HSB goes indoors

[PhilP]

On 'The Harz' layout, where we have rebuilt..
We have started by just painting the baseboard dark-brown (as in a dark 'soil' colour.. IF you then build-up on that, with hard-landscaping, and scatter for flora, it does not matter if it is quite thin in places.

This can save time and money if you have a large area to cover.

What era 'Harz' lamps are you after? The ones on the layout here are scratch-built. Tube and translucent plastics. Under-run bulbs to give the yellow light.

 

[ColinK]

Hi, thanks for the suggestions. For the lamps I was thinking of tubing with an audio plug glued into the bottom (as suggested by Paul) so its removable. Still not sure how to do the actual lamp section.

Thinking about the ground between the platforms, I've a tin of hairline crack filler (sort of pollyfilla paint) which might work to remove the flat baseboard look, then paint it and add some weeds made from ???

 

[PaulRhB]

Well I used hanging basket liner for the grass and then various plants intended for dolls houses, floral craft displays and some artificial plants with small leaves. Look out in stores like the Range and Dunelm for small artificial pot plants and plastic fish tank ones too.

 

[dunnyrail]

Hi, thanks for the suggestions. For the lamps I was thinking of tubing with an audio plug glued into the bottom (as suggested by Paul) so its removable. Still not sure how to do the actual lamp section.

Thinking about the ground between the platforms, I've a tin of hairline crack filler (sort of pollyfilla paint) which might work to remove the flat baseboard look, then paint it and add some weeds made from ???

Depends what sort of weeds you are looking for. Static Grass Blanket is a possibility, look on Ebay. Also I have made weeds from Sisal string dunked in glue then into Coloured Sawdust, though these days you could use coloured Ground Foam or Static Grass all available from a local Model Shop if you have one or Ebay.
JonD

 

[ColinK]

Thanks for the ideas chaps. There is an idea for the rough ground in the G scale Journal, textured masonry paint applied with a stipple brush.

Off the distant places now, so I'll be put of touch for a couple of weeks.

 

[ColinK]

Back in the land of modelling. Completeing the platform and surrounding areas is having to wait while I get all the bits I need. Meanwhile, I've made a start on the low relief station building. Its made of fomboard glued and pinned together. The top half will be planked using coffee stirrers. The bottom section needs a render finish which I can do with texture paint. However, I don't think that will be very neat at the corners as the end of the foamboard sheet is visable and the join is not 100% perfect. What I think I need to do is skim it with a very thin coat of filler to hide the joins and pinheads before applying the texture paint. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[ColinK]

A bit more progress on the low relief station building.

First, the lower section was given a coat of pva and while still wet, a thin layer of pollyfiller. When this was dry, it was sanded down in an attempt to make it look like render. its not perfect, but should do.



The next task has been to make the 'signal box' bay window. This uses Jackson miniatures windows. A 'wooden' frame was built round these using square section Evergreen plastic.



Top and bottom halves of the 'bay window' were made next from foam board.



Here they are placed in front of the building.



Still lots of work required to complete it. The roof will be a challenge.

 

[ColinK]

The building is just about complete, just downpipes and gutters to add, but not sure how to make them. Could do with a noticeboard and signs too.



The top part of walls are covered with coffee stirrers; I had to buy them to get enough of the right length, probably still cheaper than costalot coffee. Bottom part was first covered with pollyfilla then coated with home made miniature rendering. Doors and windows together with brick and tile styrene sheet are from Jackson Miniatures (excellent service). Most rooms have interiors and are lit with battery powered LEDs.

 

[playmofire]

For downpipes and gutters I've used white plastic channel and tube (circular or square) respectively.

 

[ColinK]

For downpipes and gutters I've used white plastic channel and tube (circular or square) respectively.

Thanks, I'll see what I can find in my local model shop.

 

[playmofire]

I'll see about posting a photo over the weekend of the downpipes.

 

[ColinK]

There has been no progress on my G sale layout for several months now as I couldn't find any suitable station lamp posts which were required before I could complete the platform. I also couldn't find a water crane of the right type which was needed to cover the baseboard fasteners.

