Screen

What screen material did you use, and where did you find it?  Also, which brand of adhesive did you use to attach the screen to the posts (you were using some spray adhesive on an earlier one)?  I have some long stretches of chain link in my future.  I do have a lot of bridal veil mesh on hand, but maybe your screen will be better, as you noted in a previous thread you preferred working with the screen.  I see in the older thread you mentioned it's fiberglass, but I don't know anything beyond that. https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/finishing-up-12192602

Materials

Hi Rob,

The same techniques I used for the fence at Buckeye Terminal in Clive were used for Beisser Lumber. The screen material is fiberglass window screen I picked up a Lowes. I like it better than Tulle because its stiffer and cuts cleaner with a utility knife.

The screen was attached to the frame with spray adhesive to prevent the gumming that happens with CA. With that said I did have to touch up some spots with Zap-A-Gap where it had pulled away from the frame, probably as a result of my not letting it set long enough.

James

Spray Adhesive

Since each brand of spray adhesive works differently, do you recall which one you used on these fences?  Some stay sticky forever and attract dust, some create huge glue blobs, etc.

Elmers Craft Adhesive

I used Elmer's Craft Adhesive. It's not as strong as say, 3M Super 70, but has a longer working time. I've used it for all my photo backdrops and buildings to date.

James

Very nice!

James, that is a beautiful scene and I like the idea of adding operational interest by having to open & close the gate.  Thanks for sharing!

That came out great.

Looks very realistic.  I'm still trying to figure out how to build a convincing chain link fence in N scale, the mesh needs to be much finer than what I've found so far......DaveBranum

Mesh Detail

Rick, Dave, thank you...

The screen material I used is probably oversized for HO scale. The only commercial product I've seen that came close is the BLMA fence but, as I mentioned, would have cost considerably more than building my own. For N Scale I don't even know where to being to look for the proper product.

Close up photo of the fence. Nickel for scale...

James

Nicely done.

White Dirt/soil next to grass

What did you use for the white dirt next to the grass in the scene. It reminds me of the sand in South Florida and would be good for the area of South Florida I plan to model.

Thanks

Bill Michael

DNI Ready-Mix

The "white dirt" is decomposed granite sifted thru a strainer to remove the big chunks. I got the bag from Home Depot. The lot will eventually be the aggregate yard for DNI Ready-Mix... which is next on my to do list.

James

Wow...

I have seriously got to come over and see this setup in person some time...

Wire mesh screen

I used to work in a plastic compounding plant. We took the raw materials and made those little plastic pellets. One of the steps in the process was to force the molten plastic through through a screen to remove any foreign particles. We used many mesh size screens from 40 mesh on up to 1000 mesh, ( so small you could hardly see the openings in the screen) . I just did an online search for 200 mesh screen and came up with this  http://www.silkscreeningsupplies.com/product/AL2024200?gclid=CMbTpO-uhbgCFcij4Aod2jUATg  I don't remember exactly what this size looks like, but I am sure its close to N scale size.   This one  http://www.ebay.com/bhp/100-mesh-stainless-steel-screen May be suitable for HO scale. 

And James, That is a really nice looking fence. I would never have the patience to do something like that....Mike

Fence in N-scale

This is N-scale:

I'm using Organza: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organza

N scale chain link

My camera battery is dead, but I can post a photo later.  I model HO scale, but use fine metal mesh for industrial models.  The stuff I use is from a "spatter screen," one of those metal rings covered with fine mesh that you set in a skillet to keep bacon grease from coating your stove top when you fry it. I got it at the dollar store for (you guessed it) a buck.  You would have to cut the appropriately sized strips for your need, but if you cut it diagonal to the weave, it would probably look very much like N scale chain link.  And the price is right!

Chain wire fence

Oh, and James . . .

The whole scene is spectacular!  The fence is perfect for the industry, but the rest of the scenery really makes it - I can hear forklifts running just looking at the scene!  I'm hoping to be able to model a fraction of this level of realism . . . Gives me something to shoot for!

Take a Chance

Thanks Rog,

I'm no expert or artist, but I hope that my blog entries show that anyone can accomplish the same results.

James

the scene

 Here's a similar lumber yard and fence at Santa Cruz ca. ........DaveBranum  

Excellent work James!

Excellent work James!  If I were a rivet counter, then yeah, the mesh is a tad oversized for HO.... but I certainly don't care! 

The whole scene works very well together to give the viewer the (intended) impression of what's going on here.  I'd be more than happy with that facility on my layout.  Be proud sir!

"Chain link" that might work for N scale . . .

And the price is right - a buck at the dollar store.  I finally got my camera battery charged up - here is a shot of the "spatter screen" mesh that I use for fine screen in HO industrial models - don't know if it would be appropriate for N scale, but it looks good and is darned cheap!  It can be cut with standard scissors.

Try etchings

Have seen some beautiful fine scale mesh for N gauge car transporters produced by etching thin NS. Wouldn't dare to paint it as the finest paint would bridge the holes.

Archie

Fence Construction

Very nice work and thanks for sharing James! Does it work best to construct and weather the fence in place on the layout or would you build it on the workbench and install it? 

Thanks! 

Order of Construction

Hi Ben,

I built, painted and weathered the fence all at the workbench, but there's no reason you couldn't do it on the layout as well.

During installation I did have some of the fence material come loose from the frame. This was easily corrected with a few spot applications of CA. For me it was simpler to build it separate from the layout.

James

Gate Lock

James, do you have some kind of locked lever to open/close the gate?

If the lever was locked with a key, and that key was on the opposite side of the peninsula then the crew would have to stop, walk over to get the key, walk back unlock and open the gate, do their work, then lock the gate back and replace the key before leaving. Another operating challenge!

Steven