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Station Stop => Layout Tours => Topic started by: Mark Dalrymple on July 04, 2019, 05:24:25 PM

Title: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 04, 2019, 05:24:25 PM
Shadowlands and Tellynott

"From the sea for as far inland as the eye can reach, nothing is to be seen but the summits of these rocky mountains which seem to lay so near to one another as to not admit any valleys between them."  Captain James Cook describing Fiordland on his voyage of discovery in 1770.

Jacksons Bay was as far south as one could go along the West Coast of New Zealand before these sheer fjords made the terrain impassible.  It was beautifully located, with the steep slopes of bush clad mountains falling to the coast and enclosed by the southern heads and northern bluffs falling right to the Tasman Sea.  The brave men who attempted to make a life in these stunning but harsh lands were known as 'the far downers'.

As the gold rush of the 1860's gained momentum, the potential of Jacksons Bay as a future hub of the West coast grew.  It was seen as the only real port on the west coast of the South Island and the nearest to Australia, as well as being close to Haast Pass, the lowest pass across the Southern Alps.  The site was surveyed in 1874 and a report sent to the minister of immigration singing its praises, but also stressing that the wise choice of settlers and the construction of a jetty running into deep water were paramount to the settlements success.

Photo 1 - map showing the surveyed plan of Jacksons Bay (Arawata).  A note was added to the map stating that roads may have to be altered slightly to accommodate changes in grade! https://polishhistorynewzealand.org/jacksons-bay/   

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 04, 2019, 06:06:13 PM
Investigations were undertaken into the surrounding area to ascertain the bounties available.  From the sea blue cod, kingfish, tuna and crayfish were all found in abundance while the local rivers and streams produced beautiful trout and salmon along with a plentiful supply of whitebait.  the native timber supply was diverse with matai, rimu, totora and kaihikatea all growing in the general area of Jacksons Bay.  In the headlands to the south limestone was discovered while coal deposits were found between Smoothwater Bay and Homing Cove.  South of Arawata clay of extremely high quality and suitable for brick-making was discovered and, with the abundant rainfall and rich loamy clay soil, there was potential for farming.

The government of the day circulated pamphlets describing a land of milk and honey, of chocolate brown soil and beaches littered with gold nuggets.  Free passage was offered to any man who dared to be rich and land was offered at very reasonable rates.  In 1875 the first settlers began to arrive, and the number quickly grew to 600 including 46 children.  The beautiful picture painted by the government was in stark contrast to reality and the first settlers to Jacksons Bay found "a swamp infested with sandflies and mosquitoes, lashed by biblical rains and bordered by a sea of uncommon severity".

Despite the caution of the Superintendent of Westland and the Chief Surveyor, many of the settlers sent to Jacksons Bay had no experience in agriculture or fishing but were instead men unable to find work elsewhere.  A timber mill was built under the assurance that a deep-water jetty would be built, but while the jetty was partially constructed, the pin was pulled and it was never completed.  In fact, a jetty at Jacksons Bay was not built until the late 1930's.  Through governmental neglect the settlement was destined for failure from its very beginnings and by 1927 only nine families and four single men remained in the area - the hardest of the hard - who toiled the land in harsh conditions until slowly, over the years, it relented.

Shadowlands and Tellynott is my story of what might have happened if the jetty at Jacksons Bay had been built when originally intended.  Taking the surveyors plan as a rough guide, over the next 50 years a haphazard town was constructed clinging to the side of the steep hills surrounding the bay.  A rail line was put in to tap into the local resources and bring their spoils to the wharf.  Industries sprung up to process the raw materials when possible.  The gold, of course, did not last, but while it did the town saw vast wealth and boomed.  When it was gone there were enough natural resources in the area to keep things ticking over.  By 1932, when our scene is set, Tellynott is in the midst of a deep depression.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PaulS on July 04, 2019, 07:18:27 PM
Simply wonderful back story Mark....   And so looking forward to following along as you bring life to your version of the Shadowlands and Tellynott...


--Paul
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on July 04, 2019, 10:05:45 PM
Mark


Fantastic start.  I can't wait to see where you go with this.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: cuse on July 05, 2019, 06:41:13 AM
I like a good theme. Nice work.


John
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ReadingBob on July 05, 2019, 07:10:21 AM
This will be fun to follow along.  Thanks for sharing!   :)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 06, 2019, 01:39:47 AM
Hi guys.

Thanks for the comments Paul, John, John and Bob - very much appreciated.

I've been meaning to start a fresh layout thread here for ages - I even thought I had!  I hope to get things going in a bit of a sensible order before I start uploading photos of the various projects ongoing at the moment.

Reading up about the history of Jacksons Bay has been very interesting.  There were some fantastic historical accounts...

...women carrying 25kg (55 pound) bags of flour 10 miles through the bush from the closest store in order to be able to make bread, a visiting dentist removing 96 teeth in a single day, a musterer taking a bottle of whisky and a knife into the bush to remove his own tooth, appendectomies taking place on kitchen tables

...any women who had a barrel to catch rain water from the roof was said by her neighbours to be living in luxury!

It sure makes you think we've got it easy!

Anyway - hoping to get a bit more on the progress of S&T (Shadowlands and Tellynott) uploaded over the weekend.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on July 06, 2019, 05:18:41 AM
Mark,

This has really been fun to follow. I'm still reading the Polish History part and looking forward to your future updates.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on July 06, 2019, 09:13:11 AM
What a grand story and concept Mark.....I'll be looking in on this on.  :)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 06, 2019, 04:23:14 PM
Thanks very much Tom and Greg!

Tom - I put the link in mainly to reverence where the map came from - but if you are finding the history enjoyable...I have pasted my favourite link below.

https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/spring-in-haast/

The information on the Jacksons Bay history is told by an account of fourth generation 'Far Downer' Neroli Nolan and starts part way down the page with the words 'I wake up' in bold.  It is a colourful account filled with great stories and cold hard truth.  Enjoy!

More - hopefully later today, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 06, 2019, 10:54:59 PM
Hi guys.

Well I best begin with the site of the home of Shadowlands and Tellynott. 

In August 2017 we moved to a rural address.  11 acres all up - about five in garden, four in paddocks and 2 in driveway and shelter belts.  We have big plans to develop the garden slowly over the next 2 - 3 decades.  The property came with a large barn - in pretty good nick and of pretty high quality for a barn - but which had been let go to the birds - literally!  I worked around the barn over a period of a few months, wearing all the safety gear, permanently blocking up all the bird entry points and evicting my feathered friends as I went.  The fact that I took a few months to do it seemed to help a lot, as most of the birds saw the end was near and relocated themselves.  I spent many hours scrubbing down the droppings with hot water and disinfectant from all the studs and trusses, and clearing out all the old nests.  I had to be very vigilant over this time, closing doors the instant I was through, or the birds would make a quick attempt to regain ground.  Once cleaned and debirded, I started work on converting the two center bays into the future home of the S&T.

Pictured below are:

Photo 1 - The barn from the front
Photo 2 - a close up of the area to eventually be railway real estate
Photo 3 - the back of the barn
Photo 4 - a close up of the railway real estate.
Photo 5 - the plan of the two center rooms.

The interior door was moved closer to the wall and a beam installed at the opposite end to allow flow between the two rooms.  The area under this beam has been temporarily framed and insulated while I concentrate on Tellynott.  This will all become clearer as I work through the layouts development.

More soon, Cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 07, 2019, 02:24:04 AM
Hi guys.

Fitting the existing partially completed layout into the new space and the new design has been a ongoing task.  I'm still a long way from finished - but the basic concept of Shadowlands is pretty firm and Tellynott is mostly set in concrete.

I wanted several things in a layout.  Firstly I wanted only one scene to be viewed at a time.  This meant that although the barn has 3.4 meter (11'4") ceilings, that a double decker layout was not an option.  I considered a mushroom style, but soon discovered that this didn't really gain any extra space but did create a whole heap of work.  Paired with this was the fact that we have now experienced two major earthquakes in Canterbury and I wanted my entire layout to be both sectional and on wheels so that if we do get another event the whole thing can be transported without too much fuss.  I also discovered that things on wheels and not attached to walls cope far better and obtain far less damage than those without these virtues.  They seem to move with the shaking.  Further, I wanted each section to be completely self contained, with its own attached backdrop and ceiling.  This set up a few challenges which I had to address moving forwards. 

With this one scene at a time idea in mind, I also wanted to split Tellynott and Shadowlands visually - both to keep the contrasting urban and mountain scenes separate and to help with the illusion of vast distance.  I did my usual trick of cutting out a paper plan of my existing L-shaped layout and moving it around a plan of the model room(s).  Again - this developed over time - but the purchase of a fantastic book of pencil sketches of Wellington city scenes - 'the Compleat cityscapes by David McGill and Grant Tilly' swayed my decision to add a peninsula filled with residential housing to Tellynott - the suburb of Inglletown (anagram of Wellington - Oh - Tellynott takes a lot of inspiration from the suburb of Lyttelton - of which Tellynott is an anagram).  Having backdrops and ceilings on all the layout sections meant that I could use the layout backs as a room division wall without adding a wall, and this is what I chose to do.

With the layout room I started by gutting the interior of shelving, built in workbench, makeshift lining etc.  I then cleaned and washed everything down.  I put plywood on the division truss between the model rooms and the implement shed.  I installed ceiling battens.  I insulated all the walls (including the division wall - being aware that this was a long term project and it might be some time before I start work on Shadowlnds) and the ceiling.  I lined all the walls and the ceiling with plaster board or structural plywood sheeting.  I stopped the plasterboard, put strips of pine up the plywood seams, skirted and painted. PHEEW!

Photo 1 - shows the original L-shaped layout
Photo 2 - shows the expanded Tellynott layout.  There were some slight changes to the shape as I moved forwards.
Photo 3 - shows Shadowlands and Tellynott.  You can see how removing a section of the division wall will let me display the whole area of Shadowlands behind the back wall of Tellynott as one large vista.
Photo 4 - shows work on the room - here I am installing insulation.
Photo 5 - show the room nearing completion and the large removed section of division wall.  Ceilings are lined.
Photo 6 - nearly done!

More soon, cheers, Mark.
 
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Janbouli on July 07, 2019, 05:05:58 AM
Very nice  train room, if I weren't as far as I am with my layout I would probably break it down and start all over with the room.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 07, 2019, 06:49:26 AM
Mark, I love the track plan, Very busy...Dennis
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: madharry on July 07, 2019, 07:29:47 AM
Good luck with the layout Mark. You have really been busy with the clear up. I've explored that coastline a couple of times and it is pretty awesome.

Mike
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on July 07, 2019, 09:49:03 AM
Looking forward to seeing it come together in it's new home Mark. Good looking train room and great planning.  8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 08, 2019, 12:20:01 AM
Hi guys, great to have you all following along!

Janbouli - I was very restrained when we moved in here and kept all my models and dioramas in their boxes until I had finished the room and the bench-work.  This was extremely difficult for me - but I knew if I got things out I would just be double handling.

Dennis - yes - I love busy!  Especially when it comes to urban scenes.  That's one of the reasons I love modelling at grade - space is always at a premium and things get crammed in almost on top of each other.

Mike - yes - we have to remind ourselves that if it wasn't for all the earthquakes we wouldn't have that lovely mountain range falling to the Tasman Sea.  There are several towns on the West Coast that sit right on top of the Alpine fault line.

Gregory - thanks.  I enjoy the planning, and it was also nice to do the whole room myself.

Photo 1 - here I am trying some 1:1 scale modelling - checking out the views, feel and spaces between and around Tellynott.
Photos 2 and 3 - My father gave me a hand with this one.  We used box section and plate section which he welded together and drilled holes in using a template to make 'shoes'.  I then filed and painted the shoes and doctored the timber legs to a tight fit, hammered the shoes pictured in the first photo onto the legs and drilled and bolted these and then bolted the wheels to the 'shoes'.  Two fixed at one end and two swivel at the other end of each layout section.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 08, 2019, 07:13:56 AM
Mark, I like that idea of the leg's...... Dennis
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on July 08, 2019, 09:07:18 AM
Very ingenious Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on July 08, 2019, 11:13:31 AM
Hey Mark:

beautiful job.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 09, 2019, 03:22:45 AM
Thanks guys!

Curt and Dennis - The wheels worked very well.  They also made moving the sections around while working on the backdrops and ceilings so much easier!

Karl - Thanks so much for the compliment.

The next step was to build the bench-work.  I started by adding the backdrop and ceilings to the two sections which made up the original L-shaped Tellynott layout.  I cantilevered the ceilings 8 inches past the layout edge to give good lighting at the front of the layout.  I used 20mm clear pine and 2.75 and 4.5mm thick MDF.  Once this was completed I built the two new layout benck-work sections and added the ceiling sections.  I had to make up the corner sections as separate pieces because of the difficulty, complexity and weight involved.  The corners, because of their construction, prevented sag at the front of the layout ceilings because to pull down on one end meant the opposite end had to lift up.  Once all the sections were completed with their fascia and all bolted together they were very self supporting and apart from the ceiling over the peninsula (which I always intended to hang from the ceiling of the room) I deemed only one other part of the layout ceiling in need of extra support by way of a chain from the room ceiling.

Photo 1 - one of the corner sections.  I built the ceiling and walls as one piece.  Slots were cut in the layout bench top and the 2x1 pine studs slipped down these until the backdrop met with the bench top.  There was a lot of careful cutting and measuring.
Photo 2 - one of the new bench-work sections completed.
Photo 3 - a view from above showing the corner section fitted.
Photo 4 - the peninsula ceiling section held at the right height with some makeshift props.
Photo 5 - the props removed and the ceiling section has been bolted to the division wall section and hung from the room ceiling by chains, D-bolts and turnbuckles.  I beefed up the ceiling load points with extra timber work and brackets as required.
Photo 6 - a view of the hanging peninsula ceiling from the other direction.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: cuse on July 09, 2019, 07:03:47 AM
Wow...beautiful bones for your layout. The woodwork on the "ceiling" is really great and I meant to comment on those wheels...very nicely conceived to be sturdy. Those look much more reliable than most bolt-on cabinet wheels. Well done!
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 09, 2019, 07:39:31 AM
Mark, Your moving along fast. Love the woodwork hanging.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on July 09, 2019, 09:18:04 AM
Awesome woodworking.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on July 09, 2019, 04:43:44 PM
Mark


Fantastic work and thread.  Thank you for sharing it with us.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 09, 2019, 09:52:09 PM
Thanks for the responses guys.

Thanks Cuse - no - no chance of those wheels coming off.

Dennis - I am cheating a bit regards the speed - it isn't all done in real time.  I'm not John Siekirk!

Curt - thanks.  I enjoy the woodwork - although I was pleased when this section came to an end!

Thanks John - you are my biggest motivation for getting things done.  Every time I check in on your thread I feel lazy!

Well following on we have a couple of aerial shots.  I must admit - I do like these shots.  They do show well how much work was involved.  All those 'fins' you see across the top are made up of 4.5mm MDF nailed and glued to 45 by 20mm pine studs in a big capital L shape (upside down).  The studs go down behind the backdrop about 300mm past the layout bench-work where angled timber braces help keep them at 90 degrees.  This paired with the self supporting corner sections kept things surprisingly rigid.

Photo 1&2 - the layout from above.
Photo 3 - the chains, D-bolts and shackles attached.
Photo 4 - this photo shows the space left over at the back of this room behind Tellynott.  This will eventually be entirely filled with the mountain scenery of Shadowlands.
Photo 5&6 - these show the peninsula with extra framework installed underneath for a turnaround loop and hidden sidings.  There was also quite a bit of extra timber needed here for the bench-work fascia.  This under bench track-work came about with some changes in the design of Shadowlands - which I will go into more detail when I expand on the track plan.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 09, 2019, 09:56:22 PM
Mark, Still impressive I like that walk in a lot. John is a great modeler and very helpful person to know. John does build fast though....Dennis
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 11, 2019, 04:08:47 PM
Thanks Dennis.  I think the walk in works well.  Viewed from above, with the ceiling fascia overhanging by 200mm (8"), the isle width looks much tighter than it actually is.  I think, from memory, the tightest point is a touch over 3', and the layout opens out to 4' at the end of the walk in.  I put in a lot of extra time and effort to keep the layout front flowing with nice curves.  I had to remember when designing the bench-work that any internal curves would have a radius reduced by 8" on the ceiling fascia.  I found I could bend the 2.75mm MDF around a 250mm (10") curve - so that put a limit on things.

Yes - John is a fantastic person to know.  In 2015 when my wife and I did a five week trip to the USA John was good enough to liaise with George Sellios for me and make introductions.  George was then kind enough to let me choose the Saturday of the month that suited our travel plans for his open house.  It was great to meet George and to see the F&SM in the flesh - which exceeded all expectations.  I was also lucky enough to meet some of the forum members (including John) at the Scranton expo.  For me that was two things ticked off my bucket list.  I took many photos of the F&SM and sent them all to John who then uploaded many of them to the F&SM thread.  I also had a great time at the expo and came home armed with some great craftsman kits - including some that had been on my wish list for years.  Oh - and Utah blew my mind!

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on July 11, 2019, 10:22:20 PM
You guys are making me feel lazy - I'm sitting at my cabin in Northern Michigan tonight "relaxing" and doing some design work for the layout. I spent the day fishing with a dear friend - we did a lot of fishing but not much catching, today.  I'm retired now so I spend my time doing what I choose to do and that is usually working on my layout. Correction "what my wife lets me do".  ;D  Mark a trip to your side of the world is on my bucket list - maybe when you have your layout further along.  You sure are off to a wonderful start. It is amazing how many wonderful people I have met through this wonderful hobby. This forum is a great way to share what we are doing.  Please keep us up-to-date with your progress. I really enjoy your work. Do you have any return trips to the States planned?
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 11, 2019, 10:27:12 PM
You lazy John??????????   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D NO WAY!!!!!!!! Dennis
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 11, 2019, 10:48:14 PM
Did you notice Dennis - even when John is relaxing in his cabin he is still working on the layout!

That sounds great, John.  I will look forward to a future visit here.  My wife and I have a good friend in Athens, Georgia whom we hope to visit in the not to distant future.  We would also like to catch up with Tampa Jim in Tampa, Florida.  Jim has visited us here twice now.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Dennis Bourey on July 11, 2019, 11:16:47 PM
Mark, Yes he does. He's addicted for some unknown reason............ ;)
Dennis
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 12, 2019, 11:10:31 PM
Hi guys.

Moving forwards I wanted to clarify some of the overall planning and the changes that have so far come about.  Right from the very beginning of the idea to expand Tellynott and add a mountain scene there has been a problem with height.  The reason for this is that I wanted Tellynott to be viewed from almost eye level, whereas with Shadowlands I wanted to create a large height differential between the highest and lowest tracks.  As Tellynott is set on the water it needs to be at the lowest point of the layout (which it isn't).  As the track pierces the backdrop and enters Shadowlands it should enter at the lowest point of Shadowlands and then start to climb.  Coupled with this was the desire to create the large height differential between lowest and highest tracks but not really having sufficient room (or time in my life!) to obtain this differential without that inevitable 'bowl of spaghetti'!  I had decided on a helix to solve this problem some time ago, but because of space limitations at the old house, the position of the helix has always been set at the top right corner of the plans so far shown.  In this position there were all sorts of problems (including hidden turnouts) that I had never been able to solve to my satisfaction.  Its funny how you can't see the wood for the trees sometimes - but it wasn't until quite recently that it dawned on me that with the space now available to me the helix no longer has to go in this position!

The below plan shows the new design.  As I am a pencil designer - and there are still a lot of decisions to make moving forwards - this is just a 'sketch'.  I will create a much better, more colourful and easier to comprehend version in the near future, but for now, this plan should hopefully clarify the overall design somewhat.  Tellynott is pictured on the bottom and right 2/3rds of the plan.  The rest is Shadowlands.  The helix is now on the other side of the division wall, next to the internal doorway.  The main line leaves Tellynott through the backdrop after the first curved wall after leaving the yard.  It runs along behind the backdrop where, just before the second curved wall, it encounters a double slip.  By going straight through the double slip the track then makes a left turn and enters the helix by the division wall (all of this track work will be hidden, but easily accessible).  The helix makes several revolutions clockwise and trains will exit from a tunnel at the lowest level of Shadowlands.  There will also be a set of points near here whereby trains can pierce the division wall to the hidden sidings and return loop under the Tellynott peninsula (Inglletown).

The other advantage of this new design is that I can now build the layout in three stages.  Stage one will be Tellynott, stage 2 will be the helix and the bench-work from here to the division wall at the top of the plan (including all the area behind the backdrop of Tellynott) and stage three will be the rest.  In this way there will be far less of a rush to build a new two bay barn that will house the station wagon as I can complete stage two while the car still parks in the same space.

I will make an effort to print off the plan below, darken the lines, and add written explanations to help clarify.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on July 13, 2019, 11:17:31 AM
Hey mark:

Looks like you are moving right along. Beautifully done so far.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 13, 2019, 06:01:46 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks, Karl.  Yep - trying to keep the motivation going.

That's definitely one of the reasons I like to post on a thread like this - it helps keep me motivated.  Its also a great way to meet new friends, and even though I live on the other side of the world from most of you, I have still had the pleasure of meeting some of you, and I'm sure I will meet more in the future.  I also do a lot of my modelling by myself so it is a great way to share one of my great passions with like minded people.  Of course we all learn from each other.  Everyone is an expert in something.  Another important reason is that by having to explain your ideas to others you end up really analyzing what you are doing and this often leads to a greater understanding - often combined with a 'eureka!' moment.

I had quite a bit of fun following those little black lines around with a highlighter, and in the process discovered that it would be very easy to add a continuous run to the river return loop.  I have drawn this in and will consider its uses in the different stages of construction.  I does mean I will be able to run trains while I work on the layout without them getting in the way.  I have named the high and low points Mountain and River to help make things clear.  Even though I decided against looping around the room twice, there is still a lot of pink!  (no bowl of spaghetti here, ah?)

Anyway, attached is a photo of a more colourful plan with some written explanations.  Hopefully it makes a bit more sense.  I have put in four heights for your reference.  The largest height differential is 21".  I'm sure in a mountain scene that will look like miles.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on July 13, 2019, 07:07:45 PM
Mark


Great looking plan.   As a point of reference - the lowest track on my S&S RR is 42 inches and the highest is 63 inches - 21 inches of difference. I found it interesting. ;) 
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 14, 2019, 04:01:17 PM
Thanks, John.  Yes - interesting that our height variations are the same.  I'm kind of governed by the area to the left of River and Mountain.  If I keep the first three bridges level leaving Mountain then I need a 3% grade to achieve an 18" height differential between River and Mountain.  I can expand this area slightly, but at its present size it seems to fit well aesthetically and be in proportion.  I also start to push the boundaries of what is easily accessible when reaching in to work on the scenery.  Also, the bottom left corner of the room was set aside to house my Fault Lines layout.  The more I think about it the more I think I will leave it as it is - although I will rotate the track-work a little to the left using the center of the top circle of track as the center of rotation in order to increase the isle width when entering Shadowlands.  The other important height governor is the double slip.  This will be somewhere between 58 1/2" and 60 1/2".  I have made decisions regards the different viewing heights of Graves Elevators and my Tap and Die diorama and these are both situated on sidings off the Mountain loop (in yellow).  This will dictate the track height the height of the track as it pierces the backdrop, and thus the double slip.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 17, 2019, 03:17:35 AM
Hi guys.

Well I thought I should update my 'layout at a glance'.  I also realise that some readers will not know about my other/ previous threads, so this should fill in a few blanks.

The layout at a glance.

Name:  Shadowlands and Tellynott (S&T)
Scale:  HO (1:87)
Prototype:  Freelanced - influenced by Jacksons Bay and urban NZ - mainly Lyttelton and Wellington.
Locale:  New Zealand
Period:  1932
Layout style:  Freestanding walk around
Layout height:  39.5" - 60.5"
Benchwork:  L-girder
Roadbed:  Homasote on MDF
Track:  Peco code 100
Length of mainline:  220 feet
Turnout minimum:  No 4
Minimum curve radius:  17 inches
Maximum grade:  3%
Scenery construction:  Plaster on polystyrene
Control:  DCC

Below is some information about Lyttleton - my Tellynott layouts original inspiration.  I'll try to write something up about Wellington as well.

Lyttelton is a steep port town (now a suburb of Christchurch) about 20 minutes drive from the center of the city.  A single track mainline negotiates these hills via a rail tunnel 1.5 miles long.  The tunnel was completed in 1867, and at the time, was one of the longest tunnels in the world, and the first to be driven through the side of an extinct volcano.  A ferry service was introduced from Lyttelton to Wellington in 1895 (connecting the South Island to the North Island) and continued until 1976.  This gave rise to the introduction of the boat train, which soon became a twice daily service.  Passengers were picked up from Lyttelton wharf in the morning after their overnight sailing from Wellington and taken through the tunnel to Christchurch, while in the evening passengers bound for Wellington were dropped off.  A road tunnel was also constructed, but not until 1964.  For years rail was the primary source of transport for goods from the mainland to the port.  Lyttelton became a popular destination for picnics and fishing off the wharf and in its hay day, 23 passenger trains traveled the 6.25-mile journey between Christchurch and Lyttelton daily.

The name Tellynott is an anagram of Lyttleton, and the port of Lyttelton has certainly been a major influence on the design of the Tellynott section of my layout. The steep site and small area demand complex and tight track-work in order to service as many wharves and industries as possible. This has also led to a large variety of industries in a very small space. Likewise, extremely small building sites have led to the structures being squeezed in, and the tendency to spread vertically rather than horizontally. I have exaggerated this vertical element and have looked to other New Zealand towns and cities for appropriate prototype buildings to either kit-bash or scratch-build.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 19, 2019, 11:42:04 PM
Hi guys.

I've been playing around with schematics.  Below is the version that doesn't involve the building of a new barn (yet).  This will be run as a point to point.  Tellynott to River, River to Mountain, Mountain to Tellynott (via the high return cutoff).  On their way to and from River trains can visit the low loop to be replaced.  I'm not convinced that the return cutoff here is necessary.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 20, 2019, 05:30:37 PM
Hi guys.

As Maori legend tells it,  Wellington is the head of the great fish that Maui hooked and hauled from the sea (the North Island representing the fish, while the South Island is the canoe).  She is a city of character and beauty, who grew over the decades, spreading up the Hutt river valley, around the shores of Cook Strait, and along the harbours and bays to the North. 

I first fell in love with photographs of fantastic wharf scenes of the early 1900's - photos bustling with life, with pretty ships and Clydesdale horses and the wondrous shapes of a row of hydraulic cranes.  Smoke and fog intermingled and clouded the sea air, but somehow through all that grime and grit I saw a romantic notion of life.  I visited Christchurch's many libraries and checked out many books on the city and also purchased any good ones I found in second hand book shops, especially when visiting Wellington.  I developed a shortlist of buildings I hoped to build one day, and many on that list were from Wellington.  On one trip a few years ago I found a book entitled 'The Compleat Cityscapes' written David McGill and illustrated by Grant Tilly.  It featured 244 heritage sketches of Wellington structures , many of them residential houses, and many located in some of Wellingtons steepest suburbs.  It was one of those finds that I was so super excited by.  When we moved to our new house with the extra modelling space the idea came to me to build an entire peninsula devoted to residential housing, using The Compleat Cityscapes almost solely as my inspiration.  As the idea developed I decided to keep this area free from any visible railway.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 22, 2019, 02:38:54 AM
Hi guys.

Well, after I had built my peninsula I spent some time playing with google earth and then with polystyrene.  I picked some of my favourite scenes from the book and looked on google earth maps using both terrain and street view to navigate around.  I found many of the houses were still standing, and many in very good condition.  I also found that many of the scenes I wanted to recreate were in close proximity to others.  I scaled up a map to the same scale as my layout plan and printed it off.  I then cut out the parts of the map featuring these scenes and recreated a street design that would fit into and flow with my layout peninsula design.

Photo 1 shows the paper plan after I had moved the cutout streets and found a configuration I thought would work well.  You can see I have referenced many pages from my book of scenes and structures I want to recreate.

I then drew the plan in HO scale on the peninsula and cut polystyrene into wedges.  I cut these into sections about 2" long and used them to create curved roads at grade.  Once this was complete I scanned all the structures from the book I wanted to build and enlarged until they were HO scale.  I then printed all these images, cut them out and attached them to blocks of polystyrene.  I arranged them on the layout until I was fairly happy.  I then went about creating smallish dioramas that would fit together in a kind of jigsaw, and which I could work on at the modelling bench at a later date.  I used expanding foam to fill any gaps.

Photos 2-6 show the process coming together.  You can see in photo 5 one of the finished diorama bases and in photo 6 it is put in position.

More soon, cheers , Mark.
 
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: cuse on July 22, 2019, 06:12:13 AM
Wow...that's quite a process. Very impressive!

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on July 22, 2019, 07:39:24 AM
Your research and development of this layout concept is quite amazing to me.  Keep going!


Jeff
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on July 22, 2019, 07:57:06 AM
Mark


This thread is fantastic! I'm really enjoying the detailed description of the design process.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 22, 2019, 04:26:44 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much for the comments Cuse, Jeff and John!  I was beginning to wonder if anyone was watching.

Well - here are a few more photos, some of which will fill in a few gaps in the process.

Photo 1 - I did this same process when designing the back wall of Tellynott, only I used a street map of Lyttelton.  This photo shows the cut out street map being manipulated into a position that I thought would work on the layout plan.  You can see I decided to crop the street map.  With the peninsula the process was the same except I had several smaller pieces that I had to manipulate and connect rather like a jigsaw.

Photo 2 - shows the high edge of the peninsula.  I intend to build a folding step here for viewers to stand on.  I want to create views down those curving streets with the rest of Tellynott across the isle in the background.  I'm hoping this will help make the layout appear much larger than it actually is.  You can see the timber along the top of the edge.  This is the top fixing for my facsia of MDF.  Its one of those things that is way easier to do during this process, rather than as an afterthought.

Photo 3 - Here we have the diorama housing my scratch-build based on Graves Elevators.  You can see all the flat head nails in the top and the side of the road sections.  I glue these in place and foam the gaps while the nails are in place and remove them when everything is dry.  I use Selleys quick grab in a caulking gun for gluing.

Photo 4 - this photo shows the Graves diorama in position.  The track here is the only track that will be visible on the whole diorama and it is right up against the far wall.

Photo 5 - Here is another photo showing the dioramas coming together.  I labeled them as I went to help show the process.

Photo 6 - Here is a shot showing all 12 dioramas in position.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 23, 2019, 08:07:23 PM
Hi guys.

Finally are some photos as I place my structures around the peninsula.  Many have specific spots to live as dictated by the scene pictures in the book.  This gives an overall impression of what I am trying to achieve in this area.  As you will see there are many structures (over 100) so I'm talking years.  We have the biannual NZAMRC convention in Christchurch in Easter of 2020 (it is held in Chch every 10 years) and my layout is on the tour list.  I have various goals I hope to achieve by then, but doing much work on the peninsula is not one of them.  I hope to be able to complete about a square foot so a finished scene across the peninsula and isle to the Tellynott corner diorama can be viewed.

Photo 1 shows the residential scene morphing into a more commercial and industrial one.  You can see here my Graves structure and my P&D Duncan scratch-build, along with some shops.

Photo 2 shows a close up view.  You can see Graves to the right.  The two tall houses in the front - especially the 5-story one to the left - have been on my 'must build' list for ages.  It was a butcher shop with housing above, although I think it is now a hair dresser.

Photo 3 shows the scene from further back.

Photo 4 shows a view from further back again.

Photo 5 - here we are angled the other way.  The expandable foam canister is actually across the isle at the end of the yard.  You can see how I will be able to create views this way with borrowed scenery from the layout behind.

Photo 6 - And lastly here is a view from the end of the peninsula.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on July 23, 2019, 09:05:24 PM
Mark


That is going to be one amazing scene. What a great way to visualize the plan. I will be following along as you implement it - thank you for sharing this with us.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 24, 2019, 03:41:29 PM
Thanks very much for stopping by, John - and for your kind words.

This is my favourite part of the process.  I would think I would spend maybe 10% of my time designing on paper, 10% of my time of building mock-ups and 10% on terrain mock-ups.  Its no wonder it takes me so long to build anything!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on July 24, 2019, 04:17:16 PM
Quote from: mark dalrymple on July 24, 2019, 03:41:29 PM
Thanks very much for stopping by, John - and for your kind words.

This is my favourite part of the process.  I would think I would spend maybe 10% of my time designing on paper, 10% of my time of building mock-ups and 10% on terrain mock-ups.  Its no wonder it takes me so long to build anything!

Cheers, Mark.


Mark


I think that any time you spend in the design and mock-up stage is saved in the build stage by minimizing the "do overs".  There is nothing worse than wasting time tearing out a section of layout and redoing it because it just doesn't look right. Your attention to elevation change makes the scene look much more realistic.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 24, 2019, 06:05:16 PM
QuoteMark


I think that any time you spend in the design and mock-up stage is saved in the build stage by minimizing the "do overs".  There is nothing worse than wasting time tearing out a section of layout and redoing it because it just doesn't look right. Your attention to elevation change makes the scene look much more realistic.

I agree, John. 

I think added to this - as a mock-up I can take an expensive craftsman kit, cut it into pieces and spend hours shuffling those pieces around into an entirely new configuration and embedded into a mocked-up terrain at grade.  At the end if I look at what I have created and say "Wow!  That is going to look so cool!"  it gives me the confidence to attack the expensive craftsman kit for real.  This also gives you the luxury to be very creative and come up with something truly unique, without destroying that expensive kit.  The next set of photos I will upload will show this.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on July 25, 2019, 03:33:15 PM
Hey Mark:

Just went through from the beginning. Lots of work and nice progress. Will be following along.


Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 27, 2019, 02:40:03 AM
QuoteHey Mark:

Just went through from the beginning. Lots of work and nice progress. Will be following along.


Karl

Thanks very much, Karl.  Its lots of fun!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 27, 2019, 06:14:47 AM
Hi guys.

Well, below are a series of photos I took while playing with my only South River Modelworks kit.  When I made it to the 2015 Scranton expo, a SRM kit was at the very top of my wish list.  There were several to choose from and in the end I went with Thorndike Mills.

