a giveaway

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I just read a post about wires on poles and I just wanted to ask, when you see a really good model picture, what do you look for to find out wether it’s a model or the real thing? I usually check the couplers

2

I’m so cheap, I checked this post to see what you were gonna send me… oh well.

(good suggestion however)

3

Some of the photogrphy I have seen is so good, that I just have to rely on the fact that its in a model magazine and about some ones layout or in trackside photos, to realize its a model.

Although I did like the June 1999 issiue of Model Rairlader however. It had a soo line F unit on the cover and Was a very convincing pic. Then I saw the alien in the Cab. Some one has a sense of humor. I love it.

James.

4

I usually look at the track or the handrails on the locomotives (if it has handrails) to tell if its a model or the real thing. But the couplers can also be a good giveaway.

5

I usually look at the wheels - if they’ve got massively overscale treads then it’s a model. Though having said that, it’s getting harder to tell the difference with the latest crop of models with nearly scale treads.

6

I look at the people…almost invariably the worst aspect of even a great layout.

7

The sky is often a giveaway if it is a fake although some photos are taken outdoors.

Failing that the wheels and couplers in smaller scales or the people in larger scales.

8

All of the above plus code 100 rail in HO, windows and structures, trees among others.

9

The foliage is always the giveaway for me; real leaves have a semigloss or even gloss finihat results in extreme contrast between highlight and shade, while the green foam we all seem to use (combined with unnatural lighting) results in very flat-looking greenery. I’m wanting to find the solution to this dilemma, and I’m experimenting with varnihinned with turpentine as a scenic adhesive, since this imparts a sheen. I’m thinking that mixing in some oil colors, to add a dark green wa***o the effect, might be what it takes, but the jury is still out.

I also can always tell model figures when I see them, and they have the opposite probem: too much plastic sheen, too much gloss. Painting with flat acrylics may help, and possibly weathering with chalks would be in order.

10

Flanges. The RP-25 flanges on models are bigger. In prototype photos, they’re almost invisible unless its close up.

11

I can usually tell if the train’s a model or a real one by several things

  1. People on a HO Train? Don’t think so… [;)]
  2. The doors on the side of the engine look a little too realistic
  3. The trucks sort of appear to be rusted, with lots of mechanical features
  4. Unless it’s a really good paint job, I never really expect a train to look shiny.
  5. Usually the tracks are a good giveaway
  6. Like everyone said, the couplers.
12

grass, weeds, dirt, and trees