Look Well on the Way...

to being the person that others will look to, like you did to John Allen and his "French Gorge"! You do spectacular work!

In late celebration

Please indulge me in a little late celebration of the seventh anniversary of The Blackwater and Blue Ridge R.R. Time to just pause and take a look with some pictures since I'm actually into year eight. I decided to feature a little more of my G&D rolling stock in this shot of The Clark Viaduct and Meeks Canyon...

I've already rounded the bend into year eight but here #4 takes on a little extra duty towing a small mixed freight around the bend near Blackwater...

Beautiful!

Michael,

That's one beautiful layout you've got there.  Wish I could see it in person!  Outstanding work. And congratulations on the anniversary!

VERY, VERY NICE MichaelT Just

VERY, VERY NICE MichaelT

Just curious, ...any particular reason for the 'recent hiatus' ?

I get those feelings fairly often lately, but I try to let them last for just a few days at a time.

Hiatus

My wife had some medical issues that sort of diverted me for awhile and we got through those but my impetus to work on the layout had been waning for quite some time anyway. My creativity tends to come in waves and when they hit, I just ride them as long as I can. Sometimes too though, I get the lulls in it where I can't seem to do anything and stuff feels forced. There's no predicting when they come and how long they last. I just wait them out doing some of my other hobbies. Eventually the spark catches again and I get on a roll again like I am now. Thanks everyone for the compliments!

Very Nice

Great looking scene and really close to what John Allen did.

John

Modeling the ATSF Paradigm Division in N-Scale 

‪https://www.youtube.com/user/tanzj

Nice work Michael

Every time I log into the MRH website, I look for your updates. I really enjoy your work and missed you during your absence. I understand that some things have to take priority over model railroading. It is just our hobby, but I am glad you are back. Hope to see you regularly for a while. Oh, and happy anniversary!!

Michael...

time flies when your having fun,,,,looks great can't wait for more!

Peace Bill

Much to do

Here's another shot that came from playing with camera angles. We are looking straight on at #4 and in the near distance is the Westcott engine terminal. It looks OK but if I moved the camera closer  a bit of neglect would show. The area of focus before my hiatus had been the Oil Dealer which is just out of view behind and to our left in this shot. Then when I got back at it the area of Blackwater just sort of grew outward. I finished the depot first and then added the hotel. That signage is temporary and as can be seen, partially unfinished anyway. The engine terminal now needs that focus and will probably come next but there's also a log loading scene yet to be created that's  in the Blackwater vicinity. There is still much to do.

Playing with Affinity Photo

As mentioned elsewhere, it's on sale right now and I picked it up. It's not perfect and I could see myself disappearing down a rabbit hole with this software but here's my first reasonable looking attempt at sky replacement...

@Michael - fabulous work!

I've spotted plenty of your posts as 'of interest' .. and never mentioned how I admire your work - and contributions!

Thanks.. and keep those wheels rolling.

Timelapse

Again, I'd like to thank everyone for the kind words.

I was looking back through some old shots and found this one of the Blackwater area just after doing base level scenery. Even the trees needed attention.

Here's a shot I took today trying to duplicate that same view angle. Quite the difference and the large majority of this was done in the past couple of months.

great looking layout   rich

great looking layout

rich