FOS Rust Rock Falls -- in progress

[Opa George]

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.

[Opa George]

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.

[Opa George]

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. 

[Opa George]

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. 



Bye for now from the TMB & N.

--Opa George

[PRR Modeler]

Beautiful modeling George.

[Jerry]

Nice job George!


Jerry

[vinceg]

Very nice, as usual, George.

The skull gives it something of a James Bond-ish feel, I think (Sean Connery era).

[Opa George]

Thanks much, Curt and Jerry!  And Vince, I love that comparison!  Agreed: Sean Connery, of course! 

[Mark Dalrymple]

Coming on really nicely, George.

Chees, Mark.

[Mike Engler]

Nice modeling!

[Opa George]

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

[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.



--Opa George

[vinceg]

Spectacular, George. A real jaw-dropping scene. You might consider using a temporary backdrop behind it for a photo shot or two.

[Keep It Rusty]

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!!

[Opa George]

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.