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Job's Modelling

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  1. Job's Modelling
    I have learned to do the hardest things first. For me that is painting figures.
    After the excellent blog entries in Wenlock’s Blog (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/blog/1131/entry-20957-coal-part-2/ ) and Mikkel’s The Farthing’s layout (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/blog/75/entry-21161-gwr-large-flat-dray/) about horses and carts I decided to do some horse painting. In the past I found an excellent tutorial about painting horses using pastels. So let’s give it a try.
     
     
     
    The starting point is a horse from the Dart Castings range.
     

     
    After cleaning it from flashes and cleaning it, the next step was to give it a coat of primer. In this case I used Vallejo red brown RAL 8012.
     

     
    Then I started painting the harness of the horse using black acrylic paint and black wash. I finished the harness drybrushing with a mixture of black and brown.
    Next step is to use the pastels. Building it up in layers. I started with Yellow Ochre, then I added some Burnt Yellow. Then you give it a light coat of varnish for pastels. After that you can built up the colour further using brown and black. Each time you add a small amount of pastel to the colours you have used already. Every time I had done some layers of pastel I gave it a coat of varnish.
    Finally, I highlighted some muscle parts adding black with a cosmetic pad.
     

     
     
     
    After I had given the horse it final coat of varnish I found it to glossy. To solve this, I gave the horse a final coat of black wash.
     
    Then I finished the bottom of the feet using some acrylic paints: white and light dirt.
     
    Here is the result of my efforts.
     

     
    I'm curious about your opinion.
     
    Kind regards,
    Job
     
    P.S. After the correct comments of the picture I have made a new one. Hope it is better. Also got a personal advice to improve it. I will try this out and will show the result in my next entry.
     

  2. Job's Modelling
    After my experiment with pastels I now I used mainly acrylic paints and in the end some pastels. This time I painted the horse that came with the Langley kit of the Hansom Cab.
    I did also some additional search on internet about the background of the Hansom Cab. Doing this I came along this interesting website http://www.gail-thornton.co.uk/index.php . A lot of information about wagons and carts used in the past.
     
    The starting point: the horse from the Langley kit. This time I also found a nice reference picture that I could use.
    I glued the horse to the wooden base using PVA glue. In this way it easy to handle.
     

     
    After cleaning it from flashes and cleaning it, the next step was to give it a coat of primer. In this case I used Vallejo grey primer.
    Then I have put the basic colours on. Because I used Citadel paint I didn’t need to dilute the paint 1:1. I let the base colours dry for 3 hours (actually a night).

     
    With Reikland Flasshade (a wash), using a small brush, I got along the edges of the harness to bring the colours more together. After drying I painted the whole horse wit the wash to sharpen up the painting and provide shadows.

     
    With diluted paint 1:2 I painted the small details. I also gave the harness a thin coating of black leather from Scalecolor.
     
    Then I gave the horse a total wash with diluted 1:5 with Ratskin Flesh for the horse and Vallejo black wash for the harness. Because the wash is transparent the base colour showed through.
    As a finish I gave the horse a layer with Vallejo satin varnish. Then I used some Schminke pastels for the final touch. The horse doesn’t look shiny anymore.

     
    I used a tutorial from Internet as a guide and used also the advices from some members of the RM web. I will thank them for their advice.
    Painting more figures will give me more experience.
    I'm curious about your opinion about this one.
     
    Kind regards,
    Job
  3. Job's Modelling
    I still have to finish the Hansom cab…. But I think I will use something else on the diorama. Believe that the Hansom cab will be to large for this diorama. Thinking of using a handcart and a boy delivering a Christmas gift. In that time, it was already possible to buy things from a mail order company, for instance from the Empire Stores, which then were send to the costumer by rail as a parcel. Only the way we order, and deliver is changed ….
     
    But first there must be a cobbled road to put the cart on. I also made the base from Petite Properties. Painted the base black. For the cobbled road I use the sheets from In the Greenwood. Made the road to the right size using a craft knife. Then I cleaned them first with an MDF cleaning pad. I gave it a coat with Gesso. After this was dried the whole street had a coat of Vallejo Oiled Earth.
     

     
    Next step was painting the cobblestones individually. I used base colour from the Citadel range. In this case Mechanicus Standard Grey.
     

     
    After that I painted the space between the stones with a 50/50 mixture of Vallejo Light Sienna and Natural Umber mixed with Pigment binder. I let this dry for 24 hours.
     
    Next job was painting individual stones in groups of six with layer colours in grey tone. I used the following colours: from Citadel Administration grey and from AK paints Dry light mud. I mixed them in several shades.
    After painting the setts, I gave every individual stone a coat of Oiled Earth from Vallejo to tone down the surface.

     

    I used a Wargaming and Facebook modelling tutorial from Internet as a guide. Used the colours I had. But every time the result will be different even if you use the same colours again.
    I'm curious about your opinion about this one.
     
    Next job will be painting the pavement with its granite kerbs.
     
