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The Mainline => Finished Kits & Dioramas => Topic started by: Ensign on March 24, 2025, 11:36:23 AM

Title: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 24, 2025, 11:36:23 AM
Hi everyone, I thought I would share with you my version of "Fine Scale Miniatures" Skinner's Row.
I had started a build thread on the now defunct RRLines forum of this kit, but unfortunately the forum shut down before I had a chance to finish it.
So I thought that I would share with you some images of how my Skinner's came out looking.
I changed my Bootlegger's a bit from the kit's design, by making it one structure instead of 2 separate structures.
I also added LED lighting to all of the buildings.
I still need to add the utility poles and street lights and some figures & other details from the kit.
So it's still not quite finished yet, however it's far enough along that you can see how it's turned out
I hope you enjoy the photos!

Greg

_DSC2521.jpg

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Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: ACL1504 on March 24, 2025, 01:42:28 PM
Greg,

Fantastic looking build. Love the lighting and the fact you changed the kit. I too am one to kit bash a kit and make it different than all the rest.

Tom 
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 24, 2025, 06:44:47 PM
Thanks very much! Tom.
I always think you should change a kit model a little or a lot, to try and make it different from it's original design.
That way it makes it a little more unique.

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Rick on March 24, 2025, 06:58:49 PM
Greg, thanks for the pictures.
Just like all the other builds you've done, this one is outstanding.
All of it, the painting, weathering, construction, detailing and lighting is just the way it's supposed to be.
Congratulations on a fine model.
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on March 24, 2025, 07:24:46 PM
Great job on the kit.  It'd be nice to see when you have all the details and stuff finished as well. (hint).   ;D

Jeff
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Jerry on March 24, 2025, 10:53:14 PM
Greg so good to see you posting here.

Another fine example of your work.  Everything is outstanding the weathering and the lighting just make it perfect.

Jerry
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Michael Hohn on March 25, 2025, 08:48:36 AM
fantastic modeling, Greg.  You and FSM make a good combination. 
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 25, 2025, 09:53:07 AM
Hi Rick, Jeff, Jerry & Mike, thank you so much guys for your kind words!
I really appreciate reading them!
Jeff, I will post some other pics when the whole scene is finished.

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: friscomike on March 25, 2025, 09:58:25 AM
Howdy Greg,

Thanks for posting your build here.  Everything about it looks fantastic. I'm looking forward to your continued construction.

Have fun,
mike
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: GPdemayo on March 25, 2025, 10:29:48 AM
Excellent builds Greg, well done, keep those photos coming..... 8)
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Philip on March 25, 2025, 10:53:40 AM
Greg, Looking great as usual! 8)
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: deemery on March 25, 2025, 11:21:04 AM
Yeah, this is another build where the color tones are all consistent and realistic.

dave
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 25, 2025, 04:53:26 PM
Mike, Gregory, Philip & Dave, thanks so much for your posts & kind comments within them!
I am part of a layout tour this coming Saturday known as the "Doubleheaders" layout tour.
This Skinner's row scene will be incorporated into my Magoun pier module for display.
So I'm really trying to get as much done on it as I can before then.
Here's another pic of it with more details added into the scene.
When you start adding figures & cars it really starts to bring the street to life!

_DSC2528.jpg

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Orionvp17 on March 25, 2025, 08:10:01 PM
Very nicely done, Greg!! 

A question, though... have you moved this to the UK?  Vehicles here run right hand, and from the photo it looks like you've moved to left-hand running! The text on the signs is correct, so the usual FB backwards print isn't involved....  Whazzup?

Pete
in Michigan
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 25, 2025, 09:58:28 PM
Thanks Pete!
That's funny I didn't even notice that I did that, I guess I've spent to much time driving in the Bahamas Mon! 8)

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Orionvp17 on March 26, 2025, 10:57:29 AM
Jammin,' Mon!!  🤣

Pete
in Michigan
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Larry C on March 26, 2025, 11:05:59 AM
Greg great job on your builds. Nice to see some imagineering involved
as well.Nice looking scene and have fun on the tour.
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 26, 2025, 05:24:09 PM
Hi Larry, thanks very much!
The tour is always fun to take part in!

