Hello.
I have a mini layout that is 4.5'x 2' (1370mm x 600mm).
It is set in Baja, Mexico early 50's and themed for Tequila processing and transport. It is based on a similar layout built by Gary Beatty, his is called the Punto Margarita
It consists of trains running on three levels, On30 on the bottom and middle levels and On18 on the top level.
I am adding a diorama extension to mine, but here is what the main mini layout looks like at present.
If anyone is interested, I could replicate the build here on the Modelers Forum, that I did over on RRL forums.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-180225221705-54376941.jpeg)
Anyhow, For now I will concentrate on the 18" x 2' extension to the layout, as I need it done for an exhibition in mid March.
So I made up the diorama base from pine framing and MDF top, which will then be covered with foam sheet.
It has a lowered section for the small harbour area.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-180225215923-543682071.jpeg)
Underside
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-180225215923-5436920.jpeg)
Then added the foam top. Also made some rocks from foam. Not in their final places as yet.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-180225215923-543711000.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-180225215923-543701797.jpeg)
Then I added some FRocks (sponge) around the harbour edge
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-180225215923-54372656.jpeg)
And then coated the sponge with watered down gap filler
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-180225220207-54374946.jpeg)
And gave the whole water area a base coat of black.
And the rest a base coat of a reddish brown. Just used craft paint.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-180225220207-5437576.jpeg)
Rob, I enjoyed following your progress on the layout build and I'll be here to enjoy watching you build the extension.
Too bad you are so far away Robert , your layout would look very good at several shows here in Europe like Ontraxs in Utrecht and the US Convention in the Netherlands to name a few. It's exactly what people like to see at shows here in Europe .
Thanks Rick, for your continued following. I'm still enjoying all your travel photos on FB.
Thanks for your kind words Jan. Last year I displayed the layout for the first time at a large show here in Melbourne. Had a huge response to the layout.
And will be exhibiting again at a different show here in March, probably the largest show of the year.
But part of the idea of this extension is that I can remove it from the layout (just 2 bolts) to display just it when I exhibit just my other dioramas at various shows.
So best of both worlds.
So next up I did the water. Used several different blues and mixes for this look. (Final gloss coat will be added last).
And also made a wharf out of wooden stir sticks and 5mm dowel for the piles.
And started on some of the ground cover.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-200225041357-5437731.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-200225041357-543791666.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-200225041358-543801896.jpeg)
OK. I'll move along. I have now finished building the three structures and have documented them here at MF
The boat repair & bait shop https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=6778.0 (https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=6778.0)
The boat chandlery & marine supply https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=6820.0 (https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=6820.0)
And the waterfront warehouse https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=6880.0 (https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=6880.0)
and I have been working on some of the diorama in between builds.
So I laid done some cobblestone sheet in front of the warehouse. Used Slaters Plasticard for this.
I cut out the profile of the front of the building
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053222-544841116.jpeg)
And added the boat repair shop
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053222-54485382.jpeg)
I made a set of mooring pylons to sit in the harbour
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053222-54486930.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053223-54487100.jpeg)
And added the boat chandlery to it's base. The two structures I made from foam are simply held in place with four toothpicks up through the walls, and down through the base.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053429-544881518.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053429-54489743.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053429-54490317.jpeg)
So now that the structures & boats are done, It's just adding all the little details now.
A crane on the dock, 2 or 3 palm trees figures and plenty of junk.
here are the links to the two boat builds
https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=6805.0 (https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=6805.0)
https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=6835.0 (https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=6835.0)
Wow, does that look good.
I like that one photo shot low from the water.
Gotta love it. Wonderful work!
Jerry
My dear sir, your style is unique. And I love it.
Thanks Rick. That is a pretty cool shot.
Thanks Jerry. I'm happy with how it's turning out, as I'm just making it up as i go along.
Thanks Critter. Glad you're enjoying my unusual build.
So the wharf needs a small dockside crane to unload whatever it is that they are unloading here.
Some of it is pretty dubious.
I have scratchbuilt one of these cranes before on my Maine based diorama, so thought I'd do it again.
Only a couple of hours work in it.
Mostly styrene, tube, H section etc. The base is from my scrap-box. Is some sort of electronics plug.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053429-54491660.jpeg)
Assembled & given a grey primer
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053429-54492517.jpeg)
Then painted in an industrial red colour, and rope & hook attached.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053605-544932361.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053605-544941445.jpeg)
And mounted on the wharf. I sits over a piece of styrene rod, so it can actually swivel, in case I want to pose it in different positions for photos.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-250225053605-5449589.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-260225035844-544961021.jpeg)
Rob, crane looks perfect.
Nice job painting and weathering.
The editorial in this month's RMC is about the joys of modeling Mexican railroads...
dave
Howdy Rob,
Nice work on the crane. The scene is developing even more character as you add the details.
Have fun,
mike
Nice work Rob!
This is topnotch scrapbox modelling.
