Back to the Background

After several attempts at painting a simple horizon line; I give up. While I could be satisfied with a few layers of distant background trees, it's proving to be too much of a chore to paint after the scenery is in place....even though when I started this layout I swore up and down I'd do the background first, I didn't....anyhow I played around with some laser prints of photos I'd taken from a recent train trip. i'm happy with the results , and it's easy to blend the scenery with the bottom edge of the photo (applied with transfer tape). You can compare these photos with the June 2 blog entry:

http://foslimited.blogspot.com/2009_05_31_archive.html

Snow Day

After shoveling 24" of snow, I headed straight for the workbench today. About a year ago I had acquired one of Stella Scale Models' Martin's Creek Station kit. I'd been meaning to build it since then and finally got to it and what a great kit it is. It's a resin cast kit; the roof is one single piece, as is the foundation and four walls. The fit of these parts is perfect and I had a great time building it. I modeled mine as a BNSF yard office; just added some signs. For my needs it works just fine; as I'm not adhering strictly to prototype.

If you haven't checked out this kit, or anything else by Jim Harr's Stella Scale Models, visit his site:

stellascalemodels.com/

2009?

With the year winding down you'd think I'd have the foresight to choose or alter a billboard that will keep my layout in the present. But no. I suspect I was just happy enough to find a decent billboard via Google, it didn't even occur to me at that moment. Furthermore, my search parameters were " Iowa Billboard"; after countless clicks I'd forgotten I altered the search to just " billboards". The end result - I used a billboard set in 2009 for a Honda dealer in New Jersey, not Iowa.

I have no intention of changing it anytime soon. If nothing else, it'll serve as a reminder to look before I hit print. Eventually I'll find a new one. But it got me thinking, maybe I want to set my layout permanently in 2009. It's common practice in model railroading; set the scene and stick to it. Many modelers find it useful for pinning down things like signage, vehicles, motive power...

I don't think that's were I'm going with this layout. I like the idea of being completely flexible with what I can model. Besides, I consider this particular layout to be an experiment, maybe for something bigger down the road.

Eric Brooman's layout, the Utah Belt, has always been appealing for its up to date setting. As time goes by Eric updates his rolling stock and roster according to the present date.

So the billboard stays for now, at least for another 12 days or so.

The First Idea

The Christmas holiday is upon us...for model railroaders the holiday seems to hold an extra morsel of sentimentality. The obvious reason; the train running around the loop of track under the tree or the displays in store windows. Just like the holiday cheer that comes once a year, its full might is fleeting. In a few weeks, after all the shopping madness, office parties and nutty relatives pay a visit, we'll revert to our non-holiday mode; or regular mode. It's too bad; I much prefer things when we're all in a good mood.

The same goes for trains. It's brief visit upon mainstream consciousness is just as fleeting. Come December 26th; the train gets put away. More so, the idea of train gets shelved yet again. It's not in our periphery long enough anymore to make an impact.

Having just recently taken a long distance train trip, I can attest to its continuing viability as a transportation alternative. I'd wager a bet my multi-day trip was more pleasant than any auto or plane trip you'll embark on during the holiday. What is disappointing however is that what I considered a enjoyable experience, could be even more so with the proper funding, but isn't.

It's certainly not for lack of technology. It's been around for decades; and with the right dollars the level of technology could be catapulted forward in leaps and bounds. It has after all, been shelved, year after year. There's no reason why we shouldn't be able to take a high speed train, 180mph plus from Chicago to Denver. Acela in the NorthEast is laughable, even ten years after its debut, it barely keeps a top speed of 125.

Funding is abundant if you ask me, not that I'm an expert. But, countless, perpetual highway projects are always flush with cash. It's shocking that as a population we're oblivious to the fact that most highway projects just generate even more traffic. The system as a whole, highways/cars, just doesn't work; it never will and it's incredibly costly to maintain.

While I gazed out the window for nearly 2,000 miles, it just underscored the obviousness of a truly elegant, unobtrusive solution...just 4'-8 1/2" wide - two rails...and hundreds of people or thousands of tons can move. The irony is that it's an idea over a century old - sometimes the best ideas are the first ones, or the ones right under your tree.

Have a great holiday! Spend some time with your friends and relatives; and then as soon as they go or when they're not looking or crocked on the special egg nog , sneak down to your layout or workbench and play with your trains!

The above pic, BNSF freight north of Raton Pass Dec.2, 2009

Background Fix

The background in the bottom pic had been bugging me since I made it; since it was simply blue paint it looked quite flat. While just having a blue sky does add some depth - better than unpainted masonite, a little more effort could yield a better look. So I repainted the sky, this time with a band of white towards the bottom, about 3" . Then I applied a new band of blue that blended into the white, very simple. Dave Frary paints many of his backgrounds this way.

If you don't plan on using a photo background and want to try an easy, inexpensive way, this is it. No artistry required, just brush from left to right . It 's impossible to screw up....but don't do what I did; repaint after scenery is in place...what a pain.

For distant green fields I used an acrylic green and mixed it with the sky color. This immediately imparts a haze to the green.

Overall it's a subtle change, but does add the depth I was looking for. Give it a try.

Narrow Gauge Itch...

We've been climbing around some rocks for days and days now, but we're heading back soon. If this trip doesn't get me building some kind of narrow gauge diorama, I don't know what will. After shipping back about 15 pounds of dirt and a box of desert sage brush trees, I'll have enough scenery material to start something. Between the landscape and the multitude of well preserved buildings, I've got the narrow gauge itch.