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: ACL1504 on March 26, 2025, 05:48:55 PM
Greg,

I think the way you've positioned the buildings is perfect. Looks very natural and as Dave said the tones look natural as well.

I had a 2017 NMRA open house here at the A&S RR and had a great time meeting over 75 modelers from all over the world. One visitor was from Taiwan.

Let us know how your turns out.

Tom 
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 27, 2025, 09:19:48 AM
Hi Tom, the buildings are all positioned as George suggests in the instructions, as are the colours for structures.
So I can't take any credit for those decisions.
Last year when I was part of the tour, I had 158 guests show up at my place.
It was a lot of fun meeting & talking to each and everyone of them.
Though you do get kind of tired repeating the same things regarding the layout over & over again.
Thank you for your post!

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 27, 2025, 10:43:02 AM
Hi again everyone, I thought that I would share a photo of how Skinner's Row now looks installed on my Magoun pier module for the tour.

_DSC2531.jpg

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Rick on March 27, 2025, 10:57:46 AM
Outstanding!
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 27, 2025, 11:24:08 AM
Rick, thanks! I'm glad you like it!

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: robert goslin on March 30, 2025, 05:43:52 PM
Looks great Greg.  Glad we are able to see the continuation of this build that was started over at the other place.
All the structures have come up great, as we always expect from you. As usual you lighting lifts to the next level.

I like how you have incorporated the front bootleggers structure to the rear one. I actually like it more than the original FSM placement. Seems to make more sense.

For those not familiar, here is how the original design was done.
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 30, 2025, 06:25:42 PM
Hi Rob, thanks for your kind words and for posting your thoughts!
I just thought it made more sense to have the Bootlegger's business all under one roof instead of two.
It also made it a little easier to light just the single structure.
Thanks for posting the photo of what the kit's original design looks like.
I never thought of doing that.

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Michael Hohn on March 30, 2025, 11:19:16 PM
Greg,

Beautiful work. I like your arrangement as well. 

Mike
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: friscomike on March 31, 2025, 07:01:08 AM
Howdy Greg,

The Skinner's Row structures look terrific—excellent work building and arranging the structures.  

Have fun,
mie
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 31, 2025, 09:43:33 AM
Mike & Mike, thanks for you kind comments!

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Pennman on March 31, 2025, 10:08:40 AM
Another fine model from our friend, Ensign. It's a joy to see what you build always.
And, it's nice that you share with us. On a side-note: I've been awol, but that may change soon.

Rich
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on March 31, 2025, 10:46:44 AM
Hi Rich, thanks for you kind words, and it's nice to hear from you!
I look forward to seeing your model work being shared with us again soon!

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: trainfan13 on April 10, 2025, 03:41:52 PM
Greg,
I just learned of RR-Lines demise when I went looking for any new photos of your Magoun pier module. The last image I have recorded was 23074, a "black & White" art shot. August 2024, I think. Where will this be placed in relationship to the other buildings? Any other updates? As usual I stand in amazement of your talent.

Best regards
Frank Rawson
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on April 11, 2025, 12:00:35 PM
Hi Frank, I'm honored that you came looking here on "Modeler's Forum" for my Magoun pier after "RRLines" rather sudden demise.
I have not started a new thread here yet on the "Modeler's Forum" regarding Magoun pier.
This FSM's Skinner's Row kit was my very first posting here showing how this particular kit came out looking.
In regards to it's placement on Magoun pier, this is where it sits now across the street from the other original structures "Alessi lighthouse constructors" & "Testard Mathematical Instruments".
This placement might change in the future if I ever get to build a larger layout for Magoun pier to be finally attached to.
I just wanted something new for visitors to see on my module, for the "Doubleheaders" layout tour that I was recently a part of this year.

