Peterborough North

[Davey]

That looks a superb model. There is one aspect of it though which doesn't look quite right and that is the fact that the cab seems to be tipping forward towards the front of the engine very slightly.

[Andy Y]

 

 Andy also put me through my paces so far as photoshopping is concerned, and seems to be content that I do at least know the basics. I'll leave him to summarise the advice he gave me, which was not "give up".

 

 

I did take a copy of Photoshop over for Gilbert as I thought it may help but after watching how Gilbert used paint.net I didn't feel it would yield much benefit considering going through another learning curve unless even longer was spent on cleaning images up. He's already going through far more work than virtually everyone who posts here in that respect.

 

 

After working on creating a sky on this this, I realise now what you are up against. All that fine detail in white against the skyline to go around and fill in. Small wonder you felt as you did....

 

post-98-0-49450600-1438194570_thumb.jpg

 

In contrast this one took all of 10 seconds.......

post-98-0-92341500-1438194461_thumb.jpg

 

Gilbert used those two images when I was over to illustrate how he does it, as you say the side-on shot is a comparative doddle. The first one, even when stacked to improve the definition of edge lines on the signalling etc, would really need all of the polygons within the signals and ladders etc creating with a polygon mask to retain the clarity and I'd estimate that I'd spend a good hour on that preparing it for print.

 

Yes, the advice is not to give up as Gilbert's good at it but also not to beat himself up if it's not perfect as it would take far too long to treat every shot in this fashion.

[coachmann]

If taking a photo of the layout with loads of white lattice signal posts against the 'room' background, would it not be possible to place lightweight pale blue cards a short distance behind them? 

[great northern]

If taking a photo of the layout with loads of white lattice signal posts against the 'room' background, would it not be possible to place lightweight pale blue cards a short distance behind them? 

I'll try that Larry, but won't the card block out other detail behind? Or am I missing something? I'd not have a clue how to put the missing detail back in, by the way.

[coachmann]

I'll try that Larry, but won't the card block out other detail behind? Or am I missing something? I'd not have a clue how to put the missing detail back in, by the way.

I have gone back through some of your earlier pictures and I have to agree it ain't easy for you trying to mask off unwanted background to make life easier when adding a sky. In fact, after looking at earlier shots, I marvel at what you have achieved photo-wise since taking up model photography. 

[great northern]

The one big plus that came out of the otherwise sad task of disposing of Dave Shakespeare's collection last year was that I got to know, albeit at a distance, quite a lot of people I hadn't "met" before. One or two of them were at a considerable distance, the other side of the world in fact, and among them was our member 69843, who is now the proud owner of Dave's P2. There was a lot of interest in that loco so we exchanged a good few PM's, and I became aware that he was experimenting with this 3d printing stuff.

 

I mentioned that I needed a particularly unique thing for PN, and he, much to my surprise and delight, offered to do it, or them, for me. Now, I confess that I have little clue as to how all this is done, so I'll leave 69843, also known as Zane, to explain the process. Anyway, the parcel arrived on Wednesday, and I was bowled over when I opened it. Andy Y was here at the time, and I know he was well impressed too. I had no time to do anything other than gaze at them until today, when I have hastily applied paint to a couple, and tried to cut out one of the "hot dog" totems which Sankey Scenics did for me some time back.  OK, so what is it that I'm so excited about? Here they are in the raw.

And rather difficult to photograph they were too.

Andy has kindly offered to deal with the preparation of the totems for me, as he has a silhouette cutter. Having tried to cut out just one manually, I'm relieved and very grateful that I don't have to try to do any more. I couldn't resist putting a couple on the layout, and taking a couple of shots, but please bear in mind that this was a very hasty process, the painting of the second one in particular wasn't helped by my picking it up before the paint was dry, and that they are just held in position by a blob of blu tack. They are also very fragile, so too much handling is not a good idea. I think that enough can be seen though to realise that they are going to be another big step forward in improving the overall view of the layout.

 

So, thanks so much Zane, great job, and so good of you to offer to do them for me.

This will be one of four at the North end of Platform 3. The backscene has stayed in place since stronger magnets were fitted, and I'll just mention that shortly a wall will go across the front of the buildings, thus hiding that gap which shows up rather too well at present.

Now to the South end of Platform 2. There will be four here too, but all raised on the larger plinths, as you can see.

And here  is that one again, placed a bit more in context. I really should have waited till the job was properly finished I suppose, but I'm far too pleased and excited to do that.

[trw1089]

Brilliant stuff Gilbert and Zane, will really add to the platform scenery as I had often wondered what needed to go on some of the larger expanses of platform asphalt.

 

This is what can be great about this hobby, helping each other out to improve our models or modelling. I know you've been a great help to me Gilbert and am glad that you are on the receiving end this time round. Be interested to hear how Zane did the job, especially how he drew it up and got it printed. I've got a few details like this that I wouldn't mind doing something similar on.

