Dan's Layout
- Thread starter Dan85
- Start date
N
nachoman
Thanks for the compliments everyone - I really, really value them! I had been chronicling my progress on my personal blog over the past year or so and I didn't have a lot of feedback over there - so this is a real nice change!
Also, I have to say seeing all the other layouts/dioramas/projects on this site is great motivation too!
Oh also, those gas towers in the back are just place holders. Can't figure out where to put them on the layout...anyone want to purchase two gas towers? lol
Now..I just need to start working on wiring and setting up a control system - the last time I was in to model railroading DCC was not around. Wiring and DCC systems seem like a huge leap into the unknown for me, so I will probably be asking for some help!
- Dan
Also, I have to say seeing all the other layouts/dioramas/projects on this site is great motivation too!
Oh also, those gas towers in the back are just place holders. Can't figure out where to put them on the layout...anyone want to purchase two gas towers? lol
Now..I just need to start working on wiring and setting up a control system - the last time I was in to model railroading DCC was not around. Wiring and DCC systems seem like a huge leap into the unknown for me, so I will probably be asking for some help!
- Dan
Actually wiring for dcc is easier than dc cab control. The only reason to have gaps on a dcc layout is to avoid short circuits like reversing sections or to divide districts on a large layout to facilitate trouble shooting.
Dan, I invite you over here, to a nice modelrailroading site, and what do you do? You make a very succesfull attempt to make my modeling skills look bad.
Just kidding, you indeed do have some very impressive skills, and that layout looks like it has some AMAZING photo oppurtunities. :thumb:
But, of course, you had to expect Id notice the big push box, is it a protech?
Just kidding, you indeed do have some very impressive skills, and that layout looks like it has some AMAZING photo oppurtunities. :thumb:
But, of course, you had to expect Id notice the big push box, is it a protech?
Dan:
Your layout looks great! One question I have for you, if you wouldn't mind, could you explain your weathering techniques you used on the CR rolling stock? They look great!
--Rob.
Your layout looks great! One question I have for you, if you wouldn't mind, could you explain your weathering techniques you used on the CR rolling stock? They look great!
--Rob.
Dan, I invite you over here, to a nice modelrailroading site, and what do you do? You make a very succesfull attempt to make my modeling skills look bad.
Just kidding, you indeed do have some very impressive skills, and that layout looks like it has some AMAZING photo oppurtunities. :thumb:
But, of course, you had to expect Id notice the big push box, is it a protech?
haha, thanks Kevin! Yeah, that's a protech - guess I ought to make a scoopdog too since they got bought out huh? lol. I got another plow model I've been working on this weekend...think you might like it!
Hey Rob, you're right down the road in Hamburg!
For my weathering I use a mix of airbrush and pastels. I lightly airbrush dirt/light brown/black on the car. Then I take chalk pastels, grind them up on some sand paper and apply it to the cars with a paint brush. It takes a while to get a hang of it, mine came out really, really over weathered at first. Still really have't figured out rust yet.
Here's my how too from a while back, keep in mind I'm going a lot lighter now, but it's still the same principles
http://future-texan.livejournal.com/79288.html#cutid1
- Dan
Good job . I think it's great but don't throw away your SD-40s yet.Some rolling stock + power
Unfortunately due to the tight curves, I don't thing the SD-40s will really work all that well..soo yeah..that was an oversight on my part. Anyone looking for CR Sd-40s? lol
- Dan
it might be just a matter of a fraction of an inch.If your using standard curves try a piece of flex track cut down and work it that might make it happen.I had that problem running side by side main lines (freight passing passenger) with strctures on ether side.My Dash 8s just were not making it.I pulled the standards and worked in flex.Cutting and fitting and luckly it worked.I love my 8s.:thumb:
Your detail is great especially your ground cover.I was born in Chicago and so remember the rail districts and it seems to me you have captured them.
Wecome aboard
Good job . I think it's great but don't throw away your SD-40s yet.
it might be just a matter of a fraction of an inch.If your using standard curves try a piece of flex track cut down and work it that might make it happen.I had that problem running side by side main lines (freight passing passenger) with strctures on ether side.My Dash 8s just were not making it.I pulled the standards and worked in flex.Cutting and fitting and luckly it worked.I love my 8s.:thumb:
Your detail is great especially your ground cover.I was born in Chicago and so remember the rail districts and it seems to me you have captured them.