Anyhow, we'll be back up and running next week. We'll need a vacation from our vacation though, have spent most of the trip climbing; the pic above, taken after a 700 foot hike/climb. Amazing rocks...also, another pic from Jerome, AZ.

Journey to Jerome

It's only taken me 27 years to get to Jerome, Arizona; but I finally made it! If you're not familiar with Jerome, it was for a short while, one of Arizona's largest mining towns. Copper was its main resource, producing three million pounds per month from around 1876 untill the mid 1950's. After that it quickly became one of the West's numerous ghost towns. Now it's a huge draw for tourists, who can wander the towns storefronts in search of souvenirs and local art. If you're a model railroader, you'd know it from John Olson's layout series in Model Railroader in 1982; Building a Railroad with Personality, The Jerome & South Western.

The layout was a standard 4'x8' but John created the illusion of a much larger layout, well detailed and rich in character which he imparted from his own talents as an imagineer at Disney as well as thorough research. I'd read those issues when I was 12 years old, but they left quite an impression. Aside from the fact that the layout appealed to me; realistic rock work and weathering, detailed structures - I was fascinated by this place called Jerome. At the time, growing up in New York City, Jerome Arizona might as well been on the far side of the moon.

Ultimately, John's article series made its way into book form which I immediately purchased back then. I still have the same book, yellowed edges; spine retaped - and I still go back to it, as the techniques are still among the best. Through the book I could visit Jerome, if only through John's photos. I'd put it on my list of places to see; some day.

Well today was the day! As we're travelling around Arizona, in particular Sedona, Jerome was a mere 40 minute drive away. How could I not go? One picture in the book that always stood out was John collecting a container of dirt to be used on his layout. Well today I collected a couple of pounds of Mingus Mountain dirt myself...

It was better than I imagined. From what I'd read, many of the towns buildings were built on the edge of Cleopatra Hill...more like clinging for their structural lives; amazing! It looked like a swift kick with your foot would send a building tumbling down. In fact after countless dynamite explosions in the mines, a good portion, like two blocks and two dozen buildings slid down the hill.

But so much is still intact. As you pass through the town, you come upon an incredible site - after some disastrous underground accidents, they turned to above ground strip mining - a large portion of the hill is just missing, gone, carved out by a giant. Actually it was a Marion steam shovel that could scoop out eight cubic yards in one gulp. It turns out it was a steam shovel that previously had helped dig out the Panama Canal. The actual shell of the unit is still on site.

Beyond the large hole in the side of the mountain is the Jerome ghost town. It's a bit propped for tourism, but it's a massive collection of old mining equipment - including dozens of automobiles and trucks, faded but very intact, from the '30's to the '50's. There's a working saw mill and a dozen old structures. If you're into detailed modeling, narrow gauge railroading and model railroading in general; your brain will pretty much fall right out of your head next to a rusting 1940's Dodge.

Needles to say I took numerous photos and all I could think about was tearing up my layout and building my own Jerome and South Western...

If you ever have travel plans that take you to Arizona, don't miss Jerome. Just have a good hold on your brain, it might make it's way down Cleopatra Hill.

Riding the Rails Again

Here we are again,on an Amtrak train headed out West; the California Zephyr. As I write, we’re nearing Omaha, Nebraska. If you’d read about or last trip in May ’08, your probably asking why would you take the train again? Despite the delays and headaches and exploding catenary, it’s still, to me anyway, the best way to travel. It truly is the only way to see this continent in a relaxing epic kind of way – you can really appreciate its immensity and its diverse geography once you’ve covered this kind of distance , close to the ground. Since, leaving Connecticut, I haven’t looked away from the window.

I’ve brought all manner of distraction with me, for the so called “long ride”. I’ve got a few books, my laptop, DVD’s to watch, a few new train magazines, my sketch book, my ipod…but I’ve been utterly captivated by the ever changing landscaping flying by.

In the last 36 hours I’ve seen the coves and inlets of the Long Island Sound, the massive Hell Gate Bridge in NY and the view it affords of my old neighborhoods in Queens; we even managed a 15 minute visit with a good friend who was able to get down to the track at Penn Station to say hello and goodbye. New Jersey and Delaware went by in an instant; a blur of refineries and turnpike traffic. A stop-over in D.C. offered a nice break. While I’d been to the platforms of Union Station several times, I’d never had the time to visit this well preserved, grand station.

After D.C., we plied through Harper’s Ferry, an amazing mountainside town, I’d never been to. Through the outskirts of Pittsburgh, dormant steel mills littered the land like the set of an apocalyptic film. We awoke in Chicago, with a five hour wait between trains and perfect weather. In that time I was able to see Millennium Park and Frank Gehry’s Pritzker building, as well as several new skyscrapers that had been built since our last visit. After a stroll along the Chicago River, we headed back to the station and boarded the Zephyr.

And the window has its grip on me – how couldn’t it? A BNSF freight zips by almost every 15 minutes. We pass through countless yards and witness switching of all manner of freight car. It’s a great opportunity to see all kinds of weathering and trackside details, invaluable research for my modern day layout, which my last train trip inspired. Grain elevators, dozens of them, zip by – and none of them look alike. All the while, I’ve been snapping pics and sketching details I can use on my layout or in some future kit. The landscape changes often, also inviting new ways to model scenery on my layout.

Did I mention the locomotives? Growling, roaring, belching smoke; they’re just awesome to watch – whether they’re crawling through a yard or racing by with a hundred cars trailing behind, they are no doubt impressive, massive and unstoppable. Even Amtrak’s P42 pulling this consist of Superliners. It’s near seamless shell is simple, almost boring – yet the fact that once its wheels start turning and horn starts screaming, it comes to life; it deserves recognition. On top of that all three of our trains have been on time. An Amtrak first for me!