I copied and enlarged the plans from the kit and printed off several copies.  I made up two stone mill mock-ups to try different arrangements.  I discovered that when placed next to my other mill, Thorndike's was dwarfed, and so I felt I really needed to enlarge the kit while keeping it balanced.  Many hours and attempts later I ended up with the configuration pictured below.  There is no way I would attempt a bash like this without being confident of what the end result would look like.  I find that a mock-up shows much of the drama that will eventually be achieved by the end result as well as how the complex will fit with the other structures and terrain around it.  I also find that adding quick roofs really helps in defining the shape.  You can see I pretty much doubled both the stone and timber parts of the kit to help keep the balance as well as changing heights on the two stone sections and tumbling part of the timber section down the slope of the terrain towards the water.  The shape of the overall complex also encloses a nice intimate scene which will be naturally framed for viewing.  Hours (days) of fussing later I was pretty happy with the scene.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on July 27, 2019, 08:16:29 AM
Mark


That is going to be a great scene. You sure have a lot of years worth of plans ready to be built. I'm going to really enjoy watching your progress.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: deemery on July 27, 2019, 08:59:41 AM
A lot of the SRMW kits look too compressed to me.  The brick mill is about 14"/35cm, the stone mill is just a bit shorter.  And by New England mill standards, they're small buildings! 

I'm really enjoying your design process, I have a large center blob that will hold a town, once I get to it.

dave
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 27, 2019, 07:03:54 PM
QuoteMark


That is going to be a great scene. You sure have a lot of years worth of plans ready to be built. I'm going to really enjoy watching your progress.

Thanks John.  Yes - the projects are certainly stacked up!  Unfortunately, my biggest modelling flaw is getting excited about a new project and leaving my last project unfinished.  I hope getting things ready for the upcoming 2020 Easter convention will force me to both change this habit and to also finish many of those unfinished projects off!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 27, 2019, 07:34:12 PM
QuoteA lot of the SRMW kits look too compressed to me.  The brick mill is about 14"/35cm, the stone mill is just a bit shorter.  And by New England mill standards, they're small buildings! 

I'm really enjoying your design process, I have a large center blob that will hold a town, once I get to it.

dave

Thanks Dave.  My scratch-build of Delabarre Tap and Die Co. was built using the walls from a Walthers 'Greatland Sugar' kit.  It may have therefore ended up larger than its inspiration.  I remember making a mock-up of a low relief fertilizer factory that I designed based on an old article in MRR which had copies of actual plans.  When I placed the mock-up in its position next to my kit-bash of a Heljan Brewery I found the brewery dwarfed the fertilizer factory.  I ended up blowing up the size of the fertilizer factory by 25% until it 'looked' right.  Sometimes you have to bend reality to make your impression of reality look real!

Below is a photo showing the track snaking back with the three industries on three different levels.  Going down hill and from front to back is Graves Elevators, Dalebarre and Thorndike's.

Photo 2 shows the fertilizer factory (Edmond's baking) increased by 25% from the prototype to look 'right' next to the brewery.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on September 21, 2019, 10:09:24 PM
Mark


What have you been doing on the layout?  Time for an update.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on September 22, 2019, 03:24:06 AM
Hi guys.

Thanks for the nudge, John!  As the back has been improving (its been a long recovery of two steps forward and one step back) I have enjoyed spending time working on some of our many landscaping and gardening projects (and catching up - well, attempting too - on all the stuff I didn't do earlier this year).  Most of my modelling time has been spent working towards stage two of the new design.

Below is a quote from previously in this thread. 

"The other advantage of this new design is that I can now build the layout in three stages.  Stage one will be Tellynott, stage 2 will be the helix and the bench-work from here to the division wall at the top of the plan (including all the area behind the backdrop of Tellynott) and stage three will be the rest.  In this way there will be far less of a rush to build a new two bay barn that will house the station wagon as I can complete stage two while the car still parks in the same space."

The statement is true - but - the station wagon needs to move from the left side of the second room (where the helix will go) to the right.  This means the zero turn mower needs to bunk up with the tractor in the workshop and the animal feed and bedding needs to move also.  Then there is the collection of large tools and tractor implements that a lifestyle block owner seems to slowly accumulate to contend with!  So - I have put a large opening between the workshop and the storage room allowing items that won't fit through a single door to now be stored in there - along with work benches and shelving (shadow boards still to come).  I also purchased a 11' x 6' shed with double doors and on Friday I poured the slab for this.  The double doors mean I can back the tractor up into the shed and detach large rear implements (like the chipper).  The shed is a fraction of the price of a two bay barn, and should keep me happy for a few years yet.  I still need to assemble the shed (directions likely to be in a foreign language!) and move everything around.

Planning wise I can also cut stage two in half, connecting Tellynott via the helix to the high and low tracks, return cutoff's and hidden sidings/ fiddle yard.  I can achieve this by building two more sections of bench-work with attached backdrop and ceilings - one large one and one long skinny one.  The curved section in the upper right of the plan and the large section containing River and Mountain can be added later.  I'm also revising the necessities of the plan, and trying to strip it back to its bare essentials.

I'll be sure and add some photos next weekend.  I have a friend visiting from Australia this coming Friday, so I hope to find some time to mock up a few more of my intentions.

More soon, Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on September 22, 2019, 09:40:51 AM
Mark


All that moving makes my sore back hurt. It sounds like you have a great plan - take it slow and don't mess up that back. I bought a tractor with a hydraulic lift and a trailer with a ramp to help with the lifting jobs.  No more heavy lifting into the Jeep or trailer for me.  It is working out very well.   I'm looking forward to some pictures.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on September 23, 2019, 12:36:07 AM
Hi guys.

Thanks John.  Yep - I tend to try to do things a little at a time now, rather than working on one job until its finished.  A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Well - all that thinking about my design got me putting pencil to paper last night and roughing in the stripped back design (attached below).  This plan only shows the main lines (in pink) and the return cutoff/ fiddle yard (in orange).  You will note I have reversed the direction of the low return cutoff.  I have also omitted the high return cutoff which in turn eliminated the need for the double slip.  I have put a small loop between River and Mountain to show simply how the track loops from one to the other.  I don't go dizzy now trying to work out how a journey through Shadowlands would go!  The plan also shows the area needed to be built to get the track to the next stage (on the left and above the striped line).  Trains will be able to leave Tellynott, pierce the backdrop, descend the helix and then enter the low return cutoff where they can be 'fiddled' or changed before returning in the reverse direction.  There is also the added bonus of a continuous loop.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: jerryrbeach on September 23, 2019, 06:28:47 AM
Mark,

I'm definitely looking forward to the "more soon".
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 13, 2019, 06:57:59 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks Jerry - so am I!

Ok - well, I have talked about 'chunking' several times in the past and this is certainly how I have worked mostly in the past.  I find it far easier to work on a scene rather than a structure and I think this frees me up to consider the bigger picture.  I have several ideas moving forwards with this thread. 

One is to do a layout plan of Tellynott showing where all the 'chunks' or dioramas fit, and then visiting each diorama a bit more in depth, with the hope of finishing off the unfinished pieces as I go.

Another is to discuss mock-ups within composition and how important I find these within the big picture, and highlighting this with how the displaying of two large dioramas on a table for a visitor to show how they would look when placed together on the layout led to some major redesign work and the removal of several square feet of layout bench-work in order to make the scene appear bigger.

I want to talk about the difference framing a view well can have to a scene and how it can create a 'snap-shot' effect.  When displaying my corner diorama at the local train show I saw just how strong this effect can be and how you can make people view from a particular position without any instruction.

I kit-bash and kit-mingle almost everything, hoping to disguise the kits origin.  I find this approach combined with mocking in the land forms, roads, rivers, track etc demands that I fit my structures into the space remaining, just like the prototype.  This means that most kits simply wont work, and need to be altered.

But firstly I think its worth mentioning 'composing from the outside in'.

On a hot summers day our second stage composition teacher took the class out to a patched piece of earth.  He slowly poured a bucket of water onto the earth and we watched as it founds its way, sometimes in a slow trickle, sometimes as more of a torrent, across the earth.  Sometimes is did what you might expect, sometimes not - but it was always the right way.  This was a lesson about music - that we could caress it, shape it, but it should always have a natural flow.  We had to let it speak for itself as well, and not force it where it did not want to go.  John Cousins did lots of awesome lessons.  We learnt about key modulations by riding an elevator up and down, getting off in the key of 'D-minor' walking around for a while doing a progression (maybe on the 7th floor) before returning to the the home key elevator.   The patched earth lesson is something I always consider when designing a scene.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: FandSM Engineer on October 13, 2019, 08:40:17 PM
Mark

I will be following along with great interest.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on October 13, 2019, 08:42:22 PM
Quote from: FandSM Engineer on October 13, 2019, 08:40:17 PM
Mark

I will be following along with great interest.


Opps! I was adding more photographs to the F&SM thread and forgot to change over to my S&S RR account.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 14, 2019, 02:36:22 AM
Hi guys.

Thanks, John.  You are one of my great motivators!

Below is a link to Jonathan White's home page.  Jonathan is my favourite NZ painter and he did a whole series of paintings over a period of six years, tramping into remote, secret hidden valleys and peaks in order to capture the essence of Southern Fiordland on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.  Many of the paintings here are of this area, in particular the one on the home screen.
http://www.jonathanwhite.co.nz/index.htm

This is what I picture the land in which Tellynott it set to look like, and certainly what I will attempt to make Shadowlands resemble.  I try to keep this always in mind while I'm working on design.

The next level, and in conjunction with that image, is the lay of the land.  Tellynott is supposed to sit on a steep hillside overlooking the water.  I have found that if I create that hillside before starting structure construction, then I have to fit my structures into the spaces left behind rather than designing the terrain to suit my structures.  I create my roads, rivers, water front, and track-work before adding structures.  I have to deal with prototype problems of retaining walls, basements, access - both of people and vehicles, bridges and tunnels.  I try to give the roads purpose, considering how they might join together on the area imagined as well as the area modeled.  This entire process itself is mocked up, experimented with, chopped and changed, considering viewing angles and sight lines, before the terrain is firmed in.

Attached is a photo showing the very early stages of composing the corner diorama.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on October 14, 2019, 08:03:03 AM
Mark


That is some very beautiful and rugged country.  I like your technique - it is very similar to what I'm doing with my layout.  I built all the mountains and rivers, then I laid track through them.  And now I'm fitting the structures into the landscape. I sure would like to find a way to visit your part of the world.  I'm really enjoying your build thread.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 14, 2019, 06:10:57 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks, John.

For my wife's 40th birthday we took an 24 hour overnight cruise on a small boat (only 8 passengers) on Doubtful Sound, Fiordland.  It was absolutely amazing!  We didn't see another living soul for the entire journey.  And the scenery was incredible!

I hope you can make it for a visit in the future - it is an amazing part of the world.  PM me when you get serious.

Below are a few more photos showing this technique coming together.  I take a long time and make many changes along the way - sometimes quite significant changes.

Photo 1 is a closer shot of the diorama in place, roads and rivers highlighted with coloured paper.
Photos 2 and 3 show the diorama base.  My big toe gives some scale!
Photo 4 shows some landscaping going in.
Photo 5 shows the diorama as the structures become more firmed up.

The use of layered pieces of polystyrene to build up the scenery means that it is rather easy to create flat (often stepped) building sites.  If you have ever watched the prototype - this is what is done - either by using piles to create a flat floor, or by building retaining walls and breaking the site into flat platforms (split level).  For ease in the modeling world the second approach is usually employed.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: jerryrbeach on October 14, 2019, 10:23:37 PM
Mark,

As usual, I'll be following.  I'm always amazed at how you manage to fit everything into such tight spaces at multiple elevations and make everything look so realistic. 
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Dennis Bourey on October 15, 2019, 12:12:32 AM
Mark, Like the rest. I'll be watching. Thanks.........Dennis
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on October 16, 2019, 08:30:06 AM
Good progress Mark.....keep up the good work.  8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 03, 2019, 01:44:30 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks for the comments and your continued interest Greg, Dennis and Jerry.

QuoteI'm always amazed at how you manage to fit everything into such tight spaces at multiple elevations and make everything look so realistic

Thanks, Jerry!

In my last installment I wrote a bit of a blurb on what I wanted to share.  Part of the reason for doing this was to map out a direction and order for this thread.  The next step is this order is another plan showing the position of the different dioramas.  As I went about constructing this new plan I thought an intermediate step showing the position of all the track, roads and water might be interesting.  At this stage I am keeping the plan to the original L-shape part of the layout.  There may still be a few alterations to come and potentially one or two more spur tracks. 

Track is black, roads yellow and water blue.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on November 03, 2019, 02:30:12 PM
Cheers Mark,

I've really enjoyed this thread and your compendiums of ideas of what you've planned and how to accomplish it.

I, like you, like to kit bash but haven't really followed through with the kit mingling idea to any great detail. Also, I admit my desire to build mock ups is severely lacking.

Your trip on Doubtful Sound sounds wonderful. I've made a note.

Fantastic work my friend.

Tom  ;D

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 04, 2019, 08:14:12 AM
Mark


Like Tom - I also enjoy watching your designs take shape.  Fantastic work!
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on November 04, 2019, 08:56:52 AM
Hey mark:

That's quite the little town you have going there. I'll be watching with interest.

karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 04, 2019, 01:47:50 PM
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by Tom, John and Karl, and for your encouraging words.

I hope to find time today to draw in the structures - although that could take some time!

Tom - here are a couple of photos from our trip to Doubtful Sound.  The day we went out was beautiful and clear and we were able to do a bit of kayaking along the shores of one of the arms.  The next morning the world was covered in mist and full of secrets.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: NEMMRRC on November 04, 2019, 08:03:19 PM
impressive layout


jaime
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 24, 2020, 10:13:35 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks, Jamie.

I've been thinking about the next section of the layout to be built and a different approach to viewing.  After about an hour of hunting I found the MRR article I was looking for to take a bit of inspiration from - March 1997, The Dolly Varden Mines in HOn21/2.  After a bit of studying and digesting I started doodling, thinking about ways I could gain the changes in elevation I need without a helix and framing different views.  The attached plan shows my progress thus far. As you can see I have split this module into three scenes, the lime-works to your direct right as you walk through the doorway between the two rooms (from Tellynott to Shadowlands}, a long thin scene with tracks at almost 300mm of vertical separation, and a long valley with the track snaking its way along the riverbed in the valley.  I think the division walls will largely have mountains to the module ceiling.  The helix has been done away with and replaced by a staggered loop to gain height.  At present the grade would be 3%.  If I make the scenery hard shell I should be able to create access hatches from below.  The radius of the inner track is peco setrack #3 (R=505mm, 19 7/8").  What do you think????

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on March 25, 2020, 08:45:15 AM
That's going to make for some very dramatic scenery Mark.....looking forward to seeing you build it.  :)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on March 25, 2020, 08:47:07 AM
Mark


It's great to see you planning the next section. I sure like the elevation change. Please keep posting, I'm watching with great interest.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 25, 2020, 05:37:16 PM
QuoteThat's going to make for some very dramatic scenery Mark.....looking forward to seeing you build it

Thanks, Gregory. 

I'm still very much throwing around ideas and will have to give this one a lot more thought - including making a model of the model so I can visualize how it might (or might not) work.  I'm hoping that whatever I end up doing will have a lot of drama.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 25, 2020, 06:04:26 PM
QuoteIt's great to see you planning the next section. I sure like the elevation change. Please keep posting, I'm watching with great interest.

Thanks, John.

Yes - I do like this better without the helix.  It really came down to - where am I aiming to get the most vertical distance between the tracks and working backwards from this point.  The staging doesn't need to be as low as I have built it - I can easily raise it by putting down some polystyrene - and, since I have decided that Graves elevators, Thorndike mills, and my tap and die factory can all be switched from the existing visible rail on Tellynott (with elevation changes as originally designed), as soon as the main line pierces the backdrop of Tellynott it can start descending.  All this equated to the helix feeling like a bit of an overkill and I started considering other ways to gain the considerably less elevation I now needed.  The vertical displacement between River and Mountain stays the same, as this displacement is dictated by the elevation change I can obtain  in the peninsula part of Shadowlands.  I drew three different track plans of the layout, including schematics, a couple of weeks ago, and this made clear the reasons for reversing loops, wall piercings etc whereas before I had always got rather confused following my finger around the track plan.  I'll post a picture of the winner soon but the most complicated track plan made the least sense.  It also became clear that I only needed a reversing loop in one direction (to turn trains leaving Tellynott to create an out and back), and by sacrificing stage 2 continuous running I would not need to pierce the internal barn room walls at all.  Those schematics really help make sense of a bowl of spaghetti!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on March 25, 2020, 08:29:27 PM
Mark


I think you are  going about this in exactly the right way.  I started out with two helix in my layout and eliminated them by creating another loop around the room.  What really helped for me was to create the mountains and then cut the railway through them. Just like the prototypes did.  I knew the height of the highest and lowest points I needed to reach with the rail and designed a track plan to achieve it. It takes three loops around the room for a train to get from the lowest to highest point on the railroad, but from any viewing point it looks like one continuous scene with multiple views of the railroad.  I used clay models, I spent my working career in the automobile industry where every new vehicle starts with a clay model, to visualize each area of the layout. I have two more clay models that I will be making as I progress to new areas of the layout. Good luck with your design - I will be following along.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: cuse on April 04, 2020, 09:09:39 AM
Mark,


Your designs are an inspiration. The HOn30 Dolly Varden is one of my all time favorite layout articles (I have it next to me). The artistry in the lines of sight and the unusual viewing angles and hidden track is so unusual and fantastic! I'm excited to see this next phase.


John
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 05, 2020, 06:30:18 PM
Thanks very much for taking the time to share your experiences, John.  Its great to hear others have made the same or similar decisions and come out the other end happy with their choices.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 05, 2020, 06:38:38 PM
QuoteYour designs are an inspiration. The HOn30 Dolly Varden is one of my all time favorite layout articles (I have it next to me). The artistry in the lines of sight and the unusual viewing angles and hidden track is so unusual and fantastic! I'm excited to see this next phase.

Thanks you so much, John!

Yes - this layout design (and execution) always stood out to me as one of the few very unique approaches to this hobby - and one I felt worked brilliantly (at least aesthetically - I don't know if I would like that much hidden track to deal with).  Its an article I have studied many times over the years, and one I was determine to find among my many boxes of magazines - still unsorted since the move!  It was pretty much in the last place I looked!

At present I am using my modelling time to make a bit of a push on the cannery, but will be back at this section soon.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on July 09, 2020, 01:23:09 PM
Mark


Isn't it modeling weather in your part of the world?  Any progress on the layout?
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 09, 2020, 04:33:19 PM
Hi John.

Yes, it is.  Highs of around 8 - 10 degrees Celsius at the moment (46 to 50 F).  We have spent several $1000 on trees and shrubs, including 102 beech hedging trees.  All of these need to be planted this winter.  The area where they need to go needs about 80 cubic metres of soil moved to level and I am doing this with the rotary hoe and bucket on our 1 series tractor.  Hence, not a lot of progress on my modeling empire lately.  I'm hoping to change this soon!

I have started chipping away at finishing the second room in the barn.  Nailing battens up and across the seams of the plywood sheets and filling all the knot and nail holes.  These walls were never insulated, so I had to punch all the nails, remove the plywood sheeting, install insulation and then reattach the sheeting.  I seem to do a lot of work like that - work that takes ages and looks exactly the same when you have finished as it did before you started!  Its the plastering of the 3.4m ceilings that is holding me back.  I've found the sort of bending over backwards that you do a lot of hard on my back post back surgery.  I might price getting a stopper in to do this job.  I must admit that stopping isn't my favourite job in the world!

OK - time to get back to leveling those gardens!

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on July 09, 2020, 07:12:55 PM
Quote from: mark dalrymple on July 09, 2020, 04:33:19 PM
Hi John.

Yes, it is.  Highs of around 8 - 10 degrees Celsius at the moment (46 to 50 F).  We have spent several $1000 on trees and shrubs, including 102 beech hedging trees.  All of these need to be planted this winter.  The area where they need to go needs about 80 cubic metres of soil moved to level and I am doing this with the rotary hoe and bucket on our 1 series tractor.  Hence, not a lot of progress on my modeling empire lately.  I'm hoping to change this soon!

I have started chipping away at finishing the second room in the barn.  Nailing battens up and across the seams of the plywood sheets and filling all the knot and nail holes.  These walls were never insulated, so I had to punch all the nails, remove the plywood sheeting, install insulation and then reattach the sheeting.  I seem to do a lot of work like that - work that takes ages and looks exactly the same when you have finished as it did before you started!  Its the plastering of the 3.4m ceilings that is holding me back.  I've found the sort of bending over backwards that you do a lot of hard on my back post back surgery.  I might price getting a stopper in to do this job.  I must admit that stopping isn't my favourite job in the world!

OK - time to get back to leveling those gardens!

More soon, cheers, Mark.


Mark


Thank you for the update. I know about outside chores getting in the way of the modeling. I look forward to you getting back at the modeling  and your next update.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 19, 2020, 08:46:28 AM
Hi guys.

Well - I feel a bit like striving for perfection is getting in the way of progress with this thread.  Every time I go and look at this thread I see I have set it up for a specific order and its stopping me from sharing the small progress I make.  We all know there is no such thing as perfection anyway!  So - I have decided to post updates as they happen, and go back to the bigger background information as set out when time and interest permits.

This weekend was my father's 85th birthday.  We put on a party for him here (after he told my wife he had never had a party before!)  All went very well, and of course there were several small tours of the garden, visits to the pigs and dogs, and the train room.  In order to get ready for this I took my cannery out to the shed and set it up on the layout.  With the new tower and walkover temporarily in position it is a very tight fit, and took some maneuvering to get it into position.  My wife's faculty BBQ which we put on for the math departments staff and families here each year is in two weeks time, so considering the difficulty in setting up the cannery for viewing I decided to leave it there until after the BBQ.

This means I have two weeks with a bit of modelling time and my cannery (which is nearing completion) out of commission, and so it was time to begin a new project.  There were plenty to choose from.  I wanted something that would go together a little quicker than the cannery (now in its 10th month) but that would make a substantial impact.  In the end I chose a kit-bash/ kit-mingle of DPM's M. T. Arms hotel and City Classic's art deco building.  This is a multi storied structure surrounded by three curving roads at grade and different heights as well as a small alleyway.  The front high road crosses the lower road twice, and will offer cameo shots under the bridges to the shop fronts below, while the fronts will tower above.

Photo 1 - shows a sketch of the plan, showing the number of levels of the different buildings and which ones will be used where.  The four and three story sections at the side and back will be the same height as the six and seven story sections at the front, but with the lower stories as basements below road level.

Photo 2 - shows the mock-up from the right side.  The former to which I have taped the paper photocopies of the buildings is made from stacked pieces of polystyrene.  When building the structure I will add styrene stock to the bottom of the stepped walls to keep a flat bottom.

Photo 3 - shows the front of the mock-up from the left.

Photo 4 - shows the left side and back of the mock-up.  This will be made from the back and side walls of the M. T. Arms kit.  This kit comes with a street front side and front, and a back alleyway side and back.  I like these sort of kits as by combining multiple kits and stacking the backs together and fronts together, you get two quite different feeling structures (or in my case - views).

Photo 5 - shows the mock-up in position on the layout.  This should give you some idea of how the streets frame the building, and how their grades and curves will add a lot of drama.

Photo 6 - shows a view of the shop fronts under one of the two bridges.

Next is to get brave and start slashing these kits to pieces!

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on October 19, 2020, 09:55:25 AM
Mark


Great to see and update to your thread - the mockup looks great - I agree that it's the smaller projects that add up to the big overall layout theme that should be posted in your thread. I like to post daily or periodic updates on the individual smaller projects and then once or twice a year show how they fit into the bigger layout picture.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 20, 2020, 02:18:39 AM
Hi guys.

Thanks, John - sounds like a good plan.

Well here is my progress on this two week kit-bash project (no - I won't get it finished in two weeks!)

Photo 1 - shows the City Classics art deco part of the structure coming together.  I forgot to take photos of the cutting and splicing.  As you can see, the bottom half of each section is a used structure.  I bought these fronts off 'trade me' and had to then strip the window dressing and glazing off.  A coat of primer should hide the mess pretty well.

Photo 2 - shows the cuts I made to the M. T. Arms hotel front.  Close inspection showed that the thickness of the edge pillars are wider than the central pillars, and so I had to stack like on top of like.  For this part of the kit-bash I will be using two fronts, three front street sides, one back and two alleyway backs.

Photo 3 - shows the pieces reassembled into a 7-story front.  After filling and check fitting I glued together on a flat table on lunch paper and against a straight edge.  Cutting was done with a small tenon saw, a scriber and a knife.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: jerryrbeach on October 20, 2020, 09:08:16 AM
Mark,


Really glad to see you "back at it".  Your creativity and visualization skills are second to none.  Looking forward to continued progress.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ReadingBob on October 20, 2020, 02:10:53 PM
Quote from: jerryrbeach on October 20, 2020, 09:08:16 AM
Mark,


Really glad to see you "back at it".  Your creativity and visualization skills are second to none.  Looking forward to continued progress.

I'll echo that sentiment!  I do love the City Classics kits and can't wait to see what you do with them Mark.  :D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on October 20, 2020, 06:40:55 PM
Hey Mark:

The walls look just beautiful. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 22, 2020, 02:01:50 AM
QuoteReally glad to see you "back at it".  Your creativity and visualization skills are second to none.  Looking forward to continued progress.

Thanks so much, Jerry.

Its nice to be working on something that will move along a little quicker!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 22, 2020, 02:08:27 AM
QuoteI'll echo that sentiment!  I do love the City Classics kits and can't wait to see what you do with them Mark

Thanks, Bob.

It should be a bit of fun.  I'm looking forward to creating the 'glimpses' under the two bridges.  As I move forwards I find myself considering things such as a pedestrian set of stairs leading from the high road to the low road.  There is a fair bit of work getting the pavement heights of each building right for their doors.  I have opted to move one of the doors from the right to the left side of the building front to match with the others and keep the step in height of the structures similar.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 22, 2020, 02:10:20 AM
QuoteThe walls look just beautiful. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

Thanks so much, Karl.

Although I think there is a long way to go to get to 'beautiful'.  It does look beautiful in my minds eye!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 22, 2020, 02:22:34 AM
Hi guys.

Well, after taking what I had done out to the barn and seeing how it fitted, I decided to add the second central pillar to the art deco buildings.  I had glued the walls together with the two buildings sharing the middle pillar.  Anyway - it snapped apart fairly easily and cleaned up with a knife and file.  I then glued the pillar to the left of the right structure, splicing a piece below which I cut of the side of one of the left over wall tops.  I also had to cut the small addition to the right pillar of the left building off and splice the cap back on the top.  The pillars have a slight bevel on their outside edges and I found these were fairly close to the angle I needed, so gluing them together at the required angle was pretty straight forward.  No special tools, just a flat table, lunch paper, super glue and fingers.

Photo 1 - shows the art deco walls re-glued.

Photo 2 - shows the styrene foundations I have added.  This is to create a flat bottom for the whole complex.  The exception is the very front M. T. Arms hotel section - the lowest one - which will hang down below the rest by about 10mm - just at the lower street front.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on October 22, 2020, 09:06:21 AM
Very nice Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 23, 2020, 06:01:08 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks, Curt.

So below are a few more shots of progress.

Photo 1 - shows the three M. T. Arms hotel fronts spliced together vertically, but not yet horizontally.  I used two front walls from the kits, stacking the right and left ends and cutting the centers out, and two front street sides stacked.  This means the pillars all line up.  Photos were taken before I started adding foundations.

Photo 2 - shows the five fronts lined up with their vertical steps.  This may have been take before adding the second central pillar - if only preview showed the pictures.

Photo 3 - shows the front corner.  This is the third front street side of the DPM kit(s).  As the plan on the last page shows, this part of the structure has street fronts at two different heights.  I will add styrene to make a basement at the same depth as the other buildings.

Photo 4 - shows the back of the M. T. Arms hotel cut to fit the site.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 25, 2020, 03:31:37 PM
Hi guys.

I have now glued all the fronts together.  I spent some time cutting and fitting a base in styrene.  It is a big stretch over to this part of my layout and it is a huge job to take all the mock-ups down and pull out the back wall diorama, so fitting was done by standing on a two step ladder and reaching over.  As well as honing my styrene base I also had to cut and file away at my plaster roading and polystyrene base, vacuuming away the debris.  Once I was happy with the fit I glued the bottom of the walls to the base and then glued the sides together.  For where the art deco building meet the M. T. Arms hotel, I made up a series of plastic angle braces and glued these between every floor.  For the other two seams I tacked together with C A and then glued a styrene rod into the wedge at the back of the walls.  The rod fits in nice and snug and will adhere to both walls.

Next is to address the problem of lining up the bottom of the shop front doors with the road/ footpath.

Photo 1 - shows the complex in position of the layout, taking shape.

Photo 2 - shows a close up of the shop fronts against the walls.  Note - the base was sitting up a smidge in this photo.

Photo 3 - shows how I addressed the vertical distance between the M.T. Arms hotel and the road by adding styrene steps inside the recess.  By doing this I can gain 6mm between the bottom of the door and the top of the footpath.  At a pinch I could make the steps narrower and gain 8mm, and I can easily take out steps or lessen the rise by using thinner styrene.

More soon, cheers, Mark.   

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on October 25, 2020, 03:39:42 PM
Looks great Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 26, 2020, 01:37:24 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks, Curt.  Much appreciated.

For the next set of stairs I did U-shaped steps.  Where this doorway meets the footpath the road is very steep, so this was a way to create a narrower meeting point.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: jerryrbeach on October 26, 2020, 04:25:35 PM
Mark,


Clever solution to the grade change.  It certainly takes some extra effort as well as lots pf problem solving skills to build on a steep grade the way you do.  Your results speak for themselves and I am always impressed by the way the elevation changes and curving streets and walkways draw the viewer's eyes into the scene. 
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: deemery on October 26, 2020, 04:34:06 PM
Pittsburgh, where I grew up, has a lot of hills.  Your approach looks right to me.


dave
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on October 26, 2020, 04:36:05 PM
Hey Mark:

Well done coming along nicely.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on October 27, 2020, 07:05:51 AM
Cheers Mark,

Wow, I love all the kit bashing on the various structures. The elevation changes are drastic but well done all remind me of some area of Baltimore, MD. My wife is from there and on my first visit, I spent hours just walking and looking at the buildings.

Well done Mark.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on October 27, 2020, 08:47:57 AM
That is one busy scene Mark.....well done.  8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 06, 2020, 02:53:17 AM
QuoteClever solution to the grade change.  It certainly takes some extra effort as well as lots pf problem solving skills to build on a steep grade the way you do.  Your results speak for themselves and I am always impressed by the way the elevation changes and curving streets and walkways draw the viewer's eyes into the scene.

Thanks so much, Jerry!

The shots under the bridges will be best.  They naturally frame the scene and really make it feel like you have shrunk down to 1:87 scale.  It might be nice to put a hobo here with a swag over his shoulder, and it will be so easy for the viewer to imagine they are this fellow and can go exploring the city for the day.

While in the barn the other day I took a couple of shots from the peninsula across to the city scene beyond.  I cropped these right down to try to show the effect I am shooting for.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 06, 2020, 02:56:16 AM
Thanks very much for your comments and for following along Dave, Karl and Greg!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 06, 2020, 03:00:59 AM
Quote
Wow, I love all the kit bashing on the various structures. The elevation changes are drastic but well done all remind me of some area of Baltimore, MD. My wife is from there and on my first visit, I spent hours just walking and looking at the buildings.

Thanks so much, Tom.

You discover so much about a steep town while wandering around with modeling on your mind.  All those little tricks with foundations and basement windows and doorways on steep grades.  There are ways of getting around all those problems.  On the hill we used to live on there was a house on a narrow site with a turntable on the driveway so that you could get the car into the garage!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 06, 2020, 03:22:53 AM
Hi guys.

Attached are a new set of photos showing progress so far.  We had my wife's staff BBQ last weekend so I'll be getting back to the cannery soon.  It would be nice to get this one a little further ahead first.  It has dawned on me that I am going to have to make this model in two sections, paint and weather, glaze and dress the windows and doors, and then join the two sections together.  My hands are way to big to fit in between the front and the back to add glazing and blinds etc. from above!

Photo 1 - shows the back walls spliced together.  You can see where I added a thin strip at the left.  It is nicely lined up at the top and out by two full brick courses at the bottom.  I don't know what went wrong there but it wasn't me!  Fortunately this should mostly be under ground.

Photo 2 - shows the back section with the styrene wall which sits against the back wall of the layout.

Photo 3 - shows the back side of the back with the base cut to fit inside and on top of the fronts base.  (confused?)

Photo 4 - shows the back of the front.  I have finished adding steps to the four M. T. Arms hotel fronts.

Photos 5 and 6 - show the back of the back inside the back of the front.  I found adding a piece of styrene rod to the inside angle of the wall joints a good way of getting good fixing.

At my fathers 85th birthday (which we hosted here) I took several tours of our developing garden and, of course, the train room.  There was one group in particular who were genuinely very interested and stayed for ages taking pictures and asking questions.  You can always tell by their questions if they really understand just how much work is involved.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on November 06, 2020, 08:25:51 AM
WOW!!  That is one impressive building!


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on November 06, 2020, 08:47:01 AM
I agree with Jerry...WOW.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 06, 2020, 09:07:17 AM
Mark


Very nice - that is a lot of windows.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on November 06, 2020, 09:44:16 AM
Excited to be finding this thread.

I'm very impressed, Mark. Your time spent planning is inspiring.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 07, 2020, 06:46:38 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks Jerry, Curt, John and RR.  Much appreciated.

Rusty Robot - planning is my favourite part.

A quick update while I'm here.

I'm trying to get the bulk of the fitting problems worked out before I move back to the cannery.  There is lots of internal plastic cutting and fitting to be done to keep the large odd shaped structure rigid and true.  Below is a photo of the roof and internal floors (every second level) for the city classics end of the structure.  The half section will fit on top of the main roof piece with a small wing wall visible.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on November 07, 2020, 07:22:25 PM
(http://modelersforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4484.0;attach=62488;image)

Mark, these structures, will they all be scratch built or do you have kits in mind?
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 07, 2020, 08:44:10 PM
Hi Rusty Robot.

