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 […]
Here’s a map of the prototype area I finally chose to use as the basis for the LAJ switching layout. It took quite a few hours of (enjoyable) virtual rail fanning via Google Maps and Bing Maps to finally settle on a location. I’m satisfied, however, that I’ve finally found an area that embodies the look […]
How do you learn how to compose a scene? It’s a very pertinent question and one that was asked by a visitor that dropped by today. It was also a hard one to answer because it’s more art than science, more of “I know it’s right when I see it” sort of thing. Scene composition […]
Since finishing the bench work for my LAJ switching layout I’ve been playing around with scene composition and a variety of design ideas. Nothing really got me excited enough to commit. The reality is that the vast majority of the modern day LAJ just doesn’t make for a compelling modeling subject. Like much of […]
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, something real railroads have first and foremost in their minds when it comes to going from point A to point B. In real life, railroads go a LONG way without turning. Unfortunately, our basements are so small that we can only go a few feet […]