Just one practical design-question thing, though: When the denizens of Junto al Mar actually need to use that contrivance to hoist a bale of weed or coca leaves or whatever, do they bend a hook onto the travelling line with sailorly knots, or do they simply disregard the Laws of Fizzicks and trust in the Tibetan arts of levitation? Because I cannot, for the life of me, see a hook.
Thanks, Rick, Dave, Mike, Philip & Critter.
Thanks Critter. The hook is on the end of the rope, and is stowed on the side of the crane when not in use.
Mea maxima culpa. I'll look harder, next time.
Rob,
FANTASTICO!
Tom
Thanks Critter & Tom.
I got a bit caught up looking after the 2.5 y.o Grandson over the weekend, and went to a classic car show on Sunday, so a bit behind on updates and progress.
Anyhow, we did manage to get a palm tree made. Yes, I got the wife to help, as she's helped me before making palms. This is just a generic looking palm.
So we made the fronds by cutting green copy paper to the desired length, and twice as wide. Then fold it in half. Then apply glue on one half, place a piece of florist wire in the middle of one half and fold it over to seal it.
Then paint the fronds at angled lines in various green shades.
Then cut to shape and then snip lots of angled cuts with the scissors, to about 2mm short of the wire.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-020325232830-545692381.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-020325232830-545712023.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-020325232831-545722230.jpeg)
I need about 32 fronds for this one tree.
Usually for the trunks I use small branches from a local pine tree, that has natural rings along it.
However this time I had some dried, pride of madeira, left over from the garden, so used that.
Great looking trunk, with natural markings, so no need to paint it.
And is hollow inside. So clear matt coated inside & out to preserve it.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-020325232831-545731494.jpeg)
Then used Loctite superglue to attach the paper fronds.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-020325232831-545741064.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-020325233015-545751360.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-020325233015-545762136.jpeg)
To place it on the diorama, I put a piece of dowel down into the foam scenery and protruding about 2" out and because the trunk is hollow inside, it slides over the protruding piece of the dowel. So is a solid fit but removable.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-020325233015-545772403.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-020325233016-545781275.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-020325233016-545791633.jpeg)
Rob, your Tre looks fantastic.
Lucky you having your wife help.
Very creative the way you made the fronds and the trunk is perfect.
Rob,
Fantastic job on the palm tree and the entire scene. Just wonderful looking.
Tom
Thanks Rick & Tom.
So now adding all the tiny details, which although small are needed to complete the scenes.
So I made a fence to go next to the boat mechanics shop. Just used my usual stir sticks for the boards & rails, and balsa for the posts.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-050325000606-545991354.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-050325000606-54600544.jpeg)
Then gave it all a brown wash to weather it and bring out the grain detail.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-050325000606-54601609.jpeg)
The outside was mainly painted white, but some older boards have been replaced with some red or blue ones they "found" somewhere. It adds a bit of colour to the scene to draw the eye in.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-050325000606-546022474.jpeg)
I then filled the area with drums and various bits of junk.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-050325000859-546031142.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-050325000907-546041504.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-050325000912-546052160.jpeg)
And while I was at it, I also filled up the alleyway between the chandlery & warehouse with more junk.
Barrels, nets, old tin signs, tarps and other scrap-box bits.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-050325000918-54606684.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-050325001035-54611450.jpeg)
Rob first off I have to say your mini-layout looks amazing and is very inspirational.
The addition is starting to look equally as good and I really like your use of unconventional
materials to accomplish the look you're going after. Also love all the extra details
really helps to tell the story. Enjoy your build process.
That fence and all the details work perfectly with the scene you've created.
Rob,
The fence and junk looks great and right at home on the layout.
Tom
Hello Robert, great job on the palm trees, the junk area with the fencing and the alleyway. All were wonderfully done.
8) Busy eh! Great details Rob!
Nice work Rob...love this kind of stuff and glad you're sharing your build.
John
Thanks Larry. Yes I often do things the unconventional way.... and seem to get away with it. ;D
Thanks Rick, Tom, Jeff, Philip and John. Glad you're all enjoying the build.
Only one week to go till I need to display the layout & extension.
So just painting a few figures at the moment, & hopefully get a couple of palm trees made over the weekend.
And need to give the water a few coats of gloss clear.
That tree is absolute genius. Now I want to build a tropical-themed diorama.
Thanks Critter. The trees are not hard to make, but are time consuming, so if needing a lot, either be prepared to spend a lot of time, or you can buy commercially available ones.
Foliage is not as dense and would need some work to look good.
A mate of mine, built a Sri Lankan based On18 layout, and just used the commercial ones to good effect.
Although the layout is small at 4'6" x 2' it still has over 60 figures on it.
So I just use cheap figures bought in bulk lots, and as many are duplicated, I just paint the clothing in different colours and often do some surgery to change the poses or add bulk to them.
I'm certainly no figure painter, but I still think they look good.
So I've been busy painting figures the last couple of days for the diorama extension.
9 new figures for the scene.