    Kind regards,
    Job
  4. Job's Modelling
    I still have to finish the Hansom cab…. But I think I will use something else on the diorama. Believe that the Hansom cab will be to large for this diorama. Thinking of using a handcart and a boy delivering a Christmas gift. In that time, it was already possible to buy things from a mail order company, for instance from the Empire Stores, which then were send to the costumer by rail as a parcel. Only the way we order, and deliver is changed ….
     
    But first there must be a cobbled road to put the cart on. I also made the base from Petite Properties. Painted the base black. For the cobbled road I use the sheets from In the Greenwood. Made the road to the right size using a craft knife. Then I cleaned them first with an MDF cleaning pad. I gave it a coat with Gesso. After this was dried the whole street had a coat of Vallejo Oiled Earth.
     

     
    Next step was painting the cobblestones individually. I used base colour from the Citadel range. In this case Mechanicus Standard Grey.
     

     
    After that I painted the space between the stones with a 50/50 mixture of Vallejo Light Sienna and Natural Umber mixed with Pigment binder. I let this dry for 24 hours.
     
    Next job was painting individual stones in groups of six with layer colours in grey tone. I used the following colours: from Citadel Administration grey and from AK paints Dry light mud. I mixed them in several shades.
    After painting the setts, I gave every individual stone a coat of Oiled Earth from Vallejo to tone down the surface.

     
    I used a Wargaming and Facebook modelling tutorial from Internet as a guide. Used the colours I had. But every time the result will be different even if you use the same colours again.
    I'm curious about your opinion about this one.
     
    Next job will be painting the pavement with its granite kerbs.
     
    Kind regards,
    Job
  5. Job's Modelling
    For the pavement I also use the sheets from In the Greenwood. Made the pavement to the right size using a craft knife. Then I cleaned them first with an MDF cleaning pad. I gave it a coat with Gesso.

    Next step was painting the granite kerbs. As base colour I used AK Dry Light Mud. I gave it several layers. The side used a lot of paint. After that I took a little piece of natural sponge with some Petite properties ‘Mucky’ paint. With just a little paint on the sponge I dabbed the granite kerbs.

    The slabs I gave first a coat with a base colour of Celestra Grey from Citadel. Than I did the space between the slabs with Vallejo Oiled Earth. After that I took an old brush with the hairs cut down. I dabbed the individual slabs with a coat of Tallard Sand, Baneblade brown, Stormvermir fur from Citadel and Flat earth from Vallejo. I worked directly on applying, in the same way, Administration Grey from Citadel. When finished I gave the pavement and kerbs a coat of Light Grey wash from Valejo. Just to bring the whole scene together.
     

     
    Here is picture of the whole diorama. The side street has another finished colour. I used it as a try-out, but I’m still content with the final result. The black edge at the end of the pavement will not be visible when the diorama is finished.
     

     
    I have first to do some things on the base and then I can start with the buildings.

    Kind regards,
    Job
  6. Job's Modelling
    Before I started I read some articles about brick painting. I have read the chapter of brick painting in that excellent book “Cottage Modelling for Pendon”, some chapters in a book called “Create exterior finishes” from Bea Broadwood. Is also very useful for railway modellers, especially for those who do 7mm. And last but not least an article from Emmanuel Nouaillier in an Eisenbahn Journal. I will mostly follow the steps described in the last article. For my colour choice I used all three.
     
    For the house and shop I also use this time a kit from In the Greenwood.
    I cleaned them first with an MDF cleaning pad. I gave all the parts a coat with Gesso.
     

     
    Then the brick parts got a coat with Vallejo black Wash. This to down tone the white the Gesso.
     

     
    Now I can start painting the individual bricks with a base colour. With the information I had, I looked at my available paints. I have used the following colours: Red Squirrel and Mucky Pint from the Petite Properties range and Dust from the AK range.
     

     
    For the mortar I used a pigment called Earth of Vicenza. I blow the most pigment off the piece (out of the window) and wept it off with a moistened piece of cloth.
    Above the wall in progress, below a larger picture of the finished wall.
     

     
    After testing my way of brick painting on a side wall I can continue painting and building my terraced house.
     
    And of course suggestions and comments are welcome.
     
    Kind regards,
    Job
  7. Job's Modelling
    I have almost finished the terraced house.
    Before I show you the result first my personal review of the kit from In the Greenwood. I have enjoyed building it, but just for this diorama.
    The 3 mm MDF I personally find too thick for the terraced house. 2 mm would have been better, but I don’t know if it possible to do the laser cut. The kit is easy to build. There are no windows supplied, so you have to make your own choice here.

    Painting

    The doors I have painted using just a black wash from Vallejo. They have got several layers.

    For the “white” woodwork I used a paint from the Petite Properties range called “Top of the Milk”. The paints of Petite Properties work well on MDF.

    For the stone parts I used a paint from the AK range called Dust. I like to use as less different colours as possible to keep the diorama together.