 

Cheers

Tony

[69843]

Gilbert, Andy, Tony and anyone else who comments,

 

Thank you for the kind words. I am absolutely floored by how these have come out. I am seeing them for the first time as well, as I felt it best to wait and see them.

 

I am more than happy to do a write up on the creation of these, and will do so at some point in the future for all that are interested.

 

 

I hate to keep this short and sweet, but it's 12:20pm here, and I'm off to chase a Garratt come morn . More when I return.

 

And Gilbert, it has been an honour to deal with you. And I hope to do so again in the future.

[bigwordsmith]

Seriously impressed with those I also couldn't help but notice how well the back scenes reduce the clutter, mayne the answer is to have back scenes high enough to get away from 'shopping the Beast etc. but fill in the rest of the sky above?

[Andy Y]

I'll happily say they're the best station lamps I have seen; well done Zane.

[LNERGE]

Something similar lasted (in non working form) until at least 1978 out in East Anglia..

 

 http://www.eastanglianrailwayarchive.co.uk/Railways/East-Anglian-Railway-Archive/i-FSF2kXn

 

Are the 3d printed lamps meant to be able to light up? I'm wondering what would happen if a light was directed at the base? Does the 3d printed material transmit light like perspex? Could the bowl be made to glow by doing this? 

[Mallard60022]

Something similar lasted (in non working form) until at least 1978 out in East Anglia..

 

 http://www.eastanglianrailwayarchive.co.uk/Railways/East-Anglian-Railway-Archive/i-FSF2kXn

 

Are the 3d printed lamps meant to be able to light up? I'm wondering what would happen if a light was directed at the base? Does the 3d printed material transmit light like perspex? Could the bowl be made to glow by doing this? 

Someone would do that within hours. They be very clever they be.

Damn fine lamps those. I wonder if one could use a fragile one as some sort of basis to produce a former for casting tougher ones in a tougher material? I'd be mortified if I were to break one (or more) whilst reaching/ brushing up/replacing stock.

The advances in 3d printing is amazing. I'm sure someone will be able to come up with a tougher end product in some way, using the original printed object as a 'cast' maker. 

Wouldn't have to worry with little things like loco lamps or (say) people &  buffers, only the thin, flimsy things that would be vulnerable such as lamps, signal posts, fire irons etc. In fact I've already seen the 4mm people and one can get oneself done so forever preserved so to speak. I think we might have discussed this some time back? 

P 

Edited August 1, 2015 by Mallard60022

[great northern]

I have gone back through some of your earlier pictures and I have to agree it ain't easy for you trying to mask off unwanted background to make life easier when adding a sky. In fact, after looking at earlier shots, I marvel at what you have achieved photo-wise since taking up model photography. 

I still don't know very much Larry, but I've come to the conclusion that I should just accept that and do the best I can with the knowledge and equipment I have. I didn't realise till Andy told me, but it seems that I'm already doing stuff in Digital Photo Pro that would also be in Photoshop, so there is really no great advantage to be had by upgrading, unless I want to do a lot more learning, and a lot more work on images, which I don't.

 

So, all will be done to allow reasonable viewing at the size I post. Anyone who wants to make the images larger does so at their own risk. And I'm always open to requests, whether for particular locos or stock, or for specific views.

[great northern]

Brilliant stuff Gilbert and Zane, will really add to the platform scenery as I had often wondered what needed to go on some of the larger expanses of platform asphalt.

 

This is what can be great about this hobby, helping each other out to improve our models or modelling. I know you've been a great help to me Gilbert and am glad that you are on the receiving end this time round. Be interested to hear how Zane did the job, especially how he drew it up and got it printed. I've got a few details like this that I wouldn't mind doing something similar on.

 

Cheers

Tony

That's why I have been awaiting these so eagerly Tony, those expanses of empty platform were a bit of an eyesore. These lamps will help a lot, and there is another addition to come, I hope shortly, which will fill in  a bit more.

[coachmann]

 

Damn fine lamps those. I wonder if one could use a fragile one as some sort of basis to produce a former for casting tougher ones in a tougher material? 

A cold mould, as used in dentistry, could be made off of them then they could be cast in whitemetal.

[69843]

Something similar lasted (in non working form) until at least 1978 out in East Anglia..

 

 http://www.eastanglianrailwayarchive.co.uk/Railways/East-Anglian-Railway-Archive/i-FSF2kXn

 

Are the 3d printed lamps meant to be able to light up? I'm wondering what would happen if a light was directed at the base? Does the 3d printed material transmit light like perspex? Could the bowl be made to glow by doing this? 

Gilbert and I did discuss this point, and the answer Gilbert gave of 'Perpetual daylight' meant that they are designed as non-working lamps. However, your point about lighting from the base is an interesting one, and one that I do think should seriously be chased up and investigated. I can't put it better than Tony's quote of "This is what can be great about this hobby, helping each other out to improve our models or modelling".

