The transition from layout to backdrop is dicey even under the best of circumstances. Moving from a three dimensional flat layout surface to a two dimensional backdrop surface perpendicular to the eye, typically leaves the viewer with the subconscious nagging that “this just isn’t real”. If we are lucky we model a rural area and can […]
Most participants in model railroading, as with any leisure pursuit, are looking for a casual creative outlet, a break from the everyday without any overriding compulsion to be a master at it. This is as it should be and I point it out without any condescension. I enjoy surfing and playing basketball and can say in […]
In a recent issue of RMC there was an article on airbrushing acrylic craft paints. I was skeptical. Last week a scenery project came up where doing so would be handy “if” it would work. Sure enough it did! I can’t be of much help in terms of mix ratios other than to say I […]
After the initial false start, I finally wrapped up the floating bench work construction. Often, the impact of our layout environment rarely reaches the level of conscious awareness. However, a clean execution of the bench work and room environment sets a tone that enhances the entire experience of interacting with a layout. It makes us want […]
In the July issue of Model Railroader, Tony Koester wrote what I’d consider to be one of his best Trains of Thought columns. In the piece he clearly communicates the notion that simply producing a model that is neatly constructed won’t bring you to the finish line if your goal is create a successful scene. […]