    The roof is painted with Petite Properties Soot Ash with some Warpfiend grey from Vallejo. I found the Petite Properties paint alone to dark.

    Windows

    I have tried different methods for the windows. I found the way Clever Models do their windows using a matt picture suitable. But the setting is Edwardian, and in no PDF kit I have there were suitable window textures to find.
    After an intensive search on the internet I found picture I could use for the curtains. With some help from a photo program and my usual way of scaling I made them at size. I made them also less white to let them fit in the diorama.
    Now my terraced house has authentic Edwardian curtains.
     

     

    Photo box

    For a long time, I have an article about a simple photo box. I have build the box to day and the photo of the cottage is made using it.
     

     

    As you see I have to finish the chimneys. But you will see the result of that in one of my next entrees. I also will start with the shop. Just a preview of my first design for the shop name:
     

     
     
     
    Comments and suggestions are welcome.
     

    Kind regards,
    Job
  8. Job's Modelling
    Although I had finished my High Street diorama, I gave it an extra scene. I also will add some missing information.
     
    I also noticed that I did not publish a picture of the side of the shop. The shop side has some posters from the early 1900’s era.
     

     
    Wenlock gave the suggestion to add a hot chestnut seller to the scene. So, I bought one by Langley models. I also tried to improve my painting. For this I got some feedback from an employee of a Wargame shop in Utrecht. I was very pleased with his kind support.
     
    And a little story behind the scene.
    In front of the shop is Mrs Cook with her daughter Elizabeth. Some what further in the street is her elder brother Edmund. He is watching Mr. John Allnutt who sold his hot chestnuts by his barrow. Mr. Allnutt was always very good humoured and could tell some fantastic stories. Edmund hoped that his mother would buy some chestnuts. He likes them with his Christmas sprouts.
     

     
     
    I hope you like the result.
     
    Comments and suggestions are as always welcome.
     
    Kind regards,
    Job
  9. Job's Modelling
    Thinking..
     
    After I put the poem to the entry last I week I started to think about the ….. (dots)
    So here is the answer in a nutshell. The inspiration came when I traveled by train with my wife over the new line through the Flevopolder to Groningen.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Holliday …
     

    As a boy in the late 1950’s I got on vacation with my parents to a place in the north of the Netherlands in the province of Groningen. After going from Utrecht to Groningen with the electric express train we had to change train. The last part of the journey was with a blue Diesel Electric 1. I still can hear the sound of the diesel engine and smell the diesel fuel. I think this was the starting point for my interest in trains.
    Of course I got a model train ( with my brother) for Sinterklaas (your Santa Claus) . Then there was a period in which I developed other interests: art, literature, music and social history and girls.
     
    Model railway experience…
     

    Then I became an armchair modeller. Until I read an article about Fremo. I joint in and build my first modules. Within Fremo I learned about modelling, way bills, wagon cards and real freight traffic with shunting on the country stations (mostly German). Learned to think about what kind of goods come in and are send away.
    Unfortunately I had to give up Fremo, for several personal reasons.
     
    Card building ….
     

    In May 2007 I met Peter Genttle from the 3 mm Society with beautiful card build structures. I was most impressed. We did that day a lot of talking and on a certain moment he said: “I like to walk around a little bit. Can you stay here. You can build that slate roof further.” When I said I hadn’t the experience he sad: “You have to start once, why not now.”
    It still took some time before I really started with my first structure from Scalescenes. Using the kits made it not necessarily to create the walls the Pendon way. Just print out and you can start following the instructions.
     
    RM web
     

    Here is the first model I build and published on the RM web to get feedback.
     
    I get a lot inspiration and feed back here, which I still much appreciate.
    So this is my tribute to all those that helped me to get to this....
     
    Sometimes it is good to stop and think about how did I got to this ….
     
    Regards,
    Job
  10. Job's Modelling
    In the past I have to do my built diorama’s away. Nothing bad about that, but my wife likes my diorama modelling. Yes, I’m a lucky guy with that.
    But now I had to find another way for creating diorama’s that could be placed in the living room.
    On a Facebook group I saw someone who exhibited his Petite Property models in a showcase. In the latest numbers of the BRM magazine there is an article about building a layout in a Billy shelf.
    My wife liked that idea. So, my next IKEA challenge will be to build a diorama on a Billy shelf. This diorama will be dedicated to her. The diorama will be a farm scene with Hereford cows and other animals. I love those Pendon farm side scenes, but I have to do something different here.

    Left scene

    Middle scene

    Right scene
     
    But my knowledge about this subject is limited. So, I need your advice.
    I will start with the left part: a farm situated on a country lane between two places.
    The cars on the picture I will not used. In front af the farm there will be a Rover P4 75, another white metal kit from the John Day range. The other cars are a Jowell Bradford van on the road and a Austin A70 pick up for a milk delivery scene.
    The vegetable garden will become a garden with an apple tree, flowers and some vegetables. 
    The farm will be card build using the farm from Scalescenes in aged brown brick.
     
