Lance Mindheim new project in N scale

[tom mann]

I discovered this a few years ago when I built some paper buildings.  The 3D (real life) to 2D (paper) to 3D (model) looked ok, but the 3D (real life) to 2D (paper) to 3D (model) to 2D (photo of model) looked amazing.

[DKS]

I discovered this a few years ago when I built some paper buildings.  The 3D (real life) to 2D (paper) to 3D (model) looked ok, but the 3D (real life) to 2D (paper) to 3D (model) to 2D (photo of model) looked amazing.

[Philip H]

They look awesome in all the publications I have seen so far. But I‘ve always wondered how they would look like in person. Seeing „photos in photos“ gives a very consistent look, but do they still fit once you experience the photo look within a layout built from traditional material?

I had some parking lots and backdrop buildings on my last layout done this way and it looks good in person so long as you have high quality images to start from and print them Matte finish on actual photo paper. YMMV

[Scottl]

In some ways I expect it would have the same challenges as photo backdrops.  From some angles they look great.  Others, not so great.  In a smaller structure, I would think the limitations would be less pronounced.

[mcjaco]

Photos in photos usually look very good, especially when photographed more or less straight-on. But unfortunately photos in person look like photos; the instant you change your viewing angle, even just a little, the illusion is broken. I really admire Lance's modeling, but an over-reliance on photo-textures can be a liability.

Disagree.  The HO Modutrak guys are using some printed structures, and even at that scale it's hard to deciminate what's printed vs. molded from most angles. 

Lance did a presentation on printed structures at RPM-Chicagoland maybe two years ago.  He uses all sorts of techniques to break up the flatness of just using photos. 

[Scottl]

His blog and articles in the magazines have detailed his methods.  I have not tried them, but agree that they are not simply flat surfaces.  The roads are as far as I can tell, but again, i don't think that is a deal breaker.

[Mark5]

For those of you who don't follow his blog, Lance will be returning to n scale with his next project.  I am looking forward to his take on the scale after being away from it for some time.

http://lancemindheim.com/2017/10/the-next-adventure/

This reminds me that I need to finish my more correct model of a N&W "war emergency" 52'6" gondola - and in the right color paint!

Mark

[Rich_S]

For those of you who don't follow his blog, Lance will be returning to n scale with his next project.  I am looking forward to his take on the scale after being away from it for some time.

http://lancemindheim.com/2017/10/the-next-adventure/

I don't know, let's see John Allen built 3 layouts in his lifetime, John Armstrong designed many but built few and Lance Mindheim builds a new layout every 5 years? What is his real interest?

Lance said: N scale has some pretty significant challenges: lack of product availability

 
Well if 90% of the items were not limited run, product availability would be a little better.

My question is, does he build so many layouts as a way to advertise his layout construction business? I for one could not afford to build a new layout in a different scale every 5 years and I earn a half decent wage.

[Cajonpassfan]

Thanks for posting the link, Scott. I am familiar with Lance's modeling, but wasn't aware of his blog. I spent some time going through it this morning and find his writing to be every bit as good as his modeling. Interesting, well thought out stuff, and food for serious thought. Among other things, perhaps I do spend too much time here and not enough in the trainroom... yakking rather than doing.
Well, off to the trainroom
Otto K.

[Scottl]

My question is, does he build so many layouts as a way to advertise his layout construction business? I for one could not afford to build a new layout in a different scale every 5 years and I earn a half decent wage.

I'm sure some of it is commercial promotion.  Having said that, he does not seem to invest in a lot of rolling stock or locomotives, so I suspect his hobby investments are modest.

[JoeD]

I plan to sit back and enjoy his work, as I do others and not get my panties in a bunch over stupid stuff.

Joe

[wazzou]

I plan to sit back and enjoy his work, as I do others and not get my panties in a bunch over stupid stuff.

Joe

A voice of reason.

[ristooch]

I'm not trying to start an argument here, but I thought I'd post up those challenges with a few thoughts. As others have said, I perceive them as outdated as well,

Lack of product availability.
Meh. I think you can find it if you search for it, and frankly think that offerings are better now than ever, especially when one considers availability of 3D printed items. Enough of you forum regulars have amply demonstrated your collective abilities to overcome this. You've shown that it may not come in a box but have the skills to get where you need to go.

Overly thick details, cast on grab irons.
See above.

A lot of poorly running motive power.
Perhaps only true if your focus (for his latest layout) small steam equipment. And, here again, regulars on this forum have shown us the way.

Sketchy quality control of turnouts.
Sort of agree, but, does anyone remember his MR article on scratch-building n-scale turnouts? Maybe that's the path he will chose with his latest.

Model on,

Paul R

[sirenwerks]

The LAJ in N scale would have been a better choice. The expanse allowed by N to fit the bridges, street running, and curious architecture would be more fitting to N scale than the verticality of NYC warehouses and manufacturing. Just my opinion...

[Scottl]

His blog post suggested that he has had an interest in the NY prototype.  I get the distinct impression Lance is done with LA for now, regardless of scale.  I've always liked his modeling, but his HO work is top-notch.  I hope to see what a decade of HO skills and maturity of his craft looks like in n scale.