These structures will be almost all scratchbuilt.  There are one or two kits I own that I may be able to use, but everything else...  I will use Grandt line and Tichy Train Group doors and windows when I can - as long as they are close and in style.  I've looked at some of the Scale Structures doors and windows - but they are sooo expensive!  Like 4 times the price of the others.

Photo 1 - shows my first scratchbuild for the peninsula - sitting next to the artists sketch I based it on.

Photo 2 - shows the second one - still not finished!

Cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 07, 2020, 08:52:55 PM
Hi guys.

Below are some photos showing the internal floors glued into position along with the parapet walls between the buildings.  This has firmed up this end of the structure very nicely.

Photo 1 - shows the internal floors from the back of the front.  I measured and drew lines on the inside of the walls for the internal floors and then glued them into position with CA.  For the roof I added some square strip plastic to the internal walls first to make sure things were nice and flat.

Photos 2-4 - show the structure from the top and side.  I am just holding the back in position to show the fit.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 12, 2020, 01:41:56 PM
Hi guys.

Well - I've managed to whittle away a bit more styrene.

Photos 1 & 2 - show the inside of the front and back with all the strengthening added.

Photos 3 & 4 - show the roof templates glued into position.  These are not glued to the back so it still pulls apart into two sections.  You can see I added an internal roof height change.  This was necessary as I decided to keep the back wall of the M. T. Arms hotel all at one height without the step opposite the front.

I used clamps to hold the two pieces together nice and tight and true when fitting the last roof sections.  After the roof sections were cut and sanded and fitted snugly I took the two sections apart and measured down from the top of the walls and marked the position of the roof bracing with pencil.  I then glued in square timber stock along those lines with CA. The two sections were then put back together and re-clamped and then I glued the roof pieces into position, only to the front and sides.  I edge glued and glued to the stock below.  The side parapet walls also helped to keep things square and add strength and stability.  I have one shop front window to address, where I swapped the position of the door and window openings to match the other walls and keep the steps in building fronts more consistent.  After that little job this feels like a nice place to put this one aside and get back to the cannery.  After spending almost the entire year working on the cannery its nice to get another major structure well underway.  I've enjoyed the wharf and cannery immensely, but boy has it taken some time!

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on November 12, 2020, 03:37:08 PM
WOW, amazing modeling.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on November 12, 2020, 03:41:26 PM
Continually impressed, Mark. Can't wait to see it painted!

You've made me want to pull my DPM kits out of the Rubbermaids!
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on November 12, 2020, 04:51:30 PM
Hey Mark:

That's coming along very nicely.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 19, 2020, 02:27:24 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much for your comments and for following along, Curt, RR and Karl - much appreciated.

Well - Thursday morning came about, which is when I get my travelling project ready for the afternoon (every second week - we take turn about doing the travelling.  It used to be 2 minutes drive until we moved, not it is half an hour).  My plan was to get the cannery inside and see if I could find a sub assembly to take to Neil's to do - but it was raining and I didn't want to bring the cannery from the barn to the garage in the rain.  The kit-bash I have been working on is up to puttying and as we model on Neil's dining room table I didn't want to stink their house out.  So - I picked a couple of smaller projects to get underway.

I started with a Magnuson Fountain Brewery kit-bash.

Photo 1 - shows my mock-up.  It has three gable walls, one front wall and a side wall that will be visible.  The remaining walls I will build from stock.  Again, it is enclosed by two roads, one in front and one behind, both curving and at grade.

Photo 2 - shows the mock-up from above.  I intend to cut a section off the back of the central flat roof following the pencil line I have drawn.

Photo 3 - shows two of the same walls from two different kits.  I bought a second kit recently, being a big fan of this kit.  Every wall is different and it also lends itself to smaller structures.  It is also quite different to most other kits out there.  I had thought I would use one of the gable walls twice to keep a similar look on this structure, but when I put the two walls together they were incredibly different in size.  So far out there was no way I could use them together.  Maybe someone can explain this difference to me?  We are talking 1/4" or more.  I'll just have to use one of the other gable walls from the same kit - no biggy.

Photo 4 - shows where I have got to.  I tried gluing with CA - after sanding the backs - but it didn't even think about holding.  I then tried super glue with kicker - again, nothing.  At this stage I put this kit-bash down and started on my second project (lucky I took two!)  When I got home I made up a 12 degree template to hold the gable walls at the right angle for the curved front and glued together using two part epoxy.  I was able to glue the resin walls to my plastic base using CA.  I also had to repair a chip out of the top corner of the gable by searching the box for two small chips that had come off during shipping.  Apparently my parcel was opened by customs and repacked very poorly.  As a consequence it arrived with two chipped walls and one broken one.

Photo 5 - shows my Thursday modeling buddy and very good friend, Neil, between two of his scratch-built Kauri trees in 1:34 scale.  Neil's motto is 'every shop is a model shop'.  Much of his mind blowing scenery comes from all sorts of weird and wonderful things.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on November 19, 2020, 02:56:09 PM
Everything looks fantastic Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 19, 2020, 03:47:00 PM
Mark


You are making some nice progress, looks great - tell Neil those are some great looking trees, too.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 19, 2020, 06:21:53 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much, Curt and John.

My other project was a two shop block which sits in front of the large City Classics and DPM kit-bash.  It will be  good one to get underway as it will let me see exactly what will be visible behind it and so which windows can be left simple without added details.  I forgot to take a before photo, but I had one front main wall left from a DPM Seymour kit.  For the left side I will use a side wall from a DPM M. T. Arms hotel kit and the other side and back wall will be unseen so I will use stock.

Photo 1 - shows the mock-up.  The red line is the curving graded road.

Photo 2 - shows the mock-up from the top.  Another odd shape.  I will likely add some exterior steps from the lower road level up to a door on the M.T. Arms side wall.  The front of these shops sits on the same road as the front end of the larger kit-bash, while the sides and back will have a two story basement and sit on the lower road, opposite the main larger kit-bash frontage.

Photo 3 - shows a shot of the wall as it was before I started.  I cut the central section out, cut the 45 degree bevel off the right end, and cut and filed out one of the panels and windows out to create a second door.

Photo 4 - shows the walls sitting in their correct orientation (swapped left to right) and heights with styrene bases added to give the same height as the M. T. Arms hotel side wall.

I do love these Thursday sessions.  We model for about 3 hours and I usually carry on a bit after we have finished.  Yesterday, when I got home, I got the two part epoxy out and made my 12 degree template.  Sometimes its the only modeling I get done for the week - so at least during these times there is some progress!

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on November 19, 2020, 06:25:13 PM
Looking good Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on November 21, 2020, 07:10:06 AM
Hey Mark:

It's coming along nicely. Can't wait to see more.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on November 21, 2020, 08:35:56 AM
Mark this is getting better with each addition.


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 21, 2020, 06:38:16 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much Curt, Karl and Jerry!

I've carried on plodding away with the Magnuson kit-bash.  The two part epoxy is working, but I need to clamp everything and the glue takes 16 hours to cure.  as many of the resin walls are a bit warped, I thought I'd use internal styrene bracing to straighten things out.  I figured I could glue timber bracing to the back of the resin walls and then CA to glue the styrene internal walls to the timber bracing and the styrene base.  I'd figured two hours of curing should be enough for the epoxy (having long since lost the card that came with the glue giving this information).  I glued the styrene in position and held the resin wall nice and straight while the CA went off.  I then let go.  'Perfect' I said.  I then watched as over the next 5 minutes the pressure of the resin wall wanting to resume its warp slowly prized the timber brace from the back of the resin wall.  Bug**r!  Lesson learnt.  Next time I'll try and straighten them out before I start.  I re-glued the timber brace, weighted it down, and left it for 16 hours to cure (after using google to find this important information).  My next attempt this morning was successful.

Photo 1 - shows the three front walls glued to the base and braces holding my corner timber brace in position while it glues.

Photo 2 - shows the three front walls, side wall and back gable wall glued together along with the two internal styrene walls keeping the structure rigid, true, and de-warped.  I'm finding this kit pretty awful to be fair.  I glued the side wall into position, holding it down firm on a flat surface while the CA glued to the base, thus keeping the bottom walls nicely lined up (I've found that the CA will hold a resin/ styrene join, if there is no undue pressure, but I follow this up with a timber brace glued to both surfaces with epoxy).  I noticed a bit later that the top of the walls did not line up.  Furthermore, and far more problematically, I noticed that the windows on the side and front wall did not line up by some margin.  So - out with the knife, cut along the seams, disassemble and clean up ready for a next attempt.  Firstly I cut and entire line of bricks off the bottom of the side wall - and these are some pretty large bricks.  I've struck these sort of problems before, but along with the warpage, the gluing issues and the extremely hard and brittle nature of the medium, it makes adjustments a bit of a pain.  My second attempt went much better!

Photo 3 - shows the structure from above.

Photo 4 - shows a view showing the back gable wall.

Photo 5 - shows the structure from the front and side.

I'm using City Classics side walls to fabricate the forth gable walls and the other two walls.  When I kit-bash I often seem to end up with a lot of side walls left over, so they just get treated as scrap.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: madharry on November 22, 2020, 06:38:58 AM
I think this must be the brewery kit. My heart goes out to you as I have built this kit. Warpage on resin walls is usually solved by plunging the parts in boiling water and then putting them under weights. I am sure you have tried this already though.
Mike
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 22, 2020, 05:25:05 PM
Hi guys.
 
Thanks for the tip, Mike.  Yes - it is the Fountain Brewery kit.  I believe this is my first attempt at a resin kit???  I have used the odd resin wall here and there as part of a larger kit-bash, but in conjunction with styrene walls.  I have a good number of Magnuson kits to deal with - so will have to sort out how to best deal with these problems.  I'll be sure to try the 'plunge' method moving forward.  How long do you plunge for?

Well - a bit of cutting and filing and fitting and I have the three back walls fitting nicely.  I have glued the gable wall and the large back wall together at the correct angle.  The structure is now feeling very strong and is almost completely square and true.  I think the large flat roof section will get the last little bit, and if not it is so minimal that it will never be seen.  I have put the roof timbers attached to the interior of the kit walls at the right height so that the styrene roof is the correct height for the central flat roof.  Once this is glued into position I can then add internal dummy walls for the two gable roofs.

Photo 1 - shows the back sitting in position.  It was made from side walls from City Classics kit.  It shouldn't be visible when viewing the layout, but just in case someone shows up with a selfie stick...

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: madharry on November 22, 2020, 05:33:10 PM
Mark I usually use a kettle of boiling water. Pour it over the part in a bowl and then place it flat on a surface. Usually my wife's granite kitchen top.Then put a plank of wood on the part weighted down. Overnight it should be perfectly flat. I have used this on a ton of M kits to good effect,
Mike
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: deemery on November 22, 2020, 05:36:56 PM
A suggestion I've tried on warped resin castings is to put them on a flat (stone) tile in a warm (150 degree F) oven, and let them sit there for 20 minutes or so.  The stone holds the heat and provides a flat surface for the casting to relax onto.


dave
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on November 23, 2020, 12:13:07 PM
Hey Mark:

It's coming along nicely. Keep the pics coming.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 26, 2020, 01:32:59 AM
Hi guys.

Thanks Mike, Dave and Karl, and thanks for the suggestions Mike and Dave, I'll be sure to try one of them next time I tackle a warped kit.

Today I got the mullions in all the windows.  The instructions suggest gluing the mullions to the window material.  I couldn't see this working very well - but after my solution I might try their suggestion next time.  Firstly - all the windows are not the same size - even the ones that are supposed to be.  Secondly, the distance between very slightly too long and too short is not much!

Photo 1 - I cut myself a rectangular piece of scrap styrene that would fit between the bracing behind the walls and taped lunch paper to one side of it to stop accidentally gluing it to the back of the wall.  I then measured the different windows and cut spacers half the height of each different window - four in all.

Photo 2 - I then used my chopper to cut strips of square styrene slightly longer than the window I was working on.

Using reversible tweezers I held the mullion in position and eyeballed it, and then trimmed it to the right length.  Sometimes it needed a bit more off, sometimes I had to start again.  I was aiming for a nice tight fit, but not so tight the mullion would bend.  I then held the scrap styrene behind the window, put the spacer in place, and then added the mullion, pushing it down hard against the scrap piece of styrene to get the correct depth, and the spacer to get the correct height.  I then carefully removed the styrene and spacer and added CA from the back, pulling it along the mullion a little ways to get a nice hold.  Surplus CA was cleaned up with cotton buds.  I let the glue set, but the lunch paper backing meant I could move a little faster.

Photos 3&4 - show the mullions glued in place.

I looked at pictures on line trying to find information on how others tackled these mullions.  The most common answer was that they didn't.  The majority of pictures I found had no mullions.  I did also find a picture of the original structure this kit was based on which will be a good reference.

Photo 5 - shows Neil's completed Kauri tree.  It stands almost 3 feet tall!

Photo 6 - shows his ingenious transport method - the trunk is wired to the upper hand hold in the car and the tree hung upside down.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on November 26, 2020, 08:56:43 AM
Beautiful modeling Mark. Love the tree.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on November 26, 2020, 09:03:36 AM
Hey Mark:

Structure is looking really great. Like the tree also.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on November 26, 2020, 03:39:46 PM
Great looking tree!


Jeff
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 27, 2020, 01:52:58 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much Curt, Karl and Jeff.  Yes - Neil's layout is adorned with native trees of that size and quality.

Photo 1 - Well - I got the magnuson kit scrubbed with water and dish washing liquid (being very careful around those delicate mullions), rinsed and dried, and seconds before the rain came, sprayed with a grey primer.

Photo 2 - I had added a small piece of strip styrene to a break in one of the window sills and puttied a couple of large air bubbles in two other window sills.

Photo 3 - these little castings were truly awful!  They were more like parallelograms than squares!  There was a lot of filing to try to make them acceptable.  I tried to pier the best matched top with each bottom and orient them with the best (closest to a right angle) two faces forwards.  They were glued together using 2-part epoxy.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 27, 2020, 02:23:09 PM
Hi again.

Whilst the paint cures I went back to the other small kit-bash.

Photo 1 - I marked and cut a styrene base to fit my kit-bash.  I then went about splicing together scrap offcuts of City Classics side walls to create the right end side and back (these should not be seen).  I then trimmed the base to fit all my walls by holding them in position and marking the back of the wall on the base with a clutch pencil.  Before I do this I always sand the styrene to give it some tooth for better gluing, painting and pencil marking.  After I have done this I use the base as a template and mark a second piece on a scrap piece of styrene for internal floors/ roof.  The edges of the walls were cut and filed to angles to give a better gluing surface.  This photo is taken from above.

Photo 2 - shows the M. T. Arms side wall attached to the shop fronts.  I first glued the left front wall to the base using CA.  I put the pieces on a flat surface covered in lunch paper and held the side wall in position to line up.  I make sure to hold the base flat on the table and the wall hard against the base as the glue cures - about 45 seconds.  I then added the M. T. Arms wall, gluing the bottom of the wall to the base and the side up about the first 2 inches.  Once cured I added a bead of CA to the inside of the meeting angle of the two walls and then held together nice and tight and lined up.  Capillary action takes the glue into the join.  I work up the wall join, about 2 inches at a time.  If I try to tackle too much its easy to get out of alignment.

Photo 3 - shows the fronts.  I glued the second front in position as in photo 2.  There was a bit of extra filing needed here to get a perfect fit.

Photo 4 - shows the right end wall attached to the front.  I worked as in photo 2, gluing the wall to the base and then joining the sides.  I often find as i work around the base that the walls need a little more material off before gluing.  This is due to the compounding of slight errors in marking.  Depending on how much this is I tackle with either a sharp builders knife or a file.

Photo 5 - shows the back walls and the right end wall.  The back wall is a trapezium when looking down from above, and so needs to be slid into position from above.  It is just sitting in position in these photos.  I'll need access to the interior for floors, roof, shop front doors, glazing, blinds etc.  I will paint these two pieces separately and then join together.  The parapet wall between the two structures will be added to the roof.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Dennis Bourey on November 27, 2020, 03:01:44 PM
Mark, Very impressive...Dennis
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on November 27, 2020, 05:50:50 PM
Agree with Dennis.

Love the staggered design and can't wait to see it painted and weathered.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on November 28, 2020, 09:50:47 AM
Hey Mark:

It's coming along just great.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 29, 2020, 03:09:10 AM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much Dennis, Rusty and Karl - very much appreciated.

A bit more progress today.  For whatever reason, I found the top of the front two walls were leaning inwards.  Typically I would cut a roof piece and place it in position forcing the walls out to the correct position.  I tried this and it worked, except because of the change in height the roof piece needed to sit across the right side buildings windows when at the correct height for a flat roof on the left hand side front.  I thought about this for a while and came up with the solution I will show in pictures below.

Photo 1 - shows the view from above.  You can see I put a floor in place, at the floor height of the left building front.  The cutouts are around windows.

Photo 2 - shows the angled piece I glued in place with a slope on it so that it was not across any windows.  This holds the two front walls at the same angle as the base and the bottom floor.

Photo 3 - shows the central wall.  This wall has been cut to fit hard down of the bottom floor piece.  I have spliced some scrap styrene to a City Classics side wall, and checked out so it will sit on top of the left buildings back wall and around the angled front piece.

Photo 4 shows the vertical wall half way into position.

Photo 5 - shows the wall in position.

Photo 6 - shows the view from above.

The only incident was that I accidentally broke a window mullion while test fitting against the pressure of the walls.  Fortunately I've been practicing mullion gluing!

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on November 29, 2020, 09:16:30 AM
Nice job fixing the lean.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 29, 2020, 08:06:21 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks for following along and your many comments, Curt.

Next up was the roof pieces.  I started by doctoring the side of the back by taking a slither more material off one of the edges of the back wall.  Because of the way the central wall is checked over the back wall, the trapezium shaped back wall will need to slide in from below once the roof pieces are glued in place, and my back wall was a tad out of parallel.

Photo 1 - shows the back wall half slid into place from below.  We are a bit further on here with the roof pieces glued in place.

I assembled the structure (main piece, central wall and back wall) and marked the inside central floor with a pencil.  I then removed the back wall and glued the central division wall into place.  I then measured down from the top and marked the thickness of my plastic roofs (1.5mm) lower than the finished roof heights and then glued some square stock timber to the front and side walls of the two buildings.  I slid the back wall back into position before gluing the roof pieces on to make sure the fit was good.  Marking the base template on a spare piece of stock styrene previously came in handy here, and I only needed to cut out a 3mm section for the parapet wall and tweak slightly.

Photo 2 - shows a view from the top showing the left building's roof supports.

Photo 3 - shows the two roofs glued in position.  I will likely add a piece of strip styrene on top of the back wall and add scuppers and downpipes - although I'm considering other options.

It was then on to the front shop doors.  This was the only wall left over from a previous kit-bash and I believe I used both doors on the last one, along with turning a window into a door on this kit-bash, so the two entrance ways had to be fabricated.  I decided that the City Classics art deco left over bottom story pieces had doors that wood look good in this DPM build.  Using a saw I cut the door sections out vertically and then sanded them down taking of any remaining brickwork/ columns.  I then spliced together some 1mm and .75mm strip styrene and spliced these to the edge of the door (this gave me the same thickness as the door jambs).  I added some .4mm strip styrene on top of this, going over the door jambs.  Once this was done I added some .75mmx4.8mm strip on its edge at the same width as the opening in the structure.  The top was trimmed and sanded and then a roof/ ceiling piece added.  I then cut some 1mmx4.8mm strip and added two steps to the bottom of the doorway - thus lifting the interior floor of the structure by a scale 7".  I gave the steps the correct tread so that the original shop floor will be the same tread width as the other two steps.

Photo 4 - shows the two door sections cut out and one of them being assembled.

Photo 5 - shows the entrance way completed.

Photo 6 - shows the entrance way glued into position.  One more still to do.  Its amazing how much work there is in these little features - and of course you have to nut it out as well as build it.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on November 30, 2020, 07:49:18 AM
Hey Mark:

It's progressing right along and looks just great.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 30, 2020, 01:33:09 PM
Thanks very much, Karl.  The weather has meant I have been able to find a bit more time than usual.

I got the second entrance way made up and installed yesterday afternoon.  As this one was put in a window opening it was a different width that the other so I used different material, but basically did it the same way.  I also added some 2mm plastic wedges on the downward side of the doors for foundations, sanded for some tooth and then dabbed on textured gel to look like stucco.

Photo 1 - shows the new entrance way in the right hand building and the foundations.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 30, 2020, 07:25:23 PM
Mark


This is coming along very nice. It's good to see you get some modeling time in. I will be following along.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 03, 2020, 07:37:54 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much, John.  I'm enjoying making a bit of speedy (for me) progress.

Well, yesterday I got a bit of paint on the Fountain Brewery.  I put the paint mixture on with a largish brush and then sponged and smeared on black while the base colour was still wet.  If I went too far I brought it back with some more of the brown colour mix.  I wanted to get away from the typical brick colours, and found a picture in a book of old Australian towns I have that I liked and tried to get close to that.  After I was happy with my swirling mess, I picked out a few bricks in a more classic brick colour.  I may add a few in the darker brown/ black in some of the lighter areas.  The chalk mortar lines should blend and bring it together.

Photo 1 - shows the colours I used.  Burnt umber, burnt umber (but quite a different shade) Naples yellow and mars black.

Photo 2 - shows the paint going on.

Photo 3 - shows the side wall.

I then trialed a few different colours and went with primer for the concrete work, and foundation for the windows, both from Floquil.

Photo 4 - shows the colours picked out on one of the gable walls.  Its fiddly time consuming work, and I will need to do some touch ups in the brown.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on December 03, 2020, 07:57:18 PM
Really liking the look of that brick. Great work.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on December 04, 2020, 08:28:45 AM
Hey Mark:

That's coming along really well. The walls look just great.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on December 04, 2020, 09:25:01 AM
That came out looking great.  It definitely makes me think of dirty old brick buildings in a city.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: vinceg on December 04, 2020, 09:38:38 AM
Yes, indeed. Really love the smudgy blackness. Good look.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 04, 2020, 01:37:56 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much Rusty, Karl, Curt and Vince.  I find these walls always look so different after the grout goes on.  I tend to tell myself 'I think it will look OK'.  Its nice to have some encouragement.

The DPM kit-bash got a small amount of puttying and a coat of primer.  My friend, Neil was impressed by how tight the fit is on the sliding back.  There really is no need to glue this in place.

Photos 1-3 show the structure ready for painting.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Dennis Bourey on December 04, 2020, 01:47:02 PM
Beautiful job Mark!!!!...Dennis
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: jerryrbeach on December 04, 2020, 09:59:23 PM
mark,


I find your planning, scene composition and your problem solving approach to the elevation changes fascinating.  Thanks for the pics.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on December 05, 2020, 09:08:26 AM
Mark beautiful coloring on the walls.


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on December 05, 2020, 09:28:42 AM
It gets more impressive with every post Mark.....great job.  8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on December 05, 2020, 10:08:52 AM
Mark, what DPM kit is that — the half painted one above?
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 05, 2020, 01:05:49 PM
QuoteI find your planning, scene composition and your problem solving approach to the elevation changes fascinating.  Thanks for the pics.

Thanks very much, Jerry.

This is definitely one of my favourite parts of the hobby.  I always have a great time walking around in any steep city/ town.  Here in New Zealand, I have taken a lot of inspirations from Lyttelton, Wellington and Dunedin.  I find it fascinating to see how designers and builders deal with setting a level floor against a steep slope.  I also find you also learn a lot from looking at the back of the buildings.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 05, 2020, 01:29:47 PM
Thanks very much Dennis, Jerry, Gregory and Rusty - your comments and continued support is much appreciated.

I'm thinking my wife must be watching you all comment.  Yesterday she said 'nice brickwork - that's a different colour to what you usually use'.  Most observant of her!

Rusty - I'm not quite sure what you mean by 'half painted'.  They are kind of both half painted.  The brown brick structure is out of production and was made by Magnuson.  It is called the Fountain Brewery.  The DPM kit is the main wall from the Seymour building.

I've continued to potter away and picking out the details on the Fountain Brewery and yesterday made up a sign for the side wall.  Where this structure sits it will have a kit-bash of FOS boxing gym in front, so only the top half of the wall will be fully seen.  I also always intended to have an aerial walkway from the back of this structure going across the road and joining into the Edmonds Bakery timber low relief structure against the back wall.  Hence the nature of the sign.  'Sure to rise' is a famous phrase in NZ synonymous with Edmonds.  The sign still needs a spray of Dullcote, grouting and some weathering.  I will also make up a sign to go over the Fountain Brewery sign.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on December 05, 2020, 01:45:06 PM
Mark


The brick and the sign look great. Very nice work.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on December 05, 2020, 05:31:00 PM
Everything looks great.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on December 05, 2020, 07:45:37 PM
Quote from: mark dalrymple on December 05, 2020, 01:29:47 PM
Rusty - I'm not quite sure what you mean by 'half painted'.  They are kind of both half painted.  The brown brick structure is out of production and was made by Magnuson.  It is called the Fountain Brewery.  The DPM kit is the main wall from the Seymour building.

Ah, yes. The brewery kit! That's the one. Thanks Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 05, 2020, 10:35:53 PM
Hi guys.

Well - after a hour or so of picking out details on the brewery kit, I felt like a break.  So I thought I might go back and carry on with one of those parts of the hobby I feel I might have something to contribute.  From the brief list I made back on page 5 I chose this one to tackle:

QuoteAnother is to discuss mock-ups within composition and how important I find these within the big picture, and highlighting this with how the displaying of two large dioramas on a table for a visitor to show how they would look when placed together on the layout led to some major redesign work and the removal of several square feet of layout bench-work in order to make the scene appear bigger.

So - one of the things I always try to do is to know what will be going next to the diorama I am working on. This is why I try to have things mocked-up, at least with 3-D shapes.

Photo 1 - After finishing this structure at the front corner of my corner diorama I discovered that the leading line created by the zigzagging roof-line of Roslyn's Manufacturing was too strong to be hidden from view by a raised gridded city block with underground station as first intended.  This is the sort of thing that I struggle to see on paper, but was blatantly obvious to me in 3-D.

Photo 2 - the next big chunk takes shape - using Lyttelton as inspiration including a section of roading photocopied and cut from a map (see page 2) I designed and created a new section to work in harmony with the corner diorama.

Photo 3 - making sure the leading lines aren't blocked.  The new road and river are placed as to keep the new vista open.  The road curves out towards the viewer to give a wider vista.

Photo 4 - If you plan well, many elements of design can improve the finished product.  Alleyways create a 'glimpses' and increase the depth of field.  Buildings at the front of the scene are deliberately kept low.  Favourite scenes are then still visible but greater texture is achieved.  You can also see here how photocopied buildings and even crude MDF mock-ups enable visualization of the entire scene.  Leading lines take your eyes deeper into the scene via chimneys and stacks, roof lines, trees etc. as well as track, roads and rivers.  Its good at this stage to spend time trying to note how your eye moves around the scene.  In this way you can find dead spots where your eye needs to jump a long way and make changes to help smooth things out.  Its also good to frame a square box with your fingers to view through.

Photo 5 - The two dioramas were set up on a table in the garage for a visitor from Australia (Mario) to best display both what I had been working on and what my intent was.  During this process I noted the incredible depth of field when looking at the scene longways from right to left.  It also dawned on me that this view would not be possible with my current design.  I felt this depth of field was so powerful that another drastic redesign including cutting away several square feet of my layout was imperative.  Again - setting these two chunks up complete with 3-D mock-ups lets you see what you can't see on paper.  This change was pretty major, including adding a whole new main L-girder bearer to support the new layout shape, but I consider the work minor when compared to the improvement it has made.

Photo 6 - A gap for the view.  Several changes have been made to the original plan.  The engine facilities were moved and one yard track has been omitted to give room for a gap big enough to stand in and view the longitudinal scene.  The overall width was also reduced to give better access to trackwork and the car ferry has been eliminated.  The trackwork has also been simplified.  I really do feel that this reduction of several square feet of real estate made the layout appear much bigger.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 10, 2020, 12:54:35 AM
Hi guys.

Thanks John and Curt.

OK - today I finished off picking out all the details and then went back around cleaning up and slips with the brown mix.  I then started on the grouting with white soft pastel chalk.

Photo's 1&2 - show he side and back gable walls of the structure with the trim painted and the walls grouted.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on December 10, 2020, 02:52:51 AM
Hey Mark:

I love that top photo. What A beautiful scene. The structures are just gorgeous.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: restocarp on December 10, 2020, 05:48:00 AM
Quote from: postalkarl on December 10, 2020, 02:52:51 AM
Hey Mark:

I love that top photo. What A beautiful scene. The structures are just gorgeous.

Karl

Mark,

I agree with Karl. This scene is both wonderful and inspirational. Thanks for sharing!

Matt
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Oldguy on December 10, 2020, 10:33:40 AM
Good looking building.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on December 10, 2020, 10:40:46 AM
Excellent work Mark. The paint job on that Magnuson is inspiring.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 10, 2020, 06:15:34 PM
Hi guys.

QuoteI love that top photo. What A beautiful scene. The structures are just gorgeous.

Thanks so much for your lovely compliment, Karl!

Thanks you also to Matt, Bob and Rusty, I'm pleased you like the walls of the Magnuson kit.  The larger brick takes the chalk very nicely, and, as hoped, blended everything together.

I got the last of the mortar on this morning.

Photo 1 - shows one of the gable walls as I apply the chalk.  I scrape the chalk straight on to the wall (bottom half) and work it in with a soft round brush (top half).  I then use the oils on my fingers to further work it in and use a small brush to remove excess.  I then spray lightly with a pastel fixative.  I sometimes go over certain areas repeating this process.

Photos 2&3 - show a front and angled view.

As an aside, I noticed that the bottom far right window on the central front wall had no window frame on the left side.  I cut a piece of strip styrene and glued into position before adding the mullion.  I'm guessing this was an error in the master and I wonder just how many models there are on peoples layouts with this window frame missing!

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on December 10, 2020, 06:22:50 PM
Looks awesome Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on December 11, 2020, 04:18:28 AM
Hey Mark:

Looks just great so far.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on December 11, 2020, 08:37:52 AM
You sure knowhow to put a scene together.  Beautiful work.


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 12, 2020, 03:09:32 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much, Curt, Karl and Jerry!

Jerry - I get a lot of satisfaction from designing my scenes.  I do also always put a lot of work into this stage.

As I've been working on my design for my Tickner's watchworks (hopefully in the mail from the states) I wanted to get the structure next to this a bit more firmed in.  It had been my intention to scratch-build something out of timber.  I'd gone as far as to cut out some basic shapes in extruded polystyrene and pin them together with nails.  I liked the shapes I had created and wanted to keep the design fairly close to this.

Photo 1 - shows the site shape.  There is a rail line in front of the pencil outline, a road to the back starting at 4 3/4" to the left and rising to 6 1/2" to the right.  Another road crosses the railway track at left and rises from rail height to 1/2" at the left end of the pencil outline.  This road then goes under the other road, curves around past my City Classics/ M T Arms kitbash, passes back under the other road, and then passes the side of the building site going off shot on my drawing in the top right corner on about a 45degree angle from left to right (passed the '90' - my metric measurement).  At this point that road is approximately 3 1/2" in height.

Photo 2 - shows the extruded polystyrene mock-up in all its white glory.

I was having trouble with window placement, trying a few sketches (like the one on the plan), when I suddenly had a thought to try one of the brewery walls against the poly mock-up.  Both my Scale Structures and Magnuson boxes were sitting on the table next to me.  I held a gable wall in place and found it to be the right height, the right pitch and only slightly narrower.  Further consideration led me to the realization that because I had indevoured to keep a 'likeness' to the front walls of my last kit-bash with this kit, I had left myself mainly with the square topped windows, which have a very different feel to the arch topped windows I used in the previous bash.

So - I collected together the walls, headed upstairs to the scanner, scanned them off and then printed off a couple of copies of each.  Next I went on a scrap cardboard search and then sat down for the morning designing using the kit walls and building a new 3-D mock-up.

Photo 3 shows an aerial view of the new cardboard mock-up coming together.  I did get a question from my wife in the kitchen at this stage "what happened to your cereal box?"

As I worked through this process I wondered about incorporating in my design the top right section on the plan facing the street that has curved past the City Classics/ M T Arms hotel kit-bash.  I had mocked up a City Classsic's iron front for this position, but thought if I could make it look right, an addition to this kit-bash would be more logical.  I tried a version with and without the walkover between the two protruding sections of the wall.  In the end I decided I liked it better in, as it helped change up the look of the structure from my previous kit-bash, and it helped disguise that the two walls were identical.

Photo 4 - shows the mock-up without the walk over.  You can see my angled addition in the top right corner.  I might look at cutting a section out between the bottom windows and the freight door to get road access for loading here.  This should also give you an idea of the lay of the land I envisage.

Photo 5 - shows the mock-up with the walkover.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on December 12, 2020, 03:38:15 PM
Great looking mockup.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 12, 2020, 03:45:25 PM
Hi again.  Continuing on...

Below are a series of photos showing the new upcoming kit-bash in position.  I added the other kit-bashes in their various stages of completion to the scene.

Photo 1 - looking slightly right to left.  I considered raising the central section by half a story to accentuate the gables when looking from the left, but I think the raised roof line will hide too much of the Seymour kit-bash behind.

Photo 2 - A look down the curved road behind.  I think there is some nice interest here.  This is where I think that raised gable would work nicely.  I might still mock it up to access its pros and cons.  You can see there will be a lot of retaining walls to build here!

Photo 3 - shows the view from left to right.  Again, I think a little added height to that gable might be worth investigating.  I think the one story gable will work nicely as a shop front - perhaps out of a different medium?

Photo 4 - a view from right to left from a bit further back.  Here is where you see how the raising of that gable will obscure more of the view of the Seymour shop fronts behind.  In the end it will be a matter of weighing up what is most important.  You can see the previous Magnuson brewery to the far left.  It blends into the scene nicely.  I seems to go almost grey.

