MORRISTOWN & ERIE RAILROAD - WESTERN DIVISION

[Erieman]

Good Morning All and a Happy New Year,


As part of my final inspection in certain areas, I find taking a series of photos from varying angles of the same area, can highlight any issues like a building not touching the ground, etc.. The following pictures of the East End of Chester are an example. You all have see these photos, albeit, one at a time. Here are several photos of the same area. When enlarged, they do show gaps, etc. that you normally do not see.
With the advent of the pending photo shoot, I want to make sure that there are no whoop's on the layout. As I complete and area, I do this to verify that the area is truly done. Sounds like a pain, but the devil is in the details.


Frank / Erieman

[Erieman]

Because there are 8 pictures, here are the final two. Hope that this is not too boring. If you find anything, let me know ( this is opening pandora's box)


Frank / Erieman

[ACL1504]

Frank,

Well, since you asked.

I don't see any smoke coming from the diesels and I don't see any crew in the cab.

Just kidding; however, I'm guessing figures aren't far behind in details.

Looking most excellent my friend.

Tom

[ak-milw]

This is as bad as trying to find Waldo
One thing, there is a frame for a sign on top of the oil building with no sign or remnents of a sign on it. Was this planned?

[sdrees]

Frank,

Coming along very nice. 

[ACL1504]

This is as bad as trying to find Waldo
One thing, there is a frame for a sign on top of the oil building with no sign or remnents of a sign on it. Was this planned?

Andy,

Great catch, I didn't even see the billboard frame on the gray structure.

Tom

[Mark Dalrymple]

Looks fantastic, Frank!

The concrete supports holding up the horizontal tanks have some shadowy lines where they meet the ground.  Hard to know whether this is a gap or not from the photos - but have a closer look just in case.  I quite liked the sign supports without the sign.  Check out how the view changes with a temporary sign in place first - it might look better without one.  There is a very slight gap (VERY slight) on the left abutment of the bridge - where the actual bridge support meets the abutment.  Was trying to figure whether in the prototype this would have all been poured in one or not?  Maybe some moss/ greenery up here?  Really pushing the boundaries here though of what I could find.  Once again - some beautiful work!  And to closely inspect 8 photos and find pretty much nothing is a credit to you!

Cheers, Mark

[Rail and Tie]

Absolutely excellent!  I especially like the Burma Shave Signs along the road. Something I don't see often on layout detail.

I could not find a Waldo. In fact the only thing at all I could pick out is a bit of extra chainlink fence tull that is a bit jagged above the top cross tube, The section just to the right of the trespassing sign (also a vey nice touch as well).

In all honesty the only reason I saw it was because I was just working on a similar fence and could not get mine to look as good as yours. Definitely not worth changing or even worth bothering to say, but I think you asked!

BTW, on that fencing for the post and bent bit that holds barb wire. How did you do that, it looks like they are actually tapered like the real ones. is it some rod inserted in the top of the posts? All of the fence looks well tensioned. Was the fence done in one long strip?

Again, very clean work indeed!

[Erieman]

Good Morning All,


A special thanks for those that took the time to look at all 8 photos and look for things I might have missed or should correct.This was an interesting exercise in observation. There are no winners or losers in this event, but some really looked hard and I really appreciate your comments.


Tom,
There are engineers in the engines. They are molded black and will be painted. This will be a project for the wife. Smoke, well, what can I say to a guy that lights up buildings. I would like to find the computer program that allows you to photoshop smoke into the picture, but that's another day.


Andy,
Good catch. I have had a billboard on and off the stand. Still undecided about which version I like.


Steve,
Thanks for stopping by. Glad you like the progress.


Mark,
If I were give an "eagle eye award" , you would have won. Thank you for your comments. The concrete supports holding up the tanks do indeed have a gap. They are not mounted to the subsurface at this time because I needed access to the bridge behind.There is also a FSM small building behind Getz Gas that needs some attention. The Getz Gas building also has a gap near the rear of the building for the same reason. As far as the bridge abutment, I did not notice the gap, but I can add some moss to the area.


