Here is what has been keeping me busy since I've been offline.
Fos Scale Models Rust Rock Falls will define the border between the urban, old city port (Old Head) section of my layout, from the rural backwoods swamp (Ragged Edge) section. I have the main structure, the old mill, rough-finished. That means, walls have basic weathering, windows are in, roof is on, etc, but no fine weathering or details yet.
I'm using Bragdon Enterprises wall and rock molds. The main supporting walls here are their #3 Random Stone retaining walls 6" x 12", cut down to size. This is the front:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-010821085646-49919342.jpeg)
And here is the rear:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-010821085646-49921132.jpeg)
I need to fill in the crevices and voids with some plaster, then apply a base color before adding the sluice gate and the wing supports. The water level will vary against the wall, with successive waterfalls, much like Doug Foscale's plan. I have more Bragdon molds coming in the mail, so when they arrive I can start in with the rockwork. I'll probably also try some hand-carved rocks, although I much prefer the look of the molded rock.
I'll add some updates and closer photos once I get some color on the walls. I'll also show the area where this will fit in to the Twin Mountain landscape.
Cheers!
--Opa George
Hey George:
Looking just great. Keep the pic flowing.
Karl
Someone's been busy. Looking good. Interesting kit, mine is on the sidelines. Keep the pictures coming, and continued good luck with this awesome kit.
Mark
George, That is one great looking kit sir!!! Dennis
George
Looking really nice - you have been busy.
Looking great so far. Love this kit.
Nice work so far. Someone's been busy. :)
Jeff
Very interesting structures and great work George. 8)
George,
Wonderful build, looks very well done.
Tom ;D
George very nice so far.
Keep those pictures coming.
Jerry
Nice work George
Doug
George,
Looks like you made a lot of progress on this build...
Keep the updates coming...
Tommy
this project is coming along very nicely George!
Great progress George! Nice weathering on the buildings.
Just catching up George. Wow. You got a lot done while you were off line. Maybe I should try that. ;)
Looks great!
Thanks everyone for the kind comments. This is a massive kit and the intricate scenery placement with the multiple levels and waterfalls will be a challenge, but I'm excited to start that phase.
Here are some outside picture for better clarity. With regard to the walls, some of the rockwork will not be visible and is just covered with a quick wash. Later pics will show this.
This is the rear of the structure. The sluice gate will install underneath the small protruding access shed on the left:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-040821171427-499401604.jpeg)
One more view, same side:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-040821171427-4994192.jpeg)
Continuing with the outside pics, here is an end view of the rear:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-040821171427-499421227.jpeg)
Front of the structure, overall view:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-040821171427-49943328.jpeg)
Front of the structure from the front entrance, featuring the outside elevator, a real highlight of the model (and a bear to create, but worth it). By the way, the weird blue splotches below the freight doors won't be visible. The landform will come up to the level of the concrete foundation at that point. I was just trying out some blue for color and knew that area would not be visible.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-040821171427-499441552.jpeg)
Rear side from the front:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-040821171549-499452152.jpeg)
Hooray, the sun came out just as I was finishing taking pics, so I took a few more in bright sunlight.
Again, the rear side where the sluice gate is located. Much of the wall to the right should be visible beyond the waterfalls:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-040821171550-49946825.jpeg)
One more from the rear side, slightly different angle:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-040821171550-499472426.jpeg)
Last shot. This is the dramatic end that hangs out over the cliff face and waterfalls. Lots of intricate rockwork will soon go underneath this projecting wing.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-040821171550-499482026.jpeg)
All for now.
--Opa George
George that looks Awesome with a capital A.
Fantastic, George. I especially love the outdoor shots...colors and crisp shadows really bring it to life.
George
It looks great!
Thanks for the encouragement, Curt, Vince and John!
I added the sluice gate and the wall supports for the rear projecting wing. Also a few details--not enough progress to warrant a new set of pics.
Along with additional detailing of the main structure (chimneys and exhausts, weathering streaks, dirt and grime on the roof), I've begun planning its location on the layout. I'm using quarter-inch plywood for a base, with one-inch green insulation foam for the basic landforms.
I'm going for the dramatic (as usual) and the height of the main waterfall (from the front of the structure) will be about eleven inches. The secondary waterfall from the structure's rear will be split into separate drops of about two, four and five inches.
I'll post a photo of that construction in a day or two.
--Opa George
hey Opa Georges
wonderful work on the main structure, like the paint and the weathering.
But, I'm apologize, really I'm apologize, I really don't like the stone wall color, for me it look like as be done by Pïet Mondrian with the crude blue, red and yellow.
(I'm sorry for this bad comment). I know it's not finish, but I hope you will cover the wall with several wash of grey to attenuate the color and conserve only subtil shade of blue, red and ocher....
For the rest, with a waterfall of 11 inch the final result would be amazing, can'T wait to see it finish.
AN other time, I'm apologize for the critic of the wall color, and hope you understand that this comment does not be interpreted as something negative of your work, but as the simple expression of my point of view.