Photo 5 - here is an aerial view.  Its a nice example of how all my structures have to be built to fit their sites.  Out of the box kits just don't work for me!

Photo 6 - shows my pencil drawing of Tickner's watchworks.  There will still be a bit of design work to do when it arrives.

More soon, cheers, mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 13, 2020, 07:29:04 PM
QuoteGreat looking mockup.

Thanks, Curt.

It was a fun day.

I found my plan of Sheepscot's coaling tower yesterday.  I cut out a piece of MDF, attached it to a piece of 1"x2" and sellotape the plan to the MDF.  I then put it into position on the layout.  As I imagined the coal tower completely dominated the scene.  I just found my eye repeated drawn back to it.  Furthermore, the height of the tower meant it bisected the longways view down the layout.  So my original design for a 25T coaling tower will go ahead.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: deemery on December 13, 2020, 07:52:07 PM
Do you need plans for a 25t tower?  There's a set in Model Railroader (that was used for the 25t kit I just built.)  But frankly the 25t tower looks a little too small.  40t might be a better size, and it's not that much bigger....  I think Walthers has a 40t kit, but it's not that hard to scratchbuild, I think.

dave
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on December 13, 2020, 08:40:39 PM
I think ITLA's Albany Tower could find itself a home here too ;)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 13, 2020, 09:03:08 PM
QuoteDo you need plans for a 25t tower?

Hi Dave - no, but thanks for the offer.  I am part way through a build using parts from a Campbell kit and a set of plans from MRR with a few minor adjustments.  I'm happy with the size and it suits my yard size.  Its just that the Sheepscot kit came up on trade me a few years ago at a pretty reasonable price and I just had to have it!

Photo 1 - I added a close up of my coal tower mock-up with the plans taped on.

Photos 2-5 - show two views with the 25T coal tower compared to two views with the 150T coal tower.  You have to imagine the width on the 150T coal tower - but even though the foot print is quite small, it is a huge structure.  It just kind of screams 'look at me!  Here I am!' and everything else seems to just fade into the background.  I had the same issue with the Sylvan freighter.  It looked like a cool kit but I always thought  it would over power the scene and give true scale against my compressed city.  I saw one made up at our train show and it was huge!  I'm so pleased I never bought one!  I think that's the thing with selective compression - you have to apply it to almost everything, or at least everything of any great size.  Either that or not apply it at all.  One makes the layout appear huge, the other makes the trains appear tiny.  Both have their merits, but I think you mix the two at your own peril.

Cheers, Mark
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 13, 2020, 09:27:27 PM
Hi Rusty.

Maybe the Southside hotel?

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on December 13, 2020, 10:16:54 PM
Mark


The way you use mockups is fantastic. You sure have a lot of modeling planed for your future.  The scene looks great.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on December 13, 2020, 11:31:11 PM
Quote from: mark dalrymple on December 13, 2020, 09:27:27 PM
Hi Rusty.

Maybe the Southside hotel?

Cheers, Mark.

Another excellent choice
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 13, 2020, 11:33:39 PM
Quotethe way you use mockups is fantastic. You sure have a lot of modeling planed for your future.  The scene looks great.

Thanks, John!

I think the coal tower(s) are a great example of how a simple mock-up can let you see very easily whether something will work or not.  When standing at the end of the layout I can see the entire scene of the back wall diorama and the corner diorama over the top of the 25T coal tower.  This is certainly not the case with the 150T coal tower!  And of course this would be much worse with the 4" width added to it.  I always think it is very important when looking at adding a new structure to consider whether the overall scene looks better without it.

Yes - I, too, have a lifetime of modeling ahead of me!  I'm hoping that once we have this major landscaping chunk out of the way I will be able to put more time into my layout.  I already have timber fillet stacked and stropped (should be very dry and very straight by now) ready for the commencement of stage 2!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 20, 2020, 02:43:36 PM
Hi guys.

A bit of progress.  I got some paint on the DPM Seymour kit-bash.

Photo 1 - shows the two paint colours I used for the brickwork and the picture in the book I was aiming for.

Photo 2 - shows the colours I used for the trim.  I was a little concerned with the brightness of the light green but hoped a dusting with chalk would tone it down enough.

Photo 3 - shows the front before grouting.

More in a sec, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 20, 2020, 02:47:59 PM
continuing...

And here the kit-bash is after grouting with white chalk.

Photo 1 - shows the right front.

Photo 2 - shows the left front.

Photo 3 - The two shop fronts together.

Photo 4 - The left side.

Photo 5 - the left side and front.

I grouted the back and right side as well, but don't think these will be seen when on the layout.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on December 20, 2020, 06:19:45 PM
Very nice Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on December 20, 2020, 08:31:12 PM
Great coloring on those.  You sure can pick some good combo's!


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ReadingBob on December 21, 2020, 09:12:52 AM
Love seeing those DPM kits put to good use like this.  You're proving that they can be turned into some really nice looking structures.  The coloring is spot on.   :)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 21, 2020, 03:17:56 PM
Thanks Curt, Jerry and Bob. I'm pleased you like my colour schemes.

Bob - Yes - I think a good number of these kits can be turned into lovely structures.  Some of them I find the ornate details on the front walls a bit clunky and crude, but I think the Seymour block has some nice features.  I also think it helps tremendously to change them up significantly into a one of a kind design.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 24, 2020, 04:54:51 PM
Hi guys.

I've been doing a bit of planning for a tricky spot on my layout.  It started with me going through some kits, pulling out Campbell's Norm's boathouse, and then playing around with a three story kit-bash.  I copied off walls from the elevations, made a mock-up, and put it into position.  It didn't matter what I did, so much of the structure was completely hidden from view it was almost a waste of time.  It also looked pretty crammed in.  Eventually (after a lot of contemplation) I decided to try moving my Chippy Hollow mock-up to the far side of the track, and liked that a lot more.  It opened up some nice views, and framed snapshots and gave a more natural open view by leaving a lot more open space in the form of a yard in the foreground.  I added a road going across the track to serve the left end of the structure, and decided it might be nice to add a road tunnel suggesting the one lane road popped up on the far side of the hospital.  I have found a lovely structure front of a New Zealand farmers dairy union which I plan to add to the right end.  Access to this end will be via a shared rail road bridge crossing the river.  I tried a few different stacks until I found a Crow River one I liked.  The white plaster structure I think I will make a cabinet makers, and plan on adding an open aerial walkway over the river to the front plaster shop front, which will be a retail shop for the business.  I recently bought a small Scale Structures kit, and I think the back wall of this will make a nice low office with scratch-built sides and back, keeping the view of Chippy Hollow open behind.  I'll look at adding either a timber rack or a 3-story lean-to with stack at the back of the main cabinet makers workshop.  Lots of details still to work out, but I feel this area is now working much better.

Photo 1 - shows an aerial shot of the area.  The plaster structure was made up from Downtown Deco boneyard castings.  I hand carved the stonework on the river side.  This shot also shows the two-storied cabinet makers shop front which will connect to the main factory workshop by an aerial walkway across the river, shown here as a plaster wall and a piece of 3"x2".

Photo 2 - A better shot of the hand carved plaster wall.  Directly to the right of the stack, on the other side of the track, is the cardboard front representing the Farmers union shown in photo 6.  The small cardboard lean-to next to the stone bridge is a mock-up of the small shop to the right of the farmers union in photo 6.  The row of shop fronts angling down to the bottom of the frame end with what will be the two-story shop front for the cabinet makers connected by and open aerial walkway over the river.  I'm feeling like I'm leaning more towards a timber rack behind the main plaster structure and the omission of the stack.  I feel the stack obscures a bit too much of the view behind.  I can add a sluice gate to power the factory.

Photo 3 - The green building behind is to be replaced.  Again, it is too tall and obscures too much of the view of the low relief structure.  I'm thinking that the fronts of the Scale Structures small kit might work.  I've also been looking at a couple of Mainstreet Heritage kits that might work here.  This shot also shows the yard area along with the one lane road and road tunnel.  I bought an N-scale tunnel mouth yesterday to replace the one I have in place as a prop.  There will also need to be some retaining walls in this area, and I also bought some more hydrocal yesterday with this in mind.

Photo 4 - shows how Sam Cahoon's fishing pier frames the view nicely, creating a lovely snap shot.

Photo 5 - gives a good view of the road, the SS office and Chippy Hollows behind.  This will leave me a further side wall of Chipp'y for a further kit-bash, and perhaps a gable wall.  There may be a bit of further shuffling of Chippy's, as well as the addition of a small wedged shape connection between Chippy's and the NZ Farmers Union structure.  Chippy's was bought as the wall and window/ door castings only.

Photo 6 - What a gorgeous photo!  You can see why I felt I needed to incorporate a scratch-build of this scene somewhere on my layout.  I had to separate the cute little shop and turn it 90 degrees to fit it into the scene.  There is also a small water tower to add.

Well, I hope this has given you a bit more insight into my working process.  It all started with a dead end mock-up of Norm's boathouse.   I often hit dead ends in my design process, but they often lead to a realization of what you need to do.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on December 24, 2020, 05:30:22 PM
Hey Mark:

All looks just great. Where did you get the Chippy Hollow walls. Did you bust up your F&SM kit?

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 24, 2020, 10:42:07 PM
Hi Karl.

Thanks.

I bought the Chippy Hollow walls and window/ door castings off Jimmy of railroad kits on Ebay earlier this year.

He bought the spin molds off George, but didn't have the rights to produce entire kits.  He has since sold them again (I think to Bill at Microlumina).

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on December 24, 2020, 11:40:09 PM
Quote from: mark dalrymple on December 24, 2020, 10:42:07 PM
Hi Karl.

Thanks.

I bought the Chippy Hollow walls and window/ door castings off Jimmy of railroad kits on Ebay earlier this year.

He bought the spin molds off George, but didn't have the rights to produce entire kits.  He has since sold them again (I think to Bruce Nickerson of Seaport Model works).

Cheers, Mark.

Bill at Microlumina bought the molds.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 25, 2020, 08:22:40 AM
Thanks Craig.

I changed my above post to this.  I'd listened to it on a podcast recently, but couldn't remember which episode.  Bill sounded like he had a lot of projects on the go.  He seemed a little overwhelmed.

Cheers, mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on December 25, 2020, 01:49:35 PM
He really does.

He's been helping my locate something I think you all might be interested in from
George's molds.

Soon as he gets set up, I'll make a thread about it.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 22, 2021, 11:03:21 PM
Hi guys.

Well, in the process of constructing my latest project - my second Fountain Brewery kitbash - I went off on a bit of a tangent when trying to decide what industry the kitbash would be.  It dawned on me that I didn't know what all the industries on Tellynott were and so it was time to start a proper structure plan.  I say start, because I still don't know what or where every structure will be/ go.

Below are a version without names, and a version with names.  I'll fill in and update as I move forwards.  There are actually very few gaps left in this area of Tellynott.  I need to fill in the area in front of Goodrich Footware co.  I'm thinking three small one story structures here, including a corner structure with a door on an angle.  The next area is the back wall section between the pumping station and the Tellynott department store.  Next is the loop to the right of the department store, and then the back right corner.  The engine facilities are floating around in my head, but I have a scratchbuild of a 25T coal tower underway, and am hoping to also add a sand house, water tower, ash pit and outdoor inspection pit.  The position of the coal tower is shown without colour.  There will also be three hydraulic cranes to add to the length of track behind the three boats.  There are, of course, lots of unfinished buildings, but I have for the first time since 2012, made up a list of what I want to achieve in 2021.  I am trying to keep it logical and will be working on the section which includes the back wall diorama and the corner diorama.  Basically from the Tellynott Hospital around to the unfinished loop and including Zealandia bicycles, Burkes railway station, the Palmolive factory, and everything behind the road which goes from behind the Palmolive factory around to the hospital.

This should hopefully provide enough variation to keep me motivated, with some design work, kitbashing, kit mingling, scratchbuilding and finishing work.  It would be nice to finish the scenery as I go as well.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on January 23, 2021, 12:12:15 AM
Love this, Mark.

Great selection of companies and names.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on January 23, 2021, 08:54:14 AM
That is really cool looking.


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 23, 2021, 09:07:35 AM
That will be outstanding Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on January 23, 2021, 10:05:53 AM
That is one heck of a business and manufacturing area Mark.....looking good.  8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 23, 2021, 04:04:17 PM
Thanks very much Craig, Jerry, Curt and Gregory.

I do enjoy a bit of planning for a change.  Being my wife's school holidays until this coming week, we have had a number of visitors lately, and most have wanted a tour of our garden and a detour into the layout room.  When people get excited about what I am doing I find it really motivates me.  There was a lot of genuine interest, which was nice.  One friend even made a second visit bringing her mother to see - who was most enthusiastic!  Of course, our 2020 Easter convention has been postponed to Easter 2022, and so this is also in the back of my mind.  Every time I walk into the layout room I'm looking to see what I think would make the most impact to the layout in the short term.  Of course some form of logic has to be considered, and so working from the back walls to the track first makes a lot of sense.

Moving forwards I will make a list of the structures with the kits they are derived from (when applicable).  I'll try to also create a plausible fictional history based on my 'what if' scenario.  I'll also load some photos of my previous structure builds as we move through the dioramas.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on January 23, 2021, 04:59:31 PM
Cheers, Mark,

I also like the names and locations of the structures. And, I also find that new visitors to my layout gives me a certain motivation.

What is the size of the entire layout diorama? Maybe I missed it. I went back and didn't see any demensions.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 24, 2021, 01:01:57 AM
QuoteI also like the names and locations of the structures. And, I also find that new visitors to my layout gives me a certain motivation.

What is the size of the entire layout diorama? Maybe I missed it. I went back and didn't see any dimensions.

Hi Tom.

Thanks for following along.  I figured you must be wrong, but going back through my thread I couldn't find any measurements either!  Sorry about that!  Firstly, I've added some measurements to the plan I'm working on.  A rough estimate gives me around 50 square feet of real estate.  I would estimate that this would be about half of Tellynott, making Tellynott around 100 square feet, and that Tellynott would be a little less than half the total layout area - around 220 square feet all up.  I'll get this closer moving forwards.

The two rooms combined as one give dimensions of 5.9m x 10m (19'4"x32'10").  Total area is 59m2 (635'squared). 

The dimensions of Tellynott are 4.9mx3.75m (16'1"x12'3 1/2").  Total area (including isles) is 18.375m2 (198' squared).

The dimensions of Shadowlands and Tellynott are  8.5mx5.75m (28'x19').  Total area (including isles) is 48.875m (526' squared).  Note - all these layout area measurements measure to the backdrops, but do not include layout framing or tolerances between layout walls and room walls, except when these are within overall measurements.

The photo below shows the measurements in metric (purple) and imperial (red).  The area I hope to finish up this year is approximately 2.9mx.45m (9'6 1/2"x1'6").  Total area is 1.3m2 (14' squared).  For me this will be a mammoth task and if I finish it I will be most pleased!

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: jerryrbeach on January 24, 2021, 08:28:44 AM
Mark,


Getting caught up on this thread.  I especially like the town map with the industries called out.  IMO the types and number of industries and commercial shops sets the scene for both era and locale.  Having that planned out in advance, even if it changes somewhat, helps keep you focused on your goal.  Thanks for giving us the area measurements, it really helps put the photos into perspective.  I really enjoy getting to follow along with your progress. 
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on January 24, 2021, 01:44:29 PM
Mark


Wow - you have been busy with the planning since I last visited your build thread.  I really like the plan view graphic with the names and types of businesses. I'm going to borrow that idea, as I take the plan for my large town of Vansel on the S&S RR to the next level. All the elevation changes are really going to make this a great scene. Your work is definitely motivating me to work on my layout.


Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 24, 2021, 02:39:42 PM
QuoteGetting caught up on this thread.  I especially like the town map with the industries called out.  IMO the types and number of industries and commercial shops sets the scene for both era and locale.  Having that planned out in advance, even if it changes somewhat, helps keep you focused on your goal.  Thanks for giving us the area measurements, it really helps put the photos into perspective.  I really enjoy getting to follow along with your progress.

Thanks very much, Jerry.

I found a lot of great information on a New Zealand online historical site.  Among many other things it listed the sort of shops you would find in a small rural town through to a city.  I thought this might be of interest to some of my followers so...

Small rural town - general store - which typically offered goods on credit to local farmers.

Village type rows of shops centered on the main road, typically on bus or tram routes...
grocer, pharmacy, stationer/ newsagent, butcher, hairdresser, post office, green grocer, baker.

Larger rows might also include...
real estate agent, confectioner, bank(s), draper, hardware store, jeweler, service station.

The city center had more variety with...
specialized small shops, chain stores, large emporiums, department stores.

You can see how this information would be very helpful.  Not only for small village row shops like I will likely put in the peninsula of Ingelltown, but also for the original rows in Tellynott around which the larger city grew.  It also shows me any obvious gaps I might have.

In regards to the measurements I find it really puts things in perspective too.  For example, Zealandia bicycles, the kitbash I am working on now, is rather large, but within the plan of Tellynott it is quite tiny.  Even the huge hospital doesn't look that big!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 24, 2021, 02:48:12 PM
QuoteWow - you have been busy with the planning since I last visited your build thread.  I really like the plan view graphic with the names and types of businesses. I'm going to borrow that idea, as I take the plan for my large town of Vansel on the S&S RR to the next level. All the elevation changes are really going to make this a great scene. Your work is definitely motivating me to work on my layout.

Thanks, John.

I'm very pleased to help keep one of my main motivators motivated!  I was undecided on whether it would be better to number and then list the industries or just use arrows.  I'm sure if you were good with a computer it would be easy to change this around on a whim.

Yes - the elevation changes really bring the scene to life.  They also make it possible to cram a lot more believably into the scene.  It does, however, make it difficult to display this visually on a plan.  I might look at adding some elevations to the roads.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 28, 2021, 06:46:52 PM
I read the history and the back story of your layout Mark. The layout plan makes much more sense to me now Mark. Cheers.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on January 29, 2021, 04:33:40 PM
Hey Mark:

Thanks for the info.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: nycjeff on January 31, 2021, 02:09:06 PM
Hey Mark, I'm really enjoying watching your city scene come together, what a lot of work. I appreciate the effort on the track plan illustration, it makes it much easier to see what your overall idea is for your layout. You're doing some great work and I like your detailed explanations of your thought and building processes.   Jeff
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 04, 2021, 11:33:33 PM
QuoteHey Mark, I'm really enjoying watching your city scene come together, what a lot of work. I appreciate the effort on the track plan illustration, it makes it much easier to see what your overall idea is for your layout. You're doing some great work and I like your detailed explanations of your thought and building processes.

Thanks so much Jeff. 

Its great to get feedback like this.  I enjoy all the planning and it often helps me get my head around what I am trying to achieve.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 05, 2021, 12:03:51 AM
Hi guys.

QuoteHey Mark:

Thanks for the info.

You are very welcome, Karl.


So following on in the planning tangent. 

Photo 1 - I found a plan I had done a few years back when I first thought of the potential for using Jacksons Bay with a rewritten history as the setting for my fictional layout.  I did this before I started working on a track plan design for Shadowlands to get my head around where the track might go and for what purposes.  I also used a geological map showing what minerals were where and then tried to think like a railway engineer, using the contour lines to help guide where the track might need to cross rivers valleys, spiral and pierce ridges to gain the height required.  If you look carefully in the top left I have pit in a scale and a small map of New Zealand showing where the area I am modeling is.

Photo 2 - shows a schematic diagram of the layout as I have it planned so far.  If we ignore the limeworks and the staging and return loop on out first pass, we can also think of this as a point to point between Tellynott and the staging (more schematic plans to come).  Indeed we could do a full revolution and a bit to the return loop and then a full revolution and a bit back to Tellynott.  I'd have to do some calculations but I believe that is around 17scale km (10.5scale miles) of track.  With geared locos that should take some time to do.  Exciting!

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 05, 2021, 08:43:22 AM
Looking good Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 24, 2021, 12:47:51 AM
Thanks very much, Curt.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 24, 2021, 01:35:35 AM
Hi guys.

Well I have some LBP to take to my friend, Neil's house tomorrow for modeling Thursday, and I felt like a bit of a change today.  Last month my Tickner's Watchworks arrived from Scale Structures and I've been itching to see how it will kitbash to fit my spot.  As with most of my kitbashes it is a bit of an exercise in selective compression.  So I started by scanning the walls, enhancing the image a bit, and printing them off - 2 copies just in case.  I then started cutting and pasting.  Every time I cut a wall into pieces I photographed it.  In this way I have a record of what I did when it comes time to kitbash for real.  This will be a bit of a homage to George Sellios.  My space dictates that it can't be quite the same, but it will certainly take its inspiration from George's bash of this kit.  In fact, until recently, I didn't realize what kit is was.  This has always been one of my very favouritee structures on the F&SM, and the spot on my layout was almost perfect for this kitbash.

Below are three photos of the walls and how I cut them.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 24, 2021, 12:25:52 PM
Continuing...

So - the front wall I used stock standard.  The left side wall also had several scale feet cut off the bottom.  The back wall I cut several scale feet off the bottom and cut a section of the wall off including the door to the right.  This will leave me the 45 degree bevel at the left end.  The right end wall has been cut to give the left end of the structure along with the left return of the three story section.  I will step the structure back at this point to allow room for a loading dock, approximately 5 1/2 scale feet.  Between the back wall and the left wall I put a 12 degree angle in to align with the Peco turnouts.

Photo 1 - shows the mock-up from in front.

Photo 2 - shows it from the right.

Photo 3 - shows it from the left.

Photo 4 - shows the mock-up from above on an angle.

Photo 5 - shows it from above.  You can see how it is designed to fit against the retaining walls supporting the roads.

Photo 6 - shows a close up.  I put the stack at the right end.

I also put the left end wall at a slightly acute angle (around 80 degrees) to allow room for vehicle access to Zealandia cycle work's service center.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on February 24, 2021, 04:41:47 PM
Hey Mark:

Coming along nicely. You did a great job with that brick building.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 25, 2021, 12:32:39 AM
QuoteHey Mark:

Coming along nicely. You did a great job with that brick building.

Thanks, Karl.

I still have a few things to add to Zealandia cycle works.  I was preparing some LBP for the loading docks and also for Burton Brewing company which I am starting to finish off.  More on that soon.

I was quite pleased with the mock-up of Tickner's Watchworks.  Even with only the scanned and printed walls you really get a feel for how the finished structure will look.  It has such a unique look, being cast concrete cladding.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on February 25, 2021, 10:45:44 AM
Mark


The scene is going to look, fantastic.  Your mock-ups really help visualize what's needed for the scene and the mechanics of the track work. Very well done.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: tom.boyd.125 on February 25, 2021, 01:44:10 PM
Mark,
See your SS LTD kit of the Tickner's Watchworks arrived and you started planning how it will fit in on your S & T RR.
Remember the resin walls of the original Magnuson kit were very tacky before they were primed. Like the look of the concrete poured walls too.
Will follow along...
Tommy
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 28, 2021, 10:44:51 PM
QuoteThe scene is going to look, fantastic.  Your mock-ups really help visualize what's needed for the scene and the mechanics of the track work. Very well done.

Thanks so much, John.

I think in this case, in particular, the mock-up really brought the structure to life.  I'm really looking forward to building this one - even though I don't particularly enjoy working with resin (or at least this resin).

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 28, 2021, 10:49:49 PM
QuoteI see your SS LTD kit of the Tickner's Watchworks arrived and you started planning how it will fit in on your S & T RR.
Remember the resin walls of the original Magnuson kit were very tacky before they were primed. Like the look of the concrete poured walls too.
Will follow along...

Thanks, Tommy.

The kit was bought direct from Scale Structures, so the resin shouldn't be extremely tacky like the old Magnuson, stuff.  It will, however, get a nice bath in dish washing liquid and water before priming.

Pleased to have you following along with my progress.  I hope to get this one done in 2021 - but I do tend to jump around a bit.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 28, 2021, 11:13:48 PM
Hi guys.

We have our annual modeling weekend at Arthurs pass (a beautiful spot in the mountains, on the east side of the Otira tunnel) coming up soon.  Its a great weekend, but I need a project that will keep me busy all weekend, with lots of variety, and without horrid smelly glues.  I decided it was time to tackle my sail makers structure.  This is a mock-up that has been on my layout for years, largely influenced by James Powell's structure on his old layout.  I get the feeling that James was influenced somewhat by Mainline and Sidings 'paper merchant' kit, which, in turn, was reproduced with a bit of a twist by Bar Mills.  James's version is quite different to the other two, so different that I am really just guessing it was influenced by the paper merchant kit.  Anyway, my version will be largely based on James, with my own take on things, and with a bit of inspiration from the paper merchant.

In order to tackle this project I decided it would be invaluable to have a decent set of plans to follow.  I reserve the right to make amendments at any time during construction without council consent!

Photo 1 - shows the MDF mock-up.

Photo 2 - Is a plan showing the exterior walls with ground floor doors and windows, decks, soffit lines, stacks and rooftop water tower.

Photos 3 - 6 - show the different elevations, front, right, left and back.  These are all marked at the bottom.

The main view will be of the front and right side.  The central quad will not have any lower windows or doors, as this will not be visible.  I am going to use Campbell windows for this one, and I will scratchbuild the freight doors.

Next is to prep the walls, windows and trim ready for the 26th - 28th of March.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on March 01, 2021, 08:12:25 AM
Mark this is going to be another impressive addition!!


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: deemery on March 01, 2021, 09:05:00 AM
Arthur's Pass is where my wife befriended a Kea...  After we got into our car, the bird hopped up on the windshield wiper and I had a heckuva time getting it to leave.


dave
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 01, 2021, 12:40:48 PM
QuoteMark this is going to be another impressive addition!!

Thanks, Jerry. 

It should be a fun project.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 01, 2021, 12:47:07 PM
QuoteArthur's Pass is where my wife befriended a Kea...  After we got into our car, the bird hopped up on the windshield wiper and I had a heckuva time getting it to leave.

They are pretty good at dismantling cars too, Dave.

They are very intelligent.  My sister used to live in the little township at the foot of Aoraki Mt Cook, and some of the workman kept noticing their hardware going missing.  One day they discovered a kea in action.  he had been stealing the shiny nails and screws and making a nice little collection on one of the flat roofs.  Everything was neatly sorted into correct sizes and types in separate piles.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on March 01, 2021, 05:18:18 PM
Very interesting.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on March 05, 2021, 09:25:48 AM
That is going to be one impressive structure Mark.....looking forward to your build.  :)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 23, 2021, 03:56:24 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much, Karl and Greg.

Well the weekend away modeling is drawing close so I have been getting things organized.

Photo 1 - shows my different sidings weathered and 9 bags of stripwood all weathered and re-bagged along with some bracing.  A bath of leather dye and alcohol and then run through a rag of titan buff for the stripwood, siding was painted with titan buff and then some grey splodged on and rubbed in, then the A&I applied.

Photo 2 - shows the windows and doors which were sanded, cleaned with dish washing liquid and water and primed with grey primer.

Like many of you I always find colour selection challenging.  To help with this I made up a series of swatches in colours I thought might work.  I also did a bit of a study into colour schemes I liked.

Photo 3 - shows all the swatches.

Photo 4 - shows my selection narrowed down a bit.

Photo 5 - shows my final selection.  I'm giving a little history to the structure.  I'm surmising that the two buildings were built to the left and the two buildings to the right as separate industries.  At a later date one person acquired both sets of buildings and joined them together with the central structure.  My intention is to paint the left two structures in French blue, the right to in Italian sage, and the joining structure in cool grey.  Trim colours for all structures will be antique white.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on March 23, 2021, 06:20:25 PM
Hey Mark:

You are quite welcome. Look like you are moving right along.

Karl S
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jim Donovan on March 24, 2021, 07:57:33 AM
Great workmanship and fantastic tips. I will be following along and catching up on this great story.

Jim D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 28, 2021, 01:38:23 AM
Hi guys.

Thanks, Jim.  Great to have you following along on my journey.

Well I'm back from my trip away to Arthurs Pass so I guess I had better fill you in on my progress.

Firstly, on Saturday I started modeling at 5.40am and stopped just after 10pm.  We stopped for a walk into town, lunch, and dinner out, but otherwise modeled all day.  We also modeled from after lunch on Friday until bed time and from breakfast until lunch on Sunday.

I started by painting all my windows and door antique white.  I did this with a piece of gym sock attached to a pair of reversible tweezers and dabbing with a fine brush with the bristles cut shorter.

I then painted some 6"x1" and some 3"x1" with antique white, again dry dabbing, and then scratchbuilt a set od freight doors.

Next it was out with my pre weathered siding.  I had printed off a second set of my plans and cut out the walls.  These I sorted into their various sidings and arranged to get the least wastage.  I carefully marked and cut out the walls.  As I cut out each wall piece I also marked and cut out all the openings.  I consulted my set of plans many times, as well as making references to my mockup.

Photo 1 - shows the scratchbuilt freight doors.

Photo 2 - shows the scribed siding walls arranged for least wastage.

Photos 3 & 4 - show some of the walls.

More in a sec, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 28, 2021, 02:04:30 AM
Hi again.  (part 2 of two posts)

Of course, when cutting out the walls I had to deduct the width of the 6"x6" corner trim.  This changes on whether it is an internal or external wall, so you have to keep your wits about you.

For the board and batten walls I really didn't have enough material so had to splice in a couple of places.   I also saved some material by framing out the bottom story of the recessed wall with 6"x6" and 6"x2".  I glued these to a piece of thin styrene and painted the area behind the freight doors black.

Photo 1 - shows the recessed wall.

I painted under all the underside of the clapboard siding (both plain and random clapboard was used) in my chosen colour(s) using a very fine brush.  A bit of a tedious exercise when doing this many walls, but one I believe to be necessary when painting using a dry dabbing technique.  (Under the laps of the board above is where the paint stays on the longest.)  I then followed up with dry dabbing with a inside out gym sock.  I added nail holes and board joins to all the scribed siding and clapboard walls (the board and batten I didn't as the battens should hide the nailing, and I've found if I try to add nailing to the battens I cause damage).  I then followed up with and ink wash to accentuate. 

Photo 2 - shows the majority of the walls (four are missing) laid out.

I then started work on the styrene base.  Again, there was a lot of referencing the plans and different elevations, checking measurements with the actual walls, and deduction of the wall thickness.

Photo 3 - shows the styrene base.

Once I was happy with this (slight modifications can be made, often necessary on a structure this complex by compounding small errors, by gluing strips of styrene to the edge of the base, or cutting further material off) I started on construction.

Photo 4 shows assembly beginning.

As I went I glazed the windows, glued them into the structure and added blinds.

Photo 5 - shows the first structure glued together.

One wall was extra tricky, as it was easiest to splice three walls together, the left and right walls facing the back and the middle wall facing the front.  I started with this wall so I could tweak as necessary and get the most difficult one done first.

Photo 6 - shows the large 3-in-1 wall glued in position.

Well - that's it.  I really feel like I got my teeth sunk into this project.  It was very nice to make such a concentrated effort and see heaps of progress in a short amount of time.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on March 28, 2021, 01:21:21 PM
Nice progress Mark.  I think you build faster than I can type! ;)


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 29, 2021, 01:52:03 PM
QuoteNice progress Mark.  I think you build faster than I can type!

Thanks, Jerry!

I found with a big concentrated effort that I didn't have to keep trying to remember what stage I was up to, so I think things went a bit quicker.  I wish I could put that much time into my hobby every week!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on March 29, 2021, 03:47:32 PM
Hey Mark:

Coming along very nicely.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 29, 2021, 05:47:22 PM
Thanks, Karl.

Here is a photo of the modeling crew at Arthurs Pass.  I'm near the center wearing the black T-shirt.  the left half of the table is my modeling space.  You can see how much mess I can get into in just one weekend!  Mind you - it was a fairly big project.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on March 30, 2021, 08:55:00 AM
Great progress on the build Mark.....and quite the "crew".  8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 02, 2021, 01:49:48 AM
Hi guys.

Thanks Gregory - it was a lot of fun.

Well - a bit more progress.  We are down from 23 walls to 10, so its getting easier to find what I need next.  I've put in a fair bit of internal bracing.  The clapboard needs vertical bracing, while the scribed siding needs horizontal bracing.  I've also put bracing up and down the rakes of the gable walls.  My usual procedure is to glue the 6"x6" corner trim on first, with the wall upside down so the 6"x6" sits a little proud of the siding (like the prototype).  I always glue my trim to the gable ends so I get a nice angled cut in line with the gable.  Once the glue is set I trim the 6"x6" with the bottom and top of the wall.  I then flip the wall over and add bracing.  A piece up each side in line with the meeting of the wall and the trim, pieces up the rake of any gable, and bracing to stop the wall from cupping, direction depending on the grain of the siding.  Next glazing the windows, gluing the windows into the wall, and adding blinds.  I then use canopy glue to glue each wall to its neighbour, and CA to glue the bottom of each wall to the base.

Photo 1 - view from the back left.

Photo 2 - view from the front right.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on April 02, 2021, 08:41:56 AM
Mark


It looks like there was a lot of modeling going on at your outing. It is really nice to get to share the hobby with friends. Nice progress on the wall sections - I can't wait to see them on the layout.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 10, 2021, 02:35:49 AM
QuoteIt looks like there was a lot of modeling going on at your outing. It is really nice to get to share the hobby with friends. Nice progress on the wall sections - I can't wait to see them on the layout.

Thanks, John.

It was a great weekend.  I had such a great time that I have already organized another modeling weekend here.

Continuing on... 

I am down to 4 walls left to assemble on my Arthurs Pass project.  There are a number of freight doors to scratchbuild for these.  I was looking for signage today and have found what I think is a really good extension idea - downwards!  More on that later.  I was advised on my weekend away that my structure didn't have any rooms big enough to be a sail makers.  Apparently, the sail shapes were marked out on the floor in chalk and then the sails cut to these lines.  As this is a collection of smaller buildings, there is only enough room to make small sails.  I've been rethinking this structures purpose and I think a ships chandler to the right and a boat builder/ repair shop to the left.  Again, there will only be enough room for small boats, but perhaps small sails could be made upstairs.  Offices and sales will be to the rear, where there will be road access.

