Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) Jim, Barrels, crates, tools, saws, picks, axes, water troughs, checkboard table for breaks, wooden planks already finished, dog, saw dust piles, fire buckets, horses or mules, team hitch equipment, wagons, sleds, anvils, benches, chains, rope, rifles/shotguns, trucks, hoist, lights or kerosene lanterns, clothes, hip boots, work boots, newspaper... That's just what popped in off the top of my head. You are very welcome on the Youtube linking. The sawmill looks awesome. You can also use India Ink in 90% Alcohol. Try different tinctures as the ink will go a long way. Total cost for this cheap trick: $5.00 Supply: almost endless!
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) Jim, Also check out Model Tech Studio Designs as they have tons of great gear that will go with the sawmill and your depot/buildings.
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch ( photo ) Jim, I thought real hard and long about this one last night, and I really hesitate to say it, but I need to. One aspect you are missing are the ruts in the roads caused by the wagons and the cars. Your missing tracks caused by your steam shovel. Your missing tracks caused by the repair rig by the steam shovel. The lumber yard needs the marks of the sled to haul the logs, or the dragging of the logs themselves. You have done such a great job on the Zalma Branch it's hard to suggest or find any area for improvement, but if you added these, you'd take the layout over the top. It's just a suggestion. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished. It's awesome! Manny
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) You're right Manny but none of these vehicles are glued in a final position because I don't know where they will eventually stay. For example the steamshovel and dump truck my go to their own diorama along with the service truck. Ruts are a good point but harder to add at this point without screwing up what I've done. I do have a few around a puddle or two but that's it. This entire layout has been a first time experiment for my scenery skills including water, roads, puddles, fake fur ground cover and seasonal changes. I'll build a small levee project diorama for the steam shovel and I'll rut the dickens out it. While it's too late to add real ruts on the branch I guess I could try using dark brown paint and a fine brush to suggest ruts. I'll give it a go later. Thanks for the critique. That's what I'm looking for.
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) I don't want to beat this to death but I downloaded iMovie on my phone and stitched together a better, more stable video of a trip around the layout. Nothing fancy just easier to watch. http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj182/jimjames63/fd533f05.mp4
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) For all you Youtube dudes: Eye level on the Zalma Branch Thanks Jim! This will be great when I send your work into the model railroad magazines. Awesome bro! Keep it up!
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) I found some handles for my portable layout that look kinda like grab irons. I found them at Lowe's for about a buck fifty each. I like 'em.
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) I've got some pictures to post that I took at Jim's between Christmas and New Year. I'm sorry that I have just been so busy since. I will try to get them added tonight. I think they really make it obvious what a talented modeler Jim is.
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) I try to avoid hyperbole, but based on photos of Jim's Zalma Branch that he's shared, it's the best-looking bit of 4x8 modeling I've ever seen, especially prototype modeling. Best Regards,
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) Here are some of the pictures that I took at Jim's house over the holidays. I forgot my glasses when I was taking the pictures so my depth of field is not what I really wanted in some. I will have to make another trip and spend more time composing the shots.
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) Keith, you're a wizard! Your excellent photography makes it look better than it does in person. Thank you so much. That black and white shot is very realistic (except for the cheap, clunky railing on my passenger car, yikes). I've added a lot to the layout since you were here and if you can come back sometime it should be finished enough to take it outside for easier photography. I'll have more trees for you by then. You're an artist with that camera. Thanks again.
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) Yes, they are very nice pictures. I'd like to see the 2-6-0 get some work on the Zalma. How 'bout it Jim?
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) I agree, Manny. My 2-6-0 is my smoothest runner so I'll soon weather it and see if I can Friscoize it a little more. I'm still debating on getting the Bachmann Spectrum 4-4-0. So many plans, so little time. I still want to build an N scale diorama with my RS-2 sitting beside the potato storage building near Arbor, Mo, a Civil War diorama with my scratchbuilt USS Carondelet at the Cairo, IL waterfront/railroad supply train and a Diversion Channel diorama with my steam shovel and Mack dump truck. Never a dull moment.
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) Some of the best eye-level photography that I have seen. Truly this layout belongs in MR and other publications.
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) I agree, Jim. I was especially impressed with the single tree with the roots exposed. Great work, and some great suggestions for building trees without having to break the bank by buying all commercially produced trees. Terry
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) I'm waiting for Jim to say it's finished, and then off to the major pubs it goes. Time to get Frisco on the boards again. This should win a prize in the MR contest, hands down! Jim, some of those pics need to be entered into the picture of the month contests. I may submit the derailed 4-4-0 aged for giggles, just to see what it does. If it wins, you get the dough!
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) Jim, the next step is filling in the background on the backdrop or hiding the backdrop near ground level with trees to give the background more depth.
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) I'm on it, Keith. I'm getting a sheet of 1" blue insulation board to make a 5' long removable backdrop with hand painted scenery. I'll also make some generic drops for photography use. I learned stuff about that while you were here. Next time conditions will be much better.
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) Ok, I got a sheet of foam board and made the backdrop 5'x 16". Soon I will paint the background scenery on it. Do you guys think the dimensions look OK and in proportion to the layout? It will be removable for transporting and photography.
Re: New Direction for Zalma Branch (photo) Hey Jim, It looks good. Have you considered trying to work the top into curves so that it is easier on the eyes. An arch starting at the tree heights on either end, cresting in the middle might make it a little easier on the eyes, and hide the edges of the board so it flows. Just an idea my friend. Keep up the great work!
