Well, It looks like I will have to update the Brush Creek diorama.....(probably not). This is an interesting channel if you are from the SE Kansas area. -Bob T.
Looks like they're keeping the original deck and adding new supports? I may have to run over and get some pictures at some point.
Hey All, I have worked a bit on my "Wichita & Northwestern" fantasy/alternate history scheme for a few covered hoppers. I'll work something up for a boxcar next and then on to a GP-15. Here is what we are converging upon: Take Care All, -Bob T.
Hey All, Happy Wednesday. After a week in Albuquerque, I am back at the workbench evenings this week. I am working up a few Wichita & Northwestern hopper cars for friends and also painted up an Accurail boxcar for a concept there. I picked a yellow that I thought close to "Shocker" yellow for the Wichita State University fans. It is a "Tan Yellow" from Vallejo, thinned and shot through an airbrush, and a "Gunship Gray 2" roof from a Tamiya rattle can. I am waiting on a 1980s lettered car to use as an example for the detailed stencils. If you have a close-up of a late 1980s boxcar, it would be appreciated to have photo for reference. Feedback is welcomed. Need to get back to my Frisco modeling.... Have a good one All, -Bob T.
I'm working on painting/decaling my first engine in umpteen (literally) years. Having to dust off some very old skill sets! Anyway, working on an RS-1 for the KC&G. I want some of the early switchers and the RS-1's to have been delivered in a black scheme that was common at the time (mid-late 1940s). Alco offered a variety of black schemes on their products, so I'm going with one that is very reminiscent of the Alco scheme used on the KCS RS-1's. After a paint issue, as well as a poor choice of pinstripe size for the hood, I now have the hood in paint again. A couple pics: This time around, the hood will get a 2" pinstripe just below the number boards. The paint on the hood is curing as I type. Very much looking forward to seeing a new PAINTED KC&G engine. It will be the first one since 1995 or earlier!
Trying some focus stacking techniques with Helicon Focus on the Brush Creek diorama. A westbound on the Parsons Sub.... -Bob T.
Wow Bob! I need to learn more about this Helicon Focus image stacking stuff. Is there a free image stacking software link? And my old SL-SF 1216 has never looked better Sir. Thank you for the image!
THAT is some serious modeling, right there! Excellent work and excellent pic, Bob! Sheesh... such results as that can make a putz modeler like me feel like tossing in the towel and switching to collecting used horseshoes. erdnA
Thanks guys! The photo is a stack of 10 images (8-second exposures), taken with a Canon EOS Rebel T7i. I used a remote to activate the shutter to keep the camera (on a tripod) still. You basically take a series of photos, each with a deeper focus depth in the scene, set manually. The processing was done with Helicon Focus 8.2.2 software, using the "depth map" method/option. I think I payed something like $50 for a year license for that Helicon Focus software. It is super easy to use. I used Gimp Software (free) to blur the seam in the backdrop which appears as a light-dark transition above the trees, but no other touchups. I will next try some lighting adjustments to give the appearance of a more sunny day. The area around the wheels and drivers of the locomotive is a bit dark in this one. This photo is a great example of how many friends I have made through this hobby. There is stuff from Tom and Jim in this photo, a trestle built with plans from those on this site, and many recommendations for modeling methods. Many thanks to all. -Bob T.
Happy Summer All, Hey, it is Wednesday and I am actually home. Progress this past weekend included finishing up several "Wichita & Northwestern" cars for my freelance/fantasy modular layout sections effort. Hope you all had a good week in Frisco Land. -Bob T.