# HO Morton's Brass & Iron Foundry Build: Mountaingoat **URL:** https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/t/ho-mortons-brass-iron-foundry-build-mountaingoat/312 **Category:** HO Scale Builds **Created:** [February 26, 2026, 11:52pm UTC](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/t/ho-mortons-brass-iron-foundry-build-mountaingoat/312 "2026-02-26T23:52:27Z") **Posts on this page:** 1 **Page:** 1
### Author: ![mountaingoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@mountaingoat](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/u/mountaingoat) #### Post date: [February 26, 2026, 11:52pm UTC](https://sierrawestforum.discourse.group/t/ho-mortons-brass-iron-foundry-build-mountaingoat/312/1 "2026-02-26T23:52:28Z")
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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/7/74c700cfe946b55b9f4db43010678785ad0e19e5.jpeg) Of course we start with graining, knotting and staining wood for the pattern shop. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/5/54f4d25d7f996532bfba26a154be189cd76e9a6b.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/b/b086740fcf422b269e489aa7b2c062e47c348026.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/a/a579a74771ce4a0f4ec237f9b1c3457603760d54.jpeg) **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 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/9/9bb5a7838c4f554697f617f9f0305316650526df.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/0/0433caa0e6bff3a744a1faf359439af12b5364c6.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/f/f64a573482a669ecd35ae84fc8d4d98d3e7475aa.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/a/ad3b7356e07a3828113d350eb27e9906561e9645.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/4/489ef320f6ce75699fd23d5dd7ef3be0d3c47c67.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/7/7119af961210af7ff1b150065ed7e9e5a2c05f41.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/f/fa5f94ae128fbc1c3cc4b1a2ba8764f0bb97fb2f.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/d/d5a7f8206bffd57c08e68529dab870f5de0fca32.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/4/4a89c94e2ce900bf48706dc4c2ddf790a44bd654.jpeg) I added a few items on the blank top then installed the finished shelving. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/f/f6e7f4315a1f9d224cff75d13fcde1520c4739dc.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/c/c161a5963f10aeb075081872e648c852315d3e0c.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/e/e0b767d38bb08eeb87776f62a9ef5292527579e7.jpeg) 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, ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/7/70c81eb03065cb6d645f88ed7b14be045e9a8f86.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/3/34096a6f89472373deddb8818827d7cf6bdcc31c.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/e/e5a145e848d05f4c4c73b5ef86eca0c2950f6e1a.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/7/7e58ac3760d82503c0ca7bc92e5bd0b1bd7e4e18.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/7/7b63a92f3dfb2fc470f06954c359c5cca6b72eef.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/6/65364453b68c98667455cc6eb4a8699ae1205a92.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/e/eac1482a61ad627e2081480ba0170f0d7de5efe7.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/c/c7bc3604076fd25e23c1f58c40c66ab1cb730e23.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/5/5c07fd48deccfd2cb20ca12509677151d9c6e9d5.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/9/948a7027a05c8d7eeaa073afd928c7f08c36c820.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/a/af97f0fe8611b64a471f365fc9c9568bdb0916a0.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/d/d0ba023e1a0844ab6f4da5834a96d16d202c7570.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/2/2784aefb59e8045999221be3f6e47dfa348293f0.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/7/75547fe2717feea9ff88ee283c8e3afec3545194.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/4/40065adc93398335226593c0a1c2e8bae8aebcb5.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/a/a34a833487e3d4370feea8837a481cf8d6fc79e6.jpeg) **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 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/d/d6dd20806818de2ae9b4df4fe63d38bcd7066fb1.jpeg) **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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/3/3a13ed89e2beaa8c3f2c63df4d0eee10ef7e46a3.jpeg) 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 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/6/6f20ac5ce1d2582c21fa248ba2a54d0fc39bff07.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/7/79e8454ef11be11a04dff02227773ec165c51da7.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/b/b48ff6c99d3d0e28c7552a309f82db812002a361.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/f/f5eec544365ebe61e4419c4572a3ade28b8c1b3d.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/f/f49295dc3df36924e14b8d9df54b7065535d2b18.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/c/ca64c78a877d675c07246e642269cedf8ee4489b.jpeg) While I was waiting for several coats to dry, I made good progress on the office. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/1/157d53f7f8955ed68b9998f11948fe0798f31f1f.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/5/5a1b7c9e751ad40238be2c2fd2e9666f624f2d0c.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/b/b49029984dba13e59d91ac551e02cefda1a031d4.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/9/9e1da62ed4d880b180e9860f40f9430b826506d1.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/b/b1438207674be8ba719c9fbb0ceb5c1956391d2a.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/0/0491dd02aee67d43e19cddc0ef58997d8a1946e1.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/2/27f52647e546f5ccaf69fb5df9bc9aa4de166262.jpeg) I then ballast before laying rail. Much easier to control. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/3/3059256a805eacc7da2e40c56a8e9fa6e472309d.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/1/119aecd8107ac475cbcd1f6a84b1431e3b8dd1eb.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/b/b9797ee5c905e03f3a1179460665e54a92d727ec.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/f/f889d52a3b24d44c0f6fb229c5595f321fc42ee2.jpeg) Somehow he succeeded without killing himself. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/7/71bbe8089a9aba261a6c6e6787b6fb7185f06708.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/e/e6c034b7273c0e00f8e0295061b12bf89dd6f4d9.jpeg) **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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/b/b53b40d796f3be30793b4e012c567b692ee5d8c6.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/c/c9c823406e8e6e6c558566ece15b47c1fdcb56ca.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/b/b17752532507b32f9630a4feecedd54e8c06e145.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/6/667528e97988743a253c53487239a90b8711a595.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/4/449d9f64ed8fb1a84e154cfdc0a328290480d012.jpeg) 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. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/c/c81d9e07bfc345813ab5ad855166c6bd3eff76f2.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/3/369c3ab7010696e62208efab418fc2df21cc98dc.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/5/50846d2011c4ff7826522eeea4a17a12e4e47fed.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/0/007166e017ead677abc4e44000c9e25325251704.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/0/0170ec09fff829b903be2f310e34ffc5a2679b53.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/f/f1e1a065a6e9e69f6868dd712a2c7caee2c50186.jpeg) **Mountaingoat** August 2021 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/d/d8594121757bee823bddbf6f887eeb9566264fc7.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/3/330d4e3fb80a7a87085f1263a9e55c1b48bd4165.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/c/c36e94317f71f21ce9cebb1c6fce0c02a3f53837.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/0/0b45850ba105b58b00ae0513b4be56233ca916a8.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/1/1d3b417ce428575b9e00343e920a84a0fc20568e.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/sierrawestforum/original/2X/8/8778948bd811c000926ee2d632e4b4aa3f74bc5e.jpeg) **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.