Fantastic Modeling...

[strummer]

Go to youtube, and type in "Nearly realistic model train layout from France".

I think it's probably HO; the video doesn't show much of the entire layout, mostly shots from around a certain area, but it's as good for scenery as I think I've ever seen. The trees,rocks, signai equipment,etc, all superbly done.

Mark in Oregon

[C855B]

It's HO. I kept watching waiting for a breeze to rustle the leaves. Nice stuff.

[GaryHinshaw]

Absolutely incredible.  There are so many details I could call out for special attention, but I really couldn't find anything that stood out and cried "model."  This is a great example of the type of realism I one day hope to achieve, if not attain.  It also reinforces my belief that European modelers are - on average - way ahead of North Americans in creating realistic scenery.

I'd love to see it photographed in natural sunlight.

[Blazeman]

It also reinforces my belief that European modelers are - on average - way ahead of North Americans in

I've felt this way for some time. I wonder why that is? Cultural....more emphasis on arts in their education to provide a better foundation for seeing what is there and replicating? Slippery slope discussion though.

Maybe members of our body from Europe might be able to suggest reasons.

[Scottl]

The same comparison is evident to me in their modelling press.   The emphasis on detailed, realistic scenery is quite in contrast to the typical treatment in MR and related magazines.  Many exceptions of course, but make a point of buying magazines when I am in Europe and they are excellent inspiration, even if I can't read the text 

[Philip H]

I've felt this way for some time. I wonder why that is? Cultural....more emphasis on arts in their education to provide a better foundation for seeing what is there and replicating? Slippery slope discussion though.

Maybe members of our body from Europe might be able to suggest reasons.

I think part of it is culture - in the reverence for and interaction with art.  Part is far more opportunity to observe the trains closely in 1:1 since trains are more woven into the fabric of the society. Part of it is also that many Europeans have more limited space then we do.  Its therefor easier to focus on high quality scenery because you have less of it to produce.

[strummer]

I hadn't considered any of this "other stuff" when I first saw, then posted this, but I think you all make some very valid points.

I have not seen any Euro MR magazines, but I have no doubts they are more directed towards the work itself; it seems that MR in particular is more about hobby promotion, which is why I always liked RMC better.

Although I do get it, I wish this thread could have been put in a more "general" category, as perhaps being listed as "HO and Larger", some in N (and other scales) may not bother to click on it. That's why I thought "crew lounge" was the place for it...guess we'll see.

Anyway, I'm pleased you all see what I saw when I first watched this; I also find it fascinating to watch some of the videos of their trade shows and model railroad conventions; it's another world of modeling I'm not familiar with, and they certainly do some great work...

Mark in Oregon

[engineshop]

I don't think the European modelers are better than the US but in the last 20 years they were pushed in different directions by their magazines. MR is a strong believer of operational layouts with huge yards and sees everything else as playing. Unfortunately there are not many other magazines around in the US to focus on other topics.
In Europe, just in German, there are about 10 high quality magazines available and they even show what is done outside their four walls.

[jnevis]

Awesome modelling

I did have to chuckle.  The train at the 1 min mark the last car is shaking quite a bit.  When it shows up again at 4 min it's not. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I've felt this way for some time. I wonder why that is? Cultural....more emphasis on arts in their education to provide a better foundation for seeing what is there and replicating? Slippery slope discussion though.

Maybe members of our body from Europe might be able to suggest reasons.

I'll tell you why. I'll tell you EXACTLY why.

Woodland Scenics.

On one hand, their products are somewhat indispensable.

On the other hand, their ubiquity and ease of use means that people don't necessarily take it to the next level. Add in that the US hobby press, for years, has almost always advocated for their use (with articles like "how to model a forest with nothing but clump foliage", and "make a mountain in 10 minutes with poly fiber" and "how to build trees out of tree kits"), and you can see why homogenous mediocrity rules.

@Dave Vollmer went through a transition while working on his Juniata Division. Originally, he followed the old-school standby of making mountains, then covering them in clump foliage. He then saw the light and added some super trees to the mix, which greatly improved his satisfaction with his layout.

The problem is that the WS stuff just makes it so easy. Not only in technique, but also in planning. It's a lot easier to fit in a mountain side if you're not leaving room for all the trees and the proper slope on it.

[Dave V]

True dat!  Here's the MR-style treatment (the before):



And the after with Supertrees:

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Exactly.

[tom mann]

The new MR is here and says something about "Autumn Scenery" on the front.  I'm afraid to open it and see photos of Popp's red and yellow WS trees.

And BTW, if you want some really cool out-of-the-box thinking on scenery construction techniques from Europe (in this case Hungary), check out http://harvar-d.hu/ . These two books are great!  They are made for 1:35 scale, but will "get your thinking right".

[Chris333]

The new MR is here and says something about "Autumn Scenery" on the front.  I'm afraid to open it and see photos of Popp's red and yellow WS trees.

And BTW, if you want some really cool out-of-the-box thinking on scenery construction techniques from Europe (in this case Hungary), check out http://harvar-d.hu/ . These two books are great!  They are made for 1:35 scale, but will "get your thinking right".

http://centralvermontrailway.blogspot.com/2015/09/modeling-fall-forests-coming-in.html

[tom mann]

Yeah, I just looked at it and it looks great.  Nice job, @CVSNE !