Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The West Highland Way



Was looking through Youtube the other evening and came across this, something I feel you should see...

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Detail Impression

I was asked the other week by a friend about the paint detail I use for painting kits and scenic work.

It does vary from person to person, and, unless you're actually painting a direct copy of a building or scene, I tend to advise to go for impression rather than detail.

Fencing is prime example, too many people over do the fencing paint work, under painted is better. I use a mixture of paint work and flock to create the effect I want.

Base coat the fencing, then paint over with the colour you want, a good idea is to weather the undercoat rather than the top coats.

Once I've done the top coats, I tend to use some flock to create some form of colour, perhaps roses or moss around the fencing.

I'll post some photos for you to see later this month.

Allotments & Gardening

Evening Blog,

I expect we're the only ones reading this, but never mind.

Just spent the evening with George Smith, well part of a bottle of his Glenlivet. Have just started the allotment section, very tiring this gardening lark, especially with a few large measures of 12 year old malt to keep me company.

Just primed the fencing, this will eventually go along the back of the allotment and garden area. Using a off coloured cream for effect, more on effects later...

Once I'd done that I moved on to preparing the ground, (this really does sound like I'm in a real garden...!) for laying the turf and earth area for the vegetables.

Perhaps I should hire Charlie Dimmock?

Used several variations of green and brown to create the under coating of the ground area, then used dark green for the grass areas and a nice earth brown for the garden/allotment areas.

I feel the whole project for the allotment will take a few days worth of work, the fencing will take several coats of paint for the effect I want, as for the actual allotment area, who really knows, plenty of small kits to build.

I'm going to have a mixture of flowers and vegetables, no point just having one or the other...

Saturday, February 28, 2009

winter break

With the winter break now nearly over, it was time to re-organise the shed, threw out lots of unwanted stuff and created some working space for gardening and modelling, not that gardening has anything to do with me...!

It's surprising how much gets dumped in the shed over a 12 week period, still has to go somewhere.

During the winter break I had managed to get in and do some ground work for the layout, painting in the road and shrubbery areas ready for some modelling within the next few months.

I can now see how the Elkin goods yard is shaping up, some changes are needed and with some ideas from the Glasgow show, I've got a good idea of how it'll progress.

Glasgow MRS

We headed off to Glasgow model railway show on the 20th, staying overnight and visiting the show on the 21st.

What a treat, my first mrs for over 10 years...! Glasgow put on an excellent show, some fantastic layouts and the right mix of exhibits and trade stands.

Caught up with Langley Models, had a good look at the new bits and bobs they're offering. My main point of purchase was for some detailing kits for my next modelling project on Briers Grove, the allotments.

I purchased some Busch detailing kits, roses, lupins, veggies and something else, 5 kits, coming in at £43 or there about...!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Brief Exposure


This is quick look at the Briers Grove termini.

I've got plenty of modelling a head of me, working in direction and stages has proved the best idea - I've got lots to look forward to and this section offers more modelling scope.

Back On Track

Well the first entry for 2009, so what's new?

Not a great deal, processed the photographs from the NRM visit, will post some on the Picasa site soon. Have got some nice photographs, could do with another go there soon, need a trip this time though.

As for the layout, had a little running session on Tuesday evening, general tidy up, sorted the space out so I've got more room to move about. Thursday was slow, getting into the ideas mode is slow, but got there in the end.

Painted some of the base boards with Burnt Umber and Terracotta for earth colouring, painted out an idea for the Railway Arms PH. Will need more time to see how it'll shape up.

Next job I need is some sections of track to extend the coaling sidings and, get myself some railway cottages, more then likely Hornby Skaledale. (a free plug there)