    First of all, can anyone give me some advice about modelling an early 1950’s country lane?
     
    And of course, all information about this subject is welcome.
     
    Greetings,
    Job
  11. Job's Modelling
    A couple of months ago I bought 3 different small IKEA boxes. Just to see what I could do with them. So, I have now three different personal challenges.
    For the first one I used an IKEA box of 31cm wide x20cm high x 7cm deep.
    The box is not very deep. For that reason, I approached the building of the diorama as a three-dimensional painting. I started with the sky and than the city background. In this way the colour tone of the “painting” was set. From this point on I tried which colours/textures I had to use for the station building.
    This is also the first step in creating my “new” Northall. And what is better then start with the station. This time in an Edwardian setting.
    Northall Junction Station is designed as a passenger station for country towns. The station has a booking office, waiting rooms, a station-master’s residence combined. The building is a good example of a suitable building of his class.
     

     
    As a reference I used a drawing of Much Wenlock station. This time I wanted to build again in card using a kit from Scalescenes as a starting point. His R004 Medium Station Building is useful because of its modular design.
    Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a real Great Western appearance, so I did some research on the internet. Here a came a along Culham station. There is a nice part with modelling sheets to build the station. You can find them here: http://www.culhamstation.co.uk/kit.html .
    I also had to make some compromises. Although I had made some Edwardian posters, I decided to use the posters boards from R003b GWR Station & Goods Shed based on Staverton. I used them as a base and used some of the boards I had made.
     

     
    Here you can see why I decided to use the Scalescenes board. The edges are not good enough for me.
    I tried the slate roof texture from Scalescenes first. But the size and colour didn’t fit in. I tried several roof textures and finally choice a texture from Model Railway Scenery.
    Door and windows I found on the RMweb: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/67105-a-free-lance-gwr-themed-terminal-station-building-for-bears-end/ . I had only to resize them a little bit.
    Background is from Peco. I Used a picture from the internet that was just the right size to create a background in the box. The sky is also found on the internet.
    And of course, there is a little story in the scene.
    Wm. Charles Godwin, insurance agent for The Liverpool and London Globe Insurance Company is on his way to visit a client in Southend. He is looking at a poster while his suitcase is standing beside him.
    There is also a trunk visible for Mrs. Mary Hope Mary, who goes to visit her sister in Littleworth. She is waiting in the Ladies waiting room for the train
     

     

     
    Kind regards,
    Job
  12. Job's Modelling
    This challenge was more challenging than the first one. The box is about 18 cm wide, 7 cm deep and 12,5 cm high.
     

    I have a nice collection of cars that deserve to be put in a diorama. In a small box like this you can not create a scene with pavement, some road and a background model.
    So, I spent a lot of time drawing several (not) possible diorama plans. Using several materials and prints.
     

     
    The picture above is made when I finally found a solution. A small garage scene with a car, some pumps and figures. 
    I used my usual method for designing. I diverse the ground in thirds and the backscene will be placed almost diagonal. I will use the garage from Scalescenes, a backyard building from a Scalescenes corner shop, used as the garage office, and the Scalescenes Workshop. Also, some figures from Dart Castings and pumps from 3DK models.
    First step was to design the background. I used a grey sky and tried out different options for a background building. Finally, I decided to use a picture of the low relief factory from Scalescenes. I resized it to a useful background factory.
     

     
    Now it is time to put see what kind of ground texture I want to use. There are several options. After the try outs the choice was made: a texture from 3DK will do the job.
    I will add the base after I have finished all the buildings.
    Because I want to use blue Morris BMC car and the diorama is so small, I have made some thoughts about the colour for the garage. I would like to put the attention to the details on the for ground of the diorama. I saw in some pictures that a garage with painted white bricks was an option. In stead of using paint to give the brown brick texture a white colour I used the painted white brick texture from Scalescenes.
    For detailing the garage, I searched for signs on the internet. The garage door is also a texture from internet made to size.
     

     
    After I had I had finished the garage I filled in the small gap at the left side. This is just a suggestion for a building.
     

     
    Now I had to build the front with two petrol pumps. I had a model from Scalelink but missed the right colours to create a SHELL pump. I had some pumps from 3DK models which could be used. I also bought some petrol pumps from Kingsway models. I also found some nice textures on internet.
    With these components I found the solution. The Kingsway pumps have a layered approach. I used this method to create my Shell petrol pumps. I used textures from internet for the front and the sign, for the sides the red pars of the 3DK pumps and some black wire for the hose.
     

     
    The Morris pickup van for some semi-gloss varnish from Vallejo, some weathering with Agrax Earthshade from Citadel for the canopy and some rubber tyre from AK paints for the tyres.
     

     
    The only difference with the plan I made that I left the figures away. Focus is now on the Morris BMC pick-up.
    This IKEA box challenge is now finished. I can start with the next and last one.
    I hope you liked this one.
    Thanks for reading and as usual critics and suggestions are welcome. I’m never too old to learn.
     