Regards,
Eric
Hi Eric,
Thank you much for the comments and absolutely no offense taken. I do plan to tone down the brightest of the colors with some weathering. I used this same technique with wall castings from Builders in Scale, included in 'The Waterfront' kit. Once I applied chalk dust and some additional A & I, they turned out quite well--the colors remained prominent but not bright as some appear here.
The oldest natural stone walls around me locally are quite colorful. Deep dark reds from the Hummelstown brownstone predominate, but we also have a lot of yellow sandstone, deep blue granite and others mixed in. The oldest stone used by the canals looks like that, whereas the stone used by the local railroads for retaining walls is very dark, almost black. An interesting assortment around here.
Bottom line, it will be more muted once I apply weathering to the walls. Contrasting the regularity of the stacked stone walls will be the rock castings, soon to come (whenever my order from Bragdon arrives!).
Thanks much! :)
Opa George
Quote from: Opa George on August 06, 2021, 03:53:33 PM
Hi Eric,
Thank you much for the comments and absolutely no offense taken. I do plan to tone down the brightest of the colors with some weathering. I used this same technique with wall castings from Builders in Scale, included in 'The Waterfront' kit. Once I applied chalk dust and some additional A & I, they turned out quite well--the colors remained prominent but not bright as some appear here.
The oldest natural stone walls around me locally are quite colorful. Deep dark reds from the Hummelstown brownstone predominate, but we also have a lot of yellow sandstone, deep blue granite and others mixed in. The oldest stone used by the canals looks like that, whereas the stone used by the local railroads for retaining walls is very dark, almost black. An interesting assortment around here.
Bottom line, it will be more muted once I apply weathering to the walls. Contrasting the regularity of the stacked stone walls will be the rock castings, soon to come (whenever my order from Bragdon arrives!).
Thanks much! :)
Opa George
Hi Opa Georges,
thank you for this informations about the kind of stone you have in your state. very interesting. Can't wait to see the wall finishe. the treatment you've planned sound very good for me.
Eric
The construction and finish looks great. That overhang really bothers me from an engineering perspective, though. I'd feel a lot more comfortable if you added wood diagonals from the end of the beams down to anchor points on the wall.
dave
Looking great, George!
I so wanted this kit - I think my favourite to date from Fos Scale models. Our GST laws have changed now, but at the time I worked out it would cost over $900NZ to get this kit to my doorstep! I couldn't even begin to think how I could explain that sort of expenditure away to my wife!
I kind of like the gaudy colours you used on the wall. I immediately thought of you layout which is pretty busy and somewhat caricature and that it would fit into that scene very well. This is not meant to be a criticism - I, too, stretch the boundary's in my modeling - at a somewhat slower pace.
Its an interesting point Eric brings up. I often find myself not commenting on someone's work as I see issues that just glare at me, and I can't bring myself to comment without mentioning them and potentially upsetting someone.
One thing you might give a try in future - when adding extensions to weatherboard structures, I often mark the position of the wall very accurately, and then run a sharp knife down the wall. I do another the thickness of the wall (and bracing) away, and then run a sharp chisel down the wall, taking the positive detail off the weatherboards. In this way I get rid of the gaps that you get at these intersections, between the extension and the main structure.
Personally - I don't like the uncut piece of rolled roofing. I just can't imagine it ever being done. You're bound to post a prototype picture to prove me wrong now...
I know its years down the track - but with great structures like this out there I can see me extending my urban scenery further into Shadowlands! I, too, love the outside elevator - but the overall flow, changes in height, positive and negative detail - is just tremendous!
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: deemery on August 06, 2021, 04:35:23 PM
The construction and finish looks great. That overhang really bothers me from an engineering perspective, though. I'd feel a lot more comfortable if you added wood diagonals from the end of the beams down to anchor points on the wall.
dave
Dave,
And it would me, too, even with my often overwrought sense of fantasy architecture. ;) But in fact there is an entire support structure to be built in place beneath that large overhanging wing as well as the front wing. I must first "build in" the rock base beneath both. There are timber columns and concrete bases to support the uprights.
Opa George
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on August 06, 2021, 04:57:41 PM
Looking great, George!
I so wanted this kit - I think my favourite to date from Fos Scale models. Our GST laws have changed now, but at the time I worked out it would cost over $900NZ to get this kit to my doorstep! I couldn't even begin to think how I could explain that sort of expenditure away to my wife!
I kind of like the gaudy colours you used on the wall. I immediately thought of you layout which is pretty busy and somewhat caricature and that it would fit into that scene very well. This is not meant to be a criticism - I, too, stretch the boundary's in my modeling - at a somewhat slower pace.
Its an interesting point Eric brings up. I often find myself not commenting on someone's work as I see issues that just glare at me, and I can't bring myself to comment without mentioning them and potentially upsetting someone.
One thing you might give a try in future - when adding extensions to weatherboard structures, I often mark the position of the wall very accurately, and then run a sharp knife down the wall. I do another the thickness of the wall (and bracing) away, and then run a sharp chisel down the wall, taking the positive detail off the weatherboards. In this way I get rid of the gaps that you get at these intersections, between the extension and the main structure.
Personally - I don't like the uncut piece of rolled roofing. I just can't imagine it ever being done. You're bound to post a prototype picture to prove me wrong now...
