The work done by so many in this form is awesome, so its taken me a while get up the nerve to post some of my first buildings in HO. They probably are not up to most of your standards, so please comment on my results so far. I need to work on my picture taking for sure. They look a little better than the pictures show.
This is a furniture store I made from a Walthers Cornerstone:
I did the interior and while blurred, this shows some of furniture showing in front windows:
My neighbors gave me a cable car souvenir from their SF CA trip, and tongue in cheek, hoped I could use it in my layout. Of course, it was too big. So I made it into a two-story diner:
Here are three buildings together:
I’m a novice in posting pictures, so if these do not show up, I’ll repost. Thanks.
You’ve got the general idea down and certainly what you have is better than just assembled from the box.
The only hint I would give is that most of the weathering that occurs on buildings is due to water. So where water runs and splashes is where you add your discoloration–corners of windows and doors, water runoffs, splash marks along sidewalks and building edges. Take some time and walk around some buildings in your downtown area and you’ll see what I mean.
The Trolley Diner is an interesting use of an out-of-scale trolley, but if your serious about it, I’d recommend adding a (scale) stairway or ramp up to the entrance so your scale citizens don’t have to worry about the ‘first step being a dozy’ - you could add a bit of a stoop/patio, and add a scale garbage can and a newspaper vending machine or such. And make a defined front door entrance (again, scale size), and a rear door for taking out the trash.
Thanks for answering everyone. One thing the camera showed me that I do need, as suggested, to be more careful in placement of my weathering from rain,etc. I really liked the idea of working on the entrance stairs to the diner with better scale and stoop/patio thing.
The awning on the furniture store looks like it’s got mold growing on it. IMO it’s a bit overdone. If the awning was one that was rolled up for a time while wet you’d see mold growing. Water stains/streaks would be more appropriate. Consider awnings are exposed to the sun and UV would kill mold growth. They appear more sun faded than anything. One in the condition you depict would be close to the end of it’s life.
Try using pastel chalks to achieve stains/streaks. Start with just a small amount and brush in the direction the water would flow. You can always build up but it’s harder to take away.
Another technique is to use a filter to achieve different shades on your surfaces. this works best if you paint the base coat with acrylics and use oils/enamels for the filter effect. Application of a pin wash also helps to bring out detail.
Lastly, when you take your pictures set your F-stop down (8 or higher) to get a better depth of field. You will need to increase the shutter speed to allow for good exposure. The higher F-stop will make all of your picture in the frame more in focus and thus better able for the viewer to see the details. If you are worried about camera shake and blurring during the exposure use a tripod or set the camera on something to keep it steady.
Overall you have done some very nice work. Keep practicing with new techniques and you’ll have even better models.
Well I am by far not the best structure builder but I do know what looks good and in my O/P you have a very good handle on how to do it.What method of weathering are you using? I’ve tried chalks with out the greatest of results but good old india ink & alchol seems to work the best for me along with diluted grimy black and my air brush depending on what type of structure it is. For a first attempt I say your stuff is very first rate.
Allegheny: Thanks for the comments. I use india ink & alcohol wash as a first application after painting. I use very dry brushing after that. I also use chalks and like them because they are easier to blend without sharp edges. I agree (with others) that the awning on the furniture store was over kill and looks too mouldy, and plan to redo it. The dry brushed black on the furniture store is also a little harsh, and I plan to touch it up to be lighter with some chalks.
I really like the “adaptive reuse” of the cable car souvenir. It’s pretty effective as is, but one way to disguise it’s origin might be to surround it with a dining deck… A platform with some tables and umbrellas on it, set at about the level of the bottom of the “Steaks and Chops” sign. Enclose the bottom of it with some lattice work, and put your steps up to the deck.
Very nice work overall. I think it will be better to judge the weathering when the buildings are put into their context. I think you’ve done a pretty good job overall.
