O'Neils Mercantile & Repair

[Larry C]

Curt thanks, I like the buried tie look as well.

Mike thank you, and yes a little bit at a time.

[robert goslin]

Nice Tractor Larry, and will be a nice addition to the diorama.

[Larry C]

Rob thank you. I have 2 or 3 mini scenes I want to incorporate into the diorama from the track forward so hopefully I don't run out of room; the last thing I want is for the diorama to look overcrowded so may have to edit as I go along.

[Rick]

Larry, I like the rails in the dirt too.
You could even have some dirt on top of the ties on another project.
I like how you applied the grass and weeds randomly.
What is that short section of track on the left for?
Tractor looks good too.

[robert goslin]

Rob thank you. I have 2 or 3 mini scenes I want to incorporate into the diorama from the track forward so hopefully I don't run out of room; the last thing I want is for the diorama to look overcrowded so may have to edit as I go along.

Hi Larry.  Yep, sometimes you have to know when to stop adding stuff. Although scenes with a ton a of details can look great, they just sometimes don't look practical.  But also scenes with very little detail can look dead.  It's also a personal choice for many folks.
At the end of the day, rule # 1 applies:- it's your layout.

[Larry C]

Rick thank you. The short section of track is for storage and deliveries. Beyond the track, off scene and not modeled, would be a switch to go either to the shed track or the storage track.

Rob I agree with your comment. It's a challenge sometimes to strike a good balance between the 2 extremes.

[labdad]

Looking good. Tractor turned out great being one piece.
I like the tracks in the dirt too
MJinTN

[Larry C]

Marty thank you and for stopping by. Hope you're doing well.

[Jerry]

Larry nice job on that tractor.
Just don't let the LP sit until Brett sends you a new seat!!! 

Jerry

[Larry C]

Jerry thanks. Actually the seat, my fault, was fixable "so no harm no foul".
No LP will be sitting on the seat but rather looking at the engine wondering
what the problem is.

[Larry C]

Right now it looks like I have about 1/3 of the diorama left to finish. I wanted 1 major cameo scene and a couple of mini scenes in this area. To that end I decided to get things setup so I'd have things where I wanted them while still having some open areas to avoid a "crowded" look. Satisfied with the spacing and number of scenes I started with the "tractor scene" first since it will take up the most space.



Fast forward and the tractor scene is finished. The LP's are from Rusty Rail colored with various chalks and clear alcohol. When dry they were dry brushed with black chalk to bring out the details. I like using this method so I get a "flat look" to the figures. Since Mrs. O'Neil loves flowers she had one of the lads plant some perennials by the shed so she could see them when she swept off the front porch of the Mercantile; might as well add some "class" to the tool shed.



Hank's looking at the tractor engine trying to figure out why it's skipping and not firing properly. Jeb's sitting on a box, since he's up in years, and is pointing to the engine "Looks like you have a loose spark plug wire Sonny" but Hank's not totally convinced.

Most of the barrels, tools, and the metal rubbish bin are all from Sierra West. Some items were colored with chalks while others were painted. The makeshift workbench is 2 pieces of 2x10's grained, colored with chalks then given a coat of A&I. I also decided to put down the ground cover BEFORE I glued the scene items in place along with clumps of grass and some weeds by the shed. All the workbench items were weathered as well.

Next I'm going to add the scenery material on the side of the short track working forward so I don't disturb what's already been done. I'll also add the mini scenes as I progress. Thanks for stopping by for a peek and for all your great comments and/or suggestions; they keep me going so stay tuned.

[PRR Modeler]

Great looking scene and story Larry. On a side note Sonny should listen!

[friscomike]

Howdy Larry,

I like the backstory which is probably true. Nice work on the scene.

Have fun,
mike

[Larry C]

Curt and Mike thanks guys. Yup young'ins should listen to the more experienced Seniors.

[Rick]

Nice scene and story you've created Larry.