I know its years down the track - but with great structures like this out there I can see me extending my urban scenery further into Shadowlands! I, too, love the outside elevator - but the overall flow, changes in height, positive and negative detail - is just tremendous!
Cheers, Mark.
Thanks, Mark! I appreciate the tip on getting a closer fit on additions and eliminating those gaps. The close-up pics really show off the imperfections. I've thought about ways to do that and will give that technique a try. After all, there are only so many vines you can "plant" to hide those gaps! ;)
Also the rolled roofing, in looking at the pics close up, I agree and think I will go back and cut in a few more joints. I can vary the edge and add a patch or two to break up the monotony.
I do appreciate the critical comments. Nine times out of ten I'm aware of whatever the issue might be and anticipating some critical feedback and looking forward to solutions. The difference in this forum is the respect we all show each other. I avoid posting to those (fortunately rare) forums which can be downright cruel.
On the kit itself--I have been looking forward to starting it for over a year and it is not disappointing me. Great challenges and equally great rewards in solving them. But it's likely my last "big" kit since there is only so much space on my layout. The brand new FOS kit, the Flat Iron block, looks wonderful, but won't fit either space wise, or theme, to my layout, so I'm passing it up.
Take care, friend!
--Opa George
Quote from: Opa George on August 06, 2021, 05:39:21 PM
.... There are timber columns and concrete bases to support the uprights.
Opa George
That makes me feel MUCH better. I'd hate for your Little People to get involved in a 'building fell down' lawsuit. (My father was a consulting structural engineer and was involved as an expert in a couple of those. The stories he told from those were very interesting!)
dave
Hey George:
Looks just beautiful so far. Keep the pics flowing.
Karl
Beautiful work George.....love the photos in real light. 8)
Thanks, Karl and thanks, Greg. Was just doing a little more land-forming to situate the structure on the layout. More pics coming soon.
Best,
--Opa George
The main structure, the mill, is situated on the layout, on a (soon to be) rocky outcrop above the swamp. I need to work from the top down, and first are the water levels, so first in are the canals.
This is the rear with canal and most side walls in place. Water is painted acrylics on foamboard. Once I get a few more walls in place I'll add about a dozen layers of gloss mod podge for a nice water look. I'll model waterfalls using crystal clear caulking, then add splashes and ripples with gel. But all of that will come later.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-130821131856-500152260.jpeg)
And here is the mill front, with the portion of the canal not diverted to the rear sluice gate of the mill. The foam board that is painted light brown in terra firma. The greenish bluish represents the front canal. Both front and rear canals will plunge via waterfalls about eleven inches to the rocks below to form a lake that feeds the wetlands that make up the swamp portion of the layout.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-130821131857-50044487.jpeg)
--Opa George
Doug included three bridges with the kit. Here is the footbridge, that crosses the canal from the rear doors. This went together much easier than I anticipated. Doug recommended super glue, but I preferred using wood glue, putting a light bit on each surface and allowing 30 seconds for it to get tacky, then pressing them together.
Once the side I-beams (sides with the circles) were constructed, the rest was easy. This will be painted and 2x10 boards will make up the deck.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-130821131857-50045371.jpeg)
The second of three bridges is a concrete vehicle bridge to cross the canal. This was a relatively straightforward process, with two wide flat pieces making up the deck and laser cut sides constructed in a sandwich. You can see the side sandwich construction as the parts are of dark plywood and light taskboard material.
This is finished except for painting. It represents concrete, so I'll give it a gray primer coat using a rattle can, then brush paint several concrete colors using chalk paints.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-130821131857-500461923.jpeg)
--All for the moment.
Opa George
That iron bridge is nice! (Reminds me of a Sellers Turntable, iron turntable with similar circular cut-outs.)
dave
Everything looks great George.
Very nice George.
Jerry
The exterior work is amazing.
Thank you very much, Dave, Curt, Jerry and Lynn,
Here are some more progress pics. This is the front of the mill with the canal side wall. The other side of the canal (barely in the shot to the right) will be a natural bank as opposed to a retaining wall. The box car shows about where a siding will be located. I need to build the loading dock in place.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-150821174817-50056264.jpeg)
Here is a view pulled back and from a different angle. The walls appear more consistent in coloring in this shot, close to what the eye sees. The flash or lighting in the shot above really makes the lower canal retaining wall appear much lighter than it is.
There will be a third road bridge in the foreground, right. I need to shape the land on the near side of the front canal before I can install it. All three bridges are supplied with the kit.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-150821174818-500572298.jpeg)
Same side, pulled back all the way to show the height of the mill as opposed to the wetlands that surround this rocky promontory. If anyone is wondering, I have figured out how to work the multiple waterfalls in so they are not falling on top of the lower mainline tracks! :)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-150821174818-500581580.jpeg)
The next three shots show the back of the mill and the rear canal that supplies water to the mill via the sluice gate.