Darryl,
Thank you for the comment on the Burma Shave signs. Many of the buildings were built on foam modules and then taken if for judging at the local NMRA meets. The modules where then added to the layout. The chainlink fence is from Allow Forms. I find there model  the best representative. The posts are bronze. The gates at the opening actually will open and close. And yes the fence is one long strip. Fun to install. NOT. There are places where the fence protrudes from the horizontal bar. This was on purpose because many fences eventually loose the little metal tie that connects to the horizontal bar, and I'm sticking to that story!If you cant find their website, send me a PM and I'll get you the contact.


I would like to thank everyone for participating in my little photo review. I appreciate you taking the time to review my progress. Thank you for all the kind words as well. I will consider doing this with another scene in the not to distant future. Thank everyone for stopping by.


Frank / Erieman

[S&S RR]

Frank


As requested, a follow-up to our phone conversation.   I talked to Frank on the phone this afternoon and offered my critique of the photographs he posted. When I look at model train photographs I look for anything that gives away the scene as a model and not a prototypical scene photograph. What I told Frank over the phone was that the bridge gives away the scene.  It needs to be painted/weathered. Frank's comment to me was that is exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for on the forum.  Please post it.  In all fairness Frank's great structures give away the plastic bridge. Unpainted plastic models, even when they are as highly detailed as the bridge in this scene, look shinny and unnatural - at least to me.  So per Frank's request I posted this - I see 30 minutes with the weathering powders in Frank's future. A layout is never done!

I think this is a great use of the forum for modeling. I see it like editing a paper or article, it's very hard to critique your own work and fresh eyes can give you a new perspective that helps you get better.  Frank is one of the best modelers I have ever met and I look forward to his critique of the S&S RR.

[Janbouli]

I saw the bridge , but thought Frank just hadn't finished it yet, I agree that plastic needs even more attention then wood kits in weathering and painting. While plastic kits are somewhat easier to assemble , the painting and weathering is somewhat harder to get looking natural.

[ACL1504]

I just assumed the bridge was silver. I missed that one.

Tom

[Erieman]

Tom, John and Jan,


Thanks guys for stopping by and commenting about the bridge. As John mentioned, we had a phone conversation on another matter and then we got onto the bridge. I told John that I would like him to post his comments on the bridge. The only way we get better is to have other folks judge your work. He was worried that I might get upset and I told him that would not be the case. I won't get even. I find that the more people looking and commenting the better and the forum is very well suited for this type of exchange because there are a lot of excellent modelers that have a keen eye. What a better way to improve. So, that being said, I will be improving the bridge. I just need to consider what media I want to use to weather it. Sounds like a little testing is in order. I have two more bridges on another portion of the layout where i used a Micro Mark rust product on it. I'll take a picture and get your opinion. I'll refrain from commenting about the technique until you all have rendered your thoughts.  Isn't this fun.
Again, I would like to that everyone for their comments. This is fun and I enjoy the feedback. Let me play with some techniques and get back to you. If anyone has a color picture of a good weathered bridge ( model or real) post it and lets take a look. Remember the bridge is glued in place, so what ever I have to do will require a lot of masking or drop cloths to protect the track area.

Thanks again.


Frank / Erieman 

[S&S RR]

Look what I found under the layout. 





So, I have been thinking about Frank's bridge while I was working under the layout today and decided to go into the parts storage area under my layout after reading Frank's post.  I had a technique I wanted to try and gave myself 30 seconds to try it.  Here is what it looks like.  In keeping with Frank's criteria I will let you know what I did after we have a chance to take a look at it.


I set the bridge on top of the temporary benchwork that will be replaced by the trestle I'm currently building.





A little closer and we can see the rivets.





Remember this was 30 seconds - I would add some rust color etc.


Anyway, since I have this test piece - Frank if you want me to try something let me know.

[S&S RR]

I should mention that no spray cans or air brushes were involved.  Frank's bridge is in place.