Amoskeag Northern - Updates

[Dave V]

There's a piece of graf or two your wall is missing:



And, my favorite, as seen in Richmond yards from Amtrak trains:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbsworth/3740964854/

[lock4244]

 ;D

Meatwad deserves a prominent place on the layout.

[SAH]

I must admit Ian that until I really looked at your photos I thought your layout was HO scale.  Really well done.  Looking forward to seeing it progress.

[Ian MacMillan]

Got a chance to start working on one of the subway tunnels. I picked up one of the new Chooch flexable walls last week and I was not really happy with it...especially at the $10 a piece price tag. The stones were alright, but the rubber was just not great at taking colors. So I picked up some casting latex and made a mold of the Chooch wall, and cast my own plaster walls. 4"x18".

The castings will be used in many other places on the layout, but their first trial was on the subway tunnel that is visible from the side of the layout just under downtown Meridith. The section is a 4' window cut into the lower fascia board that has a station and tunnel. The trains travel in a 100' loop, hitting 4 stations. The computer runs it so it is all automatic. I have some recordings of MBTA Orange line stations that the computer will play when the trains enter the station, having flange squeal, announcements, and door chimes.

Work is just starting on it, but the walls are up and the track is down and wired for the Downtown station. I need to add lots of wires, beams, lights, and pipes.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I need to add lots of wires, beams, lights, and pipes.

... and rats... lots of rats.

[wm3798]

No lights in the car?  The Larceny Limited rides again!

[Ian MacMillan]

Started working on some more scenery around CP80. Started adding some smaller Super Trees on the banks for the sumac bushes. Will also be adding some more shrubbery and green items.  The trees/bushes on the layout will be a 60/40 mix Greens/Fall Colors respectively.





I also ordered a RTV mold kit that will arrive tomorrow. I found 2 DPM "Yellow" walls that I really like to use for apartment buildings so I am going to make castings so I can bang out a bunch of them.

Anyone know of a good mix of powdered tempra paints to weather the track and ballast?

[Dave V]

That's looking super hot.  The dead leaves really make the scene.  Cover the ballast with them and you've achieved a level of realism few have reached.  Nothing says the Northeast in autumn like a thick layer of leaves on the ground.

Need to add the crack ho giving HJs for $5 behind that apartment building.

[wm3798]

I've always been confounded that HJ's only run $5, while BJ's go for $20.  I mean, really.  That's a lot of work for $5!

[ArtinCA]

... and rats... lots of rats.

"There were rats, Dad..."
"Rats?"
"Yeah, big ones too.."

Art

[NorfolkSouthern9708]

I've never used tempra paints, but acrylic washes have given me a good result, at least, I think. 



Really hope I'm not hijacking the thread, sorry if I am...

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Sorry Ian, I don't like the trees. They're too bright. Try weathering them too. Id hate to see the hotness of the layout ruined by neon trees (like what's happened to David Popp).

[MichaelWinicki]

Sorry Ian, I don't like the trees. They're too bright. Try weathering them too. Id hate to see the hotness of the layout ruined by neon trees (like what's happened to David Popp).

Maybe a little more transition from green to red/yellow/orange on a few trees also.

[lock4244]

I've always been confounded that HJ's only run $5, while BJ's go for $20.  I mean, really.  That's a lot of work for $5!

It's the value added aspect that factors into the higher price.

[DKS]

Sorry Ian, I don't like the trees. They're too bright. Try weathering them too. Id hate to see the hotness of the layout ruined by neon trees (like what's happened to David Popp).

I don't think they're in the neon realm. I think they're of a believable hue. As long as these colors aren't used everywhere, things should be fine. Not everything has to look dreary to be believable.