January Update

For January I've put together a short video showing progress on the layout so far. I'm looking forward to getting a lot done on the railroad this year and updates should be rolling out with a little more regularity in the future. In the meantime, enjoy the movie! (I highly recommend watching in full-screen mode.)

November ~ December Update

Why am I posting a November - December update at the end of January? Because I'm behind, that's why! Sure, I could backdate it, but that wouldn't be very honest now would it? Anyhoo, here's what I've been working (or playing) on:

This is a Photoshop render of a tiny little steamer currently in the works.
If all goes according to plan, this will be Thunder Mesa #1, the "El Dorado."
It's a Disney-esque caricature all the way. I'm building it up on an older Bachmann Porter Chasis.

Making Stone Foundations, Bridges and Abutments

I've started detailing the right of way here and there with some stonework carved from Balsa-Foam. Here are a few examples:

First, I cut a chunk of Balsa-Foam to the right shape and size and then
lightly lay out horizontal lines with a straight edge for the rows of stones.
Then I carve around the edges of each stone with a hard lead pencil.

Once the pieces are carved,  the next step is to paint and seal them with artists acrylics.
My favorite color for this is a tannish white called Buff Titanium. Note that this color will serve as
mortar between the stones so if you want a dark mortar, use a darker base coat.

When the base color is dry, I dry-brush the stone colors using a stiff brush,
 taking cae to only get color on the "stones" and not down in the mortar lines.

Lastly, I pick out individual stones with a few contrasting colors for variety.
After a little weathering with powdered chalks the pieces are ready to install on the layout.

This long skinny piece will serve as the stone foundation for the Thunder Mesa Station.

One of the abutments under the truss bridge.

Last but not least, I created this little stone arch bridge for the high-line, using some
medium grit sandpaper wrapped around a small plastic bottle to hollow out the arch.

That's about it for now. With any luck, future updates will be posted in a more timely manner. Thanks for checking in.