    Kind Regards,
    Job
     
     
     
  13. Job's Modelling
    This time I use a different approach for modelling a Scalescenes model.
     
     
    I printed the PDF’s on fine art paper. In this case Lana Dessin 150 gsm. Beneath a product description:
    “A perfect paper with light grain which makes every stroke of your pencil a real pleasure. Gelatine and surface bonded, it makes gluing and retouching operations so much easier to perform and the various weights available mean that you can choose the paper which best suits your own needs.
    Acid free and age resistant.”
     

     
    In the past I mostly used PRITT glue. After I received some advices I searches for a more PH neutral glue. The glue that fitted my wishes was a bookbinding glue. I have to bring it up with a small brush. And I use a rubber roller to get things flat. I let dry every piece I glued for 24 for hours.
     

     
    For cutting I followed the advice of a professional model maker and used a scalpel. He also gave another useful tip that I used. The first cut is no more than a guiding line for cutting. After the first line I cut the lines slowly down to get a good result.
     
    Have a look at the blog of David Neat: http://davidneat.wordpress.com/
     

     
    Below the first picture of the modelling progress of the factory.
     

     
    To be continued.
     
    Regards,
    Job
  14. Job's Modelling
    First an introduction to the factory in the background of the diorama. Darrel Fincher is working here as a metal worker. In the archives of the Northall Gazette I found an interesting article about the factory.
     
     

     
    Modelling progress (I had some extra time):
    I’m very content with the use of bookbinding glue. Althought it is a little more work the result is much better. With PRITT glue I had always parts that I had to glue again. Applying a thin coat of bookbinding glue gives a good result.
    I used the method described in the last entry.
     

     
    Although I had printed all factory sheets on Lana Dessin paper, I decided to use another kind of paper for the concrete ledge cover layers. For them I used Hahnemühle watercolour paper 150 g/m2 rough. This paper is acid free and age resistant.
    If you have a look on the internet for hand colouring inkjet papers you will see that they advise also the use of watercolour paper for starting professional photographers who want to do some hand colouring on black and white pictures.
    I believe it trying out different kind of papers for card modelling can give some surprising results. I don’t know of the difference is to see on the picture. The watercolour paper has much more structure and a far deeper colour. I think my cartridges will go empty a little bit quicker, but that is worth it.
     

     
    The two lighter ones are printed on Lana Paper.
    Below a picture of the modelling progress of the factory at this moment.
     

     
    Next step will be the weathering of the front of the factory and making some thouhts about how to do the finishing of the windows.
    To be continued.
     
    Regards,
    Job
  15. Job's Modelling
    Next step is to weather the front of the factory before starting with the windows.
    For weathering I used the following materials for the factory:

    · Soft pencil pastels of Caran d’Ache. This on advice of an art shop in Nijmegen. They told me that these pencils had the most pigment. In the past I mostly used a mixture of a what dark pigments. On their advice I used this time some different shades of grey and grey/blue.
    But every other good brand will work too.
    · Coloured pencils for detailing. I used the pencils I had in stock from different brands.
    · 100% cotton buds and tissues A good place with good light is essential. I have a daylight lamp above my workspace. But also good daylight can do the job. And use a clamp cloth to wipe your hands clean from pastel chalk.
    I use small amounts of pastel and then smooth the area using a cotton bud or some tissue. I try not to press down heavy when applying the chalk.
    I started with the lightest colour and then applied layers of darker colours over the lighter. The nice way of working this way is that you can blend the colours together. The thinner you can keep your layers the more translucent your work will be and allows the printed work to show through.
    I work from the top to bottom so my hand is not smudging over a finished area. Working with pastels can be a little messy and dusty so patience and cleanliness are a virtue if you want to avoid smudging.
    Colour pencils are not really blendable so the use of pencil is kept to detail and small areas.
    After you have finished your weathering you can give the whole a protecting varnish. This time I used Liquitex Matt Varnish for the following reasons:
    • Water-based Technology
    • Low Odor
    • Permanent and Durable
    • Resists discoloring (non-yellowing, non-fogging) due to humidity, heat and ultraviolet light.
    • Dry to a non-tacky, hard, flexible surface that is resistant to dirt retention
    • Hard, archival, non-yellowing and water resistant when dry
     
    I tried it out on some test work and it worked well for me. I sprayed the surface of the factory outside, in the garden, as recommended. This is the only part of my modelling for which I cannot find a nontoxic resolution.
     

    The starting point from the last entry

    Work in progress. Applying pastel to the texture.

    Although the textures from Scalescenes are very good, I like to give a building my own personal touch.

    You can compare this one with the starting point picture.
    I hope the result is convincing.
    Regards,
    Job
  16. Job's Modelling
    The first job I had to do now was adding the windows behind the weathered factory wall. In the past I use a solvent free glue from Pattex. This time I used double sided tape from 3M, as David Neat advices in his excellent articles.
    I had re-size the windows from Scalescenes first. I used window c form his excellent Arches and Windows TX00 kit.