You can see the first two of the waterfall drops here--the first is at the rear at the sluice gate. The second is in the foreground and will empty into a pool halfway to the swamp below. Also visible are two of the three bridges: the iron foot bridge, installed, and the concrete road bridge toward the back, sitting astride the canal sides to check for fit. I need to construct abutments for it yet.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-150821174818-500591738.jpeg)
A shot from the other end, with a better view of the sluice gate and the concrete road bridge.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-150821174818-500602478.jpeg)
One last shot of the rear of the mill. My layout height is low enough that all of this is easily viewable by my wife and grandsons.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-150821174857.jpeg)
All for today.
--Opa George
Is there an abutment for the iron bridge on the left side?
dave
Composition looks very interesting, George.
It will be fun to watch your imagination being 'fleshed out'.
You may have noticed one of your roof sections has lifted a bit.
I wonder whether Doug will release that bridge as a separate kit?
Cheers, Mark.
Excellent modeling George.
Quote from: deemery on August 15, 2021, 06:27:43 PM
Is there an abutment for the iron bridge on the left side?
dave
Hi Dave,
Yes, there is one on each side. The left (near to camera) may be a little hard to see from the angle.
--Opa George
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on August 15, 2021, 06:43:07 PM
You may have noticed one of your roof sections has lifted a bit.
I wonder whether Doug will release that bridge as a separate kit?
Cheers, Mark.
I'll have to see what I can do about that rogue roof end! Hopefully an easy fix.
George
Hey George:
Looks just beautiful so far. Keep the pics flowing.
Karl
Thank you, Karl. I've been busy continuing to add to my landforms around this kit. I've started adding plaster rock castings, most made from Bragdon Enterprises molds, supported either by quarter-inch plywood (where I need strength) or foam board.
At the same time, I am continuing to finish the main building--adding the wrought-iron stairs and access walkway to the front, some chimneys, and etc. This kit includes lots of etc. Oh, and the railway siding is now in place.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-050921071648-50210494.jpeg)
Here is the view looking up at the factory complex as it sits, perched high upon skull rock. The front waterfall will split at the corner and cascade down, one to a midpoint, the other all the way to the foot of the mountain. Once waterfalls are installed, it will hide the edge "lip" of the canal.
Additionally, the rock scenery is only roughed in. I'll be disguising and filling in the seams between castings. Some with additional small castings, some with vegetation.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-050921071648-502112148.jpeg)
Here is a shot of the front of the factory complex overall. The road bridge in the right foreground is propped up on the near edge with a random wall piece--it will actually connect to yet-to-be installed bank of the canal on the near side.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-050921071648-502121993.jpeg)
George,
Wow, that is quite the complex. Well done.
Tom ;D
Thanks, Tom!
Here is the back of the complex--which is actually my favorite part, with the sluice gate that diverts waterpower into the factory. Looks like Maynard is sitting on the back of his flatbed truck, waiting for his turn to unload some supplies.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-050921071829-502131403.jpeg)
More of the new rockwork bordering the rear waterfall, as well as underneath the overhanging wing. Once I got the primary rock castings in place, I could install the supports that keep the projecting wings from plummeting to the wetlands far below.
Rock castings at this point reveal large gaps, but I will fill that in with small castings and vegetation. The castings themselves are plaster made primarily in Bragdon Enterprises molds. I color them with very thin washes of artist acrylics: paynes gray, mars black, raw umber, raw sienna, burnt umber and burnt sienna.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-050921071829-502141300.jpeg)
Pulling back a little to show the relationship of the three major waterfalls that surround this factory. Skull rock is the highest point on the TMB&N, but is still at only about 4 feet from the floor. For this layout, I went low, and I've found I'm happier with that perspective.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-050921071830-502161016.jpeg)
Last of today's pics--and I realize this overall shot showing the factory on Skull Rock is not everyone's cup of tea, but it does set the theme for my layout.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-050921071830-502152262.jpeg)
Bye for now from the TMB & N.
--Opa George
Beautiful modeling George.
Nice job George!
Jerry
Very nice, as usual, George.
The skull gives it something of a James Bond-ish feel, I think (Sean Connery era).
Thanks much, Curt and Jerry! And Vince, I love that comparison! Agreed: Sean Connery, of course!
Coming on really nicely, George.
Chees, Mark.
Nice modeling!
Thank you, Mark and Mike--I really appreciate the support.
I have since added quite a few more landforms--it no longer appears to be floating on one side. Also beginning to add details (chimneys, vents, and such) to the main factory building. I will likely save weathering (chalks, rust streaks, grime) for a bit later.
Can't wait to install the waterfalls, as I think that will really bring it all together. I still need to fill in a bit of rock first.
This is a really involved kit from Fos--and there are three large and one small structures yet to build: Dance Hall, company store, garage/service station and the tiny luncheonette. That is not to mention the two-sided billboard, which is in may ways a structure in itself.
--Opa George
I've got a few minutes so uploading a quick progress pic, with more to come later today.
Here is the front of the main factory with more details in place and much more of the surrounding rockwork roughed in.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-180921144539-50532379.jpeg)
--Opa George
Spectacular, George. A real jaw-dropping scene. You might consider using a temporary backdrop behind it for a photo shot or two.
Excellent work, George!