In other news - after standing and staring at my layout for some time I finally got brave and made some mess.  As I have mentioned earlier, my backwall diorama has grown so much in mass that it has become obvious that it now needs to be cut into smaller sections.  I cut out the first of these today.  I will now be able to work on this section at the workbench.

Photo 1 - shows the new hole in the layout.

Photo 2 - shows the new smaller 'chunk' or diorama.  It is approximately 500mm by 400mm which is just over 2 square feet.  It will be occupied by my City Classics/ DPM M. T. Arms hotel kitbash, my block of 2 shops, Zealandia cycle works, and one more City Classics kitbash, yet to be started.  There are two bridges to build and numerous retaining walls.  It should be fun to create some landscape in 1:87 instead of (well - as well as) 1:1.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on April 10, 2021, 03:24:30 PM
Cheers Mark,

Wow, two months since I was here. Time just goes by to fast these days.

Thanks for the dimensions on the layout/diorama. You've done a fantastic job getting the structures. In place. I'm amazed at how much you've accomplished in the past couple of months. I hope to get back on the fast track as well in the coming weeks.

Again, great job and extremely well done!

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on April 10, 2021, 04:39:48 PM
Hey Mark:

Looking good.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 10, 2021, 06:55:04 PM
QuoteCheers Mark,

Wow, two months since I was here. Time just goes by to fast these days.

Thanks for the dimensions on the layout/diorama. You've done a fantastic job getting the structures. In place. I'm amazed at how much you've accomplished in the past couple of months. I hope to get back on the fast track as well in the coming weeks.

Again, great job and extremely well done!

Thanks so much, Tom.

It feels a bit odd to be being called fast by you!  Pleased to see you indulging in a week of modeling.  Well deserved!  Yes - the older we get the fasted time seems to go.  Maybe its a percentage thing.  When you are five, a year is a fifth of your life - when you are 60...  Having said that, March last year lasted for a full year - I'm sure!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 10, 2021, 06:56:31 PM
QuoteHey Mark:

Looking good.

Thanks, Karl.

It will be nice to work on some scenery for a change.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 10, 2021, 07:05:27 PM
Hi guys.

I thought I'd mock-up this diorama so you can get a feel for what it will look like when done.  There was a lot of consideration (and procrastination) put into where was best to cut this diorama.  As I got into the cutting process there was also some revising to make things easier or even possible.

Photo 1 - shows an aerial view from the right.

Photo 2 - shows and aerial view from above.

Photo 3 - shows and aerial view from the left.

Photo 4 - shows a view from the front.

Photo 5 - shows a view from the right.

Photo 6 - shows a view from the left.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on April 10, 2021, 09:16:28 PM
Mark


The mockup looks great. Are any of the roadways I see in the mockup going to be rail lines?
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 10, 2021, 11:01:23 PM
QuoteThe mockup looks great. Are any of the roadways I see in the mockup going to be rail lines?

Thanks, John.

No.  I have thought about tram lines, but I think if I do that I will put them over to the peninsula where there are no railway lines (visible - there will be staging and a reverse cutoff underneath Ingelltown).

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on April 11, 2021, 12:31:33 PM
Hey Mark:

All I can say is WOWIE???

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 12, 2021, 05:58:23 AM
QuoteHey Mark:

All I can say is WOWIE???

Thanks, Karl.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 12, 2021, 06:12:50 AM
Hi guys.

Well - a bit more standing and trying to decide where to cut the rest of the back wall diorama to create two dioramas.  I tried to cut where made the most sense.  I came up with two different solutions so went and did some 1:1 scale fencing.  Before cooking dinner I made a decision, got out my various saws, and made some more mess.  After hoovering up the sawdust I took some photos of my new dioramas.  There was still a small piece left on the layout to cut out that will be attached to the middle diorama when I took these photos.  I have now done this and it is presently gluing to the rest of the middle diorama.

Photo 1 - shows an aerial shot of the three dioramas with a slight gap between them to show the cut lines.

Photo 2 - shows the left diorama.  This diorama sits next to the corner diorama.

Photo 3 - shows the middle diorama - without the small front addition added.

Photo 4 - shows the right diorama, as shown previously.

I'll try to find time to mock up the left and middle diorama tomorrow.  You can see why I needed to cut this back wall diorama up!  There is still a small piece left of it to the right of the right diorama.  I will probably create 2 more dioramas between here and the right end wall.  These new chunks will be so much easier to handle.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on April 12, 2021, 08:01:51 AM
Hey Mark:

Looks like the scenery is started.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 12, 2021, 06:50:01 PM
QuoteHey Mark:

Looks like the scenery is started.

Sure has, Karl.

It might be a nice project to have one of these dioramas ready to work on for the upcoming modeling weekend next month.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 12, 2021, 06:59:49 PM
Hi guys.

Well I got the middle diorama mocked up in my break this morning.  This is the one that had a small piece to be attached.  This supports the track at the left end.  You can see how I stepped my cut to fit around the Palmolive factory.  this will need to have a piece routered out of the base to bring the track down to the level of the surrounding track.  I will have to refer to earlier photos to get placement of the structures finalized - but its pretty close.  The low relief structures against the backdrop my be revised.  The station and signal box is based on Burkes - a NZ station that I have always loved.  It should be a fun scratchbuild.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 13, 2021, 03:31:38 AM
Hi guys.

Here is the left diorama mocked up.

The stream will come out of a pipe in a retaining wall opposite the Magnuson water works kitbash and cascade down the hill behind the block of shops, under the bridge and in front of the Boxing gym.  The wooden structure is FOS Hollender's boxing gym.  My intention is to put a slight angle in the center.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on April 13, 2021, 08:54:48 AM
Very nice, Mark. The overall layout is very dynamic and, again, I must applaud your planning efforts. Looking forward to seeing more.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on April 13, 2021, 06:14:05 PM
QuoteVery nice, Mark. The overall layout is very dynamic and, again, I must applaud your planning efforts. Looking forward to seeing more.

Thanks, Craig.

It was one of those jobs that I knew I needed to do, but had been putting off.  Its nice to have it done.  Now I just have to decide which chunk to start on...

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on April 14, 2021, 01:08:05 PM
hey mark:

coming along very nicely. Can't wait to see more of this .

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 11, 2021, 09:39:56 PM
Quotecoming along very nicely. Can't wait to see more of this .

Thanks, Karl.

Great to have you following along.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 11, 2021, 10:11:02 PM
Hi guys.

Well - I've made a bit more progress with the diorama.  Some rock castings, most of the first road bridge, some footpaths.  I've also kitbashed the last structure for the right back corner of the diorama and started painting it.

This last weekend I hosted a modeling weekend in my garage.  Four friends and me.  Lots of laughs, good music and some great modeling.  I provided lunch on both days and my wife did some home baking for us, and we all went out for dinner on the Saturday night at our local - 2 fat possums.  I'm hoping to make this a 6 monthly thing.

On the Sunday I'd got tired of trying to cut in paint around the windows of my new City Classics kitbash, so I went back to working on the Ships Chandlers, sailmakers and boat builders that I started at Arthurs Pass.  After my last trip to Dunedin to see our son I'd come up with an idea for an extension to the complex.  On the Saturday we went to Moeraki where we stayed the night and had dinner and brunch at Fleurs Place, the famous seafood restaurant.  the restaurant is housed in a cool old structure with many add ons that used to be a whaling station site.  There is also the ruminants of rails coming out of the sea (where the boats used to be pulled up for repairs - I'm guessing, although perhaps it was for pulling whales up).  Anyway - those rails coming out of the sea set a seed in my mind.

I'd already decided that the complex was two businesses that had been taken over by one company and joined together by the central lean to.  So it made sense that the two structures to the left had been built first.  To these two structures I added a retaining sea wall following their perimeter.  In this way I could extend the building downwards, making it a small boat repair shop.  The floor above seems big enough for a corresponding small boat sail makers.  This sea wall I built out of Wills plasticard dressed stonework.  The corners were mitered and glued together with CA.  I then primed with dullcote and painted using the leopard spot method using Woodland Scenics paints - full strength.  Using 6x1" and 2x1" stripwood I scratchbuilt the boat works doors.  I then framed these with 6x2" and glued to the wall.  Tracks will sit on the top of the timber attached to the front of the sea wall, coming out of the water.  As you can see I have also made up my other doors and assembled the last of the structure.  The remainder of the structure will be on a wharf.  The two buildings to the right will house the ships chandlers.  I'll probably open those two sets of doors a bit more and add some action just within.  Again - I'm pleased with my decision to paint the complex in three different colours with white trim, and I think the grey/ brown of the sea wall helps bring it all together.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on May 12, 2021, 01:18:34 AM
Mark


Great modeling, it really looks nice.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on May 12, 2021, 09:43:13 AM
Wonderful! Wonderful modeling once again!!


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on May 12, 2021, 05:28:22 PM
Hey Mark:

Wow!!!!! That is really starting to look just great. Can't wait to see more.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 22, 2021, 06:32:37 PM
QuoteGreat modeling, it really looks nice.

Thanks, John.  I think its the first time I've added an extension downwards.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 22, 2021, 06:35:20 PM
QuoteWonderful! Wonderful modeling once again!!

Thanks, Jerry!

I'm getting better at these scratchbuilt doors.  I've already run out of 6x1" and 3x1" lumber.  Another order to Northeastern scale lumber soon...

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 22, 2021, 06:36:13 PM
QuoteWow!!!!! That is really starting to look just great. Can't wait to see more.

Thanks, Karl.

More to come soon...

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 22, 2021, 07:12:38 PM
Hi guys.

These wharfs sure swallow up the timber! 

I bought Campbell's Norms fishing pier off trade me a while ago for a pretty reasonable price - with the intention of repurposing it for the wharf for my sailmakers, boat builders and ships chandlers.  To start with I studied the plans closely and using spans and structural elements as a guide, drew up my own plan for my wharf.  I mocked up the wharf and structure atop with boats docked at this wharf and the wharf opposite.  I decided that two boats in this small harbour looked too congested, so decided to add a small floating dock to the side of the Ships chandlers wharf in place of a second boat.  I now have too many boats!  I also tried moving the structure and wharf back by half an inch to make room for a slightly larger boat in front, as well as trying adding a quarter inch in height.  Both these adjustments, although small, changed the visual dynamic of the scene and so the positioning and height will remain as they are.

I cut a piece of 2mm MDF to the shape of half the inlet.  It would have been good to do the whole inlet in one go, but I wanted to keep the size of the diorama manageable.  I cut the 12 degree cut with a drop saw, as well as cutting a second piece for the other diorama base - so I should get a good, tight join.  I painted the base with burnt umber, oxide green and smeared in unbleached titanium.  I'm not sure if I'm happy with my colour yet.  I taped the plan on top of the MDF and marked the center of all the piles using a compass.  I then removed the plan and drilled the pile holes with a 5mm drill bit.  I figured this would be the best way of insuring the piles were installed plumb.

A large amount of scale lumber - piles, bearers, joists, decking and braces, as well as timber for the small upper decks and stairway were weathered and stained.  Weathering was done with a fine razor saw and 180 grit sandpaper.  It took four baths in my leather dye and alcohol bath to stain it all.  This did give slightly different strengths due to the different bath durations.  To allow for this I stained a small amount of all the different sizes of timber in each bath.  The Campbell kit provides sheets of decking, which I will use under the structures.  I managed to get together enough stripwood from other sources to do the visible deck in individual boards.  I used decking the same thickness as the sheet decking.  I may pull some of the stripwood through a paper towel soaked in titan buff for some variation.

Photo 1 - shows my plan.  I spent ages getting my spacings right.  I have also designed the subfloor so that I can run the decking in two directions joining with a stagger pattern at the 45.

Photo 2 - shows the 2mm MDF with the holes drilled for the piles.

Photo 3 - shows the four bath loads of timber.

Photo 4 - is a close up showing the razor saw grain in the piles.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on May 23, 2021, 07:33:54 AM
Mark,

The wharf is really going to be a great focal point. I like how you plan your dioramas so they are manageable for give you the best possible viewing.

Looking forward to more on this.

Cheers, Tom
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on May 23, 2021, 10:14:35 AM
Hey Mark:

You are quite welcome.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on May 24, 2021, 07:36:51 AM
Impressive dock plan.....looking forward to seeing your build Mark.  :)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on May 24, 2021, 08:58:46 AM
Mark


Looks like a great project. I love projects that require lots of strip wood.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 25, 2021, 12:06:24 AM
QuoteThe wharf is really going to be a great focal point. I like how you plan your dioramas so they are manageable for give you the best possible viewing.

Looking forward to more on this.

Thanks, Tom.

Yes.  Again, there is a lot of work in this one - but also a lot of fun.  It was funny how such slight changes to the positioning and height of the wharf and structure seemed to have such a big impact.  I was really keen to make room for another boat - but not at the sacrifice of what looked right.  I couldn't imagine building a structure and then trying to fit it on the layout.  I've done it once and it took me 7 years to place it!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 25, 2021, 12:08:20 AM
QuoteImpressive dock plan.....looking forward to seeing your build Mark.

Thanks, Gregory.

I've started putting together the bents...

Cheers, Mark
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 25, 2021, 12:16:07 AM
QuoteLooks like a great project. I love projects that require lots of strip wood.

Thanks, John.

Yes - I feel another Northeastern scale lumber order coming on.  Shipping times are rather random at present.  I was talking to a chap who waited 9 months for an order.  Ordered last May, arrived this February.  He  tracked it and it bounced all over the world.  Even arrived in Auckland, NZ, then went to Sydney before coming to Christchurch!  I'm at 5 weeks for my replacement Scale structures wall - so guess I can't complain yet...

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on May 25, 2021, 05:31:54 PM
One of Campbells finest plans.  I'm sure positively you'll make this into a masterpiece when done.


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 29, 2021, 06:51:45 PM
QuoteOne of Campbells finest plans.  I'm sure positively you'll make this into a masterpiece when done.

Thanks very much, Jerry.

And I'll have fun trying!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 29, 2021, 07:07:22 PM
Hi guys.

I thought I'd give a quick update this rainy Sunday morning.  We've had 80mm (3 1/4") since 3pm yesterday and there is still another 100mm (4") to come.  That's a lot of rain for Canterbury.  We have a red weather alert, and rivers will no doubt burst their banks today and tomorrow.

Photo 1 - I cut out a polystyrene base to sit under the part of the structure on tera firma, and to attach the retaining wall to.  I glued this to my 2mm MDF base.  I glued all my bearer piles to the bottom of the bearers and test fitted them into my 5mm holes.

Photo 2 - I taped a piece of lunch paper over my plan and cut and spot glued my joists to the plan.  I cut the pieces of decking board which sit under the structure to size and glued these in position.  There will be some of this visible in the central quad of the structure and behind the structure, but all the highly visible decking will be individual boards.  I'm about to start on these individual boards now.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on May 29, 2021, 09:30:54 PM
Wow- you are moving right along - it looks good Mark. Stay safe that is a lot of water all at once.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 30, 2021, 02:27:37 AM
QuoteWow- you are moving right along - it looks good Mark. Stay safe that is a lot of water all at once.

Thanks, John.

It was a great day for a job like this!

Fortunately, I put the pig house in the high corner of their paddock.  It is now the only corner not under water!  It is certainly the most rain we have seen since we moved here nearly four years ago.  The city of Christchurch will struggle tonight and in the morning with the tidal parts of the two rivers - especially as we have king tides at present.  So far we have had 120mm (nearly 5") of rain here according to our rain gauge.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 30, 2021, 02:33:52 AM
Hi guys.

Well - here is todays efforts.

Photo 1 - shows the decking going on.

Photo 2 - shows the decking completed.

Photo 3 - shows a close up of the 45 degree meeting plane.  We used this technique on a 1:1 scale deck at work a few years ago and I thought it looked very smart.  Now I have a 1:87 scale one too!

Timber was worked out exactly right - I had no decking timber left over - until I picked up my ruler and found one length...

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on May 30, 2021, 07:07:09 AM
Mark, Cheers,

Wow, the deck looks really great. I love the angled deck boards and how the all fit together. It will look perfect when the structures are in place.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on May 30, 2021, 07:35:38 AM
Mark


Beautiful work, my friend. It is really nice to see a good plan come together. I can't wait to see it installed on your layout.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 30, 2021, 05:06:07 PM
QuoteWow, the deck looks really great. I love the angled deck boards and how the all fit together. It will look perfect when the structures are in place.

Thanks so much, Tom.

I'm pleased you like the interlocking look.  It was quite a bit of extra effort in the design and construction stage.  I've been working on a 1:1 scale pergola - 24'x10'.  I'm not sure which has been more work!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on May 30, 2021, 05:21:26 PM
QuoteBeautiful work, my friend. It is really nice to see a good plan come together. I can't wait to see it installed on your layout.

Thank you for your kind words, John.

I'm on to the nail holes now - which I do with a compass.  I do enjoy the planning stage - especially drawing up a full set of plans.  It really makes it feel like scratchbuilding.

Rain continues to fall here - although it eased off through the night and our free draining land swallowed up most of the flooding.  The pigs hadn't floated away over night and were their usual vocal selves at breakfast time!  More rain expected until around 6pm tonight.  several farmers moving stock to higher ground got stranded when a river burst its stock banks and had to be heli-lifted out, and one man was washed down a river in his car - now in a serious condition in hospital.  Lots of road closures, wash outs, slips and evacuations.  Funny - we were crying out for rain through summer and early autumn.  it seems we got it all in one hit and when it is too cold for anything to grow.  Its the first day of winter tomorrow!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on May 30, 2021, 06:38:15 PM
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on May 30, 2021, 05:21:26 PM
QuoteBeautiful work, my friend. It is really nice to see a good plan come together. I can't wait to see it installed on your layout.

Thank you for your kind words, John.

I'm on to the nail holes now - which I do with a compass.  I do enjoy the planning stage - especially drawing up a full set of plans.  It really makes it feel like scratchbuilding.

Rain continues to fall here - although it eased off through the night and our free draining land swallowed up most of the flooding.  The pigs hadn't floated away over night and were their usual vocal selves at breakfast time!  More rain expected until around 6pm tonight.  several farmers moving stock to higher ground got stranded when a river burst its stock banks and had to be heli-lifted out, and one man was washed down a river in his car - now in a serious condition in hospital.  Lots of road closures, wash outs, slips and evacuations.  Funny - we were crying out for rain through summer and early autumn.  it seems we got it all in one hit and when it is too cold for anything to grow.  Its the first day of winter tomorrow!

Cheers, Mark.




Mark


Your comment about making the nail holes with a compass prompted me to take a couple pictures of one of the most used tools on my workbench.  This Monster Nailer is a tool that Jimmy used to hand out at train shows to promote his Monster Modelworks business.  It has a single needle mounted on one end and a double perfect for the nail holes in a 2x8 on the other.  I have been going to make a couple more because I'm always looking for the one I have.  The color does help me find it. Jimmy really did some nice Engineering on this little tool.  I would take a few minutes and make yourself one for this job - I know you will keep using it on the many jobs you have to come. I have never seen them for sale but if I ever did I would buy a half dozen.


Stay safe, all that water is scary.  We have had flooding like that here in Michigan from big storms like you are having. We lost some dams last summer that really did a lot of damage.






(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/18-300521183146-49301762.jpeg)


(http://modelersforum.com/gallery/18-300521183146-49333351.jpeg)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on May 31, 2021, 12:51:44 PM
hey John:

Looks just great as always.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on June 02, 2021, 07:07:57 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks John and Karl.

John - It looks like a cool little tool.  I'll give one a go.  Interestingly, after putting all the nailholes in the deck I gave things a wash with my alcohol and dye mix and when it dried they all disappeared.  I've never had that happen before - must be something to do with the grain of the sugar pine versus bass wood.  I gave it a stronger mix to try to bring them out but only darkened the timber.  I might have to lighten it yet - still undecided.  Oh - and we have the same granite bench tops.

OK.

Photo 1 - shows the stone retaining sea wall painted, mortared and glued to the polystyrene base.  The sea wall under the structure butts up against the sea wall shown at left.  I used Selley's quick grab to glue.

Photo 2 - shows the structure being glued to the deck.  I used Aleene's tacky glue for this to give me a bit of time to get things lined up.  I clamped the two clamps to both a piece of flat glass and the table.

Photo 3 - shows my construction method for my smaller decks.  Pretty simple.  A plan drawn showing joists and bearers, taped to the cutting mat, a piece of baking paper cut and taped over the top, spots of canopy glue added for the bearers and away you go.

Photo 4 - shows the deck almost completed from underneath.  I still have the post braces to add - and the spots of glue on the bearers to remove.  Somehow, one of the bearers moved while constructing and I didn't notice.  I'll have to fix this too.

Photo 5 - shows the other small lower deck built and sitting in position.  I have purposely left a small gap between the deck and the wall, as the sliding door on the wall at 90 degrees to this one will need to slide down here.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on June 02, 2021, 07:16:50 PM
Mark


I have had the same problem with the sugar pine strip wood from campbell kits.  My solution was to use black soft pastel chalk and alcohol and I applied it right on the nail hole with a toothpick. I can not explain what happens to the ink but it disappeared for me, too.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on June 03, 2021, 03:37:13 AM
Hey Mark:

Looking just great.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on June 12, 2021, 08:20:40 PM
QuoteI have had the same problem with the sugar pine strip wood from campbell kits.  My solution was to use black soft pastel chalk and alcohol and I applied it right on the nail hole with a toothpick. I can not explain what happens to the ink but it disappeared for me, too.

Thanks, John.

I'll probably just leave it as is.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on June 12, 2021, 08:21:36 PM
QuoteHey Mark:

Looking just great.

Thanks, Karl - much appreciated.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on June 12, 2021, 08:33:01 PM
Hi guys.

A little more progress.

Photo 1 - shows the deck at the right, back corner of the structure along with the sliding door added.

Photo 2 - shows my sailmakers sign.  I framed it in 4x2" timber painted antique white.

Photo 3 - shows the deck at the front right corner and the other sliding door added.  I made overhead runners for the sliding doors from strip plastic and added Vector Cut hinges to represent some metal flat hooks which run on the bracket under the pelmet (or perhaps they have wheels attached at the top).  You can also see the boat builders sign.

Photo 4 - shows me gluing the piles in position and adding cross bracing.  I made up some spacers to keep the height equal.

Photo 5 - Here is my modeling buddy, Neil, working on a weeping willow in 1:32 scale.  He has been working on this tree for three weeks now.  He still has a way to go.

Photo 6 - Here is a close up of the tree.

I'm also well on the way with the roofing.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on June 12, 2021, 09:06:26 PM
Great work Mark!  Nice coloring and sign!


And your friend is doing a fine job with the tree!


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on June 13, 2021, 10:29:33 AM
Mark


Beautiful work, once again. The deck looks great - I stored a couple of your pictures in my waterfront project file. ;)  Inspirational work, thank you for sharing it with us. That weeping willow tree is amazing.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on June 13, 2021, 05:42:34 PM
QuoteGreat work Mark!  Nice coloring and sign!


And your friend is doing a fine job with the tree!

Thanks for the kind words, Jerry.

I am always drawn more to colour than anything else when searching for signs.  I felt the red on the Norton boatbuilders sign really popped, especially when framed with the antique white trim.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on June 13, 2021, 05:48:18 PM
QuoteBeautiful work, once again. The deck looks great - I stored a couple of your pictures in my waterfront project file. ;)  Inspirational work, thank you for sharing it with us. That weeping willow tree is amazing.

Thanks so much, John.

I decided to build it as two separate pieces (bearers and piles/ joists and decking with structure attached) to allow me to scenic under the wharf.  I'm hoping I'll find room to get tools in there and do what I need.  Time will tell...

Neil does some great work on his scenery.  I must take a couple of overall photos next time I'm in his basement.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on June 13, 2021, 06:09:13 PM
Hi guys.

I thought I'd stop by and upload a couple of photos with the roofs on and the last of the cross braces attached to the piles.  I thought I had allowed heaps of 8x2" timber for those cross braces - there isn't much left over!  The lengths worked out will for my stock - 6 pieces cut on the chopper per stick and there was an offcut about 3mm long.  We like that! I'll add some nut-bolt-washer castings to the outside braces, and maybe the next row in (depending on how difficult it is).  Beyond that I don't think you'll be able to see.  I may add some dots of rust further back in the right position.

The roof pieces still need their ridging added before painting.  The small lean-to roof will also be clad in corrugated metal and the central lean-to roof will be clad in rolled roofing.  Fly rafters and rafter tails will be added in antique white from 6x2" timber.  I always put my fly rafters at the very extremity of the roof.  Many modelers seem to put them hard up against the gable walls, and leave the 2' soffits unsupported.  The gable wall behind the cladding supports the roof and so rafters added to the side of the cladding are nothing more than expensive and unnecessary trim.  I'll try and remember to draw a diagram of how we used to usually attach fly rafters when building houses.

Photo 1 - shows the bearers and piles with the cross bracing completed.  You can see I have long thin rectangles in which to get my fat fingers and tools in for landscaping/ seascaping...hopefully!

Photo 2 - shows the deck and structure slotted in position.

Photo 3 - shows the structure from above showing the different roofing materials.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on June 14, 2021, 08:50:49 AM
he Mark:

looking just great so far.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on June 15, 2021, 09:30:11 AM
The wharf looks great Mark..... 8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on June 15, 2021, 10:48:34 AM
Nice work.  And a great looking wharf scene!!


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on June 17, 2021, 09:37:30 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks so much for looking in and the nice comments, Karl, Gregory and Jerry.

I've been playing around with some lighting - something I haven't tried before.  Still a bit more playing to be done, but I'm liking the effects.  The light shining through hose partially opened doors is pretty cool.  I'm pleased I did them with 6x1" rather than 6x2".

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on June 18, 2021, 06:43:04 AM
Mark, Cheers,

This wharf project is looking fantastic. I really like how you have the building and roofs at different angles. Makes the entire diorama look very natural for the setting.

Great job on your first attempt at lighting. I'm assuming you are using LEDs as you didn't specify otherwise.

Very nice on all of it.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on June 18, 2021, 04:12:50 PM
QuoteThis wharf project is looking fantastic. I really like how you have the building and roofs at different angles. Makes the entire diorama look very natural for the setting.

Great job on your first attempt at lighting. I'm assuming you are using LEDs as you didn't specify otherwise.

Very nice on all of it.

Thanks, Tom.

Yes - LED's.  I was given a Woodland Scenics transformer, light hub and a couple of stick on LED's.  I bought a few other accessories to add to it and see what I thought.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on June 20, 2021, 06:02:23 AM
Hi guys.

Here is a couple of shots with some details added to the interior of the boat shop.  I added decking to the floor, added a suitable interior division wall image, attached to some card, and painted and added some details - drums, crates and shelving.  A figure or two still to add.

Photo 1 - shows the view from above with the roof removed.

Photo 2 - shows the view through the doors.

Photo 3 - shows the same view at night.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on June 21, 2021, 04:31:53 AM
Hey Mark:

Looks great. Love the light over the sign.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Keep It Rusty on June 21, 2021, 08:52:01 PM
That working gooseneck lamp is AWESOME!
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on June 22, 2021, 07:38:57 AM
Mark


This really looks great. I love the peak inside the door with all the details and the lighting is fantastic.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on June 22, 2021, 07:50:39 AM
Excellent job with Norton's Mark..... 8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 04, 2021, 08:38:01 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much, Karl, Craig, John and Greg - I'm pleased you all like my first attempt at lighting.  More to come!

Well - a slight change in tac today.  We have a modeling weekend coming up in a couple of weeks at my friend, Barry's house in Timaru.  I don't like to take anything too fragile to such occasions as they often seem to suffer damage in transit.  Typically I try to be organised with a new project to get underway so I started working on preparations for this.  I chose my passenger station for the weekend away, and this will be based on the station at Burkes.  The link below has a photo of the station and signal tower, along with a partial set of plans.  Just click on them to enlarge.  as you can see she is a real little honey, and a perfect fit for my limited space.  I will still have to do a little compression - but not much.  Interestingly, I drew my own set of plans based on the photo (that I had in a book), before finding these plans.  I was quite impressed with how close I got the dimensions to the prototype by just using a standard door height as a starting point.

https://www.nzmrg.org.nz/product-mainmenu-0/product-650/burkes-station-and-signal-box

Luckily, I recently made use of the Tichy Train roof sale, and so had a lot of windows to choose from.  I still, of course, did not have what I needed, and so had to fabricate some windows fit for purpose.

Photo 1 - shows the starting point.  These will be the gable end windows on the signal box.  This is where I will have to compress the structure slightly, and so a Tichy 8070 was used giving a double sash instead of a triple.

Photo 2 - shows how I cut the window.  I carefully sanded both parts of the window.

Photo 3 - shows the two sections being glued together with CA.  I found my steel rule very helpful here.  The window is upside down.

Photo 4 - shows the newly fabricated window.  The glue residue should be hidden by the primer.

Photo 5 - I did the same thing with a Tichy 8065.

I also used Tichy 8068 windows for the three windows in the bottom story of the signal tower and cut the vertical mullions out.  I also chose to use a Tichy 8071 for the front and side window on the station building.  This is a 8/8, but is the right size.  A Tichy 8217 6/6 would have been perfect - but, of course, I don't have any of those!

Next up will be prepping the windows , siding, stripwood and other details required.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 18, 2021, 04:37:56 PM
Hi guys.

Well - a great weekend away in Timaru and a fair bit to show for it.  We arrived around 4.30pm on the Friday and modeled into the evening.  Saturday we modeled from around 8am to 11pm, with a trip to the local train show in the morning and dinner out.  Sunday we modeled from 8am to 4.30pm before making our way home.  We also got to see Barry's progress on his layout on Sunday, which is looking fabulous.

I had my windows and doors fabricated and primed, my stripwood and siding weathered and my plans sized.  I had also made a mockup which I had test fitted on the layout.  My paint colours were chosen and I was ready to go.

First up was cutting the walls out and then cutting the openings.  I shortened the sides of the signal tower to suit my fabricated window - about a scale foot shorter than the plans.  The sides were cut the thickness of two pieces of 6"x6" shorter to allow for the corner trim.  After this was done I painted the walls in buff titanium and the trim in heritage red.  The walls required two coats.  I then added some corner trim on the gable walls and cut some bases from 1.5mm styrene.  The walls were assembled using canopy glue and CA on the corner trim.  The windows were glazed and glued in place.  I added a second story floor to the signal tower before adding the back wall and painted some of the interiors (those I couldn't get to later) black.

Next was to draw up a plan of the decking - bearers, joists and the outside perimeter.  I taped this plan to the cutting board and taped some lunch paper over the plan.  Bearers were then spot glued to the lunch paper and joists to the bearers.  I ran three joists along the length of the platform and five at the ends where they will be seen.  I cut my 8"x2" decking on my chopper, varying the length slightly for variation.  I glued down the decking with the structures in position to get a nice tight fit.  the decking will get flipped and short piles added to raise it slightly.  Lastly I made up the stairs to the signal tower and the small deck for the signal tower veranda.

Photos below show my weekend's achievement.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on July 19, 2021, 12:00:31 PM
Mark


Very nice work.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on July 20, 2021, 08:05:44 AM
Mark very nice indeed!


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on July 21, 2021, 05:34:30 PM
Hey Mark:

Looks just beautiful.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on July 22, 2021, 08:55:29 AM
Lots of lumber in the sidewalk.....it looks great.  8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on July 22, 2021, 05:07:05 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much for all your encouragement John, Jerry, Karl and Gregory - it is much appreciated.

Well, after the weekend away I didn't find any time to model until Thursday.

Photos 1 & 2 - I finished off the construction of the second story porch for the signal tower, adding a floor made from stripwood and attaching the stairs.  The deck still needs its legs, so at the moment the stairs may appear to be floating slightly.  I painted the inside of the ticket office black and the back wall of the signal tower.  My friend, Neil, had a signal tower interior for me, but hadn't managed to find it by yesterday.  I measured and cut out sub-roofs for the three structures, scratchbuilt some seating for the waiting room, and added corrugated iron to the waiting room roof (not shown).

Photo 3 - For the ticket office chimney I tried to get as close as possible to the original.  I found two white metal castings, drilled a hole in the top of the chimney and glued in place the vent.  I then laminated some wood and styrene together to get the correct thickness and attached some thin sheet embossed brickwork.  I added strips to the side using CA and carved the mortar lines on the corners using a sharp knife.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on July 22, 2021, 05:15:30 PM
Mark, Cheers,

That is a great looking signal tower complex. You got quite a lot done on the modeling weekend.

I love the outside chimney. Excellent way to make it all come together. Very well done.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on August 03, 2021, 05:56:54 PM
QuoteThat is a great looking signal tower complex. You got quite a lot done on the modeling weekend.

I love the outside chimney. Excellent way to make it all come together. Very well done.

Thanks so much, Tom.  It was a great weekend and I was happy with my efforts.  Its nice to have a dead ringer of a New Zealand prototype on my layout, too.  We have our yearly Trainz weekend coming up in two weeks, so I hope to get some good modeling time in then, too.  I have also booked in another weekend here in October/ November.  We have called ourselves the 2fatpossums modeling group - as when I host we always go out for dinner at 2fatpossums on the Saturday night.  It does mean that if 1:1 activities take over your life, you still get a nice extended period of modeling time in which you can make some real progress and get your mojo going again.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on August 03, 2021, 06:33:34 PM
Hi guys.

Well - there has been a bit more progress on Burkes station, but I am waiting for my friend, Neil, to find the signal tower interior he has for me, so can't finish off the roof.

Rain hit yesterday (35mm) so my outside irrigation project took a break.  I decided a nice project to get back to would be my Scale Structures Tickner's watch works.  My replacement front wall arrived a few weeks ago (along with a $20 voucher), and so I've been itching to get my teeth stuck into it.