    After adding the windows I tried out how to create the final look. I had several possibilities that were usable.
    I decided to build an inner wall with white stone to create the illusion of depth.

    This is glued behind the windows.
    Then I printed the “Grime window” sheet from Scalescenes in black and white. After looking at some reference pictures on the website of CGtextures I wasn’t convinced that the colour used by Scalescenes would create the right appearance.
    After I tried the black and with version I took my pastel pencils to add some grey/blue colour to the original texture.
     

    On the left the original version, at the right the colored one.
    The colored texture is added behind the windows.
     

     
    Here is the final version of the windows.
    And below the factory placed into the diorama.
     

    The factory is finished now. Let’s start with the front of the scene.
    Till next time.
    Regards,
    Job
  17. Job's Modelling

    Interiors ......

    By Job's Modelling,

    This title might surprise you, but we are going back to Caroline Street to the house of Arthur Page.
     

     
    No, I don’t want to build an interior into the existing diorama. I needed just the interior for the illustration of my story. In his excellent book “Cottage Modelling for Pendon” Chris Pilton is a good chapter about when you should build an interior. The most important is the room of the interior will be visible for the viewer and mostly the room in which the interior is made has lighting attached.
    I have done is, although with indirect lightning for my shops on Station Road. See the picture of Walden Books below:
     

     
    The interior that I have created now is a small diorama on itself. It contains a front room and a kitchen.
     
    In some background information I found was stated that:
    “Many people used their front room just for special occasions and it was kept tidy for this purpose. Many were hardly ever used because of this.”
    In my case Arthur Page is used this room for listening to the radio and reading a newspaper or book.
     

     
    The kitchen was the centre of the family live, because it was the warmest room in the house with heat from the range.


    Lucy Page is making the lunch. I was gladly surprised when I saw that Dart Castings had added in the Monty figures range a housewife figure.
     

    Used textures.
     
    For the building of the diorama I used textures from:
    Scalescenes : kitchen wall and the kitchen floor Modelrailwayscenery: wall paper in the front room and wooden floor. Finescale buildings: kitchen range and furniture in the front room and kitchen. Internet: dollhouse free available resized textures (photo’s) and other textures/pictures I resized personally, for instance the radio in the front room.


     

    Question:
    For my story and the building of my next diorama (when I have finished Oval Road) I am looking for pictures of backyards / gardens with washing lines with wash from the (late) 1950’s. Monday was in the 1950’s washing day. If anyone can help me with this, I would be very thankful.
     
    Kind regards,
    Job
  18. Job's Modelling
    This blog records the development of diorama’s of Northall a fictional neighbourhood in a large industrial city in England.
    The time setting is in the late 1950’s. The switching point to the modern society with live in now.
    The diorama’s will all have a relation to British Railway practice in Northall .
     
    All diorama's will be build in APA boxes as a black box.
     
    The idea of building Northall came when I build Bridge Street. Unfortunately not build in a APA box and the victim of the clearance program of the Northall Governance.
     

     
    Urban Scene is the first diorama build in this way, but not yet finished completely.
     
    To build the diorama's I developed my own design rules using information from different sources in the modelling world. I like to look out of the box.
     
    Here is a little Northall history:
     
     
    From 1850 on , sleepy, rural Northall has been enveloped by the expanding metropolis. Railway and canal construction brought further expansion.
    Growth continued until the Second World War, by which time Northall was completely built up.
    Older industries all closed in the 1950's and 1960's.
    In 1954 Northall had three distinct areas. In the north were houses from the 1930’s and factories. Immediately south of the railway were streets of terraces dating from c. 1870-1920. Farther south lay the old town, with the dock area.
    The railway line is situated on 29.921 feet above the surrounding streets.
  19. Job's Modelling
    For Northall Dock I try for the first time to create the scene inside out.
    I asked myself the following questions:
    - What is the story behind Northall Dock ?
    - What will be the mean scene ?
     
    The answer to the first question will be answered in another entry.
    The answer on the second question is: a loading scene by a warehouse.
     
    First some background information about the used model:
     
    In the late 1940s production of the 'Jen-Tug' began. It was a 3 ton articulated vehicle, available with a wide range of trailers, including a flat trailer, a wire-sided trailer, a box trailer, a tipping trailer, a shallow tipping trailer, a high-sided trailer, a swan-neck trailer with winch, and a container.
    The cab had an Austin A.50 four-cylinder, overhead valve petrol engine, with a capacity of 1.5 litres, and an output of 50 b.h.p. at 4,400 r.p.m. It had a built-in four-speed synchromesh gearbox, a Borg & Beck, single dry-plate 8 inch hydraulically operated clutch, and was mounted on an easily removable sub-frame. It also had powerful Girling hydraulic brakes with 11 inch diameter drums on both the tractor and trailer, a Jensen patent tractor coupling, operated from the cab, and a turning circle of 22 feet.
     