I hung out with Doug this week and got to see the original Rust Rock Falls (amongst the others!) in person. You've done a great job!!
Thanks much, Vince and Craig!
Vince, I agree the workshop and basement in the background is ugly and detracts. I may go look for an oversize piece of foamboard and paint it blue, to prop up for some future shots.
The next few pics were taken at the same time as the above, so no background yet. :(
This is the tunnel work and rail siding at the front of the factory. The finished scene, if you don't deviate too much from Doug's pilot model, is quite large--about 24 inches wide by 30 inches long. When I added in the height, which is the real clincher for me, there was only one spot on the layout that would accommodate such a large scene, and a basement support pillar ran down the middle.
So the canal and the rail line disappear into tunnels in the rock face that helps disguise the pillar, and the siding is a dummy with no actual connection.
The highway bridge on the right will be extended to reach over the rocky bank to reach the near side of the canal.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-180921144540-505331495.jpeg)
Here is the cliff end of the factory, with more of the bracing in place, plus the added stairs and some etc.
Still looks kind of odd without the waterfall, but that is coming soon.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-180921144540-505341695.jpeg)
A bit of a panoramic shot of the rear of the factory.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-180921144540-50535952.jpeg)
Here is the standard "as seen from below" view, although you have to really crouch way down to see this in reality as my layout is low.
Skull rock is the prominent feature lower right, and is still much in progress. I will be shaping additional rock castings to attach and blend it in.
Also, obviously, no waterfall yet!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-180921144540-50536290.jpeg)
Back of the factory and the area that is the future location of the rest of the kit structures when built: the company store, dance hall and luncheonette. If I can, I'll be working in another structure or two to complement the scene.
The landform needs to be built up another half-inch to meet the level of the footbridge, and then sloped slightly to the road.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-180921144654-505371333.jpeg)
From the other side of the pillar, the road from Old Head port winds up the side of skull mountain to the factory complex. I've roughed in a cardboard road base along with foam bases for businessees clinging to the side of the mountain. At this point none of the structures are secured in place. I'm swapping them around to check for fit, overall scene, lines of sight, etc.
The near side of the road will have a similar treatment.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-180921144654-505381920.jpeg)
Table level shot of the point where the mountain road leaves Old Head.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-180921144654-50539842.jpeg)
The mainline of the TMB & N runs in an extensive tunnel underneath skull mountain. My plan leaves the side of this area open for track maintenance and cleaning, access to derailments, etc. So why not make this a scenic area as well? This was very much inspired by Dave Meek's Thunder Mesa layout, which includes an underground cavern.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-180921144655-505401664.jpeg)
Great looking progress George.
George, is that the Mayflower in there? What era are you modeling again? ;D
Quote from: vinceg on September 19, 2021, 08:22:36 AM
George, is that the Mayflower in there? What era are you modeling again? ;D
Could be they got a little off-course from Plymouth Rock, but I have another ship in mind.
"Hey you guys!"
;)
Quote from: Opa George on September 19, 2021, 08:27:57 AM
Quote from: vinceg on September 19, 2021, 08:22:36 AM
George, is that the Mayflower in there? What era are you modeling again? ;D
Could be they got a little off-course from Plymouth Rock, but I have another ship in mind.
"Hey you guys!"
;)
A model of the "Inferno" is rather expensive. The last one I saw was $2700.
Quote from: DaveInTheHat on September 19, 2021, 11:20:45 AM
Quote from: Opa George on September 19, 2021, 08:27:57 AM
Quote from: vinceg on September 19, 2021, 08:22:36 AM
George, is that the Mayflower in there? What era are you modeling again? ;D
Could be they got a little off-course from Plymouth Rock, but I have another ship in mind.
"Hey you guys!"
;)
A model of the "Inferno" is rather expensive. The last one I saw was $2700.
This one is was somewhat less expensive. I have forgotten who makes it, maybe Revell. Not the "Inferno," but more of a generic (and off scale--but hey, limited space!) pirate ship.
George,
Love all your structures. Looking good and curious to see your cavern finished.
Tom ;D
Beautiful Job!!!! George.
Hey George:
Looks just beautiful so far. Keep the pics coming.
Karl
Thanks Tom, Dennis and Karl! Comments very much appreciated.
I promised some pics once the waterfalls were installed. My grandson, 9 years old, loves the trains and structures, helped me create the falls. We only got the rear done so far but below are some pics.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-240921200320-50632607.jpeg)
Keep in mind these are fall from finished water features. Lots of scenic work to blend in rockwork, hide edges, etc.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-240921200321-5063310.jpeg)
But I must say, the little guy does nice work.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-240921200321-506341154.jpeg)
This is the mid-level pool beside skull rock and the skull cave entrance.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-240921200321-50635448.jpeg)
Here is your standard "looking up the falls toward the factory" shot:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-240921200321-50636355.jpeg)
Another "looking up" shot, pulled back a bit:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-240921200441-506372261.jpeg)
Summit Street connects Old Head and the cliffside factory. After re-arranging the structures several times, I settled on this arrangement:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-240921200441-506381126.jpeg)
Different angle on Summit Street. Building those connecting sidewalks and stairs will be fun.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-240921200441-506392097.jpeg)
Very nice water work George.
