NP Flat

This is one of ExactRail's GSC flatcars, which come with the deck packaged separately.  I weathered mine starting with a coat of dark gray primer from a spray can, followed by pastel and watercolor pencil weathering of the individual boards.  The deck on this example seemed to be etched deeper than the previous ones I tried, making it easier to weather without obscuring any details.  The car also received etched ACI plates from BLMA, and some decals for consolidated stencils and yellow dot U1 inspection symbols.  The consolidated stencils I had were a bit tall for the space where they were located in my prototype photo, requiring some trimming and rearranging to make them fit.

A gorgeous scene, Rob Mike

A gorgeous scene, Rob

Mike

Rob every time I look at your

Rob every time I look at your layout I marvel at your ability to paint the backdrop, you have a rare talent. I continually look closely to see where the excellent modeling ends and the fantastic painting begins. I think it helps that I have seen so many examples of your painting and modeling otherwise it would be even harder to differentiate the two.

The flatcar model is great as well, one could say more of the same. It looks used not abandoned.

H0 - Maine Central

Viewed from down in the tidal inlet

Bigger versions if you click on them.

Mike

Re: NP flat

Nice work! I especially like your scenery and the way it blends so well into that great backdrop.

Re: HO Maine Central

Your models (and photos) always exude atmosphere, Mike! I can almost feel the chill air.

Placed Loaded

Continuing the flatcar theme ICE bulkhead #66033, with a load of plate steel, is spotted under the outbound crane at Chicago Bridge and Iron in Clive, Iowa.

James

Puttering around

Just staging some stuff to take pictures under my new LED lighting from Michael Rose and Precision Design Co.

Me Too!

I am also puttering around with the LED strips from Micheal and PDC.  So here is what 3 strips 10 inches above the model looks like.

I'm using the warmer 3950K LED's (just personal preference).  The camera was set to ISO 100 and using Auto white balance.  Great work so far everyone!

Andrew

Another great week!

We're in for another great week of photo fun, I can tell already! Fantastic work posted so far.

Mike C, your photos always make this 'desert rat' feel cold just looking at them...beautiful lighting.

Speaking of lighting, the Mission San Lorenzo on the Estrella & Sonora Grande RR is like a reflector of the Sonoran Desert...glowing white in the bright daylight, and soft and almost luminescent at twilight.

In full daylight, the mission seems to light up like a beacon. On a clear day, it is visible many miles away, and its four bells can be heard in neighboring towns.

The mission is a solid block of florist foam with details made from balsa, stripwood, styrofoam, cork, coffee stir sticks and styrene. It was covered with a stucco made from spackling compound and acrylic paint.

ES44AC EB passing through the yard.

Back on the road

Yeah, my favorite thread of the week!

BN 6303 and a couple slugs, pickles, twinkies, whateveryoucallems, get back out on the main after a meet.

Paul

Thanks Ray and Verne

A beautiful building, Verne and great scenes DJ and Paul.

Railbus

Lazy sunday

Ex ROCK CNW Box Car

It's been awhile since I've had anything to post, but here's my latest project to offer for "Yes it's a Model".

Stunning!

Stunning work Jeff!  And everyone else too!

This is always a great thread.

Nice work, everyone!

Dittos on Rob's backdrop, and Verne, I hope that beautiful mission finds a good home!

A "Real" Model for you Iowa Interstate Fans

Thanks

Paul, thanks - the mission and the rest of my San Lorenzo village will be placed intact on Dave Meek's Thunder Mesa layout...a perfect place for it, I think. It will have a small mining village of Estrella to its right, and to its left an indian pueblo, and should fit right in.

Re: Nice work, everyone!

I agree, lots of good work being shown here!

Golden oldie, Nolans Wharf

RE Bill

Thanks Bill.  I agree, there's always some really good work and photos in this thread.  I've about hit my max with all the model train forum and FB stuff, too much of it and too much drama.  As I've limited some of my internet train time, surprisingly I've gotten more modeling done!  I don't follow much else here at MRH, but I try to check in on the Photo Fun as there's usually some quality work to see.

CSX Ballast Train

Been working on my CSX ballast train. Here are all 10 cars with decals finished.  Will look good behind the two CSX MOW GP38's that Atlas did a few years ago.