     
     
    A 1950’s picture of a Southern Jen-Tug
    The 'Jen-Tug' became quite popular, and was supplemented by an electrically-powered version, the 'Jen-Helec'.
    The vehicles were made at West Bromwich, and also in Jensen's factory at Stoke.
    Info from:
    http://www.historywebsite.co.uk/Museum/Transport/commercial/Jensen.htm
    On this website more info about Jensen Commercial Vehicles.
     
    Below the model I build as the central scene for my new diorama.
     

     
    First I gave the model a finish with a mat varnish, after I had added the load and lorry driver.
    Then I weathered it with pastels and pigments.
     
    Regards,
    Job
  20. Job's Modelling
    In a reply of last entry of station road I said that a milk-bar was a place where teenager could meet each other.
     

     
    1950's milk bar date!
     
    I mentioned the above “sorbet”, and it had a nice description.
     
    The Knickerbocker Glories is a big glass of ice cream with strawberries, bananas, grapes and thick, whipped cream on top.
     
    Today I made a nice Italian pasta meal with courgette. So I thought it would be nice to make the Knickerbocker Glories for dessert.
     
    So this time some of my creative kitchen work. Just for fun.
     
    You need (form bottom to top)
    Some nice high glasses
     
    Ice cream ( I used sorbet ice)
    Some grapes – cut into half
    A banana – in slices
    Some strawberries – cut in slices
    Whipped cream ( I added some vanilla sucker)
     
    A sorbet spoon
     

     
    All the ingredients.
     

     
    The final result.
     
    My wife enjoyed it, me too.
     
    You may try it out. Bon appétit.
     
    Regards,
    Job
  21. Job's Modelling

    L shape design

    By Job's Modelling,

    I have created the solution of the L-shape design I described in one of my earlier entries.
     
    The yellow ware house has disappeared. I build a new warehouse for the builders merchant. It’s a pity, because I still like the yellow building. For those who didn't read my motivation I described in an answer on a reply of Mikkel:
     
    “Let’s have a look at the colors:
    grey - roofs, road and sky
    dark brown - the building behind the cottage and the building with the Morse ghost sign
    "red/yellow" - the warehouse and the roof of the cottage ( I think they respond to each other)
    yellow - the builders merchants warehouse
    "white" - the cottage ( but that has a beautiful red/yellow roof ); and is Mikkel and mine’s favourite building.
     
    The only separate building in color is the yellow one.
     

     
    I decided to use the same texture from Scalescenes I used for the warehouse behind the cottage.
     
    First I made a new design using a picture I found somewhere on the internet.
     

     
    Then I searched for a door and windows keeping in mind that the building is meanly used in the diorama as a background model. I did some testing with several colours and found thes the most useful.
     

     
    I finished the building with a slated roof. I used again the same texture as for the warehouse behind the cottage. The texture of the slated roof is made by using a texture from CGtextures.
     

     
    The final questions are:
     


    - Is the L-shape I had in mind working for the diorama?
    - Did I manage to create a more balanced diorama?
    - Do less colors create a diorama where the focus is on the scene you want to create?  
    It is up to you to give answer to these questions. To help you I will give you the final picture of the buildings. Now I have to concentrate me on the road to finish the diorama.
     

     
    Regards,
    Job
  22. Job's Modelling
    I had to find a solution for my the lighting and background of my APA-box diorama. Due my multiple chemical sensitivity I’m not able to do any soldering. So I have to search for other possibilities. I find this one of the most difficult jobs for my diorama’s.
     
    I use a led strips from IKEA with the following description: light temperature 2700 K / 30 lumen. This is enough for a APA-box. I have used them also for Nice Street (Urban Scene).
    This time the led strip is adjusted at the front of the box. Using some aluminium foil and transparent paper I created a diffused lightning. If have made additional strip of wood in front of the strip
     

     
    I think I can improve the lighting by using aluminium foil at the underside of the lid.
     
    I like to create some light inside my warehouse. Luckily Christmas is coming and I saw some small led strips on battery I maybe can use. I will buy some and try this out when I’m building the final warehouse. May also try to use a led strip from my Ikea lightning. The result of my lighting efforts I will publish in a later entry.
     
    First of all the choice of a background is I believe is personal and will depend on your personal preference. I have seen a lot of beautiful backgrounds in the RMweb.
     
    For the background I used two options in the past:
    A photographic background from Scalescenes – Bridge Street
     

     
    Painting the inside of the APA-box – Nice Street (Urban Scene)
     

     
    When I put the painted background in Diorama forum on the RM-web one of the replies pointed at the visible corners. I saw the same with I glued background in another APA micro layout.
     
    Then I remembered that someone used a background made of fabric. Because I like an one colour background I decided to try this out on Northall Dock.
    I used a blue-grey fitted sheet we normally use for the spare bed to create the background (advice: first consult the lady of the house).
    The fabric background is cut in size and fitted with two strokes of double sided tape.
     