Anyway, you get the idea. If you like trains, to any degree – as a casual hobby, or a true fanatic, consider your next trip by train. You won’t forget it.

I see some blaring headlights ahead on the track next to us…back to the window.

(the above pic: backing into Chicago's Union Station)

There goes another one....

Hard to believe another Craftsman Structure Show is behind us, the third no less. Needless to say, the fourth CSS event is already in the works. Jimmy, Scott and I are meeting this week to get things going; to see how we can improve the show some more. You've probably already heard either at the show or on the forums how great it was to have a small army of volunteers helping us out. It's worth repeating; thanks for the help! It made for a smooth, well oiled operation.

The fact that it's a three day show meant there was time to actually see the show, walk around and peruse everything. It was refreshing to see so many new products from the vendors. A couple come to mind...from Crow River Products was an O Scale Automatic Steam Engine (pic above). I had to pick this one up. I've been quietly getting interested in steam engines and thought this would be a great place to jump in, and the mini scene Leo created was a big inspiration. I'd like to replicate something similar. It's a detailed project, but small enough that I can see it actually getting completed.

Seaport Model works displayed some new work barges. Dave Krakow of Vector Cut brought a diorama based on a Bernice Abbott photo where nothing in the photo was left out - truly amazing. Lasermodeling 3 showed off their first new kit, an impressive 3 foot coal dock. Jim Harr of Stella Scale Models had his newest kit releases. Those are just a few examples. The best part about the show is seeing so much good work in one place and meeting up with so many people with a common interest.

So now time for a break...aside from shipping some outstanding orders, not much to do this week. Walking around the show, seeing all this cool stuff, I would say to myself, I should start a layout...then I remembered I did start a layout...it's just been neglected for a few months. So I dusted off some track this morning and held a brief operating session ( pic above)...and kicked around some ideas for what I'll do next. I'll keep you posted.

The Podcast Layout...

...is nearly complete ( pics above). The layout is finally coming together; today Jimmy, Dave, Scott, Anna Maria and myself spent the day adding final touches. Mainly trees and details. The last items on the list include another structure, more trees and water.

The main draw back was that Dave' s bullet proof Lincoln Town Car was in the shop - he has the shag carpet in the back changed every year; he's always changing the color. Besides, on those sharp turns the hot tub water spills out - things get moldy. So when I arrived I had to help Scott clear out the picnic table from the backyard and paint a 20' yellow circle in the grass so Dave's helicopter had a place to land. It's flown automatically, except for today. Since Jimmy has been driving lately, Dave let Jimmy land the "Little Bird" as Dave calls it ( it seats ten people, usually super models). Jimmy used a special remote control he operates with some free software he found on the internet. This time he only clipped a few branches.

We were nearly blinded when Dave stepped off the chopper. He'd been to the optometrist and was sporting his new gold plated eyeglasses, and on the side arms where you usually see the brand name, it just said FRARY, all lit up with small LED lights. It was kind of tacky but I didn't say anything, he seemed happy with them.

His assistants Monica and Candy were no where to be found; we later found out Dave had fired them after he caught them sniffing Canopy Glue. Instead Dave arrived with his pride and joy, a white Bengal Tiger on a leash, he called Sparkles, after a stuff animal he had when he was a kid.

Scott didn't get much work done because he's afraid of any animal larger than a chipmunk. At one point I heard him crying under the bench work. He probably won't sleep a wink tonight.

CSS Draws Near...

It's that time again, the Annual Craftsman Structure Show is just two weeks away. While I definitely think the elves here at the Fos factory could use a vacation, I'm certain our laser cutter does. It's an unbelievable work horse. Considering most goods and products these days are designed with built in, planned obsolescence, our Epilog cutter does not fall into that category. For a machine that is subjected to countless, repetitive moves every day - and ours runs 5 to 6 days a week - it doesn't show it. It just keeps doing what it was designed to do. I wish my PC would run even half as good.

So, we like to take advantage of it by coming out with more unusual, different structure kits. If time permits, we'll have a new HO kit ready for the upcoming show in Mansfield ( see pics above).

If you're registered for the show, you'll be able to see the diorama for our Limited Run Kit, Canal Street and Third. You'll also get to see and meet dozens of vendors and their models; like Crow River Products, Seaport Model Works, Rail Scale Miniatures and more. You can also attend clinics by some of the best modelers in the country like Dave Frary, Dave Revelia and Brian Nolan. On Sunday, you can tour some of the finest layouts in New England, that you may have only seen in the magazines like Dick Elwell's Hoosac Valley or Jimmy Deignan's Pennsy layout.

If you haven't registered and would like to head over to www.css09.com.

Podcast Layout

Yesterday, we (Scott Mason, Dave Frary and myself) continued work on the podcast layout (pics above)that is going to be raffled off at the Craftsman Structure Show next month. All the proceeds are going to charity.

There's still much to be done; lots of scenery and detail items need to be added. Working with Scott and Dave has been interesting. We've been building it in Scott's garage, which means I have to wait outside for at least an hour before Scott wakes up; I always arrive early, like 7:00 AM, banging on Scott's door and ringing the bell. When Scott answered the door yesterday, he was still in his Looney Tunes pajamas. Jimmy Deignan had given him new pajamas with Thomas the Tank engine, but he never wears them. He says Tweety Bird gives him good luck...I then had to wait for Scott to finish his workout, he's been using an excercise series by Richard Simmons; Scott's very nostalgic. He watches the tape on Betamax. I tell him about DVD's, but he just shakes his head.