 

Someone would do that within hours. They be very clever they be.

Damn fine lamps those. I wonder if one could use a fragile one as some sort of basis to produce a former for casting tougher ones in a tougher material? I'd be mortified if I were to break one (or more) whilst reaching/ brushing up/replacing stock.

The advances in 3d printing is amazing. I'm sure someone will be able to come up with a tougher end product in some way, using the original printed object as a 'cast' maker. 

Wouldn't have to worry with little things like loco lamps or (say) people &  buffers, only the thin, flimsy things that would be vulnerable such as lamps, signal posts, fire irons etc. In fact I've already seen the 4mm people and one can get oneself done so forever preserved so to speak. I think we might have discussed this some time back? 

P 

On the point of fragility, it is the Achilles heel of the lamps, yes. I have tried to design them to be as close to scale from the photos Gilbert passed on to me (was a slight pain without dimensions, but with a photo of a Peppercorn A1 next to one, and a diagram of same saved on my laptop, it was just a matter of using some rough lines of sight and guesstimation) but this does mean some fragile areas, yes. However, I fully agree with yours and Larry's points about casting them. There is nothing that I can see would hold back that idea from my end.

 

I'll try and do the write-up of the lamps some time very soon, but shall keep it separate from the thread here, lest I clutter it up with semi-useless information! And I do intend to make these available for sale soon if there is interest for them here, and elsewhere. Gilbert's order has proved that they have printed fine, and have exceeded my thoughts on it. Hopefully my guinea pig respected tester can now finish them up, to add that missing touch to the platforms of Peterborough North and 'brighten' up the layout for the better

[Mallard60022]

Don't mention the cricket.

I think Larry's suggestion sounds great. Amalgum ..... whatever. 

Anyway they are lovely. I have no idea how long this 3d stuff takes to do but if it is not too long then, as an alternative option,  maybe producing the master for a cold mould and then doing the actual products in a tougher material if required. 

If you went ' commercial' then the sales could be the resin item, or a RTR casting.

Phil

[Market65]

Hi. The lamps are magnificent, and what I was hoping was in the parcel. They will indeed help to improve the platforms, and put me in mind of a photo' in an old Trains Illustrated of Peterborough North with an N2, 69521, shunting vans in the bay platform 1 next to platform 2

 

With regards,

 

Market65.

[great northern]

Don't mention the cricket.

I think Larry's suggestion sounds great. Amalgum ..... whatever. 

Anyway they are lovely. I have no idea how long this 3d stuff takes to do but if it is not too long then, as an alternative option,  maybe producing the master for a cold mould and then doing the actual products in a tougher material if required. 

If you went ' commercial' then the sales could be the resin item, or a RTR casting.

Phil

I think the lamps will be OK once they are in position. Yes, they are delicate, but then so to a degree are Mike's models whitemetal ones. I know to my cost that a careless hand can wreck those too. And these 3D ones are surprisingly cheap - 30 euros for 16 lamps, so it wouldn't be too expensive to order a few spares just in case. In fact, I think I shall do so.

[great northern]

Ooooh! You're all in trouble now. You forgot our anniversary.   And you know what happens when you do that. 13th July 2010 I started this thread, and the layout, five long years ago, and what do I get, no cards, no nice bouqets, nothing. Mind you, as I completely forgot too, I'll have to let you off.

 

But, I don't bear grudges, or not for long anyway, so here are some more photos, featuring the 5.35pm KX- Newcastle, behind Grantham A3 Persimmon. Silly name for a hulking great locomotive I suppose, but she was always one of my favourites.

That wall is very temporary.

It occurred to me that although I can't follow Coachmann's suggestion to put card behind the signals, I can put a big sheet behind Spital Bridge, to avoid that grey which plays havoc with the posts. It seems to work too, so long as I remember to remove it before the train gets there.

 

That's it. New regime, less time sitting at the PC, and no whinging about the perceived lack of quality of the images. I wonder how long that will last?

[coachmann]

Neat to see sky images again Gilbert, but paint those tyre walls and axle ends on the Hornby A3. Glad the mask idea is proving useful too.....I should try it myself haha. I am sending you a PM enquiry in the hope I can tap into your knowledge base...

[Alister_G]

Happy belated anniversary Gilbert, long may it continue.

 

 

I attached a bunch of red Roses and a box of chocolates to this message, but they seem to have fallen off...

[Mallard60022]

Sorry mate I've been asleep since 12th July.

Quackers.

 

 

 

P.S. That A3 looks damn fine; the first pic is great.

[Clive Mortimore]

Sorry Gilbert the 12th July is not a date to celebrate.

 

No I do not come from the either community in Northern Ireland, done enough marching when I was in the army.

 

It is a date I made the biggest mistake in my life, I got married to my first wife. :nono:

[Mallard60022]

Nah, Gilbert is OK to forget to celebrate as it was the 13th July. It was moi that had been asleep since 12th!

P