Looks wonderful so far !
And I whole-heartedly agree, 'the little guy does great work' !!!
I'll be following your progress,
--Paul
Hey George:
Looks just beautiful. Keep the pics flowing.
Karl
Fantastic work, George.
It is coming on a treat. Great composition. Its such an interesting scene.
Cheers Mark.
Well done
Very dramatic scene George.....can't wait to see how if finishes up. 8)
Thanks very much for checking in, Paul, Karl, Mark, Lynn and Greg. I appreciate the support.
Greg, me, too! The scene, and pretty much the entire layout, is successfully turning out to closely follow a mental picture of what I want. But I'm not a detailed planner, as many people are. Strangely enough, my model railroading hero is the great John Allen, who was an extremely detailed planner!
--Opa George
Great work George! Waterfalls are tough and you nailed it! I love all of the vertical elements and steep curving streets-thanks for sharing.
John
Nice work all around George.
I gotta add not only is the waterfall looking good, although I'm sure you will be tweaking more, the entire scene the way you're puzzling it together is going to come together when you fill the scenery portion.
Thanks much, John, Carl and Lynn.
Both grandsons were here for the day and I got them both involved with a little scenery work. I've been "stocking up" on some specialty scenery items for this area: some "big old trees" to hang out over the falls, and lots of static grass tufts and such. I also bought some of Martin Welberg's products that I am eager to start with.
--Opa George
George very nice on the water and the falls.
Jerry
Hey George:
the waterfalls look just great.
Karl
Thank you, Jerry, and thank you, Karl. Hopefully a little more work on it this evening, and a few more pics.
George
George,
You made a lot of progress in two months now.
Looks great and your modeling skills are showing off well.
Tommy
George,
It is all looking very good. As Mark said, "Great composition". The water falls came out great.
Tom ;D
Hey George:
You are quite welcome. Keep the pic flowing.
Karl
Thanks everyone for all the supportive comments.
Landscaping is getting a bit tedious so I decided to switch gears with this kit and continue on with the support structures. There are five to build, some of them quite large. First up is the MD Garage.
This is a basic square low gabled structure. The walls will be stucco. I may or may not use the Durhams Water Putty method. I have gotten equally nice effects with spray on texture paint, and probably will use that method.
But first, remove the four walls, square them up, brace them and assemble. The corners interlock, so this was easy.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-051021192107.jpeg)
Next came priming the walls. I used rattle can primer and it is now drying/curing. No pic.
Til tomorrow
--Opa George
Continuing on with the M.D. Garage. So when I first saw it, I though "Maryland" (for MD) Garage, but it is actually m.d. So I'll need to figure out what the M and D stand for.
Anyway...I settled on Rustoleum spray texture paint to simulate the stucco. I'm just not very good with the Durhams water putty technique (see my stucco garage with my Bandit's Roost build), and I think this makes a very acceptable substitute and is so much easier.
So after priming, spray painting with the texture paint, and then painting the white and red wall colors with craft acrylics, I have the shell with garage door and stencil added.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-091021163217-50808930.jpeg)
Because the spray texture paint is thinner, you can still make out the interlocking corner joints. I'll just need to add signs, vines, pipes etc to distract from that. Not worried about that since the overall effect is nice. Below is a shot of the inscribed exposed cinder block, simulating where the stucco has peeled and flaked away. There are patches of this pattern on each wall. I painted the block with a very light gray, and allowed the block joint lines to show.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-091021163217-508131168.jpeg)
While things were drying I assembled a few of the laser cut detail parts that Doug included. Laser cut parts are getting to be one of my favorite advances in the hobby. Below is an assembled car door, included just for fun, next to a toothpick for size comparison. It is made of three parts, and although it does not show in my picture, the door has hinges, a hole for the outside door handle, and the structural panel inside includes the hole for the inside door handle and it lines up perfectly with the outside hole! I'm just blown away by the incredible detail and work involved to include this otherwise "throwaway" detail part.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-091021163217-50814134.jpeg)
Here is where I quit for the day. Door and windows installed along with the tilting transom windows. I worked at a garage just like this in my youth and remember those tilt-out windows well. Oops, some wood glue is oozing out under that front joint with the gable wall. Need to clean that up!
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-091021163218-508151858.jpeg)
Happy day to all!
--Opa George
Very nice George.
Looks good, George. I also like the textured sprays although I use Krylon.
Do you really need to "hide" the corners? Couldn't it be the case that the original building had those interlocking cinder block quoins in the corners and then put stucco over them later like the rest of the building?
Quote from: vinceg on October 09, 2021, 07:07:48 PM
Looks good, George. I also like the textured sprays although I use Krylon.
Do you really need to "hide" the corners? Couldn't it be the case that the original building had those interlocking cinder block quoins in the corners and then put stucco over them later like the rest of the building?
Thanks Curt and Vince,
Vince, I am actively looking to use all Krylon eventually. Rustoleum has broken my heart too many times when a full can of spray paint fizzles out for no apparent reason. My local big box hardware store only had the Rustoleum texture on the day I visited so I bit the bullet and bought it.
