks good, keep addin' scrap.
Also, very much enjoy your website and your kits.
Glad to see "heavy hitters" like Marty and others are becoming fans of your kits/work. Keep up the excellent products.
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