There are a few problems with these kits that have to be dealt with.  Air bubbles is one (the reason for the replacement wall).  There are still a number of air bubbles I had to (or still have to) address.  Unfortunately, these seem to often be on the edges of the window and door frames, which I find a particularly nasty place to get filler.  There is also some warped walls to be dealt with.  This is particularly problematic when a warped wall has had a 45degree bevel put on the corner, as when the wall is straightened out the corner (vertical building wall) is no longer straight.  My solution to this problem was to CA a piece of straight styrene the height of the wall (minus base and roof) and about 20mm wide to the rear of the wall at right angles to straighten (you can see this in photo one) and then re-sand the 45degree miter on the edge until the edge of the wall was straight and square.  Of course, when building the kit as per instructions, you would likely run into problems with the walls being different lengths and things not fitting together as they should.  A further problem was one of the vertical window mullions in the replacement wall had a large warp side to side, in it.  The pressure to straighten this was significant, and so I knew my horizontal mullions would never hold it.  I solved this problem by cutting and fitting a window fan, thus pushing the vertical mullion to vertical.  I then added the horizontal mullions.

Photo 1 - shows the structure coming together from above.

Photo 2 - shows the structure coming together from in front.  You can see my mock up behind as a reminder of what I am doing.  I used this many times when building to check positioning and measurements.

Photo 3 - shows a close up of the interior wall joints.  I strengthen any where I end up with a V-joint (as when using factory walls with a mitered edge) by adding a piece of styrene rod and then a thick bead of CA.

Photo 4 - shows the basic outer shell of the structure completed from above.

Photo 5 - and from in front.

The structure is 17" (430mm) long, and, I think, far more impressive than the original design.  I also have only one very small section of 2-storied wall left over (which I only cut out to fit into my site - you could easily use the entire structure).  The offcuts from the walls I cut some off the base (two left end front walls) will be cut to use as the front of the loading dock (leaving only slithers remaining) and the concrete loading dock floor I will use most of here, too.   Only the back is made from styrene, so it is a very economical kitbash.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on August 03, 2021, 09:28:49 PM
Mark


Very nice work -  I really like the changes you have made. As you said, more impressive. I really like hearing about your modeling group - I sure wish something like that could be organized in my part of the world.


What is the weather like there, now.  I know you are on the winter side of the globe but in your area do you get a lot of snow?
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on August 04, 2021, 12:31:26 AM
QuoteVery nice work -  I really like the changes you have made. As you said, more impressive. I really like hearing about your modeling group - I sure wish something like that could be organized in my part of the world.

Thanks, John.

Pleased to tell you about our modeling group.  Barry's work is pretty extraordinary (where we stayed and modeled when I built the station).  Below is a video of him playing around with lighting.  You can see how seamlessly the foreground blends into his hand painted backdrop.  The modeling is S-scale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01x22mzotQs

And here are some photos of one of his dioramas.  Notice how the figures have all been sculpted to look like the guys in the photo.  There is a whole backstory that goes along with all his dioramas, many being based on his own family history.  You can tell by the comments he makes ripples in multiple modeling disciplines - military, aircraft and railroading.
https://rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/29166/barry-fitzgeralds-gloria-lyons-diorama?page=1

QuoteWhat is the weather like there, now.  I know you are on the winter side of the globe but in your area do you get a lot of snow?

We are at about 80 - 100m above sea level here.  Most snow that falls in Canterbury falls above 300 - 400m, so we don't often get any.  Maybe a storm or two a year with a few inches.  We have been getting a number of good frosts (down to -7C I think was the coldest so far this year).  Frosts generally mean a nice sunny day to follow.  I generally do inside stuff until 10ish, when it is starting to warm up outside.  Fairly dry, although we had a very big rainfall last month which caused quite a bit of damage in the area.  Highs for the upcoming week range between 8 and 13C, lows from 1 - 4C.  Where we are our overnight lows are often a few degrees lower.  Today my car told me it was 12C while out, but after all the rain and cold yesterday it felt like 25C!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on August 04, 2021, 10:13:50 AM
Mark that is coming along nicely.  Beautiful work as usual!


Thanks for the video on Barry's layout.


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on August 04, 2021, 03:21:01 PM
hey mark:

Very well done so far.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on August 04, 2021, 05:44:29 PM
Everything looks great Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on August 05, 2021, 04:56:49 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks for your encouragement, Jerry, Karl and Curt. It is always great to hear.

Well I got a bit more done yesterday being modeling Thursday, and then followed on with a bit more between watching the Olympics on TV last night.

Photo 1 - shows the loading docks.  I ripped the bottom offcuts of the two left front walls down to the correct height.  I cut the concrete paving down to the correct width and mitered the 12degree join.  I filed the back of the paving to custom fit it to the wall and then attached the rippings to the underside of the paving at the front, leaving a small quirk.  I cut and added styrene the same height as the rippings to the back.  The rippings were then cut/ sanded to length and a short piece mitered onto the left end.  It seems nice, and fitting, to have a concrete loading dock and is in keeping with the rest of the structure.

Photos 2 & 3 - show the roofs in place.  I traced the base onto a spare piece of 1.5mm styrene before adding walls and so was able to cut this out and start with a pretty close fit.  I added stripwood strips to the interior walls of the structure, measuring down 3.5 or 5.5mm from the top of each wall (depending on whether the wall had trim on it or not.  I will add trim - 4.8mmx2mm - to those walls that don't have it factory).  The roof pieces were then sanded, or small slithers added, to get a good fit.  When adding slithers I glue a larger piece of styrene to the edge, sanding both surfaces to get a good seam.  I CA one edge and press the pieces together on a flat surface on top of lunch paper.  I then trim the additional piece of styrene with a sharp knife leaving a slither and sand to fit.  The roof pieces are all still removable at this stage.

Photo 4 - Here we have one of those nasty problems I sometimes run into - especially when doing a longer kitbash.  For whatever reason (maybe compounding error, maybe one of the factory edges being slightly off square) my structure ended up with a rise off the ground at each end.  Photos 3 & 4 show this slightly - but is actually a stray offcut of styrene underneath that I didn't notice - the structure sits nice and flat now.  After living with the problem for a day I decided the only solution was to either live with it (which I couldn't) or run a knife down the front and back join of where the sloping front wall meets the 3-storied wall and prize apart.  I did this and then added wedges to the gap and rejoined.  I will strengthen this from behind, tape and putty, and then come up with a nice detail to hide.  I'm thinking some outside sewer pipework to suggest there is a toilet in the top corner of the 3-story section of the building.  There will be a roof over the loading dock, and so that will disguise a little, and then I can add some details in the corner of the loading dock.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on August 15, 2021, 07:57:39 PM
Hi guys.

Another great weekend of modeling was had at our annual Trainz weekend.  There were a few talks on various topics which you could choose to sit in on or otherwise work away quietly at your project(s).  There were around 30 attending.

I spent the week leading up to the weekend using my modeling time to come up with a project for the weekend.  I figured I needed one more structure to the right of Tickner's watchworks, and so I tried various ideas in the small spot.  The area is basically a reversed  capital L shape, approximately 270mm long and 70mm wide at the left end with a 50mm step out about half way along.  The right end has the back of the reversed L cut off where the one lane road curves down towards the track.  I tried a kitbash of Magnuson models powerhouse, but it just didn't look right, especially at the left end where the end wall just looked too small between the track and the single lane road.  I scanned, sized and printed walls and made a cardboard mockup after designing.  Next I tried a bash of Bar Mills shipyard brewing co.  Again the left end looked wrong - especially with the triangle shaped wall not ending against the backdrop.  Again, walls were scanned, sized and printed and a mockup built - actually two different iterations were built.   I had almost resigned myself to a small structure - and was playing around with ideas for a flipped (left to right) version of Fos Scale models Mathias spring and wire co when I remembered Steam era models layflatte linoleum works.  This was an O-scale kit I found pictures of online recently after watching a scratchbuild of the organ works.  Finding that structure was one of those 'holly hell! I've got to scratchbuild that!' moments.  I did some playing around with sizing from the two pictures I could find of it, and decided that with some tweaking I could make it work.  I decided I could have a cast concrete skyway crossing the one lane road to the structure behind, and have some of the chimneys (I guess that is what they are?) running along the top of this.  I started on this mockup and got it far along enough to convince myself that it would work.  By then it was the weekend and so I had to scramble to find things to do!

Firstly - here is a link to a photo of the kit.

https://www.binnsroad.co.uk/railways/steamera/index.html

The tower at the left end really helps to disguise the thinness of the site.  I was able to find room to allow the ridge of the weatherboard section to the right of the tower to be back from the one lane road by approximately 20mm - allowing enough room for the two copulas.  There was also room for a loading platform in front of this weatherboard section and the step forwards fitted perfectly with my track design.

Photo 1 - shows the plan.

Photo 2 - shows a close up of the mockup.  I spent a few hours over the weekend finishing off this mockup.

Photos 3-5 - show the mockup from further back.

More in a sec, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on August 15, 2021, 08:16:50 PM
Hi again.

I also spent a bit of time working on Burkes station scratchbuild doing various small projects.  Neil had found the signal tower interior kit, and so I assembled the signal levers and painted them, I painted the chimney and roofed the ticket office.

The rest of my modeling time I spent painting my Tickner's Watchworks kitbash.  I painted the walls with two coats of Woodland Scenics concrete and followed up with a light wash of AI.  Windows were painted moss green and doors were earth, both from Ammo by Mig Jimenez.  It is my first time using these paints and I found they flowed very well - more like enamels.  I still have touch ups to do, and a lot of weathering.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on August 15, 2021, 08:18:39 PM
Looks great Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on August 16, 2021, 07:51:11 PM
Mark


Great work - and it sounds like you had a great time.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on August 17, 2021, 05:23:30 PM
hey Mark:

What can I say. Looks just beautiful so far. Following along with much interest.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on August 17, 2021, 05:34:50 PM
Mark, Cheers,

I've always liked the Magnuson Tinker's Watchworks. I have two of them and really like how you kit bashed the structure. I'm not sure how I'll kit bash mine but I do plan on using them both on the A&S RR.

Wonderful job on the coloring of the concrete. I'm going to copy that.  :-X

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on August 17, 2021, 06:51:27 PM
Thanks you very much Curt, John, Karl and Tom for following along and commenting.

Curt - Thanks for being my number 1 fan!  It means a lot to have you stopping by so frequently, and applauding from the sidelines.

John - it was a great weekend and very timely, because as of midnight last night the whole country has gone into stage 4 lockdown for only the second time since the pandemic started, after a single case of the delta variant was found in the community.  Being a small island nation we have managed to exist very normally throughout the pandemic by 'going hard and going early'.  This strategy continues, especially after watching our Australian neighbours taking a more laid back approach recently which has backfired.  This new variant is a different animal, and we will have to wait to see if we can successfully stamp it out quickly.  The first time we went into lockdown (March 2020) we had two days notice and I was able to stock up on building supplies.  This time the announcement was made at 6pm and lockdown began at midnight.  I'm sure I will be able to find plenty to do if it should last awhile!  The county is not far through the vaccine program, but my wife and I are due for our second jabs next week.

Karl - I'm pleased to be keeping you interested.  I like to flesh out my mockups and working process to let people know that that big city look is often preceded by a good number of failures.  The linoleum company was no exception.  By the way - I love the 'Layflatte' name - there will have to be a big sign somewhere!

Tom - I did find this one hard work - with many problems that I believe shouldn't have been there - especially the air bubbles. That first front wall was so bad that I don't think it was possible that it was examined before being put in the box.  When you compare it with the likes of Kibri, Walthers Cornerstone, City Classics and others... Their saving grace is their uniqueness.  George Sellios has tons of these kits on the S&FM - but if you look closely almost every corner join has been hidden or disguised in some fashion.  I certainly had to do a lot of putty work to get the corners acceptable.  I still keep finding blemishes, but I kind of reached saturation point and said 'that's good enough'.  The colouring on Tichner's Watchworks was something I have found very good on plaster.  On plaster I used the Woodland Scenics concrete wash - on this resin structure I used full strength concrete over grey primer.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on August 30, 2021, 04:22:41 PM
Hi guys.

Well I thought I'd move on to a bit of historical research. I always try to find an establishment in new Zealand within the time frame I'm modeling to base my structures on. This helps with realism, but also gives a nice backstory to my structures, the people who own it or work there, and hints at interactions which may have taken place in Tellynott. In short it helps to give Tellynott personality. I was quite keen to keep this structure as a watchmaker or jeweler, and so went about searching for New Zealand Jewelers, historical, on Google. Now a name is everything and as many of you will know we have for many years had Bullmastiffs. Their kennel name is Little Ridge. Paired with this my son has a sharpei called John. So when I found a New Zealand jeweler in the correct time frame called 'Littlejohn and Son' I was over the moon! Some of the information I could find out about this company also worked well, and helps with signage, details, shop layout and wider tangents within the community. Littlejohn and Son was established in 1879 and is a maker of jewellery, chronometers, clocks, watches, instruments and optical goods. Machinery includes lathes and planing machines. The optical department is kept separate and has contrivances for lens grinding, drilling and other needs. The building is three stories high and employs 16 staff. Littlejohn and Son is responsible for many of the recognisible clocks seen around New Zealand, particularly many of the turret clocks seen on post office buildings. Lots of cool ideas here!

I made up a veranda using black card, high tack tape and 6"x2" stripwood.  I attached three LED's over the freight doors which I had trimmed from a line of 100 and attached to a 51K resister and a 9V battery.  I think this gives off a nice mellow light.  I will make up a few boxes to put around some of the windows and add interior details and light.  Its the two Woodland Scenics nano lights for $18NZ which has forced me to do this.  I think their lampposts etc aren't bad value and most are pretty nice looking details, but if I were to put just three lights in every structure in Tellynott that would cost $5400NZ for the nano lights alone!  I bought 2500 resisters for $10NZ and 100 tiny LED's for $7NZ.

Photo 1 - shows the three LED's over the loading dock.

I have also preped and primed a good number of Rusty Rails castings for detailing.  I'm in the process of painting these.  I recently watch a Jason Jensen video on painting castings.  Jason spent 3 full days painting his castings.  I asked him how many hours he spent.  His answer was that he didn't count the hours, but it was three long days.  I understand that Jason often stays up into the wee small hours working on such things so I might expect 12 hour days, but even if it was 10 that's still 30 hours of painting detailing castings.  If I was to only paint on my modeling Thursday afternoons, I might expect to take between 10 and 12 weeks to accomplish the same results!  Its a nice way of putting things in perspective when you feel like you aren't making a lot of progress.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on August 31, 2021, 10:26:52 AM
Beautiful work!


Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: deemery on August 31, 2021, 12:04:19 PM
Mark is the expert at making urban scenes look "organic," with all of the buildings looking like they fit into the urban space.


dave
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on September 01, 2021, 04:08:19 PM
QuoteBeautiful work!

Thanks very much, Jerry.

Still painting castings...

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on September 01, 2021, 04:10:38 PM
QuoteMark is the expert at making urban scenes look "organic," with all of the buildings looking like they fit into the urban space.

Thanks for the lovely comment, Dave.

And remember my motto, if things feel like they are getting too cramped, jamb more in!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on September 02, 2021, 08:10:02 AM
Hey Mark:

Looks just great so far. Can't wait I see this finished.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on September 09, 2021, 05:18:23 AM
QuoteHey Mark:

Looks just great so far. Can't wait I see this finished.

Thanks, Karl.

I'm chipping away at it, but spring has sprung and the grass is riz.  Trying to find time among the chores.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on September 09, 2021, 05:25:25 AM
Hi guys.

Well, a couple of pics to show where I am up to.

Here is some of the Rusty Rail details painted up and glued in position.  You can see I made a small box lit with an LED and have put in a man working at the saw.  He is making a casing for the new commission for one of the neighbouring towns post office clock.  The two staff members are having a quick smoko break.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on September 09, 2021, 08:39:09 PM
Mark


That really looks nice. It is starting to get a little cooler here, fall will soon be in the air.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Opa George on September 10, 2021, 06:42:34 AM
Mark,
Nice job on this.  I really like the night shot with the interior light and break time on the dock. Reminds me of too many third shifts from my past. But on the other hand, there is something very satisfying about taking a break outside at 3 am on a warm evening, when the rest of the countryside is slumbering and few bosses are lurking about.  You captured that well.

--Opa George
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 04, 2021, 10:23:12 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much John and George, much appreciated.

Well - I had some casting and mold making resin that was nearing its used by date, so I thought I'd better use it.  This, of course, led to me buying more and casting more.  You may remember my South River Modelwork's 'Thorndike Mills' kitbash mock up that I designed and built?  Well - I wrote to Bob and asked if I could make some molds and cast some walls for this kitbash.  As long as it was for my own use he was fine with this - and he put me on his email list so now I get emails telling me of new progress on his layout.

Photo 1 - shows a reminder of my kitbashing intensions.

Photo 2 - I cast 3 end walls.  I will only need two of these, but did an extra in case I decide to use one of them on one of the side faces. 

Photo 3 - I cast two of the paired side walls.  I did this so that I have the correct edges with the stonework on them.  I took the wall with the two freight doors on it out of the wrapper and found it was broken right through the centre of the doors.  I used CA to glue the two pieces back together and then made a mold and a casting.  The fracture was still visible on the plaster wall after the repair, but not on the resin casting.  I need to bash this wall, and didn't like my chances with a repaired plaster wall.  One of the side walls castings caused the cutting mat under it to warp as the chemical reaction took place.  It kind of bulged up in the centre.  Of course this left me with a warped casting.  I cast the rest of the castings on an area without a cutting mat underneath.  Lesson learnt.

Photo 4 - I also cast two castings of one of the stone retaining walls.  This I have used to bash a foundation for my clapboard addition to the kit.  Here I am holding my weatherboard side wall in position after checking it out to fit with the foundation.

Photo 5 - shows the weatherboard walls all cut out.  I have found some Tichy Train windows which are pretty close to those used on the timber wing of the SRM kit.

Photo 6 - I thought I'd have a go at making one of the cool ducting units which attach to the side of the mill.  I used rectangular styrene tube.  I cut myself a 22.5 degree piece of styrene to fit in my mitre box.  By holding the styrene tube on this angle I can then cut an accurate 22.5 degree cut, and join this to make a 45 degree bend.  I cut high tack tape into narrow slithers and wrapped this around the joins of these angles after gluing, and at even distances along the straight lengths of ducting.  I'm confident now that I can fairly easily make such ducting units to fit any structure.  The photo shows one of the metal castings from the kit next to my scratchbuilt one.  I might try narrower slithers of tape next time.

I also made a mold and castings of the bricked up window in-fills for the mill.

More soon, cheers, Mark. 

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on October 05, 2021, 08:03:10 AM
Very nice Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 09, 2021, 08:54:09 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much, Curt.  I would like to be getting more done, but of course, it is spring here in NZ and there is lot to do in our five acre garden.  I am also helping some friends look for a new house.  The property market has gone crazy in NZ over the last year with lots of expats returning to NZ with money to burn.  I went to an auction today where the house sold for 60% over the government valuation set in 2018.  This is becoming more the norm rather than the exception.  My wife and I are very pleased to be settled and happy here on our 11 acres!  BTW we have a new kune kune piglet arriving on the petbus later this month.  We recently lost one of our two 3-year-old girls and so need some company for Dorthey.

Well, along with my mold making and resin casting I have cut all the door and window openings out of the timber extension to my Thorndike's kitbash.  The windows and doors are from Tichy Train Group.  I used 4/4 which closely match the metal windows in the kit, but only had 9 of these so I used 2/1 windows for the top story, along with a couple of smaller 4-pane windows.  the kit has a few of these, too, so they will compliment nicely.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on October 10, 2021, 09:03:50 AM
Mark


It's great to see you making some progress on your layout even during the busy spring planting season.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Opa George on October 19, 2021, 02:05:43 PM
Hello Mark,

Nice looking walls in that last shot for Thorndike's. Good looking proportions with lots of interest.  Also, I really like those duct units you produces. Very clever and very convincing.
Sorry it took me so long to check in!

--Opa George
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on October 19, 2021, 04:15:26 PM
Hey Mark:

This is coming along very nicely. Keep the pics flowing.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 19, 2021, 05:18:38 PM
QuoteIt's great to see you making some progress on your layout even during the busy spring planting season.

Thanks, John.

I do enjoy a lot of the outside stuff.  Our woodland area where I put in about 150m of curving paths and planted around 25 maples along with some other trees and heaps of rhododendrons is really starting to come on.  Its nice to be starting to 'feel' the plan fleshing out and the new bones of the garden developing.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 19, 2021, 05:29:26 PM
QuoteHello Mark,

Nice looking walls in that last shot for Thorndike's. Good looking proportions with lots of interest.  Also, I really like those duct units you produces. Very clever and very convincing.
Sorry it took me so long to check in!

Thanks, George.

I've put Thorndikes away for the not too distant future (always my plan - just wanted to get those walls cast, and figured while my head was in it I would cut and fit the timber walls and get the windows and doors ready).  We have our postponed Easter modeling convention in 2022.  I just got the latest update and it will only be going ahead if we are in level 1.  This is very much dependent on how much of the population get vaccinated and outbreaks of COVID19 moving forwards.  We still, at present, have no cases in the South Island (fingers crossed - I have another modeling weekend scheduled here for the first weekend in November).  My plan was to concentrate on the original L-shaped part of Tellynott until Easter 2022, and then maybe have a go at my first SRM kit(bash).

The duct was pretty easy to make.  I've always thought they looked cool.  In the future it should be a pinch to custom fit them around obstacles on structure walls.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on October 20, 2021, 11:40:47 AM
Mark, Cheers,

I haven't checked in lately and just now getting caught up. Even with the spring grass "riz", you've been busy.

I'm looking forward to your Thorndike kit bash. You always have such great vision for your builds and I enjoy watching it all come together.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 20, 2021, 05:23:00 PM
QuoteHey Mark:

This is coming along very nicely. Keep the pics flowing.

Thanks, Karl.

I'll try to keep up the momentum.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 20, 2021, 05:28:15 PM
QuoteMark, Cheers,

I haven't checked in lately and just now getting caught up. Even with the spring grass "riz", you've been busy.

I'm looking forward to your Thorndike kit bash. You always have such great vision for your builds and I enjoy watching it all come together.

Thanks, Tom.

I did the design work and made the mock-up while recovering from my back surgery a while back.  I was pretty restricted in what I was allowed to do in the beginning so this was a good project to keep me busy and entertained as well as making me feel like I was making progress.  All the best for your upcoming procedure.  I trust you have a few 'easy' projects lined up?

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on October 21, 2021, 04:23:02 PM
Hi guys.

A bit of progress on the Littlejohn & Son.  I found a nice set of rub on letters, spaced out the positioning on low tack tape I added just below the letters and rubbed on.  I then discovered that the letters were shiny.  I held some paper below the lettering and hit with a blast of dullcote.  Unfortunately, when dry, the wall above and below the lettering were two different colours.  The dullcote had darkened the part of the wall above where I held the paper.  I've never had this happen before.  To remedy this I cut out pieces of card to cover all the openings and sprayed the entire concrete parts of the structure with dullcote.  This caused incident number two.  While spraying with dullcote one of the window cards blew off and the window got sprayed.  Of course it had to be the window with the interior detail!  I sprinted upstairs, grabbed a cotton bud, and sprinted back.  I quickly wiped the window.  When dry, it looked like some very grubby windows had been wiped from the inside to clear.

I also made up another interior room.  This one has a man working on a large clock for one of the clock towers that Littlejohn & Son are well known for building.

Photo 1 shows the building ready for spraying and the signage.

Photo 2 shows the new interior detail.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on October 21, 2021, 04:31:59 PM
Looks very good Mark
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: vinceg on October 22, 2021, 08:53:32 AM
Great scene, Mark.

Also, great back story to go with it. It's reassuring to know that stuff happens to others, too.

Vince
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 04, 2021, 11:54:56 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks very much Curt and Vince for following along and commenting.

Well - I got excited over planning again over the last couple of weeks.

Attached is my latest design for Shadowlands.  A few things have happened to change my thinking on the use of the space in the second room of the barn.

*  Reserving space for my 'Fault Lines' layout.  With COVID19 potentially here to stay, large gatherings of people in one space may still be some time away.  I'm also feeling pretty motivated about my T&S layout at present and have been for some time so I have decided that as I move forwards my Fault Lines layout will have to go.

*  Reserving space for access to the loft.  We have lived here for over four years now and the only time I have been in that loft has been to clean out all the nests, crap and dead birds, to install gutter wiskers in order to future bird-proof the loft, and to install insulation to the walls and ceilings where they we part of the division between the loft and my Shadowlands layout room.  I'm sure I can find a way to get up there in case of emergency maintenance, but keeping the area clear for a permanent ladder is no longer necessary.

*  I guess I am now feeling pretty settled here.  This is the first year when this place has felt like a home (sometimes I find that can take a while).  My landscaping plans have now developed ( several areas are well underway, and many plants and trees are getting well established) to the point that enough 'bones' are there to give me visual evidence that my plans will work.  I can see my wife has big dreams in the garden and talks about our son making enough money to be able to afford a full time gardener to maintain this place in our old age (she half jests - but its pretty long term thinking.)  I hopefully see use here for another 25 or more years.

*  I felt my current plan for Tellynott did not achieve the vertical displacement that I wanted to play with when designing.  As you all know, I love changes in height, tight curves, complexity - basically making the impossible seem plausible.  And so with Shadowlands I want to follow on in this vain.  I am alos really excited by the borrowed scenery views I can see through my mock ups when viewing across the Inglletown peninsula to Tellynott in the background.  Taking this idea and trying to apply it in a mountain scene sounds fascinating and exciting.

And so, I have had a go at rethinking Shadowlands.  I tried several different ideas but settled comprehensively on the version attached.  Several influences are obvious and I will make no effort to hide these.  In particular are the influences of John Allen and Malcolm Furlow.  I spent severel evenings in bed pouring over track plans and diagrams of my most dog eared copy of the G&D (I even suggested to my wife if she was ever wondering what to get my for a birthday or Christmas present, a new hard back copy of the G&D would certainly be appreciated.)  In particular, I have designed a curving river with tracks on each side, the one in front lower, and the one behind approximately 5" higher in order to model my own version of Squawbottom river.  The second area where direct influence is readily apparent is in the peninsula area.  The trackage in this area is largely based on the left wing of Malcolm Furlow's Denver and Rio Chama Western.  It is also, however, a somewhat compressed version of New Zealand's Raurimu spiral.

https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/7588

One of the great features of Malcolm's layout is the scene with bridges basically stacked on top of each other (shown on the cover and page 53 of the December 1978 railroad model craftsman), and again I intend to create my own version of this scene.  Bridges will be everywhere, and will make up the main structure building of this part of the layout.  The peninsula gives borrowed viewing in two directions, and I'm especially excited by the long view from the left end alcove across the peninsula and all the way to the logging industry at the far end of Shadowlands, tucked in behind Tellynott.  I have managed to eradicate all spirals with the added length of the mainline (although we are now making a feature out of the stacked loops on the peninsula).  Using John Allen's scale miles (smiles) one loop around Shadowlands is now 42.3 smiles, and one journey from Tellynott, right around the Shadowlands loop, onwards to the reversing loop under Tellynott and then back to Tellynott will take a geared loco approximately 1 hour in real time to complete.  One problem area was getting the track displacement on each side of the curving river right.  I finally worked out a way of doing this by having the track on the far side of the river being a branch line to the logging industry, while the main line will be high above in the background.  I have tried to keep the viewing and operating areas reasonable, and the minimum isle distance is 700mm (28") which is a standard small door size.  In several places the isle is wider, giving breathing space and comfortable passing.  I have drawn a man in the room in the corner by the peninsula for reference.  With this new plan, the track now goes from a low point of around 78cm (30 3/4") to a high point of 155cm (61").  It also dawned on me yesterday that the G&D was built in a space roughly 32' x 24'.  My space - which is now pretty much filled up with this latest plan - is in a space of 32' x 19'.  I guess I better get cracking!

I am hosting a modeling weekend here this weekend for the 2fatpossums modeling group, and my project for the weekend is to make a 3-D model of the new plan.

Any suggestions are more than welcome.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 05, 2021, 08:18:23 AM
Mark


The design direction sounds fascinating. I will be following along.  Do you have all the John Allen layout photographs that were found after the fire and floated around the internet.  This all took place a few years back. Let me know if you didn't - lots of photographs that didn't make the book.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 05, 2021, 02:12:23 PM
QuoteThe design direction sounds fascinating. I will be following along.  Do you have all the John Allen layout photographs that were found after the fire and floated around the internet.  This all took place a few years back. Let me know if you didn't - lots of photographs that didn't make the book.

Thanks, John.

I'm looking forwards to getting a long way through the 3-D mock-up this weekend.  I found with the other one I built, that I could put the model on a table, bend down so that the scenery was at eye level, close one eye and the scale just dropped away.  You really feel like you are 'in' the model and looking at fast distances.  Its a brilliant devise (as you know) for helping with design and suring up ideas.

No - I don't have all the John Allen photos from after the fire.  Only ones that would have been published in MRR magazine.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: sdrees on November 05, 2021, 05:44:29 PM
This is some impressive design.  Looks very fascinating!
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 05, 2021, 08:04:06 PM
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on November 05, 2021, 02:12:23 PM
QuoteThe design direction sounds fascinating. I will be following along.  Do you have all the John Allen layout photographs that were found after the fire and floated around the internet.  This all took place a few years back. Let me know if you didn't - lots of photographs that didn't make the book.

Thanks, John.

I'm looking forwards to getting a long way through the 3-D mock-up this weekend.  I found with the other one I built, that I could put the model on a table, bend down so that the scenery was at eye level, close one eye and the scale just dropped away.  You really feel like you are 'in' the model and looking at fast distances.  Its a brilliant devise (as you know) for helping with design and suring up ideas.

No - I don't have all the John Allen photos from after the fire.  Only ones that would have been published in MRR magazine.

Cheers, Mark.




Mark


I sent you and email to followup on the John Allen Photos - let me know if you get it.  I did a lot of 3D scale modeling with my layout design, as you know - it is a great way to go.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 06, 2021, 02:30:38 PM
QuoteThis is some impressive design.  Looks very fascinating!

Thanks very much, Steve.

Attached are two photos of the mock up coming together.  I blew up my plan to twice the size of the original and printed off several copies.  One copy I attached to a piece of foam with glue.  I then collected some different sizes of flat headed nails (I used old gun nails)  I worked out a vertical scale and used a marker to mark the heights out of the foam on the individual nails and then pocked them into the foam plan at the correct places until my mark was flush with the top of the foam.  I then cut out track lines from the other plans, glued these to a cereal card backing, and then glued these to the nail tops.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: tom.boyd.125 on November 07, 2021, 01:35:55 PM
Mark,
That Magnuson / SS Ltd kit bash came out great.
Tommy
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 07, 2021, 06:55:22 PM
QuoteMark,
That Magnuson / SS Ltd kit bash came out great.

Thanks very much, Tommy.

I assume you are referring to Littlejohn & son - the kitbash I did prior to that was also a Magnuson kit.  I still have a few things to do on that one - a couple more rooms with lighting and interior details and then roofs and rooftop detail and some weathering.  I'll be back at it soon - I have some expanding foam on my model of a model to deal with first.  I tried very hard to go easy by it kind of just kept on expanding!  I've had enough experience with the stuff now to know not to touch until it has fully cured.  Hopefully I'll find some time to tackle that 'oops' this week.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Opa George on November 08, 2021, 06:48:00 AM
Nice track plan, Mark.  I can really see the influence of John Allen and Malcolm Furlow in the peninsulas.  Both are my icons with regard to layout design, albeit in a much smaller space.

When I redesigned my Twin Mountains layout, I deliberately scaled back the overall dimensions in order to get much wider aisles.  Just personal choice in the trade-off.  I couldn't tell from your plan--what are your aisle widths?

Nice job so far!
--Opa George
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 08, 2021, 01:54:08 PM
QuoteNice track plan, Mark.  I can really see the influence of John Allen and Malcolm Furlow in the peninsulas.  Both are my icons with regard to layout design, albeit in a much smaller space.

When I redesigned my Twin Mountains layout, I deliberately scaled back the overall dimensions in order to get much wider aisles.  Just personal choice in the trade-off.  I couldn't tell from your plan--what are your aisle widths?

Nice job so far!

Thanks for following along, George.

I have been a huge fan of John Allan since finding a December 1981 model railroader magazine in the hobby shop at the age of 12. 

I did a little bit of scaling back myself and have made a couple of the sections against the wall thinner than I would have liked in order to keep the isles to a 700mm (27.5") minimum.  This is the size of a standard small door.  I have also tried to open the layout out in a couple of places to give some breathing and passing space.  If you look closely at the plan you can see a rather faded man standing at the right hand corner of the peninsula.  I stood against the wall with a tape measure and measured myself to get the size about right.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: cuse on November 09, 2021, 07:48:09 AM
Mark,


Great stuff as always...you had me at "Furlow".


John
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 09, 2021, 03:59:00 PM
QuoteGreat stuff as always...you had me at "Furlow".

Thanks, John.

Yes, I'm a huge fan of a lot of Furlow's work.  I loved the stories that went with the various layouts as much as the scenery.  Malcolm had a knack of drawing you into his world of make believe as if it were real.  John Allan was the same.  This is something I always try to do myself.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on November 09, 2021, 04:06:53 PM
Hey Mark:

All looks just great so far. Can't wait to see more.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 09, 2021, 04:09:06 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks, Karl.  I'm pleased you are following along.

The modeling weekend once again proved very fruitful and a lot of fun. As always I come away super motivated!

Photo 1 - The model of the model nearing completion of stage 1.

Photo 2 - After I had finished gluing my track plan to my flat headed nails I added walls to the model. These are the back boards of the layout modules, and the height is the ceiling height of these modules - the same height as I have built in Tellynott. The module ceilings are about 8 inches thick, and the top of these just fits under the bottom of the beam between the two rooms. This is so the modules can be unbolted and rolled out (in a very specific order) from the layout rooms if need should arise. I have carefully considered this process in my planning. I'm not sure what the floor height is yet. I just added some height to the track to allow for river valleys. I'll work this out moving forwards. The layout will not go all the way to the floor, but it will go quite low in places.

Photo 3 - I included this photo as it shows pretty well how big the area of Shadowlands is. If you were to square off the area to the bottom right - that is the entire Tellynott area. I haven't worked out the square feet yet, but a glance says Shadowlands takes up about twice the area of Tellynott!

Photo 4 - Ooops! I tried to go gently with the expanding foam, but it just kept growing!