There are already 4 on the boats.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325043807-54647834.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325043812-546491626.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325043817-546502337.jpeg)
The sleeping figures are the most work to do. I start with a sitting figure. Cut off the shoes and re-angle the pants then glue the shoes back on. The body gets cut in half and reattached at a sharper angle and the back section refilled with putty, and the top of the head is cut off at a sharp angle before the sombrero is attached.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325043824-54651251.jpeg)
Siesta time
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325043829-546521734.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325044141-546531961.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325044151-546541431.jpeg)
Most of the male figures even have moustaches.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325044200-546551615.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325044512-546591667.jpeg)
And I also made some wooden creates, and painted a couple of drums for on the wharf.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325044529-546611734.jpeg)
Rob, you're working some of the guys too hard, they're exhausted and sleeping. ;D
Figures look good.
Rob, the figures add a lot to the fine layout. Nice work on the sombreros and painting. Have fun, mike
Wonderful! Those figures are really well done.
Display! This should knock their socks off!!
Jerry
Thanks Rick. They "claim they started early", so need a siesta.
Thanks Mike. I'm really happy with my sombrero method, as i can't find any Mexican figures that aren't 1800's banditos.
Thanks Jerry. Should be a good exhibition. The biggest one of the year with over 30 layouts on display apparently. And other hobbies too.
We made the last two palm trees over the weekend. With Lisa doing most of the work making the fronds, I was able to get them made. These are a different species to the palm at the front of the diorama.
For the trunks, I used dried branches from a local pine tree, that have the natural rings on them, and a natural curve in the trunk, & colour suitable for palms. I just coat them in a clear mat.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325233520-54662824.jpeg)
Each tree has at least 32 fronds
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325233521-546652007.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325233521-546662285.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325233521-54667746.jpeg)
Here you can see the diorama attached to layout for a seamless scene
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325233521-54668164.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325233716-546691448.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325233716-546701378.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325233716-54671814.jpeg)
This shot was taken through the rock portal on the front of the layout. The back of the building is not visible otherwise except from the back of the layout.
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-080325233716-546721941.jpeg)
Trees look perfect.
Rob the layout looks amazing; who says you can't have a great looking layout is a small space.
Tell Lisa she did a great job on those palm trees. Enjoy the show and I bet your layout will be
a big hit as well.
Howdy Rob,
Excellent work on the palm trees. They look great. Those fronds required a lot of snips. Congrats on outsourcing that work.
Have fun,
mike
Thanks Rick, Larry & Mike.
Nothing more to report until after the show this coming weekend.
Just removed all the loose or delicate stuff from the layout.
So will give the track & wheels a good clean before the exhibition to make sure everything is running fine.
And Murphy's law:- The automatic control module for the crane decided to pack it in this week. I've ordered a new one, but it won't arrive in time.
So I fitted a DPDT switch today. Works perfect, but is not automated so I will have to keep an eye on it when I'm operating the crane, to be able to stop it, and reverse it.
Will take plenty of pics at the show.
Nice scenes!
Thanks Philip
Here's some shots of the layout & extension at the train & hobby show last weekend.
Was a huge success, and although mine was the smallest display there, a lot of folks said it was their favourite. Not just because of all the details, but the three trains running on three levels is not something they have seen before.
Locos ran all day without a break. Not sure if they are supposed too, but no problems to report.
I do want to build another couple of small locos so I can change them around sometimes. Probably use some OO donor.
The layout with the new extension on the side
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325025724-547461674.jpeg)
The layout with the new extension on the side
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325025724-547472137.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325025724-54748263.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325025724-547492322.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325025725-547501467.jpeg)
Back of the layout with the new extension on the side
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325030015-54751760.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325030015-54752334.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325030015-547532412.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325030015-54754364.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325030015-547551584.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325030213-547561540.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325030213-54757769.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325030213-54758796.jpeg)
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325030213-54759483.jpeg)
Back of the layout with the new extension on the side
(https://modelersforum.com/gallery/1641-190325030213-54760799.jpeg)
How was the show?
PIctures are great. How was the rest of the show?
Jerry
It's great to see exhibition photos of portable layouts.
dave
Was a great show. Probably the biggest train exhibition of the year.
Over 36 layouts on display. Mine was the smallest individual display at 6' x 2'. Plus some dioramas.
This one also incorporates some other hobbies too. RC:- tanks, ships and cars outside.
Last year they also had drone racing.
And upstairs they have some quirky hobbies, mainly collectables. Old retro 1980's computer games, ham radios, old cameras, Lego, etc.
Here's a Youtube video someone did. Very nice. My layout starts at 33:40 mark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbL_YlzrRUA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbL_YlzrRUA)
I'll post some pics over on the Layout forum for the rest. I actually was too busy to get many photos.
Excellent work Rob and thanks for all the great photos..... 8)
Rob your layout looks amazing with the new extension; very inspirational stuff.
Must have been a big hit at the show with all your great looking details.