A beginner's layout

[PMW]

Thank you all for the encouragement, everyone! I do appreciate the compliments but also welcome constructive criticism.

The more skilled and more experienced modelers here on this forum and elsewhere I've seen has inspired me to attempt this project in the first place so let's all tip our glass to the ones who have inspired us. CHEERS!

 

[VTRailway]

Looking great. Keep it up!

 

[PMW]

Went to the train store today! Got some stuff to start my water/bridge scene. Hopefully progress pics later this weekend or next.

 

[VTRailway]

PMW are you in VT? Only asking cuz if you are, im curious where hobby quarters is.

 

[Lynnb]

PMW I’ve always found those printed backdrops are difficult to find the perfect location and more so with a buildings print unless you’re planning a full town in front of it. That river with bridge scene is going to look great, if I may suggest painting the base with brown paint to start and while It’s wet sift on some fine dirt , this will give you a good starting point to build up the terrain.

 

[PMW]

PMW are you in VT? Only asking cuz if you are, im curious where hobby quarters is.

I am in New England but not Vermont. I'm a little south of Boston. The Hobby Quarters I go to is in Foxboro (some may know it from watching the Patriots play). It only has a small train section but some quality stuff.

 

[PMW]

PMW I’ve always found those printed backdrops are difficult to find the perfect location and more so with a buildings print unless you’re planning a full town in front of it. That river with bridge scene is going to look great, if I may suggest painting the base with brown paint to start and while It’s wet sift on some fine dirt , this will give you a good starting point to build up the terrain.

Thanks! I did plan to paint the base of the water but wasn't sure about the dirt...do you have any pics?

 

[Lynnb]

Thanks! I did plan to paint the base of the water but wasn't sure about the dirt...do you have any pics?

If you take a look in my layout link you should see some pics , just not sure if it’s pics of the messy part. If you have any questions let me know.

 

[PMW]

If you take a look in my layout link you should see some pics , just not sure if it’s pics of the messy part. If you have any questions let me know.

Thanks! And thanks for including a link to the layout. I love when people do that...I should look for it more often
Checking out now....

 

[PMW]

If you take a look in my layout link you should see some pics , just not sure if it’s pics of the messy part. If you have any questions let me know.

Lynn, I just spent some time perusing your layout thread (mostly just looking at pics tonight ).What a wonderful job! Good for you.

I will always blindly follow any advise you have on scenery and be happy to give up any ability I have to think independently . But seriously, your layout is unequivocally beautiful!

Thanks for checking out my build thread and for offering advise!

 

[PMW]

Started gluing some outcroppings to the water scene. I also have talus which I put in loose to see what it looks like.

Hopefully do some ground cover tomorrow.

 

[migalyto]

Going to be a nice bridge scene!

Well done!

 

[PMW]

Going to be a nice bridge scene!

Well done!

Thanks, Mike. I hope it turns out alright... We'll find out together!

 

[PMW]

Got some ground cover on one side of the river (well, the river will be there one day).

Slowly getting rid of more of that blue foam!

 

[Lynnb]

Got some ground cover on one side of the river (well, the river will be there one day).

Slowly getting rid of more of that blue foam!

View attachment 175735View attachment 175736

Don’t be afraid to use real rocks and twigs for logs .

 

[PMW]

Don’t be afraid to use real rocks and twigs for logs .

Yes, I'm aware people use real dirt, twigs, etc... I have an aversion to this (perhaps an irrational one). I'm afraid there will be some bit of microscopic biology that I bring indoors . Already bought some dead fall and talus. Woodland Scenics loves folks like me

Proceeded with more ground cover today...I'll post a pic when the glue dries more

 

[PMW]

The scene continues...

If I can get the other side to this point I can start thinking about the "riverbed" and eventually poor water!

 

[Topherisme]

If you do use real dirt, bake it in the oven for a few, better yet over a fire pit. Not sure, can you do the same with twigs and such? Great progress, looking good!!!

 

[PMW]

Wasn't motivated to work on the river scene so I just added some more color and texture to the trackside of the bakery. I thought I overdid it a bit when I looked at the photo so I picked a little out while the glue is still wet

 

[Topherisme]

Looks good Nice how a little bit of green starts adding to the over all looks of things