Weekend Update 9/20/09

[Caleb Austin]

Just edited this up...

[AlkemScaleModels]

Just edited this up...

I love this shot. It really conveys the feeling of a southern east coast RR. If the sky was hazier, I'd even feel the mugginess, but it looks like a crisp late summer day like we had last week.

[Caleb Austin]

Thanks Bernie. Thats what was shooting for.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Caleb, you really are raising the bar here. It's not just technique, it's "the eye", and man, you've got it.

[DKS]

Caleb, you really are raising the bar here. It's not just technique, it's "the eye", and man, you've got it.

Agreed. The simplicity of the scenes you create are deceptive--they're reminiscent of some of Lance Mindheim's work, in a different setting.

[Sokramiketes]

The "eye" or the "knack" is strong in this one!   

For those studying at home, notice that there are many distinct textures in the scenery materials, but each is placed in big enough clumps that you don't get the checkerboard effect that is so easy to fall into when simple sprinkling material through a scene.  Place those clumps with purpose! 

[Caleb Austin]

Thanks again gents'.

notice that there are many distinct textures in the scenery materials, but each is placed in big enough clumps that you don't get the checkerboard effect that is so easy to fall into when simple sprinkling material through a scene.  Place those clumps with purpose! 

Aye, wise advise there. Staying away from the big shaker bottles and just using your hands helps loads with this.

[bigford]

caleb

  very nice scene the only thing that looks model RR is the track...
i dont know what it is but the track bugs my eye's for some reason.
everything else is 100%

[Caleb Austin]

caleb

  very nice scene the only thing that looks model RR is the track...
i dont know what it is but the track bugs my eye's for some reason.
everything else is 100%

I know what you mean. If someone ever makes ready made c40 turnouts I'd be very tempted to replace all my track with that code...

[wm3798]

It's the low angle, the perfect geometry of the plastic ties, and the apparent height of the rail (due to the low angle).  It also looks like there's a track joint on the right that sticks out like a sore thumb.

But yes, the scenery textures are great, the blending of the proto sky into the image is nice, and the colors are spot on.  My only other complaint is the visible power line in the background image, but no lines on the model poles.

Meanwhile, back in the paint shops, got a few more things done, or at least started.
First, I dug around the decal department and scored an old Northeast Decals caboose set, which netted me much better looking speed stripes for Eric's SBVR caboose.  



I also re-did the road number after consulting the proto photo he posted last night.  Look twice, paint once, to paraphrase the old saying...

Next, the "Wood Chip Loading Only" markings for the H-30 fleet.



Next stop for this car is the weathering department.  I might cut a new extension for the top, too.  I've got a few more hopper bodies drifting around in the bin...

and, a little something for you Laurel Valley fans to add to the steam era roster...



You may recognize this old favorite, which was lovingly restored by the shop forces after it was discovered in the weeds several months ago...



Still need to work on the dimensional data and maybe a light coating of dust.  Might spring for a better looking walkboard, too.

Lee

[Philip H]

No trains but train related at least. My layout is still covered in plastic to keep sawdust off it while I work on some woodworking projects.

I've wanted a spray booth for a while but space in my garage is at a premium so I finally built a collapsible booth that sits on folding supports. It's roughly 26 x 21 x 21 when in use and folds down to be only 5" thick minus the fan. It works great and I'll finally be able to knock out a bunch of projects that have been waiting on paint. 

That's a great booth - I need to do a knockdown for space reasons.  Any additional specs you care to share - or will we see it in future modeling publications?

[lashedup]

Just edited this up...

Great stuff Caleb. As everyone else mentioned the texturing is what makes your scenery look convincingly real. Love it!

[shamoo737]

I am working on my shadow box layout.

[John]

Just a note -

Anyone can start the weekend update topic on Sundays .. no need to wait .. We just ask that you make the Subject  Weekend Update M/DD/YY so that people can search on it ..

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Hey Shamoo, tell us more about that. Is that Z?