Hello, I have a 10X10 ft ho layout, and it’s got all the track, inclines, and mountains built. I am now on the part for landscaping. I was wondering if anyone has some tips, or pictures of their layouts that could maybe give me an idea of how to start landscaping my layout. Thank you.
buy one of the EXELLENT how-to books from Kalmbach on scenery. They’re availible from your L.H.S. (Local Hobby Shop), online from a number of dealers, or from Kalmbachs web site at:
WWW.KALMBACH.COM/BOOKS
I, too, would recommend the Kalmbach scenery books. There is so much detail and so many “better” methods that a book will make your railroading easier and more fun.
You can look at my layout link below for a few ideas but there is probably not enough “how-to” detail for you. Good MRR books are worth the “investment”. Actually they ARE an investment in your hobby.
In addition to books, I might suggest that you try some little dioramas for your selected technique(s) if you are worried about what you might do to your layout [;)]
They can be as small as 2x4 inches - I built a campsite this weekend, and managed to try a couple of types of groundcover, a dirt path, a bit of scratchbuilding, a tree, and so on - all on a piece of scrap styrofoam.
If it works out well, you may be able to incorporate it into your layout. If not, you don’ have to scrape anything off your benchwork…
Andrew
I agree with the above comments that Kalmbach book on scenery is a great resource, but what I’ve noticed with my back issues of Model Railroader and other Reference Guides are that in “some cases” they become outdated. Yes, there are proven techniques such as Idia Ink washes, and dry brushing and iar brushing, etc.
You are working on your 10x10 layout, and more than likely you will have this for many years to come. I caution just grabbing one book as a recipe to success. This forum is great, and cruising the net you’ll pick up lots of ideas and techniques. Look at pics at NMRA website and links to other clubs. Take your time sorting out what you want on the landscape and attend at least your local and regional train shows. There will be dealers there demonstrating “what’s hot” with new landscaping, eletcrical, and planting materials. Try some of the new stuff on the market that hasn’t made it into print yet. I suggest taking a year or two to create a supper scene.
Andy
To whom it may concern : Is there out there on the market , some specifics in scenery for coal mine operations , such that are in Eastern Ky . ? Like in Pike Co., Floyd Co., Johnson Co., and other counties . I’m looking for commercial made housing , vehicles , and the terrain of the 20’s to the 60’s era. I"m in the process of buying L & N engines and railcars used by the L & N . Your for more and better model railroading ,
Mr. Bob Hays
To who in may concern . I have recently purchased the following " Life-Like " engines;
30817 / # 30816 / # / 23189 / # 23190 L & N diesels . The first two are the E 8 / 9
engines the next two are E 6 a units . My question is how difficult and expensive is it to add sound to these [4] units ? These are new , and did not come with this option .
Thanks , Mr. Bob Hays
I have web articles about building my 4x8 layout at:
http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/4x8/
Hope that helps
Harold
Bob,
I can’t help directly with an answer but I do have a suggestion. You stand a much better chance of getting a response if you post this question on the Model Railroader General Forum (which gets a lot more traffic than the ‘Layouts and Layout Building’ forum). And post it as a new thread under a title like “Adding sound to Life-Like Diesels?”. Right now it’s buried in a thread about landscaping, and many people who might have an answer may never even see the question.
Regards
Ed