_DSC2553.jpg

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on May 14, 2025, 03:43:14 PM
Hi everyone, I have now finally finished everything on my Skinner's Row diorama scene.
Last time I showed you this I still had not finished all of the scenery work, and also the power poles and wires & street lights and also adding some figures to the street.
Hooking up the string used for the power lines turned out to be the hardest thing to work with.
That string seems to have a mind of it's own, and does not want to hang the way you would like it to.
I have used EZ line in the past but found that it becomes brittle over time and does break, so I thought I'd give the string that came with the kit a try.
 It was an overcast day here today, perfect for taking some outdoor photos to show you how things came out looking.
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I ended up using the Campbell's streetlights that came with the kit and electrifying those to work to light up the street.
Here's how those came out looking.
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Thank you for having a look!

Greg











Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: ReadingBob on May 14, 2025, 03:46:44 PM
Beautiful Greg!  Simply beautiful.  I love the lighting you've done.  Heck everything looks great!
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: friscomike on May 14, 2025, 03:49:49 PM
Howdy Greg,

The finished product is amazing.  The lighting is well placed in all the structures and on the street. That Model T panel truck looks great.  You have a lot to be proud of with this scene.  Congratulations.

Have fun,
mike
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on May 14, 2025, 03:57:33 PM
Bob & Mike, thank you so much guys!
For your very kind words, I really appreciate them!

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Pennman on May 14, 2025, 09:58:27 PM
Greg,

You certainly know how to build, how to detail and should be very proud of all your success with modeling. I know we are. Your builds are always "eye candy" and are a joy to view, finished or not.

You mentioned a while back you want to see some of my modeling, well, me too! LOL I have a few more 1:1 projects to complete for the lady of the house before that can happen, but I will be back.

Rich
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Jerry on May 14, 2025, 11:58:56 PM
Greg another amazing build!  And the lighting first rate as usual.

Just love looking at your threads.

Jerry
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on May 15, 2025, 08:29:03 AM
Quote from: Pennman on May 14, 2025, 09:58:27 PMGreg,

You certainly know how to build, how to detail and should be very proud of all your success with modeling. I know we are. Your builds are always "eye candy" and are a joy to view, finished or not.

You mentioned a while back you want to see some of my modeling, well, me too! LOL I have a few more 1:1 projects to complete for the lady of the house before that can happen, but I will be back.

Rich

Rich, thank you for your always kind thoughts!
Please get those jobs done for your wife, so that you can start to share your modeling work with us once again.
I also have to get our cottage opened this weekend for the family to enjoy.
The work never seems to end.

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on May 15, 2025, 08:30:31 AM
Quote from: Jerry on May 14, 2025, 11:58:56 PMGreg another amazing build!  And the lighting first rate as usual.

Just love looking at your threads.

Jerry

Jerry, thanks so much my friend!
I'm so glad you like looking at them!

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Rick on May 15, 2025, 09:11:23 AM
Greg, I didn't think you could make it look any better but you proved me wrong.
I should know better.  :)
Great job on a contest winning diorama.
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on May 15, 2025, 11:16:14 AM
Rick, thank you so very much!
I'm glad you think it's a winner!

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Dave Buchholz on May 15, 2025, 03:08:33 PM
ENSIGN!
Glad to see you posting on this forum!
 I thought your Magoun Pier posts might be lost forever.
A hearty welcome from the management of the North Coast Railroad.
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on May 21, 2025, 11:14:49 AM
Hi Dave, I am sorry for the late reply, I just returned from opening up our cottage.
Thank you for your hearty welcome and for your kind thoughts!

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 21, 2025, 03:08:58 PM
Spectacular shots there, Greg!

Your build of Skinner's came out beautifully.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Philip on May 22, 2025, 10:30:26 AM
Looks great day & night!  8)
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: Ensign on May 22, 2025, 04:18:06 PM
Mark & Philip, thanks so much guys! I'm glad you like it!

Mark, I hope to be building a layout soon that I can put all of this stuff on.
Your home layout is coming along spectacularly!

Greg
Title: Re: Skinner's Row
Post by: ACL1504 on May 23, 2025, 04:51:57 PM
Greg,

Day or night, night of day, it looks fantastic for sure.

Tom