Dave arrives in his black town car. His driver promptly opens the back door, out pours Dave and his two assistants, Monica and Candy, they carry his totes of scenery products and tool boxes. While he works, he simply calls out, " Grey Ballast" or "Silflor Prarie Tufts", and it's handed to him. All the while he creates his scenery from a special hydraulic hoist that lets him almost literally fly over the layout. He wears special eyeglasses that have a Heads Up display to control it. There's a different one for each scale he works in...Dave also showed off his new necklace, it's his name, DAVE, about six inches across completely made of diamonds. It compliments his gold tooth. He's like a modern day Mr. T.

I stood humbly by, paving some roads wondering how I get mixed up with folks like this. But hey, it's for charity and I enjoy the work.

If you haven't already , go the Scotty Mason Show website (www.modelrailroadpodcast.com )

and pick up some raffle tickets, even if you can't use the layout, you could always donate it to a childrens hospital.

New Model Railroad Products

While I enjoy reading the content of magazines and websites regarding model railroading, I also take great pleasure in the ads. It's probably the only instance where I welcome advertising so openly. While the average person is bombarded with 3,300 ads per day, I can't get enough info on new model railroading products. It's like reading the Sears Wishbook at Christmas, circling items you hope to get under the tree.

New stuff motivates me in my modeling efforts. The box car above for example, by a new manufacturer, ExactRail (www.exactrail.com )reminded me that I started a modern day layout in my basement and it probably misses me. Needless to say, I ordered one of these box cars. Check out their rolling stock - unbelievable detail.

I also discovered in the new issue of Model Railroader that Atlas is releasing the NRE Genset Locomotives in HO. Previously only available in brass, these Hybrid locomotives fit perfectly into my layout theme.

But no matter what you are modeling there's always something new. There are almost countless structure options. If you're modeling modern day railroading, just flip through the Walther's catalog and see the latest Ethanol manufacturing series. If you're modeling the steam-to-diesel era, check out new kits from both www.scottymason.com and railroadkits.com. Scott's released Laskey Cabinets, a super detailed mill. If you think you can't build it, think again, try one of his DVD's and you'll soon see how easy it is. Jimmy Diegnan has expanded his kit line on www.railroadkits.com by adding the Country Road Series. Roxberry Roofing, above is just one of several detailed kits on his site. Chances are you'll find at least a handful that you could use on your layout.

So no excuses! There's something for everyone, in every price range and at every skill level. And if you crave more info, check out Pelle Soeberg's new book from Kalmbach, Essential Scenery Techniques. You'll learn about new ways to model unique scenery like deserts , with the latest products.

And when I say no excuses, I'm also talking to myself. I get complacent sometimes and need a good kick to get me motivated. With all this new stuff the problem is where to start, not what to do.

Canal Street & Third

While we're glad the diorama is finished and available for pre-ordering, working on it will be missed. It's just something that happens when you're working on a model for a while. It's a lot like traveling, getting to know a place. Once you get familiar and comfortable being there...time to go...I guess that's what pictures are for ( nice to have the diorama too.) All together, from sketch to finsihed model, it's been a year long journey. For six months, sketches were drawn and redrawn, some kept, some trashed. We spent most of the summer working on CAD drawings in between other projects. The models were started in July, again, off and on and finally the diorama was started 4 weeks ago. I realized if I had started the diorama earlier things would have moved faster.

Next time, I'll cut the foam base first, because once I had done that, buildings that I already completed could be put in place and some scenery could be added; doing that motivated me further because seeing just a small portion of it completed was all the incentive I needed to accelerate finishing it. An ipod packed with a zillion songs helps too.

At one point there were seven buildings, not five. Our goal was to provide as much value as possible and at the same time keep the price reasonable. The other two building designs we'll save for a future kit or two...

Before a single building was considered, I was set on the two converging streets to set the scene, as well as some kind of waterfront. Next came the boxing building, which went through a month of sketching. Once the over all shape and mass was decided, it was clear it would look best on a hill, adding to the overall height. Vernon's Boxing Club as it's called, comes from a town I used to work in, Mt. Vernon, NY. On the marquee we've posted an upcoming fight, Frary vs. Mason....I know who I have my money on, show him how it's done Dave.....included are some tiny posters as well, with a fight between Deignan vs Scholz......Baker vs Smith.....Weiss vs. Wolf.....While the upper roof was intended to be flat, a shed and additions were added, so it had a sense of shapes just spilling off the roof. This gave it a more natural look, and reduced the abrupt change in roof lines. We'd done a boxing gym as a kit before, JJ Hollender's back in 2004. Many modelers had missed out so we thought we'd give it a go again, without re-releasing a sold out kit.

Then there's the Peep Show Theater; we'll we had to add that. After doing a Bikini Car Wash, brassiere factory and a burlesque house, how could we not add some more mischief to your layouts? Besides we're just trying to portray, um, streets and cities as they are, you know, for the sake of realism. The research for this part of the kit was a real chore.

All kidding aside, while these are all freelance structures, a lot of research was done, just to keep things plausible. The mermaid bar is inspired by an old restaurant in Queens, NY called Neiderstein's. While it doesn't look much like it, it did have a covered porch like the one we've created.

Two of the structures complete our homage to one of our favorite films, Jaws. Despite seeing it at the age of seven (what was my mother thinking?), I still swim and go boating in the ocean and admire the film very much. Hooper's Oyster Bar, our previous kit is named after Matt Hooper, the Richard Dryfus character. In this kit, Brody & Martins Coal is named after Chief Martin Brody and the other structure, Quint's Fishermens Supplies, is named after the crusty captain of the Orca, who meets his demise in the mouth of the shark...