Photo 5 - I had already thought I would need to cut the model into sections so I could view different areas like I was standing in the layout room. The 'oops' meant I just did this step a bit sooner. It will now be far easier to trim and sculpt the foam. You can see I have started this process. Experience whit using this medium has taught me never to try to clean up foam 'oopses' before the foam has cured.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 09, 2021, 07:29:43 PM
Mark


I have never tried using foam for landform mockups.  How easy is it to carve to the shape you want?  I have been using modeling clay for my mockups in the past. I'm very interested in your process - lots of details please.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: vinceg on November 10, 2021, 01:44:18 PM
Mark,

Incredible discipline to plan with this level of rigor. Truly inspiring.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on November 10, 2021, 02:50:07 PM
Hey Mark:

You are quite welcome. Thanks for the new photos. Have fun.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Lynnb on November 14, 2021, 02:18:25 PM
Love where you're going with your layout.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 14, 2021, 06:05:13 PM
Hi guys.

QuoteLove where you're going with your layout

Thanks very much, Lynn.  I'm quite excited myself.

I got a little more done on the model of a model.  I printed off another set of plans and cut out the layout edges.  I held these plans over the expanded foam and marked with a marker (you can still see some of the blue marker in the photos).  I then used a retractable knife blade (without the knife holder) to cut the layout edge into the foam.  I kind of worked a little at a time, cutting pieces away.  I lost my vertical in a few places and will have to amend.  I then started finding the track and carving in the shapes of the landform.  This foam seemed to have a lot of large air bubbles in it.  Its the first time I have used a disposable 'one off' can of this stuff and it was more difficult to control and seemed to have more air bubbles than the proper gun.  The problem with the proper gun is it is quite expensive and no matter how well you clean it between uses it seems to get clogged up within a few uses - and impossible to then clear.

Below are three photos showing progress.  I'm thinking some thinner width retractable blades would be good for carving out the sharp curves.

I'm thinking that after I have finished carving out my landforms I will use sculptamold to cover the foam.  This should cover any bubble holes and give a good surface for painting.

John - the expanding foam is very easy to carve - once dry - and a sharp knife is all you need.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on November 15, 2021, 06:49:34 PM
Hey Mark:

Well done so far. Can't wait to see more.

Kark
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 19, 2021, 06:20:28 PM
Hi guys.

QuoteWell done so far. Can't wait to see more.

Thanks, Karl.

Here are a few more photos as this project slowly develops. It is a subtraction method - as you have to cut away material rather than add it to create the landscape.

The photos below illustrate how scale kind of disappears. I find it quite easy to see this as a finished layout, or even a 1:1 scale scene.
By removing one of the pieces of the model you can get right down to eye level.  If you then make a square box with your fingers to view through you really feel like you are in the scene.  This is the real beauty of this model of a model method. It also shows much more clearly how you might need to address benchwork, and what other problems (like track accessibility) you might have to solve. I'm rehashing the peninsula at present, as I have found my view through under the bridge(s) will not be possible with the current configuration. This will likely result only in some tweaking. I find my A3 LED light box amazingly useful for this. I can easily and quickly put a piece of paper on top of my plan and trace out the basics, and then make changes to see if they will work. Of course I can do this multiple times and compare results - all without altering my original plan at all.  I'm pretty old school in this way, and the idea of using a computer and software to work through this process really doesn't appeal.

I was disappointed with how many air bubbles I got, but I can always add more foam. Still a long way to go...

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 19, 2021, 07:01:41 PM
Mark


Great visualization tool. Is the backdrop going to be sky only or are the mountains and scenery going to continue on to the walls?  You sure do have a lot of caves in those mountains.  ;) ;)  I would fill the air bubbles with modeling clay.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 19, 2021, 10:02:06 PM
QuoteGreat visualization tool. Is the backdrop going to be sky only or are the mountains and scenery going to continue on to the walls?  You sure do have a lot of caves in those mountains.  ;) ;)  I would fill the air bubbles with modeling clay.

Hi John.

You may remember me mentioning Jonathan White - a New Zealand artist famous for his wonderful landscape paintings - many in South Westland?  Well I hope to try my hand at something (obviously nowhere near his quality!!!) similar.  Below is a link to remind you.  If you scroll through you should find plenty of paintings similar to shadowlands.

https://www.jonathanwhite.co.nz/landscapes1.htm

I intend to put some black card or paper around as fascia - that should hide a few of the 'caves'.  I've been busy playing with anagrams during my coffee breaks today - rearranging letters in NZ places of influence of locations on which Shadowlands is based.  Your question has brought up the name Jonathan White, and as he is a major influence I should give him an anagram on Shadowlands.  I've come up with a few I am quite happy with.  I'm cheating a little with letters if needed - but trying not to.

Stafford river = Fastford river
Smoothwater point = Sawtooth point

Interestingly, this exercise, which I rather enjoy, has thrown up a few landform ideas - especially Sawtooth point!  Although Fastford river definitely screams out to have a ford through some rapids somewhere!

I'm trying to place these names in the order in which they come on my plotted fictional railroad line on a geographical map of the locale.  I've decided to have the fiddle yard/ return loop as an unmodeled town, which in my fictional history has sprung up at the head of a river valley beside a small lake.  The lake is called Lake Hamer, but my fictional town will be Armhe (Army), built on the shores of Armhe lake.  In this way I will be able to move more goods around Shadowlands and create better operating possibilities.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: cuse on November 20, 2021, 01:48:04 PM
Great work Mark...That's pretty amazing to help REALLY visualize the layout "experience". I've spent many many hours working on scale track plans (or, really, layout plans as track is the least important part for me) and never ever followed one to a great extent once I got in motion and better felt the spacing and scenic possibilities for real...I have done some sketches from a viewer's perspective that were very helpful...I think you're really onto something...and a fun little project on its own!


John
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 21, 2021, 04:15:18 PM
QuoteGreat work Mark...That's pretty amazing to help REALLY visualize the layout "experience". I've spent many many hours working on scale track plans (or, really, layout plans as track is the least important part for me) and never ever followed one to a great extent once I got in motion and better felt the spacing and scenic possibilities for real...I have done some sketches from a viewer's perspective that were very helpful...I think you're really onto something...and a fun little project on its own!

Thanks, John.

I remember building the framework and track bed for a switchback layout from 101 track plans decades ago.  By the time I got to that stage I could see that the track was ridiculously close, and it would be impossible to make things look even slightly plausible, along with there being no room for scenery.  What looks good as lines on paper...I have made models of my layout plans ever since.

I, too, am far more interested in the scenery than the trains.  At present I am trying some new 'tweaks' to my paper plan to try to create the views I want deep into the layout, after my mock-up was showing that these wouldn't be possible.  I may have to remake one of the sections of the mock-up - but this will be far less work(!!!) than getting to the framework and trackbed stage in 1:1 scale before discovering the problem.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 21, 2021, 08:32:41 PM
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on November 21, 2021, 04:15:18 PM
QuoteGreat work Mark...That's pretty amazing to help REALLY visualize the layout "experience". I've spent many many hours working on scale track plans (or, really, layout plans as track is the least important part for me) and never ever followed one to a great extent once I got in motion and better felt the spacing and scenic possibilities for real...I have done some sketches from a viewer's perspective that were very helpful...I think you're really onto something...and a fun little project on its own!

Thanks, John.

I remember building the framework and track bed for a switchback layout from 101 track plans decades ago.  By the time I got to that stage I could see that the track was ridiculously close, and it would be impossible to make things look even slightly plausible, along with there being no room for scenery.  What looks good as lines on paper...I have made models of my layout plans ever since.

I, too, am far more interested in the scenery than the trains.  At present I am trying some new 'tweaks' to my paper plan to try to create the views I want deep into the layout, after my mock-up was showing that these wouldn't be possible.  I may have to remake one of the sections of the mock-up - but this will be far less work(!!!) than getting to the framework and trackbed stage in 1:1 scale before discovering the problem.

Cheers, Mark.


Mark


Mock-ups have saved many hours of tear outs and start overs on the S&S RR.  In many areas I built the mountains and scenery I wanted and then added the track.  Just like the prototype railroads had to do. Tunnels into mountains are easy, and bridges and fills are easy. Moving mountains and track work to make room for mountains is very difficult. Keep working with your mockups until you are sure you have what you want.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 22, 2021, 03:50:14 PM
Hi guys.

Thanks for following along, John.

QuoteIn many areas I built the mountains and scenery I wanted and then added the track.

This is the approach I have always used with roads and structures.

OK - some plan tweaks.

Attached are the two slightly different alternatives to try, along with the original track plan for reference. 

Firstly, you can see in the first plan I have made alterations to the area in the bottom left.  The small town(?) now comes off the main line just past the loop while the original point to this area now feeds a mine.  I think this works much better, and even though there is no less track, it simplifies things.  It shouldn't be too difficult to make these changes to the model.  I have removed the spur at the top left of the original plan, which was to be a mine, and this one will replace it.

The other area I needed to work on  was the view under the two high bridges  on the top track.  As I discovered while doing the model, this view was too narrow.  On the first image below, I have put slightly more kink in the curved track between the two bridges, widening the view to the arrows as shown.  This will make viewing of the area along the back wall deep into the alcove behind Tellynott possible, but only a limited view of the mountains on the back side of the Tellynott backdrop will be available.  In the second plan there has been a bit of shuffling of the track work on the lower levels, and the kink on both sides of the longer bridge has been exaggerated to bring the two bridges closer to parallel  As show by the arrows, this gives a wider view encompassing both sides of the alcove completely.  I like this view better, but on paper the track configuration seems more contrived and less aesthetically pleasing.

On both plans I have moved the position of the river through the second gorge and viewing area (approximately central on the peninsula) shown by the second set of arrows, a few inches closer to the track.  I have also put the mine on the other side of the track to where I had originally planned.  I think this will make a nice little 'snap shot' view in the gorge, a nice little surprise.  I'm picturing the FSM rock bunker in here.  I have also added another bridge - this time a curved trestle - which will make a lovely scene at the end of the peninsula.  as you can see, I am trying to create a combination of long views with borrowed scenery and some isolated cameo shots.

I hope you get something out of me trying to go through a bit of the nitty, gritty development of the track plan.  Its not pretty, but in my world I find during this process a lot of new ideas and tangents arise as I work.  Some of these, I find, end up being the best and most unique ideas.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on November 23, 2021, 05:47:41 PM
Hey Mark:

You are quite welcome. Can't wait to see more of the finished product.

Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 25, 2021, 11:12:51 AM
Mark


I enjoyed running trains in my head through your drawings.  Are you designing to a minimum track radius? I found this to be the most challenging design criteria. Especially, moving from paper to the layout. I'm looking forward to watching the plan come together.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 25, 2021, 04:34:10 PM
Hi guys.

QuoteI enjoyed running trains in my head through your drawings.  Are you designing to a minimum track radius? I found this to be the most challenging design criteria. Especially, moving from paper to the layout. I'm looking forward to watching the plan come together.

Thanks again for following along, John.

I've debated track for some time.  I own a fair amount of Peco code 100 rail.  I have seen a layout almost completed which used peco code 100 rail, ballasted and heavily weathered.  I was on the tour with a group of 'fine scale' modellers.  I quietly confirmed with the owner that the track was indeed code 100.  After we left the layout I asked my friends what code the track was.  They were all adamant that it must have been code 70.  This was a nice little experiment.  I took particular notice as it was an issue I had been toying with.  If ballasted and heavily weathered the code of track seems to shrink.

Another thing to consider is that peco code 100 track produces setrack, with four different radii curved tracks.  They do not do this in code 75 (more is the shame).  I love the way these snap together so easily and there are no problems with 'kinks' where the ends meet.  The rails are ridgid, and so they keep their shape if you need to cut them shorter.  So with this and the far smaller cost of not having to replace all the code 100 track I currently own (there are many sets of points in Tellynott - including a double slip and two three way turnouts), I'm leaning towards this plan of attack.  If we come into a heap of cash soon, that may change.

Peco track is used by most New Zealand 'S' scalers, along with many who work in OO and HO.  As such, there are several importers and if you know where to shop, the price is pretty reasonable.

I have drawn my plans using the #2 radius as my smallest radius, which is 438mm (17 1/4").  The #3 is 505mm (20") and the #4 is 572mm (22 1/2").  Their #4 turnouts have a radius of 610mm (24").

I recently discovered several Australian model companies manufacturing high quality RTR models for the Australian market.  These models appear to be of very high quality and there are many 4 wheels wagons which are in keeping with the type of rolling stock used in New Zealand.  As Australia uses broad gauge, these models are in HO scale.  Before that I had been looking at using British OO scale models, but was not happy with the scale difference.  New Zealand manufactures are mainly aimed at S scale, as NZ runs on 3'6" track.  My fictional locale decided to run broad gauge.  I'm a bit of an odd ball in New Zealand - modelling NZ in HO scale - but this was done to give me access to the many structure models that I love to 'bash'.  These Australian models give me a plausible 'in scale' option.

I decided to buy a few wagons to have a look at, and my first package arrived yesterday.

Below are some photos.

Photo 1 and 2 - show the new 'Austrains" wagons, an MV meat van and a LV louvred van

Photos 3-5 - show the comparison between a OO scale Bachmann branch line fruit van and one of the HO scale Austrains vans.

My wife thinks the difference is barely noticeable, I think it is huge!

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 26, 2021, 09:38:19 AM
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on November 25, 2021, 04:34:10 PM
Hi guys.

QuoteI enjoyed running trains in my head through your drawings.  Are you designing to a minimum track radius? I found this to be the most challenging design criteria. Especially, moving from paper to the layout. I'm looking forward to watching the plan come together.

Thanks again for following along, John.

I've debated track for some time.  I own a fair amount of Peco code 100 rail.  I have seen a layout almost completed which used peco code 100 rail, ballasted and heavily weathered.  I was on the tour with a group of 'fine scale' modellers.  I quietly confirmed with the owner that the track was indeed code 100.  After we left the layout I asked my friends what code the track was.  They were all adamant that it must have been code 70.  This was a nice little experiment.  I took particular notice as it was an issue I had been toying with.  If ballasted and heavily weathered the code of track seems to shrink.

Another thing to consider is that peco code 100 track produces setrack, with four different radii curved tracks.  They do not do this in code 75 (more is the shame).  I love the way these snap together so easily and there are no problems with 'kinks' where the ends meet.  The rails are ridgid, and so they keep their shape if you need to cut them shorter.  So with this and the far smaller cost of not having to replace all the code 100 track I currently own (there are many sets of points in Tellynott - including a double slip and two three way turnouts), I'm leaning towards this plan of attack.  If we come into a heap of cash soon, that may change.

Peco track is used by most New Zealand 'S' scalers, along with many who work in OO and HO.  As such, there are several importers and if you know where to shop, the price is pretty reasonable.

I have drawn my plans using the #2 radius as my smallest radius, which is 438mm (17 1/4").  The #3 is 505mm (20") and the #4 is 572mm (22 1/2").  Their #4 turnouts have a radius of 610mm (24").

I recently discovered several Australian model companies manufacturing high quality RTR models for the Australian market.  These models appear to be of very high quality and there are many 4 wheels wagons which are in keeping with the type of rolling stock used in New Zealand.  As Australia uses broad gauge, these models are in HO scale.  Before that I had been looking at using British OO scale models, but was not happy with the scale difference.  New Zealand manufactures are mainly aimed at S scale, as NZ runs on 3'6" track.  My fictional locale decided to run broad gauge.  I'm a bit of an odd ball in New Zealand - modelling NZ in HO scale - but this was done to give me access to the many structure models that I love to 'bash'.  These Australian models give me a plausible 'in scale' option.

I decided to buy a few wagons to have a look at, and my first package arrived yesterday.

Below are some photos.

Photo 1 and 2 - show the new 'Austrains" wagons, an MV meat van and a LV louvred van

Photos 3-5 - show the comparison between a OO scale Bachmann branch line fruit van and one of the HO scale Austrains vans.

My wife thinks the difference is barely noticeable, I think it is huge!

More soon, cheers, Mark.


Mark


I used all of my code 100 Peco track for the track that was in the back of the layout or in tunnels. For the areas that are close to the viewer I used code 83 Peco or code 70 Micro Engineering flex track. I agree with your comments about seeing the difference in gauge viewing the layout. I notice the difference in photographs, especially when you have figures in the photograph.  Changing from one gauge to another is very easy with couplers that take up the difference in height to align the top of the track.  Peco turnouts are available in code 83 here in the US. Micro Engineering track and turnouts are made in the US.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on November 26, 2021, 09:50:44 AM
Mark, Cheers,

I've been following along but haven't posted in some time now. I'm really impressed with your patience and due diligence in the planning/mock up stages. I don't have the patience for doing it. My entire layout was "plan as you go with what looks like you want it to look". So far, I've had little to no changes with the exception of adding a turnout here and there.

My three previous layouts have been all code 100 but this one is all code 83.

I'm looking forward to your next few updates. Love it all my friend.

Tom  ;D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 26, 2021, 04:42:28 PM
QuoteI used all of my code 100 Peco track for the track that was in the back of the layout or in tunnels. For the areas that are close to the viewer I used code 83 Peco or code 70 Micro Engineering flex track. I agree with your comments about seeing the difference in gauge viewing the layout. I notice the difference in photographs, especially when you have figures in the photograph.  Changing from one gauge to another is very easy with couplers that take up the difference in height to align the top of the track.  Peco turnouts are available in code 83 here in the US. Micro Engineering track and turnouts are made in the US.

Thanks, John.

Peco have code 70 turnouts and flextrack readily available here in NZ.  I'll check out Micro engineering.  Of course, New Zealand is on the USPS temporary postal suspension at the moment.  Who knows how long that will last...

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 26, 2021, 04:50:02 PM
QuoteI've been following along but haven't posted in some time now. I'm really impressed with your patience and due diligence in the planning/mock up stages. I don't have the patience for doing it. My entire layout was "plan as you go with what looks like you want it to look". So far, I've had little to no changes with the exception of adding a turnout here and there.

My three previous layouts have been all code 100 but this one is all code 83.

I'm looking forward to your next few updates. Love it all my friend.

Great to hear from you, Tom!  And to know you are following my progress - even if I don't hear from you.

I'm pretty good at visualizing in 3-D - but the scenes I'm wanting to create with all the different heights of track and borrowed scenery behind are well above my abilities to recreate in my head from a 2-D plan.  The model of the layout has already got me redesigning one area.  I'm sure there will be another iteration or two before we are through! 

I thought I might get myself a couple of lengths of code 70 flextrack and try spiking a nice tight curve to see how it goes.

Hoping to get a bit more done today.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: deemery on November 26, 2021, 07:35:18 PM
ME Code 70 Flex is kinda tough to bend.  I remember reading somewhere some tips on how to do it, maybe someone can comment.  I muddled through on the trackwork, but I'm not the right person to tell anyone else how to do it.  One of the things I found really useful was a RibbonRail or FastTracks "between the rails" track gauge in my minimum radius.

Two things I did on my (1890s era) layout to ME flextrack were (a) randomly clipping the ends of ties so they weren't all the exact same length and (b) cutting the connectors underneath the rail, so I could skew the ties and make the spacing more random.  That was A Lot of work, but I think the results are worth it.

dave
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 26, 2021, 08:14:37 PM
Thanks for your input, Dave.

QuoteME Code 70 Flex is kinda tough to bend.  I remember reading somewhere some tips on how to do it, maybe someone can comment.  I muddled through on the trackwork, but I'm not the right person to tell anyone else how to do it.  One of the things I found really useful was a RibbonRail or FastTracks "between the rails" track gauge in my minimum radius.

I'm pretty sure I will go with Peco.   Its really just whether I go with code 100 where I can use the ridged setrack at the various tight radii, or whether I opt for the code 70 with the finer more prototypical sized track.

QuoteTwo things I did on my (1890s era) layout to ME flextrack were (a) randomly clipping the ends of ties so they weren't all the exact same length and (b) cutting the connectors underneath the rail, so I could skew the ties and make the spacing more random.  That was A Lot of work, but I think the results are worth it.

I'll keep these two ideas in mind.  I can see how they would add a great deal of realism.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on November 26, 2021, 08:17:19 PM
Quote from: Mark Dalrymple on November 26, 2021, 04:50:02 PM
QuoteI've been following along but haven't posted in some time now. I'm really impressed with your patience and due diligence in the planning/mock up stages. I don't have the patience for doing it. My entire layout was "plan as you go with what looks like you want it to look". So far, I've had little to no changes with the exception of adding a turnout here and there.

My three previous layouts have been all code 100 but this one is all code 83.

I'm looking forward to your next few updates. Love it all my friend.

Great to hear from you, Tom!  And to know you are following my progress - even if I don't hear from you.

I'm pretty good at visualizing in 3-D - but the scenes I'm wanting to create with all the different heights of track and borrowed scenery behind are well above my abilities to recreate in my head from a 2-D plan.  The model of the layout has already got me redesigning one area.  I'm sure there will be another iteration or two before we are through! 

I thought I might get myself a couple of lengths of code 70 flextrack and try spiking a nice tight curve to see how it goes.

Hoping to get a bit more done today.

Cheers, Mark.




Mark


One of my lessons learned about putting flex track down is "don't use spikes or nails of any kind". I recommend you get a couple lengths of code 70 or 83 Peco track and get it where you want by gluing it and holding it down with weights.  I use white glue so if I ever want to adjust it I just have to get it wet. I always bend it with it laying flat on the roadbed. The is especially important with Micro Engineering track because it does bend into shape a little harder than Peco (as Dave mentioned above). I posted many pictures of the process on my build thread when I was building the Superior Yard a couple years ago if you want to reference it.


I almost forgot the why no spikes - First, they look very non prototypical - especially in videos shot from rolling stock running on the layout.  Second, they will cause kinks in your track work before you get it glued down with ballast. As the rail expands and contracts it is held at points spikes rather than continuously with glue. It will expand and contract and kink between the spikes. Since my layout is in a temperature and humidity controlled house it wasn't a problem until I decided to go Arizona for a month in the winter for some sun. We let the house get down to 45 degrees F and I returned to 3 places on the layout where the track work had kinked. They were all on curves inside the mountains where I never added ballast and glue. I'm sure you will have temperature variations in your layout room since it is in a building that you are not heating and or air conditioning all the time.  Third, once you see how easy track goes down using the gluing and weights you will never want to use spikes again.


Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 28, 2021, 12:00:57 AM
Thanks for that info, John.

Much appreciated.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 28, 2021, 12:06:32 AM
Hi guys.

Well - a bit of progress so I will upload a few more photos. I wish I could photograph this better. Some of the views look great in reality, but are quite hard to see in the photos.

Photo 1 - shows the back wall of the room in which Tellynott is. This is a scene loosely based on Squawbottom river on the G&D. Sometimes those blobs of expanding foam lead to some interesting ideas. The big rock overhanging the middle track (logging branchline) was one such blob. I have put a short tunnel through it to break up the shape of things. I tried putting the river through a cave here, too, but took that out. I may revisit that idea when I get to building things. There is 680mm (26 3/4") between the top track and the bottom track (passing siding) here.

Next we have some views of the remade peninsula.

Photo 2 - here is a close up looking under the two high bridges. These are the ones I brought closer to parallel and further into the peninsula in order to be able to see the view over, under and through them. I have made some quick mock-up bridges to help with the imagination. The big bridge in the background is over 1100mm long. I have plans for a large kitbashing project here using a faller bridge. It is a double track bridge which I intend to bash into a single track. It looks like a lot of work! The middle lower bridge will be a curved trestle.

Photo 3 - and here is the same view from a little further back. You can see how this technique helps you to design with an eye for viewing different scenes within the layout. Here I was very conscious about leaving the cliff faces in the gorge back far enough to be able to see the curving track following the river. There are two lower tracks near the front of this scene that will be hidden under the riverbed. The river will fall in a serious of rapids/ waterfalls to negotiate the tracks below. as the scenery does not go all the way to the floor, there will still be access to these tracks for maintenance and emergencies.

Photo 4 - and here is the same scene from further back again, showing more of the overall view.

More in a sec, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 28, 2021, 12:11:12 AM
Part 2.

Photo 1 - Here we are on the other side of the gorge. I turned my kitbashed bridge around for you. You can more clearly see where the curved trestle will go in this shot. Maybe I need to mock that up... You also get the feeling for what a train snaking along on the bottom track with the gorge behind will look like.

Photo 2 - And here we have a shot of the whole peninsula. This shows the second gorge with the spur to the mine. It also shows the tall curved trestle at the end of the peninsula. You can see I am trying to create cameo shots to help the layout seem more plausible, but framing them with the terrain and visually blocking them from competing with other scenes.

Photo 3 - An eagle's eye view. Although there is still a lot of track, I have hidden quite a lot under the scene and visually separated more with the steep mountains. This shot clearly shows the spur to the mine, and the flat area to the left of the spur where the mine will be situated.

Photo 4 - This shot shows the Fastford River area with the peninsula behind. You can see the depth of the view. Very exciting!

Photo 5 - And another eagle's eye view, this time showing more of the big picture. You can see a few foam blobs in the background. Sorry about that - in a rush to share...

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on December 07, 2021, 04:42:53 AM
Hi guys.

Time for a quick update.

Firstly, I had a major shuffle around the other day to see what I could fit in the workshop.  After taking all the tractor attachments out and cleaning up I discovered I could fit my station wagon, the tractor (with rotary hoe and forks on) and the ride on mower all in the workshop with room enough to get around, in, on and off things.  There is just a bit of storage to create and a few things to move.  I intend to now build a lean-to shed attached to the side of the barn to house the tractor implements and a few other things.  This will be a big savings over the single garage I was thinking of building.  This will, of course, free up the second modeling room in the barn.  With the fraction of the cash injection required I should be able to get permission for this small extension much sooner!

Second - my second purchase of rolling stock arrived from Australia.  This was a 10 pack of coal hoppers from Phoenix reproductions.
Photo 1 - shows the enormous size difference between one of the new arrivals and the Bachmann OO scale hopper.  I'm so happy to have found these little cuties.  I have a short train set up on the hutch and I keep looking over and admiring it.  The hoppers are only about 70mm long.  I worked out I can have 20 hoppers, a break van and loco and it will only be around 1620mm (63 3/4") long.  Perfect for making the trains appear long and substantial without taking up so much space as to ruin the illusion of vast distances.

Lastly, I took my design work out to the barn for some 1:1 modeling.

Photo 2 - shows some progress.  You can see I have used an extension chord to mark the layout edge.  This is the first piece of Shadowlands I will build.  I have the main ideas penciled in and mocked up, but still need to flesh out the finer details.  The section is about 3.45m (11' 3") long, and about 1200mm (4') wide at the ight end.  I hope to keep the middle down to a width of not much more than 600mm (2') to help keep things within reach, and also to open up better viewing possibilities.

Photo 3 - shows me playing around trying to get nice flowing turnouts to the lime works (at right) and wharf (out of picture at left).  You can see I like using curved turnouts!

Photo 4 - I wasn't happy having two sets of points leaving the main line for the same industry.  This works much better.  You will have to mentally draw in the track between the set of points under the straight track, past the pencil, and onto the big curve at right.  The straight track will cross the points below about 130mm (5 1/8") above.  This track will feed an raised dock over a river harbour.  The lime works is a Sheepscot kit.  You can see I have tried to angle the lime works as much as possible to allow more of the model to be viewed.  This is a big reason for trying to keep the centre width of this section of layout as small as possible.

More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on December 07, 2021, 08:56:46 AM
Mark


It sounds like you are making great progress. Great to see track starting to get laid out and with a plan for more space.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: postalkarl on December 07, 2021, 04:59:46 PM
Hey Mark:

Looks just great. Keep the pics flowing.
Karl
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 14, 2023, 06:39:00 PM
Hi guys.

This is a bit of an experiment to see if these photos arrive as intended.

Here is a geographical map of my fictional layout. This is south Westland and north Fiordland.
IMG20231105194150full.jpg

And here I have attempted to give a pictorial interpretation of my track plan.
IMG20231105185905comp.jpg

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Erieman on November 14, 2023, 09:08:26 PM
Mark,

Now that the forum is back, I can't wait to see your progress on your layout. I have see some photos in the Narrow Gauge Mag, but now your updates can be more frequent. It looks like a wonderful project. Looking forward to your next post.

Frank / Erieman 
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on November 15, 2023, 07:02:42 AM
What Frank said.....and don't forget, we love pictures.  ;D
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 15, 2023, 01:32:52 PM
Quote from: Erieman on November 14, 2023, 09:08:26 PMMark,

Now that the forum is back, I can't wait to see your progress on your layout. I have see some photos in the Narrow Gauge Mag, but now your updates can be more frequent. It looks like a wonderful project. Looking forward to your next post.

Frank / Erieman

Thanks, Frank.

I'll have to catch those up who haven't seen that progress, but I'll intersperse it with my current progress.  Lots to do...  I have a couple of major structure builds on the go - one just in the design stage, one a bit further on.  We have a modelling weekend next weekend so I hope to make some good progress.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 15, 2023, 01:36:39 PM
Quote from: GPdemayo on November 15, 2023, 07:02:42 AMWhat Frank said.....and don't forget, we love pictures.  ;D

Thanks, Greg.

Yep - there will be loads of photos.  I'll try and show all that messy trial and error stuff in my design stage that I feel is so important in getting the scenes right.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 20, 2023, 04:34:56 AM
Hi guys.

There is lots to catch up on, but I thought I'd start with the beginnings of a new project.  So - I have always wanted to build the Hyde pulp mill, but don't own the kit, and have spent enough time with Master Creations kits to know I'd rather scratch-build it anyway.  I also wanted to change it up significantly.  Now as you all know by now - I spend a lot of time in the design phase.  So I'm going to try and walk you through some of that process.  Just a glimpse of some of the mess I create on the way to the glossy end picture (I hope).

Firstly, with a pretty good idea of building sizes and shapes, and some idea about what I might be able to do with these shapes, I started looking at track arrangements.

Photo 1 - The cork roadbed to the right is the main line.  A downwards gradient starts on the main line about where the word 'goldfoam' is written.  A curved set of points leave the main line just out of shot leading to the straight track and then the short wye.  I also tried curved and straight turnouts in place of the wye.
IMG20231017144348comp.jpg

Photo 2 - This led to various structure configurations such as pictured here.  Things felt rather congested and teetering on the edge of the world.  You can see I have built cardboard mock-ups of the main structures.  the main mill I built as two separate parts, as I always intended to create some sort of angle in the middle.
IMG20231022152931comp.jpg

Photo 3 - I briefly flirted with the idea of a switchback, but it quickly became obvious that this gobbled way too much space.
IMG20231017150118comp.jpg

Photo 4 - After - and I'm not going to lie or sugar coat this - days of trial and error and taking photos and looking at them on the computer and mulling things over - it finally dawned on me that there might be room on the main line for two sets of curved points to service the mill.  Now I know for many of you this would be a no no, but my trains are just an excuse for me to build a miniature world - and that miniature world looking cool is my number one priority.  So here we see two Peco curved turnouts on the main line.  Aesthetically they look lovely, and they both fit in easily before the gradient starts.
IMG20231022161444comp2.jpg

Photo 5 - And so finally I settled on this as the best way of getting trackage to my pulp mill.
IMG20231022150715comp.jpg

This was just the first problem - now I moved on to final tweaking of the track, the positioning of those structures, playing with that angle, potentially adding changes in height, and adding additional buildings to the complex.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on November 20, 2023, 07:21:43 AM
Mark, Cheers,

I like the idea of the curved turnout off the mainline.

The first photo of the mockup buildings looks better to me. But then it's your railroad.

Tom 
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 20, 2023, 01:46:23 PM
QuoteI like the idea of the curved turnout off the mainline.

The first photo of the mockup buildings looks better to me. But then it's your railroad.

Thanks, Tom.

Its turnouts, plural.  By putting in two curved turnouts in a row, both on the main line, I was able to get a bit of separation between the two tracks feeding the mill and also get a bit more of a curve kind of following the curve of the main line.  This meant I could get a bit more spread between the various mill structures and keep things back a bit more from the layout edge.  Regards the buildings - we have a long way in the design phase to go yet.  I'm waiting for that eureka moment when I say - ohh, that works!  I certainly hadn't got there by this stage.  I'm just really checking to see if things will fit.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 20, 2023, 03:34:49 PM
Hi guys.

Photo 1 - I drew a bit of a plan to get my head around what I was trying to achieve.
IMG20231024093454comp.jpg

Photo 2 - I stole some pre made moch-ups from my Thorndike mills kitbash mock-up.  This was to help me visualize the mill extension.  The walkover to the left will not be included.  I tried adding the smaller part of the Thorndike structure to create a U-shape.  I was also playing with different heights here.
IMG20231025234329comp.jpg

Photo 3 - Here we are looking from the front.  In my usual fashion, when things are looking a bit too cluttered - add more.  Here I am trying the idea of a river running through the mill.
IMG20231025234349comp.jpg

photo 4 - Her is a view back the other way.  You can see the tunnel porthole here.  I tried the small Thorndike extension back the other way
IMG20231025234427comp.jpg

photo 5 - A better look at the little enclosed courtyard area created with the small extension this way around.
IMG20231025235056comp.jpg

Photo 6 - An aerial view.  I was still very uncomfortable with how close these structures were to the front of the layout.  I'm liking the river idea.
IMG20231026094831comp.jpg

  More soon, cheers, Mark.

Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 20, 2023, 03:56:54 PM
Hi again.  Part 2.

Photo 7 - Here I am addressing the closeness of the structures to the layout edge.  I added a kink in the trackwork back the other way following the main line around.  This added a bit of length to the two spurs and pulled the structures back from the edge.  I also made the tracks parallel.  The angle between the two tracks and the main mill and storage/ shipping building had been bothering me.  I also took out the 45 degree angle between the two halves of the main mill structure and replaced it with a 90 degree angle.  This pulled the building right back from the edge.  I then took out the main part of the Thorndike structure and put the extension in its place, doing away with the extra right angle.  Also the height difference has been removed.  This was my eureka moment.  This simplification and reduction in the size of the complex seemed to pull the structure together.  This is the moment where I said out loud 'now THAT works'.
IMG20231027085228comp.jpg

photo 8 - The side view showing the reduction in the size of the extension.  Note the small extension is on slightly elevated land - a small variation in height.
IMG20231027085326comp.jpg

photo 9 - A view back the other way.  I like the main mill and shipping/ storage shed parallel.  These two structures will be joined by an aerial walkway.
IMG20231027085653comp.jpg

photo 10 - Finally I tried adding some height to the hopper.  I'm a little undecided - but I think the added height differentiates the various roof lines enough to merit the extra height.
IMG20231027090157comp.jpg

photo 11 - A view from above and in front showing the entire complex.  The chipping shed at right feeds the hopper with an aerial angled covered conveyor.
IMG20231027090453comp.jpg

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 22, 2023, 12:34:58 AM
Hi guys.

