Using Masking Tape for Roll roofing in HO

[CNJ831]

[quote user=“maandg”]

This idea would certainly account for why so many model railroads appear as caricatures of the real world, rather than being truly realistic. You will note, however, that at least 95% of the grand layouts that are featured in the magazines are most definitely NOT of the caricature type. So the folks at the top of the hobby don’t seem to favor unrealistic modeling. That said, is so-called artist’s license perhaps often little more than just an excuse to justify having done a poor modeling job? I have to wonder.

CNJ831

I would love to know which magazine features layouts that so overwhelmingly feature true prototype modeling. Aside from Jack Burgess’ Yosemite Valley, I can think of none. And even his layout with its rock for rock and tree for tree scene duplication is still a caricature by definition.

Anyone who uses scale figures has created a caricature IMHO. The only realistic figures I have ever seen were on Malcolm Furlow’s G-scale masterpiece featured in MR many years ago where he used actual photo cutouts of real people in his photography work. Anything short of that is a caricature of human life. Do the headlights on the vehicles have actual lenses or white paint dots? Is there a driver behind the wheel? Do the power poles have scale lines, transformers and guy wires? (I’ve heard people argue that “Scale phone lines would not be visible” - funny, but I’ve always seen them when I drive down the road) Are the ties wood with plates on every one and joint bars every 39 scale feet? If not, these too are caricatures. Is the backdrop painted? I would argue that all paintings are caricatures - even the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel or the Mona Lisa. Only photographs reflect t

[maandg]

Cliff - Look up the meaning of the word caricaturish. It refers to the intentional distortion and exaggeration of reality to produce a comic or grotesque effect. This may most certainly be what some modelers do, intentionally or otherwise, but most definitely does not apply as a description or a term typifying quality layouts or the efforts of a serious hobbyists…save, apparently, in your opinion. There are a great many layouts that faithfully depict reality in minute detail in their entirety. As a primier example of this, look at the NEB&W.

One does not have to have, as was suggested in another earlier post, “every single blade of grass represented”, to form a scene that is highly representative of reality. It simply has to convey the impression of reality to the viewer. I am amazed that with the layout you have, that you don’t appreciate that fact. In addition, as a very active film photographer, over the years I have seen many model railroad photographs that could definitely pass for actual scenes of the real world and my standards are very high. If you doubt such photographs of modeled scenes exist, I suggest you start by perusing Bill Clouser’s traction photos way back in the MR’s of 50 years ago. There have been plenty of other examples since.

Assuming that you are being honest, and not simply argumentative here, with your opinion that all art, including the works of such geniuses as daVinci and Michelangelo, are intentional caricature in the actual sense of the word, I can only say your preception regarding the subject is dramatically distorted relative to the rest of us.

CNJ831

In my post, I was not concerned with the true Webster’s definition of the word. If the actual definition is as you quoted

[CNJ831]

Cliff - I can see by your response that we are actually much closer to being in agreement on this topic than we are at antipodes.

However, I have to believe that it is better, in the longrun, to point out modeling errors, shortcomings in techniques, and more proper methods so that a modeler is able to build as realistic a model as his skills will allow. Too often I see poor advice given here and on other forums, where newbies are advising newbies…quite often incorrectly. My hobby skills matured over many years through the advice, constructive criticism and observations offered by talented fellow modelers and I think everyone in the hobby should be open to this. Lacking such competent advice leads to those guys who are miffed, insulted and hurt when they enter say an NMRA modeling contest or submit a photo of their work to the magazines only to be told their work is honestly subpar.

CNJ831

[chateauricher]

Let’s face it… any way you do it, you end up with a skinless cat.

What is more important ? The method or the results ? I argue that, in model railroading, the methods you use are far less important than getting results with which you are happy.

Isn’t it your railroad ? Who am I to judge your results if you’re happy with them ? If your intention was to have a “grotesque” or “comic” caricature, and that’s what you got, then bully for you. If your intention was to have your model mistaken for the real thing, and that’s what you got, Hurrah!

Its your railroad. Do with it what you will.

[swknox]

i’ve used masking tape for roll roofing for the last seven years with only good results to show for it.

start on your bottom course at the lower edge of your roof. rolls are 3’ wide

splice in a “new roll” every thirty feet.

overlap each subsequent course a prototypical 2" as your work rises to the crest of the roof.

paint it grimy black (for the tarpaper look), and if desired, a wash of color over the black to look like a colored cap sheet. flat roofs are done with tarpaper also; the pricier jobs add hot tar.

as the finished project ages, it will develop a prototypical wrinkling, and tend to weather itself. when dust accumulates; rub it in instead of off.

i know this system will last 7 years, and it looks like it’s good for another twenty.

I agree with everything this gentleman said cept one thing - Rolls are 4’ wide not 3’ - take it from someone who works at lowes and delivers this stuff all day!!! other than that everyone has some good ideals - and yes its best to use the spray glue from elmers or 3M then put the tape down so it won’t come back up later.