However in December I went on a trip to the Harz excellently organised by Ffestiniog Travel. This trip was superb and delivered several surprises. Including the Brocken line being closed due to snow and our railcar being hit by a car on a level crossing, fortunately with no injuries. On the last day the damaged railcar had been replaced by a steam loco and coaches resulting in probably the best ever video shot I have taken. That day we got back to Wernigerode and decided to catch a bus back to the hotel instead of walking. So out of the station exit and turn left, much to our surprise the end room is now a new model shop specialising in large scales, including G. But it closed at 1700hrs and it was 1745! However the shop had some kind of event on and was still open. In we went and found the lamp posts I needed, a water crane and several goodies including a pair of transporter bogies. Fortunately there was cash machine on the station too as I spent quite a lot. Indeed so much that several items had to go in my Dad's case. So work has now recommenced on the layout.

In case its of interest to anyone, here is the link to my 38 minute video of the Harz railways,

 

[dunnyrail]

Thanks, I'll see what I can find in my local model shop.

I used Plastic left over Sprue from Piko and Pola G Kits. You can clean of the broken ends for downpipes and file half flat for the gutters.

 

[ColinK]

Been very busy recently, hence the lack of updates. So here is a quick catch up. The station building is now finished and I’ve started on the scenery at one end of the layout. Both station platforms are built and I’ve made a start on landscaping. I’ve built up the terrain with foamboard (perhaps not the best choice) and covered part of it with plaster. Once the plastering is done and painted I’ll try and post a photo.

 

[dunnyrail]

I've now completed painting the platform edge.

View attachment 222792

Before glueing, the balsa edging had been sprayed with stone effect paint (thanks for the suggestion). Once the glue was dry I tried to make each slab look different using Humbrol enamel washes (plus some Woodland Scenics green). I did 6 to 8 'stones' at a time. First I brushed dark grey into the joins to try and create a shadow effect. While the grey was still wet, I then painted some individual stones with dark brown, white or green. Again before the paint was dry, I painted all the stones, including those already painted brown/white/green, with a sand wash. The aim being to make all the stones slightly different, but still toning in together. Hopefully this has worked.

If you wonder what the black is under the track on the left, it is thin plasticard. The layout is on 8 baseboards and needs to be able to be dismantled. To assist this, the track section over the baseboard can be removed by undoing the Hillman rail clamps (I remembered to get the screwheads on the right side). The black plasticard will be glued to the sleepers on the removable track, after which it will be ballasted. Hopefully I'll just be able to lift the section out, complete with ballast. There is also a small length of similar plasticard under the end of the fixed track to bring it up to the same height as the removable section.

What I am finding suprising/challenging is all the new things I need to find out because I've gone indoors with my LGB. For example, I need some platform lamps, but these need to work and be easily removed, yet look realistic - where can I find some?
Secondly, there is a space between the tracks which won't all be filled with ballast, so I'm having to study photographs of the Harz lines to find out what would be there - certainly don't want flat painted baseboard on show.
Third, I'm going to need some doors and windows for my scratch built station building, but where do I get them from?

There will now be a couple of months gap while I'm too busy with work etc to make much progress.

You may find that replacing your Hillman for Massoth Railclamps will make the removable sections just a bit easier. Though a more expensive solution would be Bridge Rail Clamps, Glendale Junction can suppy these. Glad to see that your Harz line is miving on, love the aplatform edging. The Stone painting solution works a treat. Oh yes you are always welcome to vist the Dunny(Harz)bahn if you are in the St.Neots area.

 

[ColinK]

Finally some photos.



Above, ballasting done, platforms completed and a start on the scenery.



A took two of the eight baseboards to the model railway club and applied some vegetation, still more to do though. Note the board crossing top right. The black squares are holes where buildings slot in (they need to be removable in case I exhibit the finished layout.

 

[dunnyrail]

Finally some photos.

View attachment 238902

Above, ballasting done, platforms completed and a start on the scenery.

View attachment 238903

A took two of the eight baseboards to the model railway club and applied some vegetation, still more to do though. Note the board crossing top right. The black squares are holes where buildings slot in (they need to be removable in case I exhibit the finished layout.

Looks to be a very exihibitable layout to me, pity you will not be able to appreciate your Station Building in the room but will be very prominent at shows. I like it all.

 

[PaulRhB]

Grass looks great

 

[ColinK]

Thanks for the encouragement guys.

The layout breaks down into four baseboards so I should be able to exhibit it once complete, but it will mean hiring a van or buying a trailer to move it.

 

[Slawman]

Great video, thank you for sharing it. Fantastic looking locos.