Hi All lets get this started with a pic that kinda sums up what I want from my layout Pic By David Brandreth and © the Scalefour Society - used with Permission Although the layout it quite big I try to make each part of it almost like a small diorama in its approach. Rather than think of the big picture its all about the little details that on their own look quite good but in the scene go unnoticed as they are just there. While each little detail wont be anything like the best example you will ever see I try to keep everything consistent with the same level of care and attention to the prototype, after all its all models at the end of the day, be it a class 86, a ford transit or a lampost. This allied to the fact that, for me, means its all about the journey and nothing about the destination means the tendancy to cut corners or rush to get something finished is minimalised. Cheers Jim PS - why do pics of my layout always look better when someone else takes them?
I have seen some photo's of BNS in other places, the attention to fine detail is very impressive, there is one shot of perfectly flowing trackwork that should spur others on to try and emulate it. Alan
What's great about this layout is that it's so recognisable as New Street and so atmospheric even with some of the most glaring bits of it missing.... the tangle of OHLE......
I quite agree with that approach, everything needs to be of a standard, and anyway I find diversions on pallets, brickwork or lamp posts part of the pleasure. Another benefit of this approach is being able to do quick mini projects, rather than being daunted by the whole. The track gubbins (sorry not too knowledgable about these things ) make all the difference to the scene.
Very atmospheric, I am not familiar with New Street only having been through twice in my life but appreciate the comments of more knowledgeable members. I look forward to more.
Thanks Chaps A few more pics to keep you going View from the derby tunnel The wolverhampton end throat. As mentioned, each item needs to be given equal attention in the hope that it ultimately disappears into the scene. Suppose I really should include a train! Cheers Jim
Nothing much to say other than superb. The only difference between the prototype location and the model is the lack of wires, but having said that if you pre-date by 30+ years there wouldn't be any need for wires, and you could go GREEN. Alan
Yeah but if you Pre-Date New Street by 30 years from the mid-80's, it was a VERY different Station in the 1950's... lack of OHLE would be the least of your "backdating" issues... Pre-date it a decade to the 1970's... NOW you're talking... Blue and Hydraulics... c'mon Jim you know it makes sense... have to get rid of the "Iron Horse", though...
As he says Oh Pack it in we all know that the old green station was demolished to be replaced with this masterpiece devoted almost entirely to blue and grey
An heroic project, brilliantly observed and pursued with dogged determination in the face of anno domini, 18.83mm gauge, massive emu and DMU requirements, OHLE etc etc. Your bus stop is a true WMPTE masterpiece - a superb bit of model making and further evidence of the wonderful attention to detail shown throughout this Brummie epic - long may it run Simon
Wondeful stuff Jim, I never tire of seeing photo's of your New Street, it is absolutely first class and full of atmosphere. The attention to detail is a lesson for us all. Looking forward to seeing more - keep 'em coming! Regards Tony
Thanks Chaps I hope this doesn't offend! Not all (model) Hydraulic's die. Some donate 'organs' so that others can live a better life! Case in point the Bachmann warship which I use to re-power my AC electrics. Below a couple of such grateful recipients sit outside the signal box in one of BNS's few iconic photography locations. Are Tampers Hydraulic too? (hey I am doing my best!) Cheers Jim
The big rule of model photography is lots of light is good. If its real daylight then thats even better and there is no arguing with that. However it sometimes pays to do the very opposite as interesting (and IMHO quite atmospheric results can be had) The 2 shots below both use reasonably high ISO, a single white LED as the only light source and a 30 second exposure. (plus a smidge of photoshop on the 50 as is the case with the 101 above) Finally for this post another play with low light - This is brum abandoned! cheers Jim
