| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| brownbr |
Posted - 03/27/2012 : 4:09:56 PM
AKA the St Mary Lumber Company office and warehouse complex.
I started posting progress pics on my layout thread and decided to update this build here.
The progress to date has all of the walls completed so I figure it's about 1/4 done at this point. I used chalks and the colors recommended in the manual. All 3 structures are the same color, just in different shades. In particular, the warehouse has a darker base than the office and the shed has more gray added in.
I prepped the wood by first scribing with a pick (not on the 1x's) then brushing with a wire brush. I went a lot heavier on the warehouse. Added my color/alcohol/IA. Once dry I like a drybrushed effect but have not been able to do this on top of chalks to my liking. My alternative is to sand each board individually making the top grain and the edges look more worn. From there each board gets brushed with a brass brush to clean out all of the gunk that builds up in the grain. I like a slight variation in color between boards but not a big difference. The process of sanding/brushing helps tone down the differences in color.
Several folks commented on the color of the stone wall. First I primed the wall with a tan color. Then I chose the 2 colors from the wood and 3 other colors of chalk for the stones, 1 darker, 1 lighter, 1 gray. Using a small brush I colored each stone with the chalk and alcohol. Once this was dry I lightly brushed on several coats of IA. This filled in the mortar lines and by brushing, blended the colors together making the differences more subtle.
I started prepping my castings by making the obligatory casting/tooth pick forest and priming. I put the metal castings in Blacken-It. Everyone that has used this product knows that some castings will come out nice and even and some will have silver spots that did not blacken...very frustrating. I found that if I use a stiff bristle brush and dip it in the blacken it and scrub that the silver spots disappear. I also found that vinyl gloves with buff and polish the blackened castings leaving a very pleasing metal look. I tried to get a good photo of this but am still working on my photo skills.
From the beginning I have been planning this diorama to be incorporated into my layout and to be populated. With this in mind there looks to be an inquisitive supervisor of some type leaning out of the upper window. Something suspicious must be taking place down below. I also see that a "suit" has arrived on the seen...could be Old Man St Mary himself...there must really be something serious going on. Right now that's a secret.
I must admit that the camera sees every flaw and there are a couple of things I have fixed already-like the window on the warehouse-and some things still needing to be fixed-like the tarpaper siding on the shed.
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| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MinerFortyNiner |
Posted - 06/04/2012 : 2:57:01 PM
Bryan, just came across this thread, you have done a stunning job on your diorama! It's already been said...but the placement of figures, details into scenes conveying meaning and context that spells 'reality'. Great work!
This is a kit that I have always admired, and am wondering how to wrangle one onto my own layout somehow. This doesn't help! (just kidding) |
| Neil M |
Posted - 04/18/2012 : 8:02:27 PM
That looks amazing. I like the way all the little people are interacting. |
| Mountain Man |
Posted - 04/18/2012 : 3:20:18 PM
Beautiful job, but that guy with the hammer...I hope he's not a tool salesman! |
| brownbr |
Posted - 04/18/2012 : 11:14:00 AM
Wes, if you do as well as your Blue Sky you will be fine.
Mike, I had a friend help me with the stencil by making a file that could be read by a laser. I sent that file to Chris at Kingmill Enterprises and he cut it for me. I understand that Vectorcut will do the same thing and may actually create the file for you.
I had stencils done for my rolling stock/locos as well as the building. |
| runner |
Posted - 04/18/2012 : 10:22:40 AM
Bryan, the sign lettering is fabulous. How was it done? |
| wesleybeks |
Posted - 04/17/2012 : 4:04:00 PM
Stunning stuff Bryan. I hope mine comes out half as well. |
| brownbr |
Posted - 04/17/2012 : 4:01:41 PM
One last (I think) detail for this is proper signage.
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| Tom Sullivan |
Posted - 04/11/2012 : 10:15:57 AM
Bryan....sent you a pm....tom |
| TRAINS1941 |
Posted - 04/10/2012 : 08:56:20 AM
Bryan beautiful work!!!
Jerry |
| brownbr |
Posted - 04/10/2012 : 07:58:16 AM
Thank you much. Mark, I'm still waiting on that special detail to be finished up. Chris has been out of town for the past week so it hasn't gotten finished yet. I'll post an updated pic once it's done. |
| quarryman |
Posted - 04/09/2012 : 9:36:41 PM
Bryan-
You have a knack for placing details and figures. The scene really comes alive with activity and signs of past activity in the worn paths and weathering.
The Railroad Camp has been the subject of some of my favorite construction threads on RR-L. You have done a great job with the wide variety of roofs, walls, window and doors.
Mark Chase
Richmond, VA |
| railman28 |
Posted - 04/09/2012 : 8:32:16 PM
I really like what you've done with this kit by arranging details differently than the way they are laid out in the kit's photos. You have several nice and interesting scenes going on. |
| hon3_rr |
Posted - 04/09/2012 : 5:50:02 PM
Really nice ground cover!! |
| brownbr |
Posted - 04/09/2012 : 5:36:48 PM
Thank you all. Elliot, the animation was one of the tips I got from studying your dioramas. By not just putting in a person or 2 that was just looking around but by really thinking about what they may be doing and finding the figures to do it. |
| George D |
Posted - 04/09/2012 : 2:18:03 PM
Very nice and well detailed, Bryan.
George |
