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I reckon you should recess it a bit, make it look like a mine entrance with a bit of track sticking out, make a mine skip around your NCE cable plug, so it looks like someones tipping tailings (you could disguise the cable with some of those). That would be juuuuust perfect!!
I'm getting pretty excited now. The last of the rock towers and cliffs are dry on the left side of the layout. First ground cover has been applied and all of a sudden the layout is 90% finished! Note also the DCC plug is a bit more subdued. Jim
I'm not sure about anyone else, but there have been some things (not many mind you) in my life that I now wish had never ended. Things that I thought would go on forever and never considered them ending, such was the enjoyment I got from them.
Your build has become similar. Watching your progress, your dedication, commitment and work has become something of a ritual, and something that has provided me with a great deal of inspiration and motivation.
My initial thought though was "...wow, what is he going to do when it is finished?..."
Thanks fellows. I don't think I've found the right lighting yet.
WaltP, I was 10 when that movie came out. Scared me. It was one of the best '50s horror movies. You have forgotten three lessor stars in the movie: Fess Parker, James Arness, and Leonard Nimoy. Jim
Next week I will introduce a photography and technique study about "next to the track" scenery. I think one of the most overlooked scenery areas I've seen in my days is the two inches on either side of the tracks. Stay tuned probably Tuesday and I'll show you how easy it is to be quite convincing on next to track scenery. Here is another photo showing, on this layout, "next to the track" endeavors. Jim
Waiting with anticipation, Jim.
I like to see lots of detail next to the track .. Buckets of spikes, ties (both old and new) rail joiners, and sections of rail.
From my observations .. These are overlooked on most layouts.
Seems to me that "modern" railroads police the stuff better than in the older days. Back in the 40's and 50's, stuff was scattered all over. I am sure that you have something special in store for us?
Sherrel, Thank you. I forgot about buckets of spikes! I'll try and work on that.
In the meantime with the layout more than 90% completed here is a picture of the 'skirting' around the bottom of the table top. Because of my photography jones, I've become disenchanted with fascia board over the years. In fact I now officially Hate them and I will not give in to any hardboard temptations. So this photo shows framing of the canyon walls. Jim
Sherrel, Not a stupid question at all. Early on in this Southern Division layout building I mentioned that I did buy a box of pre-cut cardboard strips from MicroMark. I really liked them. Interestingly enough last night sitting in my workbench chair with Evie the cat on my lap I thought, "Gee, I wish I had some of the pre-cut strips for the next step." So no, I cut these myself. Cheaper for sure. Jim
Here is photo showing what one roll of plaster cloth will cover. I though some of you would want to know. What you see is basically 6 ft. by 15 inches. Cost 8.75 per roll. Total rolls use on this layout is around 25. You can do the math. Jim
That certainly looks a lot better than a fascia board - finishes things of naturally, great job. One question though, do you overlap the plaster cloth by 50% for strength?
