Friday, December 13, 2019

Photo elements for the Backdrop




I'm dry-fitting a couple of photos to the backdrop to fill in the gaps between the structures. Some of the photos are from the actual town of Owensville, Missouri. The railroad tower is a cut and paste image composition from an image on Google. I'll let these sit a few days before prepping them to be affixed to the backdrop.

Until next time,
Tom

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Background Building Progress





The background buildings are taking shape. I purchased some photo backdrop buildings for the layout. An old Golden Valley Canning building from Walthers is being bashed into 2 separate buildings. Painting, weathering, and additional details are needed to complete the scene. I'm going to start on some scenery, track weathering, and ballasting work next.

Until next time,
Tom

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Nearing Completion



The furniture factory is about 90% complete. I'm liking the look of this current building arrangement too.

Tom

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Structure Change



I have been delaying the completion of the furniture manufacturer building for over two years. I started to work on it yesterday and realized I didn't like it. After reviewing some other options, I decided on a different arrangement. The new structure is still using Clever Models textures printed on card stock that are mounted to foamcore. I'm liking the look of this arrangement much better.

If my schedule allows it, I plan to add windows, doors, and additional texture layers this weekend. Hoping to have it completed by Thanksgiving next Thursday.

Until next time,

Tom

Monday, August 12, 2019

Back to Work on the OASIS

Layout Update for August 2019

Work resumes on the Owensville Terminal Railroad after sitting idle for over a year.

The backdrop panels for the ends of the layout have been installed. Priming the backdrop starts with the first coat of primer. I'm using a flat white interior wall paint.




The sky color was applied with a foam brush. The first coat was streaky and looked horrible. I ditched the foam brush and painted a second coat with a soft bristle brush. It looks much better, but the sky is now a solid color without any variation. I will change the flat look by painting atmospheric effects and clouds.




The end panel on the right will one day have a photo of a railroad crossing applied to it. I'm still searching for an image online that will fit the bill. I still need to finish running bus wires to the right side of the layout. Feeder wires need to be soldered to the rails, then dropped down underneath the layout. I will be able to start with painting the track, scenery, and ballasting the track after installing the feeder wires.

Until next time,

Tom

Friday, January 4, 2019

Layout Work Begins Again

Work on the layout has resumed!



I was not happy with the original placement of the structures, so I am rearranging things. The freight house will now represent the original structure of the furniture manufacturer. The four-story brick/concrete structure will represent expansion of the furniture manufacturer's operations. The original structure will receive shipments, and the new structure will ship finished products. I've decided to add a grain elevator to the layout as well. Storage bins will be added to the scene in the near future. The public siding will be located on the right side of the layout, and will feature a concrete loading dock.

Until next time!
Tom