Hi Tom, No criticism intended regarding your modern track work. That is the kind of track we have down the hill from our house east of Springfield. Current rail technology is efficient, but not as interesting to me. Much prefer SD45, or better, U25 power getting a run through Turner and struggling to the top either direction. The current BNSF power is comparatively quiet and maintain constant speed regardless of the load, or grade. If you get a chance can you share your fence-building techniques? Great work. John Sanders
No worries John I didn't take it that way at all, not at all. And I absolutely agree about the SD45's other locos.
I'm making some more custom trees for a friend and thought I would post a pic or two. Green Squadron putty sure makes it easy to produce some realistic trunk shapes. Thanks for checking them out. Happy Modeling!
Most excellent looking trees Jim. What did you use for the poly fiber, and leave material? My leaf material looks too much alike, need to lighten them up a bit. I really like dem trees. Used some Black poly fiber from Sweetwater Scenery but it appears they are out of business. Dont really care for the Woodland Scenics poly fiber unless I just got a bad batch. Thanks for posting photos of your work Jim. Always glad to see your modeling efforts I wish others would post photos of their work too.
Thanks. This particular group of trees uses no poly fiber. The main trunk structure is made from dried flower stems and pieces of Super Tree from their tree kit. The kit is a bunch of fine plant structures that are very airy and realistic looking. Just add paint, hairspray, ground foam in a big plastic bag and more hairspray. Many options are available once you get $24.95 big box of Super Tree material. It's well worth it to me. Get some and you'll be amazed. : )
A few days before Christmas our own Mr. Jim James sent me a small forest of his magnificent trees to adorn this MRR project of mine. I gotta say the pictures dont do them justice. They are without a doubt the best looking trees I have ever seen. The trunks and bark are just outstanding, the foliage incredible. Sure give the scene a great improvement IMHO . Thanks You Jim!!! I have some more trees from Jim but I am gonna save them for very special locations and use them to make the rest look better The buildings and fencing with the exception of the out house, were scratch-built by my friend the late David Morris. His son Brian, was kind enough to give me the scene, and I managed to tweak them a little and graph to my MRR, so in a sense David lives on here, (there are several structures that were built by him on the MRR now) Merry Christmas to you all|-||-|
Thanks Dan, I should have quoted Jim in my post as I believe this is what he used to make the trees, along with His Green Squadron Putty trunk technique.
Tom: What construction procedure went into building the backdrops or scenic dividers on the middle parts of the railroad. How high are they, what material are they constructed of, how wide are thy, and what did use to construct the curved ends? Thanks in advance.
Hi Bob, Thanks for the questions, I will try to address them. I kept this all as simple and inexpensive as practical, while using materials, I had tools to work with. Admittedly it does not have the museum quality finish but the intent was to just give a hint that something was there. I want people to focus on the models and miserable scenery, so with that in mind. 2X2's OR 1x2's were screwed to the bench work, then 1/8" (non tempered, its cheaper, plus its easier to bend) Masonite was then air nailed (crown stapler) to the 2X2's and 1X2's. I would avoid using Brad type nailers as they tend to pull thru the Masonite. Of course you could screw them on too. The overall height of the dividers are around 8 feet from the concrete. Tried to remember to go over the nail spots with painters caulk but I forgot most, but still I dont care. Didn't want all the mess with drywall mud and all that. The dividers are anywhere between 4' and 2' tall depending on how tall the bench work or roadbed height was. This thing starts off at 54" and reaches the Summit or Quanah where you walk under the MRR at 74" so there is quite a difference in elevation. I tried to stay away from too many 24" long L girders. Those curved ends were a real stroke of luck, all the ends where visible are 1X2" with the Masonite on both sides, I found some 1/2 round trim at he lumber yard that fit just right, and just finish nailed, caulked and painted. Every board was cut outside the building, sanded and dusted off before entering the building. Hope that answered your questions.
Here is a couple pictures around Dougherty (Station on the QA&P) This is freelance. Hard times have hit, and people seem to be migrating to the cities. Thanks To Jim James for advise and and modeling suggestions.
Wow! You absolutely nailed it. That roof and siding is excellent. Even the lighting is just right for the mood. You're the man.
