Vacant lot on the extension model of my LAJ layout. The key to realistic composition is to model the typical, the ordinary, what the eye subconsciously expects to see. In our world, a common element is the mundane vacant lot. Personally, I find these trickier to pull off than you’d think. A typical open lot […]
Federal Cold Storage gets switched out on my LAJ layout. In the foreground is my newly acquired Rapido MTC (Mechanical Temperature Controlled) reefer. Located at the intersection of Downey Rd. and District Blvd., the prototype was imposing to be sure. Although it did receive rail service, from listening to former LAJ workers, I get the […]
My latest project of late has been the W.S. Dodge structure on the LAJ extension (prototype address is 3710 Fruitland Avenue). I chose this particular structure because of its nondescript appearance and typical “LA look”. Construction followed my usual photo laminate technique over a styrene core. The base images were captured from Google Streetview. It […]
It’s been another successful week or two in my effort to slow myself down, get out of mission mode, and enjoy the ride. On one of the SoCal forums, a retired rail mentioned that one of the industries on the LAJ typically took only UP boxcars. I thought modeling that would make for an interesting […]
One of the most challenging elements of an urban layout, and one that’s important to get right, is the pavement. You’re dealing with a lot of subtle color patterns and feathered edges. The street behind the track is probably the most difficult model to build on the extension module. The sidewalks curve to the side […]