I certainly like the idea that the interlocking edges are just the stacked blocks on the corners.
--Opa George
Here is the garage at about 80% completion. Needs outside details and signs, signs and more signs. Also needs to be dirtied up a bit, or a lot.
This is not a final location. I just wanted to place it in the vicinity of the automaton factory since they go together. Likely the dance hall will occupy this spot with the garage across the canal on the far side.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-111021124512-50839157.jpeg)
While allowing various assemblies of the garage to dry or cure, I worked on the luncheonette. This is a delightful tiny structure loaded with detail. Here it is, like the garage, nearing completion but not there yet. Doug's pilot model is dirtied up to the point that I would have to be really hungry before stopping for lunch, that is, if I was a 1/87th size person.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-111021124512-50838570.jpeg)
More soon.
--Opa George
Hey George:
Looking just great so far.
Karl
Looking great, George.
Love the roof on that luncheonette. Lets hope there are no big winds in your fictional locale - the iron roof on the garage wouldn't last a minute.
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on October 11, 2021, 03:23:44 PM
Looking great, George.
Love the roof on that luncheonette. Lets hope there are no big winds in your fictional locale - the iron roof on the garage wouldn't last a minute.
Cheers, Mark.
Mark, you are likley very correct in that. Maybe I should place a bunch of tires up there, like George does on the FSM. I've always wondered how so many tires got up on those roofs.
George
QuoteMaybe I should place a bunch of tires up there, like George does on the FSM. I've always wondered how so many tires got up on those roofs.
I took me years to find a prototypical example of this. But one day I was driving out in the country and passed an old barn with a very old iron roof and - you guessed it - loads of tires holding the iron in place. I was delighted "so it does happen" I thought!
Cheers, Mark.
Very nice additions to the empire George..... 8)
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on October 11, 2021, 04:30:35 PM
QuoteMaybe I should place a bunch of tires up there, like George does on the FSM. I've always wondered how so many tires got up on those roofs.
I took me years to find a prototypical example of this. But one day I was driving out in the country and passed an old barn with a very old iron roof and - you guessed it - loads of tires holding the iron in place. I was delighted "so it does happen" I thought!
Cheers, Mark.
Whooaaa...this is a big day for me. I always thought the tires looked "cool" but never understood the prototype significance. Just dead weight. Substance over appearance. Thank you.
Stucco over brick mix came out great.
Quote from: Lynnb on October 13, 2021, 12:54:40 PM
Stucco over brick mix came out great.
Thanks, Lynn. I am quite happy with it and will just keep using that method for stucco. I think it is more controllable than the water putty and easier to sand, clean up around window openings.
--George
The last few days I've been working on the dance hall. Local jazz and swing bands play this club, and a kitchen inside serves up alcohol and dinners as an added feature to lure the locals. My grandfather was a swing bandleader in the 1930s and 40s, and played countless locations such as this.
Here is the FOS Linden Hall dance hall:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-161021165924-508981708.jpeg)
Location is approximately where it will sit with respect to the factory across the canal. A footbridge and a concrete road bridge connect the two.
Another angle:
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-161021165924-509021201.jpeg)
I've got some details to add yet: doorknobs/handles on the main door, a front stoop, more posters, roof details, etc.
Here is the back of the joint. This highlights the fact that the hall itself is a cut-rate "add-on" to the board and batten structure. The tarpaper wall construction is clearly visible from the back, along with numerous emergency patch jobs where nature or boisterous customers have damaged the otherwise rather flimsy walls.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-161021165924-50903668.jpeg)
It occurs to me that the kitchen has no rear entrance to receive deliveries and remove garbage. I may add a back door, which will then allow for the modeling of lots of fun additional details such as garbage cans. Maybe some local cats, dogs or even raccoons to add a little havoc to annoy the cook.
Here is an advertisement for my grandfather's band: The Hollywood Cadets. The Hotel Bessamer was one of their regular venues. Some other interesting acts on the bill, too.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-161021171941.jpeg)
All for now.
--Opa George
Looking good, George.
Great signage! It occurs to me that by the time you added a bar and some tables and chairs inside for dining there would be very little room left for dancing. Maybe you could add a marque and some outside tables and chairs behind the hall? This would free up dancing space inside and provide some great opportunities for mini scenes outside!
Cheers, Mark.
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on October 16, 2021, 10:14:00 PM
Looking good, George.
Great signage! It occurs to me that by the time you added a bar and some tables and chairs inside for dining there would be very little room left for dancing. Maybe you could add a marque and some outside tables and chairs behind the hall? This would free up dancing space inside and provide some great opportunities for mini scenes outside!
Cheers, Mark.
Thanks much, Mark! I'll have less available room outside once it is in place and I'm worried that too many tipsy diners would tumble into the canal and take a journey over the falls.
Actually, this size nicely approximates the many corner "joints" around town here that originally served food but then added a small stage and dance floor to capitalize on the swing and jazz dance popularity. They were smoky, crowded and amazingly efficient. Dinner was usually served between 5 and 7 while the warmup acts performed, then tables were cleared away to make additional room for dancing when the featured band took the stage.
