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Comments
When someone posts a pic like this below..... and then says... "now its time to add the rest of the details".... you know it can only be a SierraWest kit... !!!
Looking forward to seeing more of this great build.
Karl.A
As I think about what remains, the details are actually not the biggest task left. I need to build the corrugated shack, make the roof for the welding shop, and scratchbuild a steam operated crane. Not small tasks.
I test fitted the frame today. There are a couple of spots that need to be touched up on the ground. Like the corner I knocked off when I dropped the base! And the back edge where I got in a hurry with my cut. I made a nameplate that I thought would look nice, but it draws my eyes away from the model.
Yes I agree with you, it draws your eyes away from the model.
I think this is because the model is so beautifully subdued, natural, weathered... and then you have a bright sign that screams "LOOK AT ME"
One option would be to weather and dull down the sign to be more fitting with the diorama, take it down a level or two darker than the structure so that the structure draws your eye first, and then, then you notice the sign.
Give it the never failing 'squint test' …. when it passes that, you know you have it right.
I like the idea of the sign, but it should be a viewing afterthought, something noticed after the eyes have been drawn into the structure/diorama.
Just my opinion.
Karl.A
My test fitting revealed a problem that I did not anticipate. I ran some stripwood around the frame to hold the acrylic cover in place (seen in first pic)...certainly don't want that to get knocked into the diorama. It sounded like a good idea and it actually works very well. The problem is that the diorama now sits lower than the frame. That doesn't look good...see pics 2 and 3. I have a possible solution that I am going to try. I ordered some clear acrylic square tubes. I'm thinking about popping off the stripwood, sand, repaint, and install the clear tubes. This will give the illusion that the diorama is the same height as the frame.
Karl A
Edit: I know you're not finished yet, so this comment may be mute for you, but also it maybe helpful to others....
That last pic could really do with some browner tufts of dead grass, a tall stalk of a weed or two, a little variation in all of the height, texture, and colour.
I know, I know, your gonna get to that later, but it's a good point to make now at this first stage so that the difference will be noted later.
Well done Bryan.
Thanks Brett and Robert. I feel that this kit could easily become a museum piece.
I swapped out the trim that holds the acrylic case in place. I went with a 3/16" clear acrylic trim all the way around. It is the same height as the wood piece and I really notice the difference in person. The pictures need a little imagination. I chose this size over 1/8" for the shear holding power of the bigger trim. While sitting on a shelf it doesn't matter what size, but when moving I envisioned the cover getting bumped and sliding into whatever was close to the edge...not a pleasant thought.
First pic is a worm's eye view of the new trim. Almost invisible and it makes the ground look higher in the frame. 2nd pic of same area is a wider shot to give a feel for how the trim looks without the cover. And last pic has cover installed, which is now covered with fingerprints from being test fitted many times.
Overall a success and I am ready to protect the surface and permenantly install the frame. I could wait until later, but having the frame attached allows me to secure the underneath wiring and it makes me think about how close is too close to the edge for details...I had to remove 1/2 a rail tie to make the cover sit flat because it came right up to the edge.
George
I'm tinkering with a crane setup. I have in mind a mashed together steam crane that looks like something that would have been built on spot. I have the beginnings here on a 16' flatbed frame. I'm using a single spool hoist that has been mated with a 3 spool crane. Notice that the original spool has been removed with the bolts remaining.
Terry
Super interesting project with plenty of detail. Great idea to bring some additional life into the diorama and make it appear as a functioning profitable business. I also like your using what appears to be a narrow gauge flat car as the platform for the steam boiler and crane. Overall a well designed and thought out project.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Its a scratched frame just to hold the crane. It will be on a rotating (not really) footer. The crew/boiler cover will be angle iron fitted into the frame pockets.
On to painting and weathering boiler and crane.
I thought I should finish up underneath the dio before I added more on top. All light and sound has been wired. I'll go back and try to make the wiring less of a mess but I used painter tape to secure it out of the way while working. Best of all, everything works!!!
Kevin, I put together a shaky and grainy video just for you. I'll try to do something better once everything is completed. The dark spot up front should be lit by the light that will be on the crane...yet to be installed.
Attached is a photo of the installed push-button switches.
Very impressive. You have taken us to a new level of modeling that is beyond static and into the realm of motion and sensory realism. Way to go!
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