Duncan. Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 Invasion of the Seacows Act 2 Scene 3 Hi, It has been a long day fitting the final etches and weathering the bodies. The photos show the bodies on the yet to be weathered bogies. Bogie retaining pins also have to be fitted before the final weathering and satin varnish are applied, so there is a chance that I will get them finished soon-phew! Cheers Duncan 14 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridgiesimon Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 Ah, so that is what hens teeth look like! Looking good! Best wishes Simon 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MrSimon Posted February 16, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 16, 2020 They look great Duncan! Where are the transfers from? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan. Posted February 16, 2020 Share Posted February 16, 2020 1 hour ago, MrSimon said: They look great Duncan! Where are the transfers from? Hi Simon, The transfers are supplied with the kit, and include EWS variants Sealion and Stingray too I have some spare if you (or any body else) need some. Cheers Duncan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan. Posted February 16, 2020 Share Posted February 16, 2020 One cube or sixteen Sir? Here's another project I have been working on. I have to say that 'running' has been a little hit and miss and the couplings need adjustment. I had a tip for the couplings from a friend on RMweb and I will test at the next Shirebrook Running Day. Cheers Duncan 6 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted-ish Posted February 17, 2020 Share Posted February 17, 2020 This is an inspirational layout. Hi Duncan, is the main area along the front on a flat board or is this constructed with open frame like the sides? Also, am I right in say each 'segment' is 1.25 metres long? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan. Posted February 17, 2020 Share Posted February 17, 2020 1 hour ago, Ted-ish said: This is an inspirational layout. Hi Duncan, is the main area along the front on a flat board or is this constructed with open frame like the sides? Also, am I right in say each 'segment' is 1.25 metres long? Hi Ted, Each of the main scenic boards are 4ft by 2ft. The track bed is supported on cross members that are laid front to rear, these are profiled as necessary. Therefore at the junction end where the general level of the 'land' is above track level (i.e the tracks are in a cutting), the cross members are cut into where the track base crosses the cross member, whereas close to the viaduct where the general lie of the 'land' is below the track level the cross members are cut away either side of the track base. The open framing was filled with solid blocks of expanded polystyrene which was then carved to shape and then covered with a lightweight filler (One Strike). I hope you get the idea from the photos below, the profile cross member is just visible on the curved board where the filler and track has yet to be added. Cheers Duncan 5 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan. Posted February 17, 2020 Share Posted February 17, 2020 Evening, I have added the sand streaks to the covhops and consider them now finished. The sand has dried a little whiter than I anticipated. I will have to live with then for while before I decide to improve (or not). Cheers Duncan 11 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan. Posted February 17, 2020 Share Posted February 17, 2020 Once again the completion of the Seacows is on hold. I need to purchase a 1.7mm drill to open out the bogie pivot holes as the retaining pins will not fit presently. Once fitted I will complete the weathering and varnish. I have, in the meantime, taken a couple of photos of the seacows on a section of the layout. I hope you notice the different shades of yellow on the wagon sides. Two of the rake are recently painted while the others display faded paintwork, Cheers Duncan 10 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Enterprisingwestern Posted February 18, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 18, 2020 (edited) 10 hours ago, Duncan. said: I hope you notice the different shades of yellow on the wagon sides. Very nice wagonage all round, but the only thing I notice is that they aren't olive green as they should be! Mike. Edited February 18, 2020 by Enterprisingwestern 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted-ish Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 13 hours ago, Duncan. said: Hi Ted, Each of the main scenic boards are 4ft by 2ft. The track bed is supported on cross members that are laid front to rear, these are profiled as necessary. Therefore at the junction end where the general level of the 'land' is above track level (i.e the tracks are in a cutting), the cross members are cut into where the track base crosses the cross member, whereas close to the viaduct where the general lie of the 'land' is below the track level the cross members are cut away either side of the track base. The open framing was filled with solid blocks of expanded polystyrene which was then carved to shape and then covered with a lightweight filler (One Strike). I hope you get the idea from the photos below, the profile cross member is just visible on the curved board where the filler and track has yet to be added. Cheers Duncan Thanks Duncan, very helpful! Am I right in thinking your rail lines are flat and have no gradient, instead it's the landscape that ebbs and flows around the track? Also, where did you get your black/grey foam from? It looks unusual and not something I've seen before! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EWS FAN Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 Excellent work Duncan. They really look the part. Regards Mike. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan. Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 3 hours ago, Ted-ish said: Thanks Duncan, very helpful! Am I right in thinking your rail lines are flat and have no gradient, instead it's the landscape that ebbs and flows around the track? Also, where did you get your black/grey foam from? It looks unusual and not something I've seen before! Hi Ted, You are correct in your assertion , the track is level throughout. The foam was bought as a 2400 by 1200 by 100mm sheet from my local timber merchant. I include a couple more views of the construction of the layout extension. Cheers Duncan 6 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted-ish Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 It really does give the impression the track is slightly up-down (ebb and flow) whereas it's actually the landscape, it's a nice effect. Again thank you for the inspiration - I will certainly borrow ideas for you and your layout. Your Flickr account is just pure eye candy! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott B Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 17 hours ago, Duncan. said: Evening, I have added the sand streaks to the covhops and consider them now finished. The sand has dried a little whiter than I anticipated. I will have to live with then for while before I decide to improve (or not). Cheers Duncan 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott B Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 Not sure where the text went on the last post, but ..... Well they look just superb. Scott 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan. Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 6 hours ago, Ted-ish said: It really does give the impression the track is slightly up-down (ebb and flow) whereas it's actually the landscape, it's a nice effect. Again thank you for the inspiration - I will certainly borrow ideas for you and your layout. Your Flickr account is just pure eye candy! Hi and many thanks, I don't know your location but Shirebrook will be appearing at the Scarborough District Modellers' Exhibition in August (at Pickering) and at the Wigan Finescale Modellers' Exhibition in October, would be great to see you at one of those shows. Cheers Duncan 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidMcKenzie Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 23 hours ago, Duncan. said: Evening, I have added the sand streaks to the covhops and consider them now finished. The sand has dried a little whiter than I anticipated. I will have to live with then for while before I decide to improve (or not). Cheers Duncan Hi Duncan, I don't have any personal experiences of covhops or any old photos as reference. But good idea to leave these a while before choosing what to do next because they look absolutely brilliant how they are. It's not easy to heavily weather something and make it look as convincing as that. I think if anything, the fact that they are possibly a tiny bit too white probably helps to avoid that funny appearance that sometimes comes (at least to the less talented such as myself) with too many similar browns that just doesn't look realistic, hard to explain in words but hopefully you know what I mean. Must also remember no one will ever be viewing your layout and a photo of the wagons at the same time and you always do a cracking job if making an amazing 'over all picture' as well as the local detailing. I know you appreciate constructive criticism as well as compliments and one thing that stood out a little in that set of photos is that the 08s hand rails in bright white and the 4 orange details on the wasp strips stand out a little. They could maybe do with dulling down very very slightly with a very thin brown wash. It might only be the photos, but the eye gets drawn towards the vivid strong colours that are usually the first to dull down a bit on the real thing. The rest of the 08 looks spot on and the effect you've achieved by picking out all the detailing on the side panels with the grubby look without the model being over weathered is just outstanding. Inspirational modeling as always. Thanks for sharing. All the best, Dave 1 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan. Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, DavidMcKenzie said: Hi Duncan, I don't have any personal experiences of covhops or any old photos as reference. But good idea to leave these a while before choosing what to do next because they look absolutely brilliant how they are. It's not easy to heavily weather something and make it look as convincing as that. I think if anything, the fact that they are possibly a tiny bit too white probably helps to avoid that funny appearance that sometimes comes (at least to the less talented such as myself) with too many similar browns that just doesn't look realistic, hard to explain in words but hopefully you know what I mean. Must also remember no one will ever be viewing your layout and a photo of the wagons at the same time and you always do a cracking job if making an amazing 'over all picture' as well as the local detailing. I know you appreciate constructive criticism as well as compliments and one thing that stood out a little in that set of photos is that the 08s hand rails in bright white and the 4 orange details on the wasp strips stand out a little. They could maybe do with dulling down very very slightly with a very thin brown wash. It might only be the photos, but the eye gets drawn towards the vivid strong colours that are usually the first to dull down a bit on the real thing. The rest of the 08 looks spot on and the effect you've achieved by picking out all the detailing on the side panels with the grubby look without the model being over weathered is just outstanding. Inspirational modeling as always. Thanks for sharing. All the best, Dave Hi Dave, Thanks so much for being candid, I really do appreciate your thoughts-this is what's best about online forums. I'll try to address all your points, the covhops- for the sand stains I used tiny amounts of Humbrol numbers 74 a yellow, number 29 a brown but mostly 121 