Page Two

 

 

The Passenger Station

The area off to the side of the baggage porch is one of compacted soil, nearly no vegetation but plenty of discarded junk and clutter, and lots of tire ruts and tracks in the dirt. These are created by rolling a toy vehicle with scale wheel through the nearly dry scenery base. Lighter colored dirt is brushed about creating footpaths and highlights in the tire ruts all around the passenger station.

 

The piles of trunks and luggage are all located on the passenger end of the station. Don't place these details on the docks. Save the crate stacks for that.

The area surrounding the station lacks the texture in the scenery base that the hillside does. This contrast helps define and create individual scenes within the diorama. The crate stack on wheels is made by gluing crates to the top of the wheeled casting.

 

The Fuel Depot

The fuel depot includes areas of compacted footpaths and light texture, with little vegetation and lots of drums and barrels. Notice the signs on the building and in the fenced yard. Weather them before cutting them off the sheet with a little chalk powder and the black alcohol stain. A few light rust streaks or spots can also be applied. Cut the sign from the sheet with a pair of sharp scissors. Decal scissors work great since they are small and maneuverable. Paint the edges with Polly Roof Brown then glue in place. Try adding the sign to a scrap piece of wood. Be sure to paint the back of the sign in this instance. A couple tiny nail holes looks great too.

Add smudges and light stains on the porch with powdered chalk. I love the fuel depot, it is such a nice contrast to the other structures and compliments the Hotel on Main Street very nicely. The fenced yard has areas of planking sunk into the dirt and lots of oil stains. These stains are created with the Polly Oily Black and a rubbing alcohol dripped on top to get the right appearance as it spreads. You can come back once everything has dried and add a little more paint to make it pop if desired.

 

The Rigging and Tool Sheds

Detail the area surrounding and inside the rigging shed with lots of scrap lumber and discarded pipes. Notice the sawhorse constructed from the metal castings and the ”Y” pipe rack casting. All of the empty cable reels create a convincing scene, especially in the drainage ditch. Notice the empty wooden crates (resin castings) that I broke apart with my fingers and scattered about. Weeds and lumber are layered amongst the castings.

 

The little tool shed is dripping with details and clutter all around. Add lots of extra bits of lumber and a few weeds poking out here and there. The small tools and blocks look right at home waiting to be sent to the woods for use. Notice the safety sign and the circular saw hung on the wall. Don't rust the tools and equipment on the dock up, just make them appear grimy and weathered. Look at the acetylene tanks and see how I cut the tips off a couple as if they are missing their valves.