Northern Pacific Rocky Valley Branch Switching Layout Build


The track bumper looks great.

The junk piles look much better also. Just add some random weeds/grass growing out and over.

You may want to consider cutting the sandpaper into strips to simulate tar paper.

I like the fence. Just chip off a few of the tips here and there to simulate old and worn wood.
 
I noticed the same, your backdrop screws show. Just paint them the same sky color and then plant something in front of them. It’ll look fine, even just painting them will take your eye away from them.

Over all great job!!! Keep up the good work!!!

Look forward to more and more.
 
Rico said:
This is really looking great!
If I could suggest something it would be pulling that nail out of the tie and planting a shrub to hide that screw?
Click to expand...
I didn’t put very many nails into the ties to begin with so I’m worried that if I remove it, it will compromise the positioning of the track.

I will be adding a background image to the layout at some point so all the screws won’t be visible:)
 
kgstakes said:
With the sandpaper roof once painted it would look like a tar and pebble type of roof. I think it’ll be a nice affect once painted and weathered a bit.

Go for it, if it’s not the look you want change it. But it looks good now go for it!!
Click to expand...
I have seen others model similar things so I figured it’s worth a shot!

I think once it’s painted, I’ll have a better idea of whether or not I like it.
 
kgstakes said:
I noticed the same, your backdrop screws show. Just paint them the same sky color and then plant something in front of them. It’ll look fine, even just painting them will take your eye away from them.

Over all great job!!! Keep up the good work!!!

Look forward to more and more.
Click to expand...
Thanks! I plan on adhering some kind of background image that will be covering all the screws. Just haven’t found the right one yet:)
 
I hadn't had time to keep up with this thread in August, but I like the direction that you are taking. A few comments if I may.
GuilfordRailman said:
I may put a stair case that connects from the middle horizontal tank to the top of the vertical tank for maintenance access but I’m not sure if that would look good.
Click to expand...
Skip the staircase and use a ladder instead. More realistic.
The junk pile next to the track bumper looks good as is, considering the type of junk there. The one across from the oil tanks needs a little rust. Weathering powders would work best if you have them, otherwise try dry-brushing a little rust colored paint randomly. Weeds would be appropriate.
I agree with others regarding the backdrop fasteners.
 
santafewillie said:
I hadn't had time to keep up with this thread in August, but I like the direction that you are taking. A few comments if I may.

Skip the staircase and use a ladder instead. More realistic.
The junk pile next to the track bumper looks good as is, considering the type of junk there. The one across from the oil tanks needs a little rust. Weathering powders would work best if you have them, otherwise try dry-brushing a little rust colored paint randomly. Weeds would be appropriate.
I agree with others regarding the backdrop fasteners.
Click to expand...
Always appreciate your feedback Willie!

I definitely agree about the ladder instead of the stairs. I have since removed the stairs and will be ordering some ladders soon.

I plan on using some weathering powders for the junk piles! I have a variety of colors to choose from so I’ll have to see what blend will look best. I’ll definitely be adding some weeds too!

I plan on adding a background image that will (hopefully) cover the screws effectively. I haven’t found the right image yet as I’m trying to find a single one that incorporates mountains/valleys and an industrial scene. I think I may have to purchase two smaller ones with each scene that are closely matched if possible.
 
I’ve had a couple things on my mind regarding my layout. The first is that since I haven’t found a background image that I like, I am leaning more towards painting the background with some basic elements such as hills/mountains and industrial scenes.

Since I am leaning more towards painting it, I will definitely need to address the screws that are visible. I am thinking that I may not even need the bottom screws as the background sections rest on the edge of the layout base. The screws on the top edge should hold the panels on just fine. I could fill in the holes with plaster and repaint the backdrops with a different shade of blue, which is something I have wanted to do anyways. I will have to investigate this further.

On a different note, a while back I applied weathering powders to the road. I want to seal these powders in with dull coat. Will this affect the road at all creating a slight sheen? I know some brands of clear/dull coat can leave a sheen behind.

IMG_7607.jpeg
 
When you repaint the backdrop, use a shade darker than you want and paint the whole backdrop (you probably already this) and then white at the bottom. With both colors wet, work up with the white and down with the blue and mix the two together (on the backdrop) as you move from side to side up and down (meaning down with the blue, up with the white ;)). Many videos will show you how if you don't understand what I'm talking about.

I wish I would of went darker on my blue because when I started mixing the two together (about 1/3 up from the bottom) my sky started getting to light. I should of repainted it but I left it.

Here's a picture of my backdrop on my switching layout.

KG & B Railway shadow box layout.jpeg


IMG_5024.JPG


IMG_5023.JPG
 
Oh, and this is after looking at my first picture with the whole layout in the shadow box, don't be afraid to try putting clouds in the sky. You look at mine, and it's pretty monotone. Need something to break up the sky. After looking at the pictures, I really should add some clouds, it would look better. Even faint clouds would look better. Especially, in photos.
 
kgstakes said:
When you repaint the backdrop, use a shade darker than you want and paint the whole backdrop (you probably already this) and then white at the bottom. With both colors wet, work up with the white and down with the blue and mix the two together (on the backdrop) as you move from side to side up and down (meaning down with the blue, up with the white ;)). Many videos will show you how if you don't understand what I'm talking about.

I wish I would of went darker on my blue because when I started mixing the two together (about 1/3 up from the bottom) my sky started getting to light. I should of repainted it but I left it.

Here's a picture of my backdrop on my switching layout.

View attachment 199081

View attachment 199083

View attachment 199082
Click to expand...
I generally use spray paint for the background. Since the technique you are referring to is for painting by hand, would it be better to paint the background by hand vs. spray paint?

I planned on just spraying on a lighter coat of blue and painting on mountains, clouds, etc…by hand.
 
kgstakes said:
Oh, and this is after looking at my first picture with the whole layout in the shadow box, don't be afraid to try putting clouds in the sky. You look at mine, and it's pretty monotone. Need something to break up the sky. After looking at the pictures, I really should add some clouds, it would look better. Even faint clouds would look better. Especially, in photos.
Click to expand...
All your photos look great to me! I think clouds are an important detail to add so I’ll definitely paint some.
 
You could do the painting either way but the reason I did it with a brush only because I seen the technique and decided to try it.

Brush, roll, spray, as long as you like the result, it doesn’t matter what technique you use.

For mountains, I seen a guy cut out a mountain shape with a jagged edge on top and then held the cardboard template about a half inch away from the backdrop and airbrush the top on the template partly on the template and partly on the backdrop to form the top of a mountain of hill. Then repeated it lower higher and even used different templates made the same way to achieve a hilly or mountainous landscape. He would then fill in the bottom parts with the same paint as the tops.

Not sure I’m saying this right but I hope you get the idea. I’ll try to find a video of this technique as post it.
 
kgstakes said:
You could do the painting either way but the reason I did it with a brush only because I seen the technique and decided to try it.

Brush, roll, spray, as long as you like the result, it doesn’t matter what technique you use.

For mountains, I seen a guy cut out a mountain shape with a jagged edge on top and then held the cardboard template about a half inch away from the backdrop and airbrush the top on the template partly on the template and partly on the backdrop to form the top of a mountain of hill. Then repeated it lower higher and even used different templates made the same way to achieve a hilly or mountainous landscape. He would then fill in the bottom parts with the same paint as the tops.

Not sure I’m saying this right but I hope you get the idea. I’ll try to find a video of this technique as post it.
Click to expand...
Sounds like an interesting technique!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.



Back
Top