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 […]
Category: Realism
Knowing What We Don’t Know
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 […]
The Realism Hierarchy
In my October 26th blog, What We Want, How to Get It, I brought forth the idea that one of the primary reasons we model is to re-create an emotional connection in miniature. To be transported in such a way that meaningful emotions are triggered. To this end, the more realistic we can make our […]
Virtuosity and Model Railroading
“Black Ice” Virtuoso model and photo by Bob Springs Virtuosity: Masterly skill or technique in the arts. Many years ago I attended a talk at a sales convention given by motivational speaker Peter Vidmar, the highest scoring American gymnast in Olympic history. The subject of the talk centered on what it took to be […]
Becoming A Better Modeler
I’ve always been intrigued by the process a person goes through to develop their skills in any particular endeavor. The actual activity is irrelevant. It could be athletics, music, art, writing, or in our case, model building. There will always be those who are born with great talent. In most cases though it really comes […]