Just messing around with some old 360 software and I created a 360 view of the train room.  Go to the link below and click on "Alcove 360".  It takes a few seconds to load.  Once loaded click & drag left or right to see the room-  you can also zoom in and out using the controls on the player.  Here's the link to my website with the 360 view

http://richlawnrailroad.com/?page_id=46

UPDATE - I just noticed the two story trestle!  A little "oops" with the software!

Rick

Since I'm expanding into the alcove it makes sense to complete the mountain area that has been a "skeleton" for a number of years now.  I like the idea of working on movable sections because I can work on them comfortably outside of the train room.  Below are some pictures of the section that will complete the area:

Work continues at a snail's pace on the back left corner as I'm working on the two structures there.  I've just about finished the log cabin which is a kit from one of MRH's sponsors RsLaserKits.

This first picture is just to show the location of the cabin on the scenery area.  Note the house trailer under construction on the left.

While the artist I hired to paint the backdrop is doing her thing I wanted to continue to make progress so I decided to work on the scenery in the back left corner that is between the wall and the upper track.  I already had envisioned what I wanted the area to look like including a deep rock cut, some lush mountain area, a road, and a couple of homes.

Update July 7, 2011 - Today the artist redefined the hill areas and adjusted the horizon accordingly.  She also started adding some of the trees on the mountains.  Here are a few pictures of her work.

This is a work in process and she said that she "paints a little here and a little there".  It's good to see some of the green!

******* UPDATE ******** THIS JUST IN!

Well, my artist came over tonight for "next steps" and when she saw the clouds she said "they have to go!"  Among the things she said about the clouds were "too many"..."too big"...."not realistic".  Ouch!  She was the one that told me to paint clouds (after seeing what my clouds looked like on the existing portion) and told me to paint the horizon so she would know where to start painting.

I'm at the stage on my alcove expansion where I needed to think about what to do with the backdrop area and I thought that I'd try a painted backdrop.  The area is all together approximated 30 liner feet and I first thought about a printed backdrop like can be supplied by one of our fine sponsors.  I've got such a backdrop in the Matthews Freight Yard area, but with the cost I thought that I'd check out other options.

Just a little something to show what's been going on...

Rick

Here's the latest progress on the work in the alcove that shows the lower level mainline and tunnels in place (yes, there are access hatches) and the start of the upper level sub-roadbed.  The curve at the left of the picture is 42" radius and the curves near the back 30" and 36" radius.

Rick

Now that the lower track mainline portion is nearly complete I need to complete the tunnel before starting on the upper mainline since it will cover the lower mainline for a distance.  I made the straight portion of the tunnel out of 1" foamboard but need a curved section on either end.  There are many ways to do this, but I decided that I would try a new (at least it's new to me) process that I thought up using mat board covered with plaster cloth.  You can see the process here: http://richlawnrailroad.com/?page_id=129<