All Photographs Copyright Brett Gallant and SierraWest Scale Models.
Color Manual Supplement
As the dirt begins to firm up I use an old matchbox tractor and add wheel ruts in both of the open doorways, sunken in the mud. Note the change in ground texture between the doors for contrast. This corner is a great example of how to layer details. Castings behind weeds, scrap wood behind castings, etc. . .
The pipe storage rack is a fantastic detail and adds a "junked-up" feeling to the entire rear corner of the structure. There is a rather large oil stain around the pile of small stacked oil drums.
Another view of the pipe storage rack with all the smaller bits and pieces left strewn under and around. The different styles of laser cut windows are designed to enhance the look of the two buildings, and set them apart. The large industrial windows are a stark contrast to the smaller machine shops.
I sunