This thread was started in July 2020
Mountaingoat
Well here we go. After asking which kit I should do next, Ken had suggested this kit and I realized this kit was purchased by my wife as a birthday gift last October. I think it prudent I do it next for the last reason.
I will follow the instructions pretty closely, but I have a few ideas for some minor deviations to make it my unique build. That said, I would love suggestions from those familiar with the kit of things you might like to see added or modified.
I have been asked to build a couple handlaid custom On30 curved turnouts for a close friend and another asked me to build some O scale Westside Lumber kits. These will slow me down a bit, but my focus will be this kit.
So, I’m off.
The most important part of this kit.
Of course we start with graining, knotting and staining wood for the pattern shop.
I did deviate slightly by using the mineral spirit method instead of the damp brush for the walls. The camera lightened the photo. It is actually darker than it appears here.
So it has begun.
Rick
Comments
admin
July 2020
and… so it has begun. Following along with great interest!
brownbr
July 2020
Looking forward to the build
TomMich
July 2020
Great start! Peeling paint affect looks great!
Mountaingoat
July 2020
Progress has been made. I finally have the 4 walls of the pattern shop built and starting to detail them. Here is the first wall complete.
Dave_S
July 2020
Rick,
Nicely executed. Looking forward to seeing the four walls and roof come together and some additional photos. If this start is indicative of what is to come it should be an outstanding build indeed.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Mountaingoat
July 2020
Here are the other 3 walls. They really are all the same color. I shot them all in the same light, yet they do not come out quite the same. Anyway, they are ready to be glued together and the roof added. I do plan on several lights in the diorama including outside over the dock areas, etc., so I will have to do that as I go along…Rick
Comments and suggestions please.
TomMich
July 2020
Great work. The texture and peeling paint effect on the walls is spot on. One thing I would recommend is on your signs darken the edges with a dark rust colored chalk. It gives them more of an aged metal sign look. Just rub the edges with the chalk. If a little bleeds onto the face of the sign it looks like rust spots.
Mountaingoat
July 2020
Interestingly, I did chalk the edges, but the camera lightens them up. I will try to darken them even more. Thanks Tom for noticing…Rick
TomMich
July 2020
I do not mean to nit pick, I just love signs on structures I think they add a lot of character and interest. They just look like white edges in the photos. Don’t be afraid to have the chalk bleed on to the face of the sign it really adds character.
Mountaingoat
July 2020
I do not consider it nitpicking. Obviously we all want the best to match the quality of the kits Brett produces. Thanks Tom…Rick
brownbr
July 2020
Nice! The “danger keep out” sign in the first pic looks most appropriate.
KKarns
July 2020
I think Ed is right. What looks a bit “off” is the white border. Some signs, like the Danger Crane Overhead, look good as there is not a delineated color edge all the way around. The other signs with a color edge all the way might improve if cut to the edge of the color or the white margin darkened or rusted/stained.
Mountaingoat
July 2020
Here is an update. I took the signs and ran a Sharpie along the edges.The edges are truly black.
The gooseneck lamps are operational as well as one inside light.
I am surprised no one familiar with the kit called out the change in the door in the right wall. The instructions called for the rollup door. I opted to swap that with the repair shed doors as that will be in the front from the main viewing direction, especially when installed on the layout. Brett made both doors exactly the same size making the swap super easy.
On to the repair shed…Rick
sdrees
July 2020
The building is fantastic Rick. Great job on the weathering of the siding.
admin
July 2020
Wonderful Rick, glad the doors worked out so well!
KCSTrains
July 2020
Rick, you are a crafting machine!! What tremendous progress you’ve made and the look of your building is very authentic. Great job. Phil
Mountaingoat
July 2020
Had to take a bit of time away from the foundry to build this for a friend of mine here.
He models On30.
Rick
brownbr
July 2020
A very complex turnout
Robert.G
July 2020
Great work on the building and the turnout. This can NOT be easy to do !!
Mountaingoat
July 2020
Thanks guys. I’m ready to get back to the foundry build.
Mountaingoat
July 2020
After getting sidetracked for a couple weeks, here is what I have done differently from the proposed build of the repair shop. I decided to use the rollup door here as it is in the front as viewed later on the layout. Too cool to put on the back end of the side wall. I also wanted it mostly open and opened the windows as well as I plan to detail the interior with lighting. I simply inverted the door so it was up instead of down. The unpainted figure I added for perspective measures exactly 6’ tall. Detailing the interior will be difficult with the door in the way, but I couldn’t add the door later without extreme difficulty.
I’m not sure what I want in the interior yet. Suggestions welcome.
Rick
brownbr
July 2020
That’s a nice take on this area.
Will you still consider this to be the Repair Shop? If so, do you have any light machinery laying around? Workbench with grinder, drill press, table saw, etc. Those would look right at home. Some shelving along the left wall looking through the door might look good.
How is the open framing going to look through the door? Will you want to cover that section of wall?
Mountaingoat
August 2020
I finally made the next step. I installed two work benches along outside walls then decided to put a couple cabinets and another bench to fill things out. I did not have the cabinet I wanted, but realized I had one that stood almost 11’ tall that I cut in half.
I added a few items on the blank top then installed the finished shelving.
I wanted things to see through the windows and door. It will be lit, but the roof will not be removable. Here are the results so far. I need to get the lighting in then do the roof. Of course there is more to go on the porch yet too.
Suggestions and comments always welcome. Rick
KCSTrains
August 2020
Good stuff. Good move on the shelf. Phil
brownbr
August 2020
A fine interior
TomMich
August 2020
Interior really looks great! Like that you can see details of the interior from the window and doors.
Mountaingoat
September 2020
I am moving forward with the foundry build. I have finally completed the tempering shed and glued the buildings together. As noted earlier, I moved the overhead door to the repair shop for better visibility of the interior. To help with the focus on the repair shop, I shortened the tempering shed by one rafter space. That opens the view a little better from the left side of the repair shop. Here is where things are currently,
I also have finished the lighting. Kevin, I had the gooseneck over the repair shop door fail (probably my fault) after I had glued down the roof. What a pain to pry the roof back off without damage and change out the lamp. I did bump a couple of the stacks on the roof and had to redo them too.
Here is what the lighting looks like so far.
Of course, more details will be added to the docks, decks and surroundings as well as more finished weathering after the buildings are in place.
Guys, school is back in session which signals the start of modeling season. Let’s get it on…Rick
admin
September 2020
That’s some awesome work Rick. I especially love the roll up door scene and lighting. Can’t wait to see more.
sdrees
September 2020
some really great work
Robert.G
September 2020
Fantastic work. One would almost forget this is HO !!! Awesome.
brownbr
September 2020
Looks great.
TomMich
September 2020
Great job! Coming along nicely, Like the personalizations you have made.
Joel
September 2020
Great work. The lighting adds so much. Great interior.
KCSTrains
September 2020
Very nice work. I love the lighting. Keep up the good work. Phil
AlexR
September 2020
Rick,
As others have stated you’ve done an amazing job. I can only guess as to
How difficult it was to do the broken windows in ho scale.
Very envious of your build.
kebmo
September 2020
i love it.
i don’t have the guts to try and light o’neill’s. that ship has sailed…
KKarns
September 2020
Splendid work Rick…lighting is terrific…well done.
EmeryJ
September 2020
The details are simply amazing!
Mountaingoat
October 2020
It has been several weeks since my last post. Life got in the way, but I am trying to get back to the bench more frequently. I finally started the main foundry building. Getting all that stone work is tedious, but I think worth the effort. Here are the two smallest stone walls to illustrate what Brett is guiding us to achieve.
The first is with only the AI application over the khaki base coat. I did 2 applications to get a good deep stain into the cracks.
This is after using chalk to “paint” the stones. I used my finger to wipe the stones after the application to pull some of the chalk off the high spots. That lowers the intesity of the color. The high spots become highlighted similar to dry brushing.
The camera shows the colors a bit more intense than they do to the naked eye.
mikemettelka
October 2020
Very nice!
SteveCuster
October 2020
Great job Rick!
KKarns
October 2020
Nice subtile variation in tones. The lintel looks awfully bright…just light reflection in the picture?
brownbr
October 2020
Nice work. I’m sure the individual stones are quite small.
KCSTrains
October 2020
I like the wall. The technique is good and it appears to be easy to do. Right? Phil
TomMich
October 2020
Your stone wall turned out very nice! Good color variation and subtlety.
Mountaingoat
October 2020
Thanks guys. Just a lot of walls yet to go. Ken, it is light glare on the lintel. It is actually light grey chalk. Phil, the technique is actually very easy, just tedious. I found the rubbing with the finger brought out the highlights which made it look like stone, not paint.
That wall is not quite ready for prime time yet, but I wanted to post something to push myself to get going again…Rick
Mountaingoat
November 2020
Progress, although slow, is still progress. I finally have the stone walls of the foundry ready for assembly. I do see a small touchup here and there. The concrete headers show to bright in the photos, but are perfect to the eye.
Robert.G
November 2020
Great colors on the stonework !!!
brownbr
November 2020
Good job on a large area of stonework
TomMich
November 2020
Stonework turned out great! If I may make a suggestion you may want to add some scuff marks to the sliding door to simulate rubbing against the wall.
kebmo
November 2020
17th stone down from the northeast corner of the west side needs paint.—carl laskey
your stone work looks really great. pay carl no mind…
Mountaingoat
November 2020
Thanks everyone. Tom, I agree some scrape marks on the freight door will help.
These photos lets you scrutinize every little detail. Yes, there is room for improvement, but I doubt anyone would notice when in the final diorama. I am my own worst critic. Yes, I will do little touchups. Upward and onward…Rick
admin
November 2020
Excellent job on the walls Rick. Your diorama is going to be a real gem! (What is this 1955?) Oh well, you should be super happy with your efforts thus far and I am looking forward to seeing it all develop and come together.
Mountaingoat
November 2020
I am making some progress on the foundry building. This sand bay corner is ready for later when the building gets put on the base when we add the corner support beam, sand, board holding up the door, etc. Lighting yet to come. On to the workroom and office…Rick
TomMich
November 2020
Looking Good!
EmeryJ
November 2020
Great rock work!! Man that looks real.
Robert.G
November 2020
Just great Rick.
If it was mine, I would try to get rid of that vertical seam on the corner. It’s the first thing that caught my eye..
Colors are very natural..
KKarns
November 2020
Color on the walls looks great. nice looking sand bay details.
Mountaingoat
November 2020
Thanks everyone. Robert, the vertical seam is on all four corners. It bothers me too, but not sure how to minimize it. I am not modeling an area where I can use vines. Anyone have an idea how to blend/fill the seam so it is not so obvious?..Rick
Robert.G
November 2020
Rick, I’ve noticed that in one of the other kits, there is a similar stone building and there the stones from the wall interlock on the corners. The castings are made that way.
Here the walls are cast without that interlocking, so to get rid of that you could use milliput , a two part epoxy modeling paste and fill in every second seem.
Here’s a youtube tutorial on that.
The other seams you would have to re-carve a little so they don’t look so straight. Than touch up the color.
In that sort of wall constructions, there is always a longer stone that goes into the one wall, then one into the other and so on. This binds the two walls together.
vietnamseabee
November 2020
Thanks for the product info. Also found it at Hobby Lobby and Amazon but a little more expensive
Terry
Mountaingoat
November 2020
Thanks Robert. I knew of the product, but had never tried it. Like everything else, you have to try it so I decided it was time to jump in. I’ll have it and some sculpting tools in a couple days. We will see how this comes out…Rick
Joel
November 2020
I really like the stonework. Can’t wait to see it come together.
brownbr
November 2020
Good luck. I think you will like the results.
Mountaingoat
November 2020
Here is what I attempted. First is the raw joint, the worst of them, the putty applied, the base coat paint then the final coloring. It is a great improvement, but not perfect. I will see how the other wall joints come out…Rick
Thoughts?
Mountaingoat
November 2020
Here is my thinking. The photo above is greatly enlarged to see the extremely fine detail. Remember, this is HO. I am not able to duplicate the fantastic carving of the original wall. Here is the entire wall for better perspective.
I will work on it more, but just how far can I take it as well as knowing a lot of this will be behind details in the final scene? I’m not cheaping out here, just wondering how far I am capable and willing to go.
Rick
ALCO
November 2020
What my eye picks out of this is that the remaining seams line up—the only ones on the entire wall that do so. Having built this kit, I know they’re there. But would a casual observer see them? Especially if you’re going to hide them behind details.
Robert.G
November 2020
THAT’S exactly what I meant. Great job Rick. Looks 1000 times better !!!
TomMich
November 2020
The seam turned out really nice. It is difficult to hide a vertical seam like that. On my build I just ignored the seam. It is difficult to hide something like that.
KCSTrains
November 2020
Great job. You can’t see the seam. I would move on. Phil
Mountaingoat
November 2020
I finally finished the other side of the building. The seam is definitely not as apparent.
While I was waiting for several coats to dry, I made good progress on the office.
Now I need to address lighting before I do the roofs…Rick
brownbr
November 2020
Excellent putty work.
KCSTrains
November 2020
The office looks good Rick. Phil
TomMich
November 2020
Great work on the office walls!
Joel
November 2020
Love the stone work and the office is off to a great start.
kebmo
November 2020
really nice…!
Robert.G
November 2020
Seeing what you are doing here will guarantee a great build !!
Mountaingoat
December 2020
It’s been too long since my last post. Progress has been slow, but I have completed the basic foundry building/work room/office. The roof details are a bit challenging, but well worth the effort. Some additional weathering still to come.
Next is finally getting the docks and the start of the diorama. The fun begins.
Rick
ALCO
December 2020
Congrats. Looks good. You’re in the final 80% !
EmeryJ
December 2020
That sure looks good Rick! Someday I will look back on these pics to try do as good of a job on mine. Keep posting!!
sdrees
December 2020
Looks very nice Rick. I like your weathering.
Robert.G
December 2020
I will echo that !
brownbr
December 2020
Very nice
admin
December 2020
Looks awesome Rick!
KCSTrains
December 2020
Rick, very nice looking work. You do a great job. Everything looks just right. Phil
TomMich
December 2020
Looking good Rick! I agree putting together the diorama is the fun part. That’s when you see the results of all your work.
KKarns
December 2020
I echo Tom’s sentiments exactly!..
Mountaingoat
December 2020
As I started to look at the diorama and detailing, I realized many do wonderful work, but not much is said about the track. It is also an integral part of any diorama. We are model RAILROADERS after all.
I wanted to get the track down before the buildings for ease of access. I model standard gauge so the height of the floor or deck of the freight cars are higher than narrow gauge cars. I want the deck to be close to the same height as the dock. To accomplish this, I carve out the foam to lower the track. I start by laying the ties already grained and stained. How random they are depends on personal taste.
I then ballast before laying rail. Much easier to control.
The level of repair/disrepair is again personal choice. I decided my track would be a bit better than the randomly laid straight on the ties most modelers do so I added Monster Modelworks tie plates.
I notched the rail part way through to simulate the rail joints while maintaining good electrical continuity for future installation in the layout, added rail joint bars and painted the rail with red oxide primer before spiking it in place using Micro Engineering micro spikes. A few tie plates are out from under the rail where ties moved.
Still to come are some loose spikes, vegetation, oil spills, trash, etc. when I get to that stage of scenery on the whole diorama…Rick
sdrees
December 2020
this project is coming along very nicely Rick.
EmeryJ
December 2020
Wow Rick… hand made track. That is seriously good!! Sorry men, I can’t go there. I want to see my railroad run before I start pushing up daisies. It is damn impressive though!! Well done sir.
KCSTrains
December 2020
Impressive Rick and very realistic. Thanks for the tutorial. Phil
kebmo
December 2020
wow. i could NEVER do that. it looks like 1:1 track. exactly like it. i’m serious, we do need to invent some new superlatives.
brownbr
December 2020
Nice work. The tie plates add a special touch.
ALCO
December 2020
Have to look into those tie plates. My track work needs improvement.
TomMich
December 2020
Very nice Rick!
MuddyCreekRR
December 2020
Tie plate were not always used on backwoods or low use sidings…if at all backwoods it would be on mainline…most lumber concerns laid down track on a temporary basis. Steel was not cheap…you must own a wealthy lumber company…lol
ALCO
December 2020
Well that makes it easy!
kebmo
December 2020
ya buzzkill.
Mountaingoat
December 2020
Thanks all. Yes, backwoods rails were typically straight on the ties. All my other dioramas are that way. I wanted the foundry to be a more important business that even though some of it’s customers are backwoods interests, not all are and the foundry is located next to a more primary carrier, thus the tie plates. Most modelers will use flex track to connect their dioramas. All flex track has tie plates. Personal choice in all instances. None are truly wrong…Rick
EmeryJ
December 2020
Any way you slice it, I think it looks great Rick!
MuddyCreekRR
December 2020
Sorry…not meant as a buzzkill…just an observation. So true that if you would have rolling stock that is carrying a lot of weight…you want solid trackwork. I’m modeling on the layout some very temporary track work using rough cut ties and light rail…all my mainline has plates…and I use Peco Flex for that.
MuddyCreekRR
December 2020
And it does look great…
ALCO
December 2020
In the spirit of “board on board” modeling, I just might give the tie plates a go. I need to invest an amount of time in the track similar to the structures rather than short changing as I may be wont to do.
Mountaingoat
December 2020
My intent of this post on track is just that of Alco’s comment. We all have a choice of how new/used/abused we do on the structures and surrounding details. The same goes for the track. It is a model in it’s own right and can add or distract from the overall scene. Tie plates or not, both prototypical, spend the same amount of time looking at the details of trackwork in the diorama. The state of disrepair, over growth, oil spills, trash, etc. should match that of the rest of the scene…Rick
KKarns
December 2020
I like to see track work given attention almost like a model in itself…well done guys.
Mountaingoat
January 2021
Working on detailing this dio. Massive amount of details. I assigned one of my crew to place this cabinet where it belongs. He wasn’t paying attention and forgot to remove the stuff from on top.
Somehow he succeeded without killing himself.
No safety officer at this establishment.
Gotta have some fun while working on this fabulous kit. So much more to do…Rick
KCSTrains
January 2021
Yes, Rick, you do have to have fun. Phil
brownbr
January 2021
Brave guy trying to move a loaded cabinet.
mikemettelka
January 2021
Sounds like something I would do!
Mountaingoat
January 2021
I finally made some progress. I decided I wanted the dock a little more visible and the best way to do that was to widen it. Just too much neat detail to hide in that narrow space. I made a mold of Brett’s dock casting and cast another in plaster. I realized the second half needed to be shortened so a truck could still back under the crane. Large concrete pours typically need expansion joints so I carved them at 10’ intervals across the dock. My mold did not come out anywhere as good as Brett’s (no duh) so had to add real wood end blocks and NBW castings and hide some bubble holes. Also a little carving so it doesn’t look like a copy. The forge building is not glued down yet as I still have all the detailing around the pattern and repair shops to do which is easier with the forge out of the way not to mention the crane.
mikemettelka
January 2021
Great idea
KCSTrains
January 2021
Looking good Rick. Great idea. Phil
admin
January 2021
Looking fantastic Rick. The handtruck is outstanding!
KKarns
January 2021
Blends right in nicely Rick…love the weathered paint on the Pattern Shop…
TomMich
January 2021
Creative idea Rick! Leaves more room for details!
Joel
January 2021
Great peeling paint effect. I like your take on the dock and looking forward to seeing how it changes the balance of the diorama.
Mountaingoat
January 2021
Thanks all for your comments. I pondered this from the very beginning, but was unsure if I wanted to do it. I like it so far. The challenge now will be in the remaining detailing since I have more room in the front center than before. Brett’s basic detailing will be used around the structures. Just not sure what to do with that extra space yet. Suggestions always welcome…Rick
Karl.A
January 2021
This is looking fantastic Rick, I’m catching up, peeling paint and stone work look great.
The tie plates are a step above, the conversation on whether or not they are needed can go either way, situation dependant, the fact that you modeled them at all and so well is what I look at, great work.
The scenes are coming together so well, I’m looking forward to seeing your next updates.
brownbr
January 2021
Your concrete looks to be a perfect match
TomMich
January 2021
Since it is a foundry, perhaps more finished castings on pallets or leaning against a wall, or in crates. On my build I added a gear casting from Durango Press and put it on a custom made pallet. I also added a pallet jack from Alloy Forms. I built mine in November 2019. Had to go back to page 8 of the Recent Discussions section to find it. It’s entitled “Another Mortons Foundry Guild” Hopefully you can glean some ideas from there.
Mountaingoat
January 2021
Tom, thanks for the suggestions. I find myself often sitting and staring at a build thinking there are many options and the mind is just blank. I’m not one of the more creative types. That’s why I like to hear what other people see that I don’t…Rick
TomMich
January 2021
Also thought that a fork lift might be appropriate.
admin
January 2021
Great suggestions Tom. Have to be very careful with forklifts since they weren’t common until mid 20’s at best. Need to research your geographic locale. I have never seen an early forklift in either HO or O so gonna have to investigate that… Might be a cool detail make!
Mountaingoat
February 2021
I thought I was closer to finishing this diorama. However, there are so many details that are in this kit. I realized I was on page 97 of 123. All those extra pages are dedicated to the plethora of details to create the very cluttered, but wonderful mini-scenes. Here is just a small sample I have ready to install. That is a toothpick in back for reference to all my non-modeling friends who like to follow also.
So much more to do yet…Rick
KKarns
February 2021
Its all in the details!..nice start there Rick…
Karl.A
February 2021
Looking great Rick, the saw horse and pallets are beautifully built.
Mountaingoat
February 2021
Thanks guys. I scratched the saw horse and pallets. They are simple to make and I think worth the effort. I do have some of the other details started, but not ready for prime time yet. Still a long way to go for sure…Rick
KCSTrains
February 2021
Very nice Rick. Phil
brownbr
February 2021
Extra pallets are always a good idea. I’m impressed with the sawhorse. I have trouble with them in O.
admin
February 2021
Great shot - and the details look awesome too!
TomMich
February 2021
Great work on the details! Looking forward to seeing how the others turn out.
Mountaingoat
February 2021
Bryan mentioned difficulty building sawhorses. Here is how I found to be the easiest method for me. Prepare the 2 ends and the cross piece including weathering. Your choice which way the legs face. Mine are 2X4’s with 1X3 braces.
The difficult part is the assembly. I use double sided carpet tape. Very sticky to hold the cross piece on edge. I then position the ends where and at what angle I desire. The tape holds everything in place until you glue it. In the photo, the legs are not glued to the cross piece yet.
All that is left is a touch of glue underneath where it won’t be seen once the sawhorse is upright…Rick
brownbr
February 2021
That’s a handy tip
Karl.A
February 2021
Great tip Rick, I’ll be using that soon.
kebmo
February 2021
brownbr said:
Extra pallets are always a good idea. I’m impressed with the sawhorse. I have trouble with them in O.
me too
Mountaingoat
February 2021
I can’t believe how long it is taking me to get the detailing on this kit. Here is the one scene I just finally called complete. My porch roof is higher than designed to accommodate the lighting.
So much more yet to do.
Suggestions and criticisms welcome. Always looking to do better…Rick
brownbr
February 2021
Looks great
KCSTrains
February 2021
Rick, love the super duper detail and the lighting. Great job. Congratulations. Phil
admin
February 2021
Love it, such a moody pic. Excellent!
Mountaingoat
August 2021
I finally was able to get back to this diorama and complete it. Here is the finished product.
Mountaingoat
August 2021
KCSTrains
August 2021 edited August 2021
Rick,
Very nice work. I love the lighting you added. It really adds a lot. Your detail work and colors are spot on. Congratulations!! Phil
sdrees
August 2021
This is a great piece of work Rick. The lighting sure ads a great deal to the project and your use of the details are fantastic.
admin
August 2021
Outstanding, such warm and realistic modeling. Love it!
EmeryJ
August 2021
Wow Rick, that is really something to be proud of. Excellent work. I love the lighting too.
Pappy
August 2021
Rick, I also love the lighting and your work!. Maybe someday I will try to add lighting..great work!!
Robert.G
August 2021
Simply fantastic. The lightning as well. Great , natural looking scenes all over the diorama. Lots of clutter all over the place, but in a very believable way.. Very nice work Rick.
geoawelch
August 2021
Like Robert said, everything is believable. Very nicely done.
George
KKarns
August 2021
Top shelf work Rick! Your detail work is wonderful, so mush to go over. I see you swapped doors on the Pattern Shop and Repair Shop…didn’t think anyone would notice…Lol. Love that roll up garage style door Brett came up with! Lighting adds a whole different dimension…well done.
brownbr
August 2021
Outstanding work!
Mountaingoat
August 2021
Everyone’s comments are greatly appreciated. It is because of many of you posting that I have grown to this level. Inspiring and instructional to say the least. Still more to learn from each other.
I hope more would get over their fear of wiring and try lighting. Once you understand it, it isn’t difficult. It’s like wiring a layout, trying scenery, learning to hand lay track, etc. Jumping in is the only way to learn and you can see the results.
Ken, yes I swapped the doors on purpose. Note I also left the porch roof off the repair shop so people will notice the rollup door and interior detail.
None of this would be possible without the vision and dedication of Brett. Thanks Brett for your massive contribution to the hobby…Rick
PaulS
August 2021
Rick just outstanding !!
What comes forth for me is the wonderful blending of the warm, earth tones throughout the model. it all looks very natural ! Everything (structure, details, scenery) all blends seamlessly and all with the same warm color palette where nothing hits you but appropriately draws you in for a deeper look at all that is there.
To me, and dare I say it, the photos posted of your model share the same natural feel of the late Brian Nolan’s beautiful dioramas.
Very well done indeed and looking forward to your next endeavor,
Thanks for sharing,
–Paul
ALCO
August 2021
Like how your customized the build with your own personal touches. And of course the lighting is next level! Great work.
KKarns
August 2021
Yup, knew you swapped the doors as a conscious decision…Lol…thought maybe it was a test to see who noticed, if so I win! Giving that roll up door a clean sight path is a nice gesture as it is a wondeful, fresh detail…leave it to Brett to continue to elevate the materials in SWSM kits. Again, really nicely done Rick.
TomMich
August 2021
Great finished diorama. I like the addition of the slight elevation changes, especially the retaining wall
kebmo
August 2021
lovethis. outstanding modeling. what a great looking industry.
Mountaingoat
August 2021
You are all so kind. Everyone here are great modelers. Thanks all. Need more posts from all. We learn so much from each other…Rick
Pappy
August 2021
Rick, agree we learn from each other. Keep up your great work bud!!
Joel
September 2021
Hey Rick, fantastic work. Beautifully detailed and finished. The lighting adds so much warmth to the scenes. Looking forward to your next build.
Mountaingoat
September 2021
Thanks Joel. In Hickory at the convention. Getting pumped up for the next project.