New Diorama

[Will_annand]

Well, just before Christmas, one of my Rotary friends suggested I do a talk on Model Railroading as a hobby, (I have it scheduled for later in the spring).

Also, a couple of the fellows at my model RR club said that an introductory clinic might be good for some of the other service clubs as well as train show.

I decided that since a picture speaks 1000 words, a diorama would speak a whole book for me.

I wanted an introductory diorama that was simple yet could be detailed up nicely. In the "Talk" I was writing up I was mentioning how most of us started out with a train running around our christmas tree. So the diorama has two sides, one painted white that will be a run of Bachmann EZ-track, on the detailed side it is a run of flextrack a turnout and a siding. There will be a cover over the entire diorama when I first bring it into the club.

At a given time in the talk, I will reveal the smaller section of the diorama. As you can see in the mirror, I will be having the base of a Christmas tree with the train running under it.

Then later in the talk, I will unveil the detailed side. Here I am just starting to place the structures so I can judge footprints.

This is a closeup of the Tsawwatti Station (I don't know, that is what Robin Matthysen named it).

As you can see I am just starting.

 

[Meiriongwril]

What a great idea - look forward to seeing the pics of the finished diorama

Let us know after the meeting what the Club members thought!

 

[Will_annand]

Will do just that Meiriongwril.

 

[Will_annand]

I am attempting to complete this diorama using some of Robin Matthysen's cerealboard artwork as well as about 4-5 of RSlaserKits structures. In the center photo, the three buildings on the left of the street are all RSlaser Kits. These kits are just right for my era, heck they would be right for any rural era.

 

[berraf]

What a chance you get to inspire for model railroading and, as you said, a layout speaks louder than words.
I will also confirm that those RSLaserKits buildings looks great. They look "right"
I´m looking forward to see more and hear more from your project

 

[Jim Krause]

Better be careful, Will. You could find yourself with a full time, unpaid job as a promoter of MR'ing.

 

[Will_annand]

Thanks Berraf and Jim, you might be right, but that is OK.
It fits right in with the Rotary Club motto "Service Above Self" and also helps me with the NMRA, I am looking at the Master Modeller program.

 

[Will_annand]

Did a little work last night.

Here is the first layer on the hill, "Glue Shell" using used dryer sheets.

I ordered some of David Bateman's Blocks at www.modelrailstructures.com

Here is my first attempt at a shortlines rough hewn tunnel portal, not sure if I like my artwork or not.... love the blocks thou David.

I see I have some touch ups to do in the tunnel interior.

 

[MadCoW1]

Will that's a pretyy neat project your doing. A great way to share the hobby with 'new' prospects. A great visual. The side with the tree is a great idea for presentation. Can't wait to see how it all turns out and the response you get.

Johnny

 

[Will_annand]

Thanks Johnny.

Well, I must be a picky son of a gun or something... I have been looking at that portal for a couple of days and not liking it. SO!

Tonight I ripped it out and started again.

What do you guys think of this one? Be honest now.

Here is a closer look.

 

[Will_annand]

Worked on the other side of the town tonight.

Just starting the portal near where Tsawwati Station will be.

And look there is Tommy and Duke about to explore the cave (Duke is the one on the left).

 

[umtrr-author]

I like the layout, and I like the idea of going outside of the usual Model Railroading circles to pitch Model Railroading. Which is kinda like preaching to the choir.