Normally, a structure kit such as this would yield a much higher retail price, however, as it's been an interesting time with the economy, we wanted to express to all of our customers that we truly appreciate your continued patronage.

After a week long Special Offer price of $249.95 - the kit will be $270.00. We feel that this is an excellent value considering that there are five structures included in this kit. (That prices each building out at $54.) Considering that two of them are rather large in size, you're getting a lot of Bang for Your Buck.

We're sincerely grateful for every kit purchased, it means a lot to us, as we enjoy what we do and you guys make it all possible, so from Anna Maria and myself, thank you & enjoy!

Canal & Third Street - Kit #150 In Progress

We've been focusing on our next limited run kit these last few weeks; most of the design work has been settled on but constantly changes as the diorama is being built. If you've been keeping up with our facebook page( more on that topic later inthis blog), you've seen some teaser pics of this next kit. It's a multi-structure, multi-business, mixed media large kit. The diorama itself is 24"x 24", but each of the 4-5 structures are medium to small in size. You'll be able to seperate them, it'll be very flexible as to what you can do with the kit. We're modeling it as a waterfront scene; so far the kit is called Canal & Third Street, but these buildings are not entirely specific to the waterfront. We'll be including alternate signage for each structure, so you won't have to worry if you have a waterfront scene or not.

The scene we've set, depicts two streets converging at an angle; one is a hill, the other parallels the water. We've also added a track that cuts under the scene into a tunnel, and another behind two of the structures.

The structure in the pic above is Vernon's__________. We're not telling yet, but it's got a bit of a rambling roof, full of add ons and a large roof sign. Vernon's is modeled on the street with a hill, provided with a hydrocal stone wall foundation. You don't have to model it this way, but the option is there, it can easily be modeled flat.

That's what this kit is really about, flexibility.

Now, reagrding Facebook...we set up a Facebook page this summer, hesitantly. The jury's still not out whether or not we'll keep it up. My first inclination was that it would be a time killer, which to some degree it is. I'd rather be building a model or working on a new kit than keeping up with another internet time vortex...but on the other hand it's a good place for fellow Fos modelers to come togther, so that's where you come in, this Facebook page depends on both of us...but again I'd rather you, the modeler spend more time building than web surfing....if you've got pics of your Fos kits to post, we'd all love to see them in one place, please post away...like anything else, in moderation, don't get sucked into the black hole that is Facebook!

Let's just call it an experiment for now and see what happens. If you haven't been there yet, here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fos-Scale-Limited-Model-Railroad-Structures/113363023728?ref=ts

Layout..

Layout progress has been slow this summer, but I recently started detailing some small scenes since I haven't made time for bigger projects...any work on the layout is better than none at all...

Nail Holes & Volume 3

Many of us who build craftsman structure kits employ the technique of adding rows of nails to our clapboard walls. Personally, I like adding this extra detail and I've done it so often not doing it feels kind of strange. It often turns up as a bit of controversy however, among modelers, whether or not nails would be seen on clapboard walls. So when I stumbled across this building at Mystic Seaport, I had my answer to this age old question - sometimes and generally on older buildings. Fortunately I had my camera with me and can put this issue to rest! But the real answer is, when modeling, do what you want to do and enjoy yourself.

The pic above is from a highway overpass we build in our upcoming DVD, Roads & Highways for Your Model Railroad. We've finished shooting today, with just some editing to do. It'll be available in early Septemeber. We'll post a video preview soon.

Our Next Limited Run / Christmas Kit

We've been working on several projects this summer, one of which is our Limited Run kit to be released as our Christmas Kit. Last years H.T. Gordon's kit was a lot of fun for us to put together, so naturally we are using that as a stepping stone for this new kit. As always we're keeping it under wraps for now, you know the drill. But we can tell you it's a multi-structure kit with a variety of materials. And the big goal this year was to make it a great value, so we're trying to work in more bang for your buck. If all goes as planned we think you'll be pleased.

The above pic is as cryptic as it gets, a CAD drawing from the kit...I know it reveals nothing, but we had to put some kind of pic up. Think of it as a baby sonogram....still hard to make out what it is...But just give it time...we'll post more pics as the pilot model progresses. We hope to have it ready for ordering in time for CSS and shipping in December.

In the meantime, take a look at our latest kit, Rothman's Pawn Shop & Thornhill Liquors. The pawn shop is based on a prototype that stood on Eighth Avenue, in NY, in the 1930's. The Liquor Store is named after a character in our favorite Hitchcock movie, North By NorthWest, Roger Thornhill. If you haven't already seen the new kit, visit our site, you'll find a short video featuring the kit.

Public Enemies

One of my favorite aspects of a good movie is the set design. It's not unlike scenery and structure building for model railroading. Through research and creativity, a plausible reality is created and viewed through a calculated perception; like a cropped photo.

The new Johnny Depp film, directed by Michael Mann, Public Enemies; features first rate set design. As with most Michael Mann films, scenes and buildings are portrayed with intense precision. The final scene, where Dillinger meets his fate at the Biograph Theater has been recreated so accurately, even rails were imbedded in the street for passing street cars. Most mediocre films would forgo a detail like this. But its inclusion creates a richer texture. Just like in scale modeling, it's the layering of detail that makes the scene.

From what's been said online about the set design for this film, the viewer will only see about half of the detail put into the sets. It's the sign of a good film, when the director's intention isn't showing off the money spent on the set, but instead, character and story. The background is just matter of fact, meticulously researched - but it's not the plot. 1994's Shawshank Redemption comes to mind; few people probably realize that the interior scenes of the cell block were a complete fabrication, and not shot in a real prison. Again, it wasn't about the set. But it still did it's job with subtle accuracy.