a beige sandy colour. Once applied I spread the colour(s) with thinners on a brush taking the colour down the sides. It is so thin it looks white on drying, I was after a more yellow (sand) tone I noticed that whatever colour I started with, the result was much the same I think that as the paint is so thinned it will just make the 'white' look denser but not in colour. The answer may be to spray on a yellow (sand) to tone down the white. However, after saying all that I am very pleased with them and I think that the wagons 'in the flesh' look less white than the photos suggest. You comment about too many similar browns I touched on in an earlier post, I think you mean that you need to avoid the weathering to look 'muddy'- I think I have avoided that pitfall. I understand exactly what you saying about the 08 shunter. I think the orange looking 'bright' is combination of a couple of factors. Firstly I guess the photo when you view it is larger than 'life' the orange boxes represent the marker lamp boxes and may be modelled slightly overscale by the manufacturer and I always have a grey filter fixed to my DSLR camera. This increases the colour saturation on the image making all colours look stronger and helps to avoid that bleached out effect most noticeable with flash photography but present also with long exposures, some of the photos above were 30 second exposures with the smallest aperture (F32) to give the greatest depth of field. I will be interested if you think the same when you come along to an exhibition. One thing you did miss- can I ask you to look very closely at the roof of the 08 at the front, the exhaust port side was very lightly sprayed with a bit of soot colour while the cover plate on the right of the exhaust was lightly sprayed with dark rust, it is just about noticeable in the photo of the right hand side of the loco. How's it going with Maid's Morton Dave? Regards Duncan Edited February 18, 2020 by Duncan. typos and missing text 3 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted-ish Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 15 hours ago, Duncan. said: Hi and many thanks, I don't know your location but Shirebrook will be appearing at the Scarborough District Modellers' Exhibition in August (at Pickering) and at the Wigan Finescale Modellers' Exhibition in October, would be great to see you at one of those shows. Cheers Duncan Not sure that's wise, I'd only be trying to strong arm you for those class 58's! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EWS FAN Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 Hi Duncan please could you explain how you achieved this effect ? Cheers Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan. Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 23 minutes ago, EWS FAN said: Hi Duncan please could you explain how you achieved this effect ? Cheers Mike Hi Mike, Thanks for your question. The answer is going to be considerably longer. So starting at the base... The embankment is formed from a solid piece of expanded polystyrene which has been carved and sanded to shape. This was then covered with a very light weight filler (One Strike). This surface was painted with a watered down ground colour (brown) from the Woodlands Scenics range. PVA glue was then spread over the embankment, sprinkled onto this a mixture of sand, sawdust and scatters of various sizes moslty greys, browns and straw colours. (for winter colours) They were not spread evenly but in patches so some areas received more than others, a bit like layering really. Just visible in the photo above and the photo I have attached the field at the bottom of the embankment had woodlands scenics fine turf on the painted base. Next the fence was constructed, planted and painted in situ. Next the first application of static grass was applied again in patches. I use static grass products from wws https://www.war-world.co.uk/index.php/grass-static_grass_kits/?k=33622:27:::39 Next weeds (see link below) were added again these were added in clumps, along with teased out rubberised horsehair these represent the brambles and other dead vegetation left over from summer. https://www.war-world.co.uk/product.php/loose_weeds_for_model_rail_layouts_oo_ho_n_gauge/?k=:::6803648:0 Finally various lengths of static grass were added . The whole was air brushed with greys to tone down the colours more for that winter look. The fence had almost disappeared in places under the now quite dense undergrowth. The area in the field had only static grass added as this area would be managed by the farmer and/or grazed by livestock, but as I have modelled the scene in wintertime there are not any livestock in the fields! I use wws static grasses as I have found they have the most suitable colours for the effect I was trying to capture. Cheers Duncan 7 2 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EWS FAN Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 Thanks for the explanation Duncan. I like the way you have done the Brambles. I will have to give that a go. Cheers Mike. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold MarshLane Posted February 20, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 20, 2020 Superb modeling and explanation as ever Duncan. Having just joined the N Gauge Society and received the last magazine, congratulations on the feature and images. Wonderful. Rich 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan. Posted February 20, 2020 Share Posted February 20, 2020 Hi Rich, I'm hoping you will be able to attend the next Shirebrook running day... I am not able to confirm a date just yet but will PM you as soon as I can. I'm glad you joined the NGS I have been a member for about 30 years, I have been the Trade Liaison Officer and Journal Manager/Editor and arranged 30th and 35th anniversary exhibitions... but now I leave that sort of thing to younger blood! Cheers Duncan 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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