Tail end of Enton

[Guest Popcod]

First Challenge entry. First proper model/diorama. First layout thread on RMweb.

 

Hello all! This year I've decided to get my bum into gear and start on a model to show off my, currently boxed, locos. I've been hoping to do this for a while, and I'm hoping that the conditions and rues of this year’s Challenge will be the boost I need to start (and finish) a project.

 

With the wish to keep things adaptable throughout the build, I've decided to go about building a modern era fictional yard-end with a few storage sidings. I'm hoping the scene will be general enough for me to be able to try my hand at focussing on the detail that will bring the yard to life (hopefully!).

 

I've made a little progress on the development of the project, but only focussing on the planning stages. Here are a few photos:

 

Photo 1) This was my original drawing in my notepad of the fundamental design of what I wanted. The main element of the year would extend over to the left with the front entrance of the shed also beyond the diorama perimeter. The river and culvert on the right will hopefully be something different for me to try and I'm hoping to develop this side to be quite a wild and dirty section, with some rubbish scattered about for good luck. The little extension to the main shed will be a little store for paints and tools for the yard staff.

 

Photo 2) I developed a basic impression of dimensions and relative positions from playing around on Sketchup. Using my track design program I'm pretty confident that the track positions represented here will correctly reflect real world measurements. It was at this point that I found that I would need to sacrifice the siding point for space in the yard. I'm not totally happy with the choice of backscene, it seems far too light and happy compared to the atmosphere I'd like to portray, but I thought that it'd be better to have a background image than not at this time.

 

Photo 3) After purchasing a craft knife and cutting board there was no stopping me from building a cardboard version off the layout. This helped again with size fiddling and readjustment. I seem to have missed the waste water pipe across the river, but that will still hopefully be a feature in the layout.

 

Although I've made myself a cardboard representation, I'm still eager to hear what people’s thoughts are on the layout. It's been mentioned that the culvert may be a little too large in comparison to the overall layout. I understand that it's personal preference, but is this the common view? Also if anyone's got any top tips or warnings of possible pitfalls I'd be really grateful.

 

Looking forward to hearing what you think

Chris

[PaternosterRow]

Hi Chris

 

Like this one. The sketch and cardboard mock up are great. The inclusion of the crossing pipe is a must - gives that real world impression. Don't think the culvert if too large at all. I'll be looking forward to seeing the layout develop.

 

Mike

[ess1uk]

looks good, did it get any further?