As some of you know, I got into this great hobby a couple of years ago. I didn’t know squat about building a layout, but I’ve learned a lot since then, but not nearly enough. The layout is in a 15 x20 foot room and it takes up roughly 3/4ths of that space. This is a diagram of it from the early days, the main track is still the same but several spurs have been added that aren’t shown here.
It’s ho scale and I’m one of those that can’t make up their minds what the era is going to be, simply because I like steam and I like the later diesels too. Starting with my back to the layout and looking toward the entrance door this is what it looks like today…
I use an old roll around computer table to hold scenery materials.
moving on to the right…
it’s not as cluttered as it looks, I can actually find things… most of the time.
moving on to the right, the first part is the engine service area with round house and turntable.
and a view of the yard from up high…
on to the right in that curved corner will be three industries…
below is the center penisular of the layout and where I’ve been learning the most, such as working with Durham’s Rock Putty for roads, how to ballast track, working with ground goop, making rocks etc etc.
it still has a lot to be done, such as trees, finish the road etc.
I was just wondering to myself the other day how you were doing!
It’s really looking great!
About those skies…When you look at the sky outside it’s darker blue directly overhead then it is at the horizon. You can simulate this by doing a light airbrushing on the lower portion of the backdrop with some while paint. Just fade it down gradually. This would add a lot of realism to the sky portion. As for clouds, Jeff Wimberly might be best to talk to on that. He did some awesome clouds on his backdrop! Here’s some of his clouds…
Now see, this was a new tour for me. I had lost track of what you were doing, JaRRell, and I appreciate the time you took to give us a look from further back.
Let me tell you that I am mightily impressed with the overall plan and vision, but more-so with the execution to date. You are clearly taking your time and doing things well. Not only that, but it look marvelous, like museum quality…at least to my eyes. Your structures are nicely situated and look well finished. That middle peninsula with the 270 deg loop and bridge over itself its wonderful!!
Great job, JaRRell, and thanks again for the presentation. [:P]
I thank all the ‘mainstays’ of the forum for your help and encouragement over the last two years. There was a time or two when I almost scrapped the whole thing and if I hadn’t had just that wee bit of encouragement from this forum, I probably would have. Thanks PCarrol for the look back at Jeff’s skies. Would that we could all be that talented, we might not build a layout, just paint one… [:D]
It’s funny how you have to be so far along in building one of these to realize what you should’ve done. Shoulda made that spur 6 inches longer. Shoulda moved that track back from the edge a little more. Dang, I don’t have the space for that industry I wanted. Why didn’t I design in a staging area.
It’s small wonder that you have to build at least two. Building the second also gives you a great opportunity to make other, yet unknown, mistakes…[:O]
Tom, I don’t know how you remember so much. It’s kinda scary! [:D] I have trouble remembering what’s her name’s name… you know that person I’m married to.
Anyway, ya’ll don’t go anywhere… I’ll have another ton of questions before long. After I get through butchering the backdrop, I’m going to start on the engine servicing area. At least it’s a nice level spot!
Thanks again, especially to Selector who’s given me guidance both the forum and off.