     
    The fabric is just the try out. I first have to paint the APA-box. I wanted to do that this week , but I decided to wait with that until my wife is more recovered from a seriously concussion. Luckily she is improving step by step.
    Before I can use it as a definite background, I have to iron the fabric first.
    In this way I hope to capture an overcast sky.
     
    The cottage is placed were the warehouse of Roope & Voss is designed, to show the effect of the fabric background. The corner of the APA-Box is photographed.
     
    Any suggestions are welcome.
     
    Thanks for reading,
    greetings
     
    Job
  23. Job's Modelling
    Littleworth is the village at the end of the branch line from Northall.
     
    I have finished the main building of first model for Littleworth: a detached cottage. On the left side I have planned a garage.
    A low relief kit of Petite Properties and a picture from internet are used as a base.
    The Flemish bond brick texture is from Wordsworth Models. Free to download. All the other used textures are from Scalescenes, except for the curtains.
     
    I used for the roof some useful advice from the excellent book of David Wright “Making rural buildings.”
    This is the way I made the roof:
     
    The Scalescenes texture is A4 filled with rows of clay tiles. Scalescenes provides also an A4 with lines for gluing the tiles in the right position.
    I didn’t want a clean roof and searched for an example on the website of Textures.com. I use this to create the roof for my cottage.
    On the picture you can see the process:
    1. Glue the lines on the roof
    2. Gluing the clay tiles on 220 gsm cardstock
    3. Cutting a line of clay tiles
    4. Giving the individual line his shape
    5. Colouring the underside of the row with a raw umber pastel pencil
    6. Adding the shaped and coloured row to the roof
    7. Repeating step 3 to 6
     

     
    And of course, a picture of the finished cottage.
     

     
    A picture in this size shows my some points that are waiting for my pastel pencil and a chimney pot that is not correctly pushed in.
    Will be continued.
    As usual comment are much appreciated. 
     
    Kind regards,
    Job
  24. Job's Modelling
    I have not posted a blog for a while. But I am still modelling. I have finished my cottage.
     
    This cottage is called Rose Cottage and it belongs to Miss Harriet Parker, a free-lance journalist and writer.
     

     
    For the magazine of the Middleshire Historical Society Miss Parker wants to describe the cottages of Littleworth. She thought it would be a nice idea to start with the cottage she lives in. Sitting behind her Underwood Noiseless 77 typewriter she starts typing:
    “I know the cottage is built in around 1900. But there is not much information about the cottage in his papers. The only thing is a letter about adding a shed to the cottage in 1935. This letter was from Frederick Peterson & Son, Builders & Contractors.
     

     
    Mrs. Peterson tells me that Mr. Frederick was a fully accurate man. He archived everything very carefully. Now she stands up and goes to another room. After a while she comes back with an archive map. I can read that it is a map for Littleworth. Mrs. Peterson tell me that the firm had only done a few building projects in Littleworth. One of them was de building of some cottages on Green Lane. As a speculative builders Mr. Frederick Peterson hoped he could sell them to people who could afford buying a cottage. The three cottages there where of a basic design from E. Flint and Son, architects. In the map was page from a notebook on which stood that the cottages could be finished by a personal choice of brick and tiles.
    Mrs. Peterson gets another paper out of the archive map. This is a drawing of the floorplan of the cottages. I am incredibly pleased to see them and recognize my own cottage in it. Unfortunately, there is no further drawing information. No. 1 Green Lane was sold to Mr Christopher A. Roope, Wine & Spirit Merchant. They have their premises on Dock Road in Northall. We have no information when the cottage is sold to your farther.
     
         
     
    Suggestions and comments are welcome.
     
    Job
     
     
  25. Job's Modelling
    I have chosen The Little Acorns School from Petite Properties for my next project. It will be build as a diorama using the same base as for the George Inn.
     

     
    It will be a mixed media project using paint for some parts and textures for other parts.
     
    The first thing I do when I start a project is doing some research. Being a teacher myself for a long time this is an interesting subject for me. These little one class school actually exist around 1900 in agriculture villages. Littleworth was also an agriculture community around that time.
     
    I don’t know if I have to build the interior. I know that I have to give it a planked floor and a sober interior wall. I found some nice attributes that I could use. Nothing is available, so I have to scratch build everything.
     

     
    I also needed a story for my diorama. There are a lot of pictures available of photographed classes. So, I thought it could be a good idea to use that for the scene. I still had some Edwardian figures that I could use.
     

     
    After working out this theme I found out that I had enough children and a teacher. So, I don’t have to order them. The photographer is also available as a single figure from Langley.
     

     
    These small classes are historically correct. I found some interesting information on this subject. (Teacher is standing wrong in this try-out)
    I made a diorama plan to see if it would fit.
     

     
    The playground will be an aggregate tipped and rolled in surface. Found some interesting material to try out. Will use the book Landscape Modelling by Barry Norman and Modelling Grassland and landscape detailing from Gordon Gravett as a reference.
    Next stage is to build the school building.
     
    Suggestion are more than welcome,
    Job
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