Public Enemies is like that. You're taken into the Depression Era 1930's and it all seems real; every block, every car and every costume. As for it being a great film, I leave that up to you. Personally I liked it, I like all of Michael Mann's movies; Heat, Collateral, The Insider, etc... he's one of the few directors that actually has a signature style, where the camera is always somewhere for a reason, the characters always driven towards something; for better or worse...and the sets are there as tools to support the story.

So, if you're a 1930's modeler or just appreciate some well crafted movie magic, check it out.

Have a Happy 4th of July!

Weather It

We recently added some more Bragdon Weathering powder products to our site. They're individual containers of Light Rust, Soot Black, Weathered Brown and Lime Mortar White. If you haven't already tried Bragdon powders, consider them, especially if you're reluctant to try any weathering. With these powders it's easy to do. Just apply as little as possible at first and add more until you see the results you want. Even try it on scrap first. Probably the best advantage, for me anyway, is that I can keep Satan's little helper ( my airbrush) locked up in the basement where he belongs, with no food or water, or paint...my point - these chalks can give you that airbrush look without the hassle. Subtle fading of color or streaks of rust, it's the simplest and easiest way to age something. I haven't trie dthe Lime Mortar White yet but anxious to try, it looks like it'd be a great way to streak that white effervescence that leaches out of brick work. I'll keep you posted once I give it a go.

Good Smell, Bad Smell...

So today we began work on what we are calling the Podcast Layout, a 4'x 8'

project collaboration by Dave Frary, Jimmy Deignan, Scott Mason and myself. The intention is to complete the layout before CSS and raffle it off at the show with the proceeds going to charity.

When I arrived at Scotts, so much preparation had already been done, each peice of benchwork wood was numbered and precut. Scott had even layed out a full brunch buffet in his garage. He'd prepared omlettes, fresh bacon, stacks of pancakes that could have filled a paint bucket - the garage smelled like deluxe home cookin'. There was even a red carpet in front of the buffet table ...it was like the Plaza Hotel meets IHOP. What a guy. I couldn't believe my nose and eyes...

....hmmm, OK I might be exagerating. So when I arrived, there was no wood and no delux Plaza Hotel breakfast. Instead, Scott and Dave and I took a trip to the local lumber yard, in Dave's truck. I got to sit in the middle, with Mom(Scott) and Dad( Dave) on either side. I think at one point I should have said "Are we there yet?". It couldn't have been soon enough. Dave explained to us before we got in that he'd left some fresh fish guts in a bag, in the back of the truck over the weekend - what an amazing smell. Powerful. Ripe. The kind that, even after you leave the truck stays with you. I can still smell it in the back of my head. It was almost as if he'd left fresh fish guts in the bag over the weekend...oh right, he did. Anyway, we got some overpriced lumber and headed back to Scott's garage where we unloaded the fish scented wood...which was fine, it's supposed to be a waterfront layout; very authentic.

Jimmy arrived soon after with a pile of track and turnouts for the layout. As Jimmy approached the garage he inquired about the smell.

A few hours later, four knuckleheads managed to complete some benchwork, some foam landforms in place and track secured. In the next few weeks we'll get to structures and scenery. As it progresses, I'll post pics here. You can also follow along on Dave's new blog:

http://tracksidescenery.blogspot.com/

Working on a 4'x8' layout sure brings back memories, the only other 4'x8' I ever worked on was my first layout, when I was 11. Plywood, wrapped with the grass mat, stapled. Single loop of track with one siding. Lots of green lichen. That's a great smell. Atlas telephone poles with plastic bases and that foam tunnel most of us had. Building kits by Lifelike and Tyco. But, at the time, that was the greatest thing on earth. I've never looked at another sheet of plywood without thinking about it.

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The pic above is from Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. Nice clapboard...

Leaves...

...that's right I said leaves, five point broad leaves, the kind that grow on trees, plants and vines - now available for your model railroad. For years numerous scenery products have been made to simulate natural vegetation; from dyed sawdust to foam. The magicians at Silflor have created a true leaf shaped product that can be used to create vine like growth or can even be stretched over a tree armature. we ordered it from Scenic Express, it's item #930-21. They offer different seasonal varities/colors.

If you haven't ever purchased any Silflor products, or any of the new static grasses or grass mat materials, check out the website, scenicexpress.com. Using it will instantly elevate the quality of your scenery because of it's built in realism. You can see the contrast in the photo above, the foam shrubs to the right, look in fact like foam. Where as the Silflor product looks, well, like leaves. I still think there is a place for foam, it does add the variety needed to create realistic, dense growth. But for the bulk of my scenery. I'm incorporating as many of these new products as possible.

If you're looking for the Grass Master by Noch, that I've recently discussed here, it's been on sale at both Scenic Express and Micro Mark, for a reasonable price.

Farm Scene

Since I've grew up and lived most of my life in the city, I've always preferred to model urban scenes. Often I'd wonder ,"what's the big deal about rural scenery?" Tall buildings, crowded streets and murky canals are what I aspired to model for years. I still do enjoy that kind of scene; one day I plan on using my Proto 1000 NYC Subway cars and build an entire layout of just tunnels to run them.

But lately, since I've embarked on this modern day layout set in Iowa and Illinois, I've come to appreciate some green open spaces. It must be the same reason I enjoy trains in general - the simplicity, two rails, the train and land as far as you can see. I guess it also comes down to the idea of "write what you know"; since we've moved to Connecticut from NY a few years ago, I've been around more open spaces, more nature.

Anyhow, the above pic is what I've been working on lately. This scene still needs work; I need to replace the tree to the right and work on the background some more as well as weather that tractor.

Avoidance Issues

I've been avoiding one particular part of my layout ever since the track was put down. There are several areas that I have been avoiding, but this one in particular I was dreading any work on it what so ever. The reason being, there was less than two inches from the outside rail of a big radius to the wall.

If the track planning part of my brain was filled to capacity like it should be, I would have allowed for more space, at least four inches. But, somewhere between my Parietal and Occipital lobes, there's an apparent void...anyway, so there's less than two inches to deal with. At least an inch would be given up for right of way clearance, a shoulder of ballast..., so then there's an inch left. It's an area that hugs a river, the one shown in the previous post. I'd found a photo of the Upper Iowa River as I was looking for justifying the rock features I wanted to includein an Iowa scene - there aren't many. But in the North Eastern corner of the state, there is. The river is edged with an undulating rock face, almost a wave on its side. I used this photo as a reference and attempted to copy the overall shape.

So I started cutting a profile in one inch foam and placed it against the back drop. To gain some more space, I gouged out some of the foam at the narrowest point. This gouge would serve as one of the undulating waves; from that starting point I applied a wall of plaster, continuing the wave down the length of the curve and carved in a layered strata of rock. While it provided some depth, it wasn't enough; so I painted a sliver of landscape above the ledge, finishing it with vegetation. There's still a few more feet to go. Once it's complete, I'll post a wider shot of the whole scene.

Waterfall

This week I managed to squueze in some time to work on the layout. I started a section that was begun almost a year ago. For months I just stared at this section, as if that would make it happen. The only thing that made it happen was actually doing it. It's like sketching and drawing, sometimes the blank page is intimidating...it's only when you realize that it's no big deal if it gets screwed up. The worst thing that could happen is that I would have ripped out pennies worth of plaster and paint; so what? With that attitude I finally began throwing down some plaster blobs and began carving rock, and once I'm past that part it gets easier. The work is satisfying, so that progress becomes addictive...I've been posting this progress on the MR Forum (http://kitforums.com/) and it's helped with each step, getting feedback from other modelers, instead of working in a vaccum wondering how this or that looks. Within just a few posts, modelers chimed in with thier knowledge of certain aspects of the project; from the type of rock in the region I'm modeling, to the fact that the rock behind the waterfall would be a little darker than the rest...all helpful and encouraging. And a great reminder - if I'm in a jam, the forum is there for assistance, like calling tech support, except that you get information you can actually understand and use! 

In other news, our second DVD will be available the first week of June - Waterfront Scenery for Your Model Railroad. It covers some rock making/carving techniques for modeling a rocky coast, weathering seawalls at low tide, riprap walls, pilings and more, it also includes video reference of real world waterfront scenes ...we'll be posting a DVD preview soon.

We have started shipping Hooper's; if you haven't got yours yet, another batch is going out Monday, May 18th, and it'll arrive by weeks end.

Modeling Minute By Minute

As I mentioned a few blogs back, I've started a small shelf layout/diorama to satisfy my need to model '50's New England. It's a narrow strip; a hollow core door six feet long by twelve inches deep. Something I can surely finish within a few months, though that's not the goal. I'm trying and re-trying some techniques, mainly rock making(carving) and waves and water. Since I live not to far from the shore and do as much boating in the summer as I can, I'm able to gather reference photos of some interesting coastal scenes. As is much of New England, the rocky coast can be found everywhere you turn. Sometimes with near fiberglass- damaging results if you're not paying attention.

Having kept a boat here in Connecticut and previously in Mamaroneck, NY, the Long Island Sound makes for some interesting tidal ranges. In Mamaroneck the tide can reveal up to nine feet of hidden rock and muck; here two to three feet. Whichever place, through tide changes, sunlight, cloud cover, storm damage - the same piece of geography rarely looks the same from day to day, sometimes hour to hour - even minute by minute. Last boating season, a perfectly sunny day in all directions turned to complete dense, fog in a matter of minutes - best to bust out the snacks, drop anchor and wait it out...anyway, this never ending change in scenery is a good thing in terms of modeling - you don't have to stick with a strict pallete throughout your scenery.

Color, texture - even wave action can be different from one area to the next. For me, this keeps things interesting and challenging, and I don't have to a be a slave to my pallete and materials. I can try new coloring for rock, add some crashing waves as in the pic above of the shelf layout - in other words, it's all pretty forgiving. That I like.

Modeler Gary Hoover's now dismantled Missouri, Quincy & Kansas model railroad featured desert scenery, the snow top Rockies, corn fields in the Mid West and the California coast- while this is not entirely the same idea, I was always taken by that concept, that you don't have to stick with modeling one type of scenery.

Since my modeling interests change very often, this appeals to me. And if you're in a rut, stuck on one type of scenery, you'll find with a little research, the same scenery can stand a little variety within itself.

Just Five Minutes at CSS Pays Off...

...for me anyway and maybe it has for you. I'm referring to the Craftsman Structure Show last November, put on by myself along with Scott Mason and Jimmy Deignan. Anyhow, the previous year I had watched dozens if not a hundred or so modelers sit by Dave Revelia and Brian Nolan working on a variety of modeling techniques. In particular Dave Revelia painting figures. If you have seen his or Brians work, you already know that they create some of the most intriguing, super detailed scenes and structures. Their work truly is art - three dimensional paintings. Like many, I look to their modeling as the standard of detail and style I aspire to model myself.

So, at this years show I took a break from our table and watched Dave paint some figures, for about five minutes. I had never done any figure painting, save for a few cast metal demons and druids in my Dungeons and Dragon days when I was twelve.........so as I watched Dave for five minutes, he explained the basics of what he was doing and I was instantly intrigued - I had to try it myself.

Of course it took me several months and excuses to get to the point since then, to sit down and actually give it a try. I finally purchased some paints Dave recommended and ordered an Optivisor and some new brushes. I also made great use of Scott Mason's Painting Figures with Dave Revelia DVD.

My first attempt is pictured above, an HO Presier figure in a scene for an upcoming kit (May 1st). This is a Preiser figure I've used so many times I couldn't stand to see it again in the same color scheme; that's what prompted my repainting it. You know this guy, waving with the blue shirt and suspenders...so I took a whack it it. While the results are far from great; I can see how even just a little reworking of a painted figure can elevate a scene. No longer does the out of the box figure stand out; with just a few layers of color, shadow and highlights, the figure begins to blend in.

Needles to say, I'm hooked. I don't think I can ever just glue down a figure as is again. It would seem like a step backward. It has to have some repainting. Hopefully the more I do it, the more I will improve. The best part is it's extremely satisfying and only takes just a little more effort. It's really just a matter of sitting down to do it and getting the right tools.

If you haven't already, consider coming to the Craftsman Structure Show in November. I only spent five minutes taking in some new information and it's opened up a whole new door to my modeling. Imagine what you can do if you spend all three days focusing on some new techniques and ideas. And if you are interested in painting figures I highly recommend Scott Mason's DVD. Like anything else in modeling, once you see it happen before your eyes, the mystery is gone and you realize that it's some thing you could do yourself, or at least give it a try.

Battling Blue

I rarely use blue paint on structures, but decided to for a change. For one thing I couldn't live with myself if I used white with green trim again, though I'm sure I will in the near future. It just seems to suit most structures as well as the landscape they sit in.

Blue paint itself, was rarely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Not so much a taste or aesthetic issue, it was a matter of cost. The pigment for Ultra Marine Blue was mined from a semi precious stone called Lapis Lazul. It was ground into a fine powder and mixed with resin. The next step was to knead it in linen bags where it sat for weeks in water until the pigment leached out. In the mid 1800's, Lapis Lazul was nearly equal to the price of gold.

So, rarely was it used on buildings; instead white was, being the cheapest and most prevalent color. But I decided to use it here on our next Quick Kit # 31, called Hooper's for now( due out next month). It's only being used on trim parts and windows. I decided if I were to choose blue, I would only do it if it were weathered heavily, lots of chipped paint. Plain, unweathered blue on a model railroad might be too stark a contrast and stand out more than any other colors, even red.

The blue I'm using on Hooper's is Polly Scale St. Lawrence Blue; it's a fairly modest shade of blue, not Royal or Navy. This shade inherently has a faded look to it, so half the battle of toning it down is already done.

So far I'm happy with the results and welcome the change of pallet.

Test Lab

Here's what I really like about this hobby; when it comes to modeling you can do whatever you want. There's no limit to what kind, type, era, geography, etc...lately I've been having a staring contest between my modern day layout and some old clapboard structure from the previous layout as well as some kit models. While I'm enjoying modeling the BNSF and CSX immensely, I'm still craving something else. That of course is modeling the 1950's waterfront. So I've embarked on what I figured I would end up doing; modeling a small shelf layout/diorama where I can model a stretch of waterfront. I've started with what I had laying around - a 12" deep hollow core door to which I added an inch of rigid foam and started cutting away to create nearly seven feet of waterfront. A single length of track runs from one end to the other. Simple.

As much as it is a layout, I'm thinking of it more as a test lab, for new techniques ( new to me anyway) where I don't care too much if I screw it up - it's just a door! But I think what will happen as it's small enough that I can pay a lot of attention to it, I will endeavor to detail it as much as possible. If nothing else I will have a place to run some steam locomotives back and forth. The pic above reprsents what I've thrown togther so far, stay tuned.

The Next Scene

When I first started laying out my current track plan, I was faced with the common dilemma of how to compress lots of railroad into 18" deep bench work. It seemed to be another one of those model railroading compromises I would begrudgingly live with. As things have progressed however, it's come to be a preferred working dimension, for several reasons.

-Firstly, it's very easy to finish such a shallow area. Which is great for me, as I can't always spare the time I'd like on the layout. And if there is one thing I've learned in this hobby, it's that motivation is fueled by what ever was just previously completed. Once I finish a scene and I'm satisfied, I simply want to see more.

-If I screw something up; either some new scenery technique I tried or a new track configuration comes to mind, I'm not hesitant to rip it up and start over.

-Since it is only a foot and a half, I tend to spend more time detailing these areas since it doesn't seem so daunting to finish it. Working on an 18" deep layout is a lot like working on a diorama; I think the mindset is somewhat similar. I think if I was building a layout four times as large, I could see myself taking some short cuts I would have otherwise not.

-Lastly, I like challenges, especially the design and planning kind. This definitely qualifies. Fitting all the features, structures and scenery on your wish list takes some thought, which is half the fun for me.

So, on to the next scene.

Mini Craftsman Kits...

We've just released three small kits in our new Crafty's kit series. These kits are intended for beginners as well as those who are challenged with limited space on their layouts. Aside for waiting for paint and glue to dry, you could literally build these in an hour or so. The best part is they are priced within $20 and $30.

If you're trying to get a friend involved in building kits, this is a great way to introduce them into a fun and challenging hobby; without the intimidation of the bigger kits. Hopefully, these small kits will bring new modelers into the hobby - it's easy to picture someone who's never built a kit before, build one of these, step back and suddenly realize a great sense of satisfaction from their accomplishment and want to do more.