answers to some questions
OK gang, the scale is N scale, I
do not have my layout started yet, I build dioramas the way I want and plan to impose them on my layout as I go. The background I make on my computer using a program called Terrigon, it will make the hills, skies and put on the terrain you want, etc. trees, rock, snow or what ever, I then use Paint Shop Pro 7.0 and use a thing called tubes to put on the foreground trees or whatever I wish. I can print these a place them to get just the angle I want. When my layout starts they will be transfered to the dackdrop. The barn I designed myself but it resembles many around the country, I think I still have my plans if any one would like them, the silo is 3/4 in. pvc with board by board glued to it (1x6), the rings I soaked in water and glued to it, the roof of silo was cut from cardstock and weathered. OK, now for my roads,--are you ready?-- it is from the old school, I mark the positions I want my buildings and then trace a crude road, then I cut out, a little larger than my sketch, a peice of 240 black wet or dry sandpaper and glue it down with Elmers glue. When dry, I secnic up to and beyound the edge of the sandpaper. If you are modeling the road running away from you as I did taper the road from wider in front to narrow at the rear for perpective. After all is good and dry, and using only chalk and a brush, (rub the brush on the chalk) I start with a rust color down both sides of the road, if you over due it don't worry you can fix it later. Next go over the entire road with a white or light gray chalk, down the center to represent oil and such put a line of black chalk with the edge of your brush then blend all with your brush. If your not happy with the appearance then just repeat part or all and you have a nice worn looking road. Anything Else Just Let Me Know. Jim