Your marquee and alfresco dining note is certainly valid though. My collection of ads from this time period includes a few that advertised an outside "biergarten" when spring and summer weather permitted. Usually those were special weekend events.
Geo
All very well done.
Thanks for the insight, George.
Never thought of fold up tables and stackable chairs being used and moved for the dancing. Although now I see you need a stage in there too!
Actually, outside tables and a canal disaster could make a great min scene!
Cheers, Mark.
Nice story about the dinner & dancing! I agree you should add a back door. It would also allow them to serve the biergarten...
dave
Hey George:
Great job on tnis and I also have to agree with Dave.
Karl
Great work Opa George! I really like the dance hall. It looks perfect. This is coming along splendidly. ;D
Thank you, everyone. Hmmmm...seems to be a lot of support for a biergarten. I've been thinking about ways to work that in and may have a solution. Stay tuned.
Otherwise, I've begun the last supporting structure in this kit: the general store. Not sure if I'll keep it as a store--thinking about making it a converted scrap and parts dealer. I'll see if I can get some pics of that up this evening.
--Opa George
Last structure in this kit, not counting the very large double-sided billboard, is the general store. I didn't need a store, but have been itching to build a scrap yard/salvage operation, which will be an ideal companion business to the automaton factory. I made up a few signs in MS Word and printed them out.
Here it is with the main walls together. Still need the loading docks, stairs, chimneys, etc
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-231021083150.jpeg)
This will be across the rear canal, connected to the factory by the pedestrian bridge and the concrete highway bridge. This bumps the dancehall out of place, so I will relocate that a bit downhill from the factory complex.
--Opa George
Great looking building.
George, looks like a great repurposing of the structure. A lot of times a commercial building would go through multiple iterations of the kind of store/activity it contains.
I'm listening to a program from our local historical group, "A walk down Central Ave in the 1900s" where a local historian talks about the various activities and businesses in each building, and how those changed. (https://dovernh.viebit.com/player.php?hash=IrQPWJY7sT4V if you're interested...)
dave
Looks good George!
I really like scrap operations on a layout. It's a great detail area and it can be filled with some B grade details and leftovers from kits you have sitting around. Old bridge kits and things like that can be chopped up and rusted to fill it. Plus the scrap area can be as big or as small as you need to fill the area, just fence it in and start filling.
Thanks for the comments, Curt, Dave and Steve.
I do like the repurposed look. It also gives me a reason to cover over the big front store windows with the industrial brown shades. My current owener scrap dealers aren't overly interested in attracting customers inside with fancy displays. Either you need something or you don't! :)
--Opa George
I've been spending lots of time in builidng up terrain. Below are shots of Summit Street, leading up to the Rust Rock Falls Automaton factory and the adjoining scrap & junk dealer. I will be adding ground cover and lots of weeds and bushes next.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-261121165030-51255548.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-261121165030-512652041.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-261121165030-512661974.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-261121165030-512672306.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-261121165030-51268889.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-261121165141.jpeg)
--Opa George
Looks awesome George.
Looks good, and will look great once all the structures are properly buried :-)
dave
Thank you Curt! Thank you, Dave!
--Opa George
So many great structures.
Jeff
Great scenes and excellent work George.....well done. 8)
Great. Love the variety of colors, of roofing style, of elevation...when it's all blended with ground cover, it'll be spectacular!
John
That is going to look really, really good.
Thanks for the comments, Jeff, Paul, John and Bob.
I'll be ready for ground cover on much of this area soon. I want to finish the connecting stairs and walkways, and then there are supports for the overhanging parts.
I've tried lots of different materials for ground cover but get the best and most consistent results from plain old Quikrete all purpose sand. It's between 3 and 5 dollars for 50 lbs at most home supply stores. I sift it with a wire mesh kitchen strainer to get course and fine mixes for ground cover. Once fully dried, the color is a near perfect match for my local soil. I'll post some step-by-step pics once I get to that point.
--Opa George
Progress on Summit Street has been slow with busy weeks at work and all of the holiday preparations, but I managed to get some work done. Busy adding wooden sidewalks and stairs. Also, local entrepreneur/musician/restauranteur/real estate magnate Heschel Feynman (aka "Mr. Saxaphone," aka "I can get that for you wholesale" aka "Heschel the Caterer") has just built his King of Clubs Jazz Lounge at the top of the street. It is scheduled to open Friday night or as soon as sidewalks are added so patrons can enter the club.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1312-191221073910.jpeg)
--Opa George
Great looking scene George. Beautiful job on the buildings.
Looks great George.....any tickets left for opening night at the jazz club? 8)
Very nice George.
Will be impressive when the ground is finished.
Jerry
Thanks Curt, Greg and Jerry!
Jerry--indeed! I keep promising ground cover is coming soon, then I keep finding something else that needs to be built in place first. Well, sooner or later...
Cheers!
--Opa George
Hey George:
It really looks great on the RR. Nice job on the build.
Karl
Hey George:
I built that small gas station kit. I believe it is in Pa. somewhere. Looks like you did A nice job on it.
Karl