Wecome aboard
Thanks! Most of my rail is set and the pavement is fitted to the rails, so I really don't want to go redo it, lol. But ya know, I guess it gives me a reason to expand the layout so they have some room to roam? lol.
Your layout sounds interesting - I would definitely like to see any pictures if you have any!
- Dan
I just saw your JD plow over at PS, and that is THE MOST AMAZING scratchbuild I have ever seen. You definately need to post it here on the scale vehicle thread.
The talent pool just got alot deeper. Your layout is incredible.
You indicated that you didn't have a plan. When you were building, did you have an idea of the elements you wanted in your layout? If so, did you place those elements and let the remaining trackage evolve?
I too am building without a solid plan. I am using a prototype schematic and google earth. I know some of the elements I want, and a few that I need to ensure realism, outside of that I don't know how everything else will gel. It is great to see that it worked well for you.
Matt
You indicated that you didn't have a plan. When you were building, did you have an idea of the elements you wanted in your layout? If so, did you place those elements and let the remaining trackage evolve?
I too am building without a solid plan. I am using a prototype schematic and google earth. I know some of the elements I want, and a few that I need to ensure realism, outside of that I don't know how everything else will gel. It is great to see that it worked well for you.
Matt
Kevin - Thanks Kev! I'll prolly post it up here or in that thread too. Also, I'm gonna PM our snow stuff too since I never posted it up on PS.
Matt- Thank you too - my layout evolved pretty haphazardly, since I wanted to make my layout very city/industrial themed I tried to put the buildings first and then lay the track to complement it. The only other elements I wanted were street running and some sort of elevation change too.
Building without a plan can be VERY frustrating at times, but I always rationalized that for all the pain, I'd have a great layout! There were times I was so frustrated with the layout I'd just not touch it for a month!
- Dan
Matt- Thank you too - my layout evolved pretty haphazardly, since I wanted to make my layout very city/industrial themed I tried to put the buildings first and then lay the track to complement it. The only other elements I wanted were street running and some sort of elevation change too.
Building without a plan can be VERY frustrating at times, but I always rationalized that for all the pain, I'd have a great layout! There were times I was so frustrated with the layout I'd just not touch it for a month!
- Dan
Oh well two cats who have since past away made quick work of that one.I had built half city half mountainious .Mountains hard shell real dirt well I did it to good as my wife said .The cats thought it was real and used it for a litter box . One year of work finished in two or three days.Haven't built one since haven't had the time but I do have plans for a big one and I've been stock piling so I've got plenty of stuff:twisted:sign1
Nice work Dan!! I love the level of detail! Care to share with us your blog that you've had for your model railroad? I need another fix of pictures of your awesome layout.
-Justin
HO King - That's a bummer! See..that's why I'm getting a dog! lol
Justin - Thanks, here's a few entries that I've tagged with hobbies:
http://future-texan.livejournal.com/tag/hobbying
Also have a few more pictures to update with:
Weekend modeling project; I'm getting so disgusted waiting to go plow snow that it's beginning to affect my hobbying...lol The plows are completely scratch built. I rebuilt the 3-pt hitch four complete times before I got something I liked. I have the other hitches sitting in a pile next to me to remind me how much time I wasted, lol.
Spent a little more time on Redwing Milling
Not necessary new, but two other pictures of buildings on the layout.
City Classics Kit - like 2 or 3 Smallman st. warehouses with green tinted windows from midwest products. Also if you notice, for the joints, I tried to fill in the gaps but they were just too large. So instead, I use Pilasters(?) along the jointed walls - basically strips of styrene to hide the gaps, but they look just like architectural features. If you look closely, you will see that method on a lot of buildings I build.
Pikestuff; The shops + Rural Store(?) kit combined together. Still need to finish off the roof peak. Also my power lines need to be strung..they just kind of end in a big jumble in the middle of the road.
I've noticed kitbashing and modifying buildings in general are much more pleasing than straight out of the box kits. So one of my goals will be to eventually go back and rework some of my original buildings with additions and whatnot.
- Dan
Justin - Thanks, here's a few entries that I've tagged with hobbies:
http://future-texan.livejournal.com/tag/hobbying
Also have a few more pictures to update with:
Weekend modeling project; I'm getting so disgusted waiting to go plow snow that it's beginning to affect my hobbying...lol The plows are completely scratch built. I rebuilt the 3-pt hitch four complete times before I got something I liked. I have the other hitches sitting in a pile next to me to remind me how much time I wasted, lol.
Spent a little more time on Redwing Milling
Not necessary new, but two other pictures of buildings on the layout.
City Classics Kit - like 2 or 3 Smallman st. warehouses with green tinted windows from midwest products. Also if you notice, for the joints, I tried to fill in the gaps but they were just too large. So instead, I use Pilasters(?) along the jointed walls - basically strips of styrene to hide the gaps, but they look just like architectural features. If you look closely, you will see that method on a lot of buildings I build.
Pikestuff; The shops + Rural Store(?) kit combined together. Still need to finish off the roof peak. Also my power lines need to be strung..they just kind of end in a big jumble in the middle of the road.
I've noticed kitbashing and modifying buildings in general are much more pleasing than straight out of the box kits. So one of my goals will be to eventually go back and rework some of my original buildings with additions and whatnot.
- Dan
Dan you do some beautiful work my friend :thumb: :thumb:
I like your idea of using styrene to hide the building joints, it really does look good and like you said, it just appears to be part of the building architecture and really gives the building some added character :thumb: :mrgreen:
Are those BLMA Concrete Car Stops i see?
Also, i see a lowboy loaded with a cold planner in your last picture, is it a Kibri? Got another pic of that sweet looking truck? Ive been wanting to get one of those for a while now, i plan to buy one and use it for a Freeway Construction Scene ive been thinking about....
I like your idea of using styrene to hide the building joints, it really does look good and like you said, it just appears to be part of the building architecture and really gives the building some added character :thumb: :mrgreen:
Are those BLMA Concrete Car Stops i see?
Also, i see a lowboy loaded with a cold planner in your last picture, is it a Kibri? Got another pic of that sweet looking truck? Ive been wanting to get one of those for a while now, i plan to buy one and use it for a Freeway Construction Scene ive been thinking about....
Good Eye! Yes those are BLMA car stops and if you look closely enough you will see another BLMA piece too - one of their electrical cabinets to the left. That is indeed a kibri cold planer on the trailer too - it's not decaled so I still have that to do. I got it from http://www.constructionscalemodels.com/ Fortunately they're right down the road from me.
I have to run out the door to go to work, but I will post pictures later for ya!
Also, I was looking through the scale model thread and I saw all your trucks, WOW that is a TON of trucks! Do you have a preffered brand? I need to increase the number of vehicles on my layout too!
- Dan
Very nicely done Dan... I dont often respond unless I see something that really looks nice (mom told me not to say anything if I didnt have anything nice to say) I look forward to progress pics
good job
good job
Thanks Dan for the link :mrgreen: Im checking out the site right now :mrgreen:
BLMA products are very nice, a bit on the expensive side, but very nice details and to me, well worth the price. Ive noticed you also have some concrete barriers from them as well?
Thank-you Dan
I get most of my trucks from a couple different MFR's, including Promotex/Herpa, A-LINE, Athearn, Walthers, and soon to be a couple Resin Truck Model makers (planning to start doing a couple custom trucks that are only made in resin kit form). Also GHQ makes some nice metal kits. Kibri is good too, a bit a pain in the you know what to put together but they usually come out pretty cool and worth the troubles of the assembly process lol. What did you think of the cold planner? Was it easy... hard....?Here is a link to all my threads ive posted of my work here on the Gauge that i felt were worth highlighting over the past couple years ive been a member here lol: http://www.zealot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162936 If you scroll down in that thread to the "HO Scale Trucks and Construction Equipment" Category, you will see 3 links, the last one titled "Trucks and Trailers" and has quite a few of my trailers i have (not the cabs lol) but not nearly even half of what my truck roster lol. Whenever i have some free-time or find myself bored, i pull out a new box and snap some pics of the trailers inside lol. I really need to set aside a few weeks to work on my trucks, i still have boxes of unbuilt trailers, cabs that need to be painted/decaled/detailed for there companies to match the trailers.... Its basically a HUGE work in progress lol Most of the trailers in that thread just have a random cab with the trailer, or are just sitting by themselfs at a building dock lol
Anyways, enough of me rambling on lol. I'm looking forward to seeing some more pics from you, its really making me anxious to start building my M&ET modules!!! lol
I'll take those Conrail SD40-2s, lol!
You have a very impressive model railroad, how long have you been building it?
You have a very impressive model railroad, how long have you been building it?