Weekend Update 2/7/21

[jargonlet]

Bryan gave me a description of a coal truck scale, so I changed it from a steel sheet to this:

That looks great. That’s just what I need for a spot on one of my ttrak modules. I may build something similar for that spot.

[dougnelson]

I have had these Intermountain ATSF reefers for a while and finally got around to testing one for weathering.  I started with Tamiya dark brown panel liner, dry-brushed a dark grey on the wood roofwalk and hatch surrounds, sprayed with Model Master Acryl clear flat, added some Bragdon powders, and a second coat of clear flat.  Chalk marks are added with a sharp white Prismacolor pencil.  I was going to do an overspray of light earth wash, but I'm not sure it needs it.

[bnsfdash8]

I got back to my MRL F45 project over the past 2 weekends. This weekend was decals. With no warming labels it was a pretty quick job.

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[EL3632]

Installed sound into my third PRSL RDC this weekend.

Also took the time to lube them, as well as other minor adjustments. The three ran together for the first time today, as well:

[w neal]

Besides shoveling, I put in the time to decal my Kato PAs for my LV "Psydo Diamond" train. Its just two (factory paint - removed) diesels right out of the box, no special details. Horns are wrong, etc. Applying the decals was very, very frustrating. They were older, so they began to shred when placed on the shell. I tried sealing them to prevent this. The Micro flat seemed to turn them milky white at some point, but Solvaset seemed to cure that after application. My alignment of all the stripes seemed to go awry. I recovered where I could, but its probably my worst decal job to date. But outside of wonky stripes, I did tough out the tiny numberboards and the "F" on the nose (as if anyone doubted which end was the front).

As you can see, my LV red is a bit too maroon. My first coat of Badger's LV Cornell Red turned out way too purple, at least according to pictures in my Morning Sun books and my comparison to Rapido's LV coach. I tried to spray over the "purple" with a color called Deep Red. It helped to lighten it up.

Despite my difficulties, and like 2020 itself, I tried to make the best of it. So here are my half a$$ shells, ready for glosscoating. Meh, I guess they'll work. My aplogies to Rochester Junction. See ya next year on my way...

[PiperguyUMD]

That looks great! I think I need one of those chisels. Which one is it?

Thanks! I got the 2mm version of this:

https://www.micromark.com/4mm-Plastic-Modelers-Chisel

Its great, I can't believe I didn't get this sooner!

[Mike Madonna]

I have had these Intermountain ATSF reefers for a while and finally got around to testing one for weathering.  I started with Tamiya dark brown panel liner, dry-brushed a dark grey on the wood roofwalk and hatch surrounds, sprayed with Model Master Acryl clear flat, added some Bragdon powders, and a second coat of clear flat.  Chalk marks are added with a sharp white Prismacolor pencil.  I was going to do an overspray of light earth wash, but I'm not sure it needs it.

Doug,
Well done on the weathering!
Liking the ballast and track as well. Is that Atlas Code 55 or ???

[dougnelson]

Doug,
Well done on the weathering!
Liking the ballast and track as well. Is that Atlas Code 55 or ???

It's Micro Engineering code 55.

[Bob]

Hey Caleb - nice job with your grass and ground cover - I particularly like the way you have areas of dirt mixed in, which causes me to ask what are you using for the dirt?  Thanks!  Bob

[R L Smith]

After seeing the beautiful scenery efforts of Bob and Caleb this week, I think I'll just keep my Plywood, Styrofoam and Pacific sans scenery forever...

[davefoxx]

After seeing the beautiful scenery efforts of Bob and Caleb this week, I think I'll just keep my Plywood, Styrofoam and Pacific sans scenery forever...

I'm sure your post is tongue-in-cheek, but, just in case it's not, don't let scenery work like Bob and Caleb stop you.  Their work should be inspirational, not discouraging.  Try, try again.  I guarantee you that Bob, Caleb, and the others around here who are just scenic artists all started out with no experience and that same Plywood Central.

Hope this helps,
DFF

[Dave V]

After seeing the beautiful scenery efforts of Bob and Caleb this week, I think I'll just keep my Plywood, Styrofoam and Pacific sans scenery forever...

Scenery is my absolute favorite part of model railroading.  It's the most creative part, but it's also the one with the widest margin of error.  If your first efforts fall short, you can always keep at it.  I can't tell you how often I'll be examining my layout(s) and have the urge to rework an area.  Except maybe for ballast, you can be as imprecise as you want and still get great results.  You can't say that about tracklaying, car building, wiring, or any other aspect of the hobby.  Scenery is where the stakes are low but the rewards are high.  It's the "biggest bang for your buck" in terms of effort versus result.  A minimal effort still yields big results.  Most other parts of the hobby require great efforts for small results.

[Bob]

Dave is right - I just started scenery a year ago, and took the plunge after following TRW for a couple of years.  Lots of inspiration on this site (including from Dave!), and also lots of really helpful advice.  I've asked quite a few questions and everyone is so nice to take the time to talk about their experiences and advice.  YouTube helps as well.  Once you take the plunge, it gets easier and more fun!  Bob

[dem34]

And a large part of scenery is more technique than an exact art. Though it does look better with practice. And with the amount of material you get in most scenery products it never hurts to make a couple 2"x2" or 4"x4" dioramas if you're ever unsure of a new technique.

[Caleb Austin]

I agree with Dave, there's plenty of room for mess ups and experimentation and it'll still be a good experience. It's certainly my favorite part of this hobby.

Hey Caleb - nice job with your grass and ground cover - I particularly like the way you have areas of dirt mixed in, which causes me to ask what are you using for the dirt?  Thanks!  Bob

Hi Bob, thank you. I actually just use real dirt! The least sandy, dustiest I can find, then sifted to remove any coarse bits.

I think I talk about it a bit more on my long neglected layout thread, which I will try and update soon.
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=39769.15

Thanks!

Caleb.