I cut out a foundation out of a piece of 16mm MDF and glued for block courses of Wills plasticard to the side.  These were mitred on the corners, taped and puttied.
IMG20231104185208comp.jpg

The walls were marked out on clapboard siding and openings cut.  I then weathered my wood using Golden 'Titan buff' dirtied up with a bit of Woodland Scenics slate grey and stone grey, dabbed on and smeared and then lightly wiped off with a paper towel.  Finally I gave them an A&I wash and weighted them down to dry.  Here they are with windows and doors in place.  I will be scratchbuilding a few doors and I also kitbashed a couple of doors. adding frames from L-shaped Evergreen strip styrene and thresholds from strip 10x2's along with a few other small alterations.

First the main mill.
IMG20231116155525comp.jpg

And here is the extension and chipping shed.
IMG20231116154812comp.jpg

I still have the shipping/ storage building, boiler house, pumphouse and hopper walls to do.  I likely already have enough ready for my modelling weekend.  Stripwood is stained and ready and the doors shown in these photos are now primed and ready for a top coat.

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on November 22, 2023, 07:45:18 AM
I've always liked that kit, looking forward to see how this looks when you get finished Mark.  :)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on November 26, 2023, 03:06:18 PM
I will definitely be following along again.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 27, 2023, 02:50:07 AM
QuoteI've always liked that kit, looking forward to see how this looks when you get finished Mark.  :)

Thanks, Gregory.

Yep - its a pretty neat kit with all the different smaller structures, and the overhang makes it pretty unique.  I hope my changes, additions and setting enhance it's good points.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 27, 2023, 02:51:41 AM
QuoteI will definitely be following along again.

Thanks, Kurt.

Its feels like the forum might take a little while to get going.  Thanks for following along!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 27, 2023, 04:16:16 AM
Hi guys.

Well, I'm back from our 2fatpossums modelling weekend away.  A bit of social goings on and catching up with our Blenheim friends, but still some good progress made - and a great time had by all - which is the most important thing!

So as this scratchbuild is BIG, rather than paint everything at once I did things a little at a time.  I started off with the bottom story.  Walls were first painted antique green, running a detail brush along under the laps of the weatherboards, bouncing to get an uneven line.  Once done an inside out gym sock was used to dry dab on some more colour.  This is my way of trying to get the paint where it should be on the structure.  Dry sponging or gym socking alone leaves the structure with paint mostly missing from under the laps, which is exactly where the most paint should be.  After drying I added nail holes and a few joins and lifted boards and then gave each wall a wash with my alcohol and black leather dye mix.  The corner trim was painted in the same way using unbleached titanium.  I don't wash with A&I when using white.  Windows were painted while still attached to the painters tape using a brush with short stumpy bristles, kind of jabbing north, south, west and east.  Windows were glazed and blinds added.  I braced the centre of the walls and added the corner trim to the gable walls.  I then added bracing right next to the corner trim.  I was gifted this siding and it was thicker than the Northeastern walls that I usually use.  This meant the 6x6's that I normally use would have required rebates to be cut out of the back of every second wall.  This sounded like a pain so I went with 8x8's instead.  This is still prototypical, and several kit manufacturers use 8x8 corner trim - including Master Creations (although Master Creations actually use two pieces of 8x1 or 8x2 glued over the clapboard which is but jointed).

Photo 1 - shows the first story complete.
IMG20231126090951comp.jpg

Photo 2 - Here we are with the second story added.  I cut a base from some 1.5mm styrene and glued three walls around it.  This sub assembly was then glued to the second story gable shown in photo 1.  The same thing was done again with a second sub assembly and this was glued in place with the left hand wall glued to the gable corner trim shown in photo 1.  Finally I cut, fitted and added the last gable wall.  There was a bit of time spent on this bit it all went pretty smoothly.
IMG20231127202925comp.jpg

Photo 3 - a view from the front. A scratchbuilt freight door will be added to the second story.
IMG20231127202948comp.jpg

Photo 4 - shows the left end.
IMG20231127202957comp.jpg

Photo 5 - shows a close up of the Tichy Train Group corbels.  I think these add a great deal of interest.  I still have lots more of these to go.
IMG20231127203009comp.jpg

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on November 27, 2023, 06:58:11 AM
That looks great Mark. I love the detailing along with the wall covering and coloring.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on November 27, 2023, 07:46:58 AM
Great start Mark.....this will be a great addition to your layout.  8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 27, 2023, 07:17:37 PM
QuoteThat looks great Mark. I love the detailing along with the wall covering and coloring.

Thanks, Curt.

The Tichy Train Group corbels are a bit more ornate than those on the original kit.  I was a little worried they might look too much, but on the contrary, I think they make the structure 'pop'.  the fans were Alexander  castings that I filed to fit within the frame of Tichy work car windows.  There is a cupola that runs the length of the taller of the two storied sections and I have 24 of these windows painted up for here.  I may only need 22 or 20.  I will add 6x6 trim between each window.  the scratchbuilt doors will use 6x1 and 2x1 timber and probably 8x2 and 6x2 for the frames.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on November 27, 2023, 07:26:40 PM
QuoteGreat start Mark.....this will be a great addition to your layout.  8)

Thanks, Greg.

Yep - it should look good there.  Originally I intended to build a concrete complex based on Wilsons cement works in Warkworth, New Zealand.  It is a fantastic structure, but in making a mock-up for it, it soon became obvious that I would need to compress the complex so much that it lost its proportions and much of the wow factor would need to be omitted.  It's another example of always seeming to have 10% less space than you want.  I've added a link which should take you to a short article and a great picture of the complex.  So cool!

https://discover.stqry.app/en/story/9364

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 01, 2024, 06:33:47 PM
Hi guys.

You can see I have now built the annex and the shipping/ storage facility.

IMG20231228190934comp.jpg

IMG20231228190945comp.jpg

IMG20231228191001comp.jpg

IMG20231228191035comp.jpg

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: jerryrbeach on January 02, 2024, 11:07:56 AM
Mark,

I am impressed with how you once again managed to design and construct a complex structure; one that looks eminently like a building that would exist in the real world.  Kudos for not only the design, but also the execution.  The fit and finish is exceptional, too.  I'm definitely following along and looking forward to your continued progress.

Thanks for taking the time to share your modeling.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on January 02, 2024, 03:18:48 PM
Great progress Mark..... 8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 02, 2024, 04:04:15 PM
QuoteI am impressed with how you once again managed to design and construct a complex structure; one that looks eminently like a building that would exist in the real world.  Kudos for not only the design, but also the execution.  The fit and finish is exceptional, too.  I'm definitely following along and looking forward to your continued progress.

Thanks for taking the time to share your modeling.

Thanks very much, Jerry.

At present, this newly opened site doesn't seem to have much traffic, and so I was not in a rush to post an update.  Comments like yours certainly help motivate me!  I always try hard to think about the terrain that was there before the buildings came.  It makes such a difference if you can make the structures look like they were built into the existing landscape.  When working on the diorama last night I got out the instructions from my one and only South River Modelworks kit - Thorndike Mills - and was reading about their philosophy on siting kits and see it is exactly the same as mine.  Maybe that is why I always liked Bob's designs so much!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 02, 2024, 04:05:55 PM
QuoteGreat progress Mark.....

Thanks so much, Gregory.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 02, 2024, 04:12:43 PM
Hi guys.

Well I spent yesterday playing around with plaster castings for the canal walls. I also decided my canal wasn't quite deep enough to allow a drop in height for the sluice gates and allow a bridge across the river on the main line which is a little lower than the pulp mill trackage. Firstly I attacked the base again with my skill saw - cutting 6mm out of the 16mm MDF and then attached with a hammer and chisel. I then measured and cut a small piece of 16mm MDF to raise the canal height for the sluice gate.

Photo 1 - Show an overall view of the canal. You can see I will have to create some suspended walkways for those doors. The main mill and hopper share part of the canal retaining walls as foundations. I'm thinking the right front of this photo is where the outlet pipe will go. I will put another drop in canal bed height before here.
IMG20240102222156comp.jpg

Photo 2 - shows a view down the canal. I cut a couple of double track bridge abutments in half, to height and then reduced their thickness. These became my bridge abutments for the two mill tracks. I wanted to create some negative and positive detail. The double abutments had been cast some months ago and so were nicely cured.
IMG20240102222204comp.jpg

Photo 3 - shows the sluice gate and the start of the sluice gate wall. The sluice gate was a wills kit. The kit comes with two sluice gates in parallel that operate as one - I cut the kit in half. I immediately snapped the plastic shaft in half by looking at it and so used a pin as a replacement shaft. You can see I glued in a piece of 16mm MDF to get some change in riverbed height. This scales out to about 4' 8".
IMG20240102235908comp.jpg


Photo 4 - shows the grooves I cut into the top of the abutments for the timber beams that will support the trackage.
IMG20240102194542comp.jpg

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: deemery on January 02, 2024, 05:42:24 PM
I was reading about Wilson Portland Cement, and then looked at North Island geology.  I wondered where they got the limestone.  There seems to be a patch of limestone near Warkworth, which I guess makes sense.  Some of the other deposits in the area are ash-rich, the same as the famous Pozzuoli stuff that makes Roman Concrete, which can cure under water and is much stronger than "regular" concrete.  It's fun to put to use what I learned from the geology courses I've taken the last couple of years.

The start of the canal, including the sluice gate, looks great!  I had some custom NE Brownstone castings for a curved canal wall on my previous layout.  (I still have that section of layout, but I couldn't find a way to use it in the current layout.)

dave
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 02, 2024, 07:28:53 PM
QuoteI was reading about Wilson Portland Cement, and then looked at North Island geology.  I wondered where they got the limestone.  There seems to be a patch of limestone near Warkworth, which I guess makes sense.  Some of the other deposits in the area are ash-rich, the same as the famous Pozzuoli stuff that makes Roman Concrete, which can cure under water and is much stronger than "regular" concrete.  It's fun to put to use what I learned from the geology courses I've taken the last couple of years.

The start of the canal, including the sluice gate, looks great!  I had some custom NE Brownstone castings for a curved canal wall on my previous layout.  (I still have that section of layout, but I couldn't find a way to use it in the current layout.)

Thanks so much, Dave.

I used to spend summers staying with relations on a farm in Warkworth as a kid.  Happy days.  It sounds like you're getting a lot out of your course.  I also did a workshop with Russ in Scranton, 2015 modelers expo.  Using those plaster caving techniques you can get some pretty realistic results - its just time consuming.

Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Janbouli on January 03, 2024, 04:55:27 AM
Looking great , love the colors and detailing and the way the structures are going to be planted with the canal running through , can't wait to see it finished.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 03, 2024, 04:06:36 PM
QuoteLooking great , love the colors and detailing and the way the structures are going to be planted with the canal running through , can't wait to see it finished.

Thanks, Jan.

I'm having fun.  Hoping to get a bit more done today.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 06, 2024, 11:42:23 PM
Hi guys.

I had a play with a railroadkits wall for the boiler house.  These walls are very rustic!  What do you think?  Please tell me.  If you think it sucks - say so (My wife does).  I have the timber walls all cut out and painted ready to go if needed...

IMG20240107114452comp.jpg

IMG20240107114458comp.jpg

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: R Edington on January 06, 2024, 11:47:18 PM
 I like it and it looks very much like a dilapidated brick foundation
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: jerryrbeach on January 07, 2024, 08:18:53 AM
Mark,

First of all, I really like the canal.  The way it is laid out so part of the canal serves as the concrete foundation for one of the buildings looks very prototypical to me.  The use of the stone for walls away from the structures looks great and adds a lot of interest to the canal itself. 

It may be the white balance on your camera, but the mortar in the brick wall looks too white for a wall in that condition.  I'd suggest darkening the mortar until it looks as old as the bricks themselves.  It seems to me some moss would also be growing in the mortar joints, at least in the northern US where I reside.  Might be different in your climate? 

I read a long time ago where Scott Mason said that the black bricks were more or less rejects.  I know you have a few in the wall, maybe if you added some black to a few more of the broken ones it would help explain the condition of the wall.  Bottom line, I'd say use the brick walls, unless you think the entire boiler house is too old for the rest of the factory buildings. 
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on January 07, 2024, 08:47:44 AM
Hi Mark.....if the term rustic is defined as very old, not maintained well or generally falling apart, I'll have to agree with Jerry.

If that is the look you are going for, the mortar joints and general appearance of the brick faces needs to be weathered to reflect an old and decrepit appearance . Lots of mold, algae, dirt, grime and crud would help give it look you may be going for. At this stage, it may be a little too pristine.

In looking at the missing and uneven spacing of the bricks, I would assume it to have been originally done by a poorly trained  or incompetent mason using an inferior mortar mix and more mortar patches where there are missing bricks may help a bit also.  :-\
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 07, 2024, 06:01:56 PM
QuoteI like it and it looks very much like a dilapidated brick foundation

Thanks, Rodney.

I was think foundations might work well for this brickwork.  Each sheet is made up of ten horizontal repetitions.  I think these would become very hard to hide on a larger brick wall, but on a foundation they wouldn't show.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 07, 2024, 06:39:41 PM
QuoteFirst of all, I really like the canal.  The way it is laid out so part of the canal serves as the concrete foundation for one of the buildings looks very prototypical to me.  The use of the stone for walls away from the structures looks great and adds a lot of interest to the canal itself.

Thanks for your comments on the canal, Jerry.  I tried to vary the materials to create extra interest - but with a bit of engineering logic (I hope).  I have another type of wall to use at the front of the diorama yet  The concrete retaining walls are cast from my own master. 

QuoteIt may be the white balance on your camera, but the mortar in the brick wall looks too white for a wall in that condition.  I'd suggest darkening the mortar until it looks as old as the bricks themselves.  It seems to me some moss would also be growing in the mortar joints, at least in the northern US where I reside.  Might be different in your climate?

No - not the colour balance - I used white chalk.  I was going for efflorescence (leaching of white mineral salts).  It is actually a fairly common aging sign, I believe.  I could try brushing on some grey or black.  I'll likely add some moss.  On the west coast where the rainfall is very high there is plenty of moss growing.

QuoteI read a long time ago where Scott Mason said that the black bricks were more or less rejects.  I know you have a few in the wall, maybe if you added some black to a few more of the broken ones it would help explain the condition of the wall.  Bottom line, I'd say use the brick walls, unless you think the entire boiler house is too old for the rest of the factory buildings.

I don't know how much truth there is in this.  My understanding is that the black bricks are made using a different process from fly ash which is a byproduct from coal burning powerplants.  They absorb more moisture than clay bricks - and so are more prone to efflorescence if left unsealed.  In this case your idea of adding more black to the rotten areas makes sense.

Thanks for all your input here, Jerry!  Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 07, 2024, 06:46:41 PM
QuoteHi Mark.....if the term rustic is defined as very old, not maintained well or generally falling apart, I'll have to agree with Jerry.

If that is the look you are going for, the mortar joints and general appearance of the brick faces needs to be weathered to reflect an old and decrepit appearance . Lots of mold, algae, dirt, grime and crud would help give it look you may be going for. At this stage, it may be a little too pristine.

In looking at the missing and uneven spacing of the bricks, I would assume it to have been originally done by a poorly trained  or incompetent mason using an inferior mortar mix and more mortar patches where there are missing bricks may help a bit also.  :-\

Thanks, Gregory.

I'll have a play with my next modelling slot and see what I can do.  Black mold, algae, moss, more mortar, more dirt and crud and weathering.  Tone down the efflorescence.  Fire the brick layer - goes without saying!

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ACL1504 on January 08, 2024, 08:01:01 AM
Mark, Cheers,

Just getting caught up on the S&T RR thread. The storage and annex structure is wonderful. The canal and spill way will really catch the visitors eye. What a great scene and very well thought out and a masterpiece in progress.

Tom
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 08, 2024, 01:58:34 PM
QuoteMark, Cheers,

Just getting caught up on the S&T RR thread. The storage and annex structure is wonderful. The canal and spill way will really catch the visitors eye. What a great scene and very well thought out and a masterpiece in progress.

Thanks, Tom.

You are too kind!  Having a great time.  I was up too late again last night...  Its rather addictive...  The hopper had been pushed behind other simpler builds because I knew it would be a bit of work.  It will be good to sink my teeth into.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 22, 2024, 12:28:13 AM
Hi guys.

I've been working on the hopper for the wood chip storage.

Photo 1 - so here is where I'm up to.  Colours are Army painter oak brown and Vallejo343 shadows flesh mixed 3:1.
IMG20240122132731comp.jpg

Photo 2 - shows the housing for the auger which moves the wood chips across the canal to the main mill.  I used the motor off a lathe casting to drive the auger.  I made a former on my drop saw for the housing and then cut and filed slots to fit around the hopper floor supports.  I glued this in place and then cut and fitted and glued in 8x2 to cover.
IMG20240122132746comp.jpg

Photo 3 - on the other side is the pipe in which the auger spins and moves the woodchips to the mill.  I drilled a 5mm hole in the end of the former and attached a short piece of 5mm plastic tube.  I piece of 6mm tube will fit snugly around this and span the river, perforating the end wall of the mill.
IMG20240122132802comp.jpg

Photo 4 - shows and angled view.  I have added NBW castings to the large outer timbers.  At this stage I wasn't happy with the size of the roof, but the chunky timbers were in the way for a larger soffit.
IMG20240122132816comp.jpg

Photo 5 - to address this I added some 8x2 trim up the rake of the gable end walls.
IMG20240122175148comp.jpg

Photo 6 - and also cut a beveled piece out of some 12x4 to add on top of the front and back wall.
IMG20240122175156comp.jpg

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on January 22, 2024, 08:20:11 AM
Very nice modeling Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: jerryrbeach on January 23, 2024, 11:28:27 AM
Mark,

That's really a nice job on the wood chip hopper.  IMO the bracing is spot on.  I really like the way you designed and built the auger, using the lathe motor for the auger drive is well done.  that's the kind of detail a viewer who looks closely really appreciates.

Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 23, 2024, 02:13:34 PM
QuoteGreat looking progress Mark.

Thanks, Curt.

Just slowly chipping away at things.  I should get a bit more done on Thursday.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 23, 2024, 02:16:15 PM
QuoteThat's really a nice job on the wood chip hopper.  IMO the bracing is spot on.  I really like the way you designed and built the auger, using the lathe motor for the auger drive is well done.  that's the kind of detail a viewer who looks closely really appreciates.

Thanks, Jerry.

I'm pleased you like it.  I had to talk myself into cutting that lathe casting in half!  I do agree, though.  Its an important detail that helps add believability.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on January 23, 2024, 02:24:10 PM
Hi guys.

Photo 1 - After adding the 8x2 trim I cut a new roof from some thick black card.  I glued some 1.5mm sheet styrene to the interior underside to give it some extra strength and to make sure the building platform for the aerial covered conveyor intake (yet to be built) is solid and flat.  Here we see the rafter tails along the front.
IMG20240123162225comp.jpg

Photo 2 - shows an end view with the fly rafters.  I used 4x2's for the rafters.
IMG20240123162215comp.jpg

Photo 3 - shows the hopper at an angle.  I'm much happier with the proportions of the new roof and the wider soffits.  Well worth the effort, me thinks.
IMG20240123162209comp.jpg

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 09, 2024, 09:43:07 PM
Hi guys.

A quick update.

Photo 1 - So I have made up black card roofs to be covered in various roofing types.  The shipping/ storage building still needs its piles.  That's the tool house in the front.  I liked it on an angle to the canal.  There is a porch to be added to the canal side.
IMG20240208224521comp.jpg

Photo 2 - here is the other side of the tool house.  Also some tiny dormers to build and add.  My different retaining walls have been added to the front along with some rockwork.  The canal walls have all been stained/ painted.  I painted the canal bottom dark brown, but after consideration, went for black instead.  I read in my Thorndike Mills instructions that's what Bob did.  I've also found some pretty realistic photos of model canals where black was used online.  The roofing iron on the hopper is almost complete.  I've also built the chip conveyor belt intake.
IMG20240208224510comp.jpg

Photo 3 - Lastly, an end view of the hopper.  This also shows the stack I am planning to use.
IMG20240208224533comp.jpg

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: GPdemayo on February 10, 2024, 08:24:54 AM
Coming together nicely Mark..... 8)
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on February 10, 2024, 05:10:45 PM
Looks very good Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 11, 2024, 12:12:03 AM
QuoteComing together nicely Mark..... 8)

QuoteLooks very good Mark.

Thanks very much, Gregory and Curt, and thanks for taking the time to stop by.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 11, 2024, 12:19:37 AM
Hi guys.

I thought I'd update my plan and schematic.

Photo 1 - You can see the pulp mill near the centre of the layout.  It kind of puts the scope of the whole project in perspective!
IMG20240211180218comp.jpg

Photo 2 - Schematic drawings.  The bottom schematic enlarges the horizontal distance axis to allow me to fit in all the bridges and tunnels.  Sorry about the misspelling in the title.  I thought it had an 'h' in it, but copied it without the 'h' from a model railroader mag!  I have corrected it on my master...  Unless there is an American spelling?

More soon, cheers, Mark.
IMG20240211180155comp.jpg

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Jerry on February 15, 2024, 09:35:38 AM
Looks great Mark.  That will be a wonderful layout to operate.

Jerry
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: cuse on February 16, 2024, 08:52:46 AM
Wow...what a great design.

That peninsula to the left is going to be amazing. Makes me think of Dick Patterson's HOn30 Dolly Varden, which was featured in MR many many years ago...just lots of complexity of bridges, controlled viewing angles in and out of a deep canyon and track coming and going unexpectedly popping out of tunnels.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 16, 2024, 12:16:13 PM
QuoteLooks great Mark.  That will be a wonderful layout to operate.
`

Thanks, Jerry.

The trains will no doubt be a little shorter than I would like because of the 4% ruling grades, but I just couldn't get the drama I wanted with vertical displacement between tracks on a smaller grade.  For that I would have needed a significantly bigger room.  Its all about trade offs and deciding what you want most.  I've tried hard to put together something that will work and be interesting to operate and hopefully be able to keep five people busy.  I studied lots of my favourite designs, but I also wanted to design the layout myself.  I'm looking forward to winter when the weeds stop growing and getting back into the layout room for some extended periods.  Only 3 1/2 months to go...

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 17, 2024, 12:32:50 AM
QuoteWow...what a great design.

That peninsula to the left is going to be amazing. Makes me think of Dick Patterson's HOn30 Dolly Varden, which was featured in MR many many years ago...just lots of complexity of bridges, controlled viewing angles in and out of a deep canyon and track coming and going unexpectedly popping out of tunnels.

Thanks, Cuse!

I'm pleased you like it!  There were a few trade offs that had to be made - largely because the layout grew from the original urban layout into the specific space I found at my disposal.  I agree - that peninsula should be exciting to build.  I sacrificed the width of the trackwork along the left wall in order to keep the peninsula larger.  I did the same thing in the area behind Tellynott - keeping the layout against the back wall wide at the cost of the layout width on the flip side of the back wall of Tellynott.  This was to keep the longitudinal scene under those high bridges and all the way down to the tall timber trestle nice and wide.  I am a big fan of the Dick Patterson's design you mention. I love the longways view in from the end of the layout.  The ore dock is also a big influence on my own (high wharf).  I also own the book 'Steel rails and Silver Dreams' by Darryl E. Muralt - which is a history of the Dolly Varden mines and narrow gauge railway.  One can easily see from the prototype photos why it was such a popular area to model!  So many great scenes in such a small area!  I think the wharf and smelter would have also been interesting to model and made a great scene.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: cuse on February 23, 2024, 02:40:40 PM
I love that "into the canyon" view. I don't recall ever seeing anything quite like it - particularly as (kind of) the basis of the whole layout design- so creative and 'out of the box' thinking...I have studied and studied the two profiles I have found and saved (Narrow Gauge & Shoreline Gazette NOV/DEC 1991 & MR MAR 1997). I know the issues because both are out and on my desk. In fact, I was poring over it and I keep coming back to the "Alice Arm" wharf scene (I think you also referred to) as a potentially perfect solution to my present track planning conundrum...I was honestly looking for Ore Bunker designs like he used. 
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: deemery on February 23, 2024, 05:23:31 PM
I wonder what happened to that great O scale Dolley Varden layout that was at Seacoast when Seacoast Modeling Center closed....  I remember seeing that at an NG Convention, it was incredibly well done.

Mark, looking more closely at the track plan:  No way to turn a locomotive at Wilmot?  

dave
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on February 24, 2024, 08:30:37 AM
You attention to detail in drawing up the plans is incredible.  The finished product is going to be awesome.  

Jeff
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 25, 2024, 06:51:15 PM
Quotethe two profiles I have found and saved (Narrow Gauge & Shoreline Gazette NOV/DEC 1991 & MR MAR 1997).

I don't know that I have seen the NG&SG article, Cuse.  I have these on disc so will look that one out.  I, too, have the MRR issue out in my layout room as inspiration - along with some Malcolm Furlow and John Allen articles.  I agree that the layout is quite groundbreaking and really shook my modelling world.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 25, 2024, 06:52:31 PM
QuoteMark, looking more closely at the track plan:  No way to turn a locomotive at Wilmot? 

Thanks, Dave.

I'll consider this issue.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on February 25, 2024, 06:54:33 PM
QuoteYou attention to detail in drawing up the plans is incredible.  The finished product is going to be awesome. 

Thanks so much, Jeff.

I just spent the weekend with the possums modelling group down in Timaru and have come back nicely motivated.  All I need now is some spare time...

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 12, 2024, 06:48:23 PM
Hi guys.

Time for an update.  I'll get a bit more uploaded over lunch.  Firstly is my walkover between the main mill and the shipping/ storage building.  I chose to do an open walkover.  A lot more work but I think it will add a lot to the scene.  I also decided to raise the centre of the walkover to clear my locos.  Straight, the walkover would clear wagons - which would have been fine, but it just looked a little low to my eye.  I used steel girders to make up the base framing as I didn't want to add support posts on the loading dock by the main mill.

Photo 1 - shows the steel framework with joists in position and some decking on,
IMG20240223205831comp.jpg

Photo 2 - shows my framing being assembled on painters tape, sticky side out.
IMG20240224110927comp.jpg

Photo 3 - The first open framed wall being test fitted.  I cut out access for the posts in the decking, and so careful measuring was necessary to get things to fit correctly.
IMG20240224110938comp.jpg

Photo 4 - Here is the completed walkover with the black card roof glued in place.  I think I will roof this aerial walkover in rolled roofing.  Unlike most kits I've used almost no rolled roofing in this complex.
IMG20240313113122comp.jpg

Photo 5 - a side view.
IMG20240313113159comp.jpg

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 12, 2024, 08:24:37 PM
...Part 2

OK - on to some roofing.

Photo 1 - So I made a styrene sub roof for the little tool shed to add some guts to the roof and glued that in position.  I then added the black card roof.  I'd marked straight lines across the roof for placement of the shingles first.  Once this was glued in place I made up the tiny dormers.  I elected to add three.  I then added the double sided tape.  I always make sure that the tape spans across the ridgeline to the other side.  This gives my styrene rod which is part of the ridge capping something to adhere to.
IMG20240306145431comp.jpg

Photo 2 - Campbells corrugated iron was added piece by piece, cutting to fit as necessary.  I added my lead headed nails as per usual.  I made up flashings out of tin foil and double sided tape and added these to the sides of the dormers.  Ridge capping was made up in the same way and a length of styrene rod attached down the centre.  Next will be to add the fly rafters and rafter ends.  Also there is a porch to build and attach.
IMG20240306145438comp.jpg

Photo 3 - Here I am roofing the annex.  You can see I have roofed the lower story.  I added a flashing out of some brown paper, but later removed this as I thought it looked better without it.
IMG20240307163949comp.jpg

Photo 4 - A close up as I shingle the roof.  You can see the bead of canopy glue I have run along the the top of the last row of shingles.  I use the double sided tape to initially position the shingles, pressing the string into position every inch or so, but the addition of the glue holds the shinglerows to each other better.
IMG20240307170807comp.jpg

Photo 5 - The shingles have been painted with a diluted blackish brown.
IMG20240308221214comp.jpg

Photo 6 - Once dry a series of dry brushes in paynes grey, tans, light browns and off whites finish things off.  This is a method I learnt from Troels Kirk.
IMG20240309140620comp.jpg

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 13, 2024, 12:38:31 AM
...Part 3

Photo 1 - A quick pic of the colours I used for the shingles.
IMG20240309144855comp.jpg

Photo 2 - I found this stack in Oamaru a couple of weekends ago when we were there for dog shows.  Brick on the top section, block/ stone on the lower section.  It also has angle iron running up the top edges of the stack and bands every few feet.  Pretty cool and unusual and a must scratchbuilt for Tellynott!
IMG20240302172819comp.jpg

Photo 3 - And this cool little engine shed down by the quay.  Very humble and would suit my little logging/ mining town very well.
IMG20240302172130comp.jpg

More soon, cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Janbouli on March 13, 2024, 04:12:03 AM
I love how you did the top of the corrugated roof Mark using tinfoil.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: ReadingBob on March 13, 2024, 07:09:15 AM
Nice work on the roofing.  I picked up an idea to try so thanks for that too.  That's an interesting structure you're modeling.  The photos of the stack and structure are great too!
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: deemery on March 13, 2024, 03:24:22 PM
Nice bunch of photos, Mark, including the engine shed.  Looking forward to seeing how you use those paints on the shingles.  Any particular brush you use?

dave
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 14, 2024, 12:34:25 AM
QuoteI love how you did the top of the corrugated roof Mark using tinfoil.

Thanks, Janbouli.

Its a bit fiddly, but not too bad - and well worth the effort.  Its important to leave the corrugated sheets down just a little from the ridge line so that you have some double sided tape there to stick the styrene rod to.  Give it a try...

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 14, 2024, 12:47:02 AM
QuoteNice work on the roofing.  I picked up an idea to try so thanks for that too.  That's an interesting structure you're modeling.  The photos of the stack and structure are great too!

Thanks, Bob.

No problems.  I am really not a fan of white glue and black paint used for a flashing.  It just seems such a crude method to use on an otherwise beautifully built model.  Flashings and ridge cappings take some time and effort - but I think make a big difference.  I have documented my construction of ridge cappings and hips in more depth earlier in this thread.  Let me know if you need me to find a page reference.  Its a great complex and I'm really enjoying myself.  I saw someone buy the kit in O scale recently on facebook and do a box opening video.  Very interesting to see.  I feel like a few of my smaller structures - the repair shed and pump house - are considerably smaller than those in the kit.  Having said that - they wouldn't have fitted my site without a reduction in size.  That is the reason the repair shed has only three dormers rather than four.

Yes - I could have spent days looking around Oamaru.  Not many places in the world where a man riding a penny farthing passes by while you are dining in a Thai restaurant!  There are some beautiful buildings clad in ornate Oamaru stone.  Its a beautiful product.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 14, 2024, 11:41:13 PM
QuoteNice bunch of photos, Mark, including the engine shed.  Looking forward to seeing how you use those paints on the shingles.  Any particular brush you use?

Thanks, Dave.

I hate to disappoint, but the photo previous to that of all my paints shows what the roof looks like after dry brushing.

Nothing special with the paint brushes.  With the diluted blackish brown you need to get some paint under any shingles that are sticking up - so soft and flexible.  Likewise something soft for the dry brushing - but lots of passes slowly building up the colours.

Yep - that engine shed is a goodie.  I also have a book - 'logging railroads of Skagit county' which has a picture of the coolest little engine shelter.  Its a tough competition!

Cheers, Mark.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on March 15, 2024, 02:09:05 PM
Tinfoil on the cap.  I'm stealing that idea.   8)

Jeff
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: deemery on March 16, 2024, 10:05:13 AM
Quote from: Zephyrus52246 on March 15, 2024, 02:09:05 PMTinfoil on the cap.  I'm stealing that idea.  8)

Jeff
It keeps the aliens out, too :-) 

dave
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: jerryrbeach on March 17, 2024, 02:06:06 PM
Mark,

That's quite an update.  Ever since you explained how you do the metal ridge peak flashing I have been impressed with how realistic it looks.  Taking the time to do it in a way that duplicated the prototype makes such a difference in the impact of your modeling.  I really like how the shingled roof came out.  I've never been quite satisfied with how my roofs with the Campbell shingles look, I'll have to try your method. 
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: PRR Modeler on March 18, 2024, 10:50:12 AM
Beautiful progress Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 18, 2024, 03:14:34 PM
QuoteTinfoil on the cap.  I'm stealing that idea.   8)

Thanks, Jeff.

Don't forget the rod.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: Mark Dalrymple on March 18, 2024, 03:18:38 PM
QuoteThat's quite an update.  Ever since you explained how you do the metal ridge peak flashing I have been impressed with how realistic it looks.  Taking the time to do it in a way that duplicated the prototype makes such a difference in the impact of your modeling.  I really like how the shingled roof came out.  I've never been quite satisfied with how my roofs with the Campbell shingles look, I'll have to try your method.

Thanks, Jerry.

I use a toothpick to meld the tin foil into the undulations of the iron.

I find the combination of double sided tape and canopy glue makes getting the shingles straight easy.  Troels Kirk's painting method is pretty foolproof.  If you go too far you can always bring things back with some more blackish brown.

Cheers, Mark.
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: nycjeff on March 18, 2024, 04:54:12 PM
Hello Mark, I'm very impressed with all of the progress you are making on this very interesting complex. I realy liked the walkovers- some fine modeling there
Title: Re: Shadowlands and Tellynott
Post by: S&S RR on March 18, 2024, 08:58:16 PM
Great modeling here, my friend. I agree, the ridge cap is perfect.