Wisconsin Central - Heritage Division

[Philip H]

I agree - the barn scene is well executed and really works.  I think the difference - which is not an issue for me - with the signal scene is the silos aren't backing any other buildings.  They are NOT out of place mind you - there are all sorts of farm buildings all over Wisconsin in the distance.  But they aren't something your eye is being led to by the models you do have.

Where are you getting your backdrop images?

[w neal]

Agreed. However, I also believe there does not always need to be something in the foreground to pull the eye in. Its nice if there is, and it enhances the scene when it works out that way. But in some circumstances, the item in the background is just simply there.

I know that you agree with the above point. I just had to say it I guess.



I make my own backdrop images. Have camera, will travel - even if its only down the road a few miles.

[PAL_Houston]

I agree - the barn scene is well executed and really works.  I think the difference - which is not an issue for me - with the signal scene is the silos aren't backing any other buildings.  They are NOT out of place mind you - there are all sorts of farm buildings all over Wisconsin in the distance.  But they aren't something your eye is being led to by the models you do have.

...

...or maybe it's that the silos are just 'there', with no other farm buildings around?

[w neal]

And to roundout my layout work week, here is my sign.  Just another little detail that was on the prototype that I feel helps complete the scene. When I visited Gills Landing several years ago, this sign was still attached to the nearby pole in just such a manner. It was quite badly faded at the time. My letters are travelling uphill a bit but I'm not going to fret. The sign is imperfect, like me.

I doubt the sign was placed there by the railroad, as it faces the river. I wonder what the story is on that sign. Maybe its for boating enthusiasts. Oh wait, I bet its so the ospreys can find their nest on top of that pole. Kinda like the birds around my place tell their young: "Forget foraging this time of year. When you get hungry, just head over to that house with the feeder in the back yard".

[Philip H]

...or maybe it's that the silos are just 'there', with no other farm buildings around?

To be crystal clear I wasn't bashing the silos - I think they are an accurate representation of what you see in W's part of Wisconsin.  I was simply pointing out the differences in composition between the two scens, and how those differences might be influencing W's perception of each scene.

And . . .

I like your little sign.  Stuff like that really brings out a scene.

[w neal]

No worries Phil and thanks!! Saul Goode!!! 

[w neal]

A couple more guard rails that need some touching up:




















Another ladder:













Lawns for houses. It seems strange to be working exclusively with ground foam again for these:














More gaurdrails & shoulder work:
















Just a few trees. More to come. I wish they were not casting such a shadow on the sky, but frankly Scarlett...   I may shorten them later, or not.

[w neal]

Woodsy backdrop step 3 - Add background.











And over here too...













Streets/Driveways added...












Not too bad for time spent after making dinner & washing dishes, I guess.

[mcjaco]

Any progress, is good progress.   

[w neal]

Per Railwire member suggestion, I thought it might be fun to model an old grade crossing/road that was "cut off by the railroad" at some point. Actually, I think it was a case of the city abandoning a grade crossing in favor of a nearby overpass -  all to make the road traffic "happier". We industrial archaeologists tend to look for clues like these you understand...

[mcjaco]

Did I read that right on TB?  This layout is gone???   

[Pomperaugrr]

Happy 4-1-14! 

[w neal]

It was a challenging weekend.

[conrailthomas519]

what? layout gone??  please clarify this w.neal thanks

[mcjaco]

Per his thread on TB, basement water issues. 

Sad to see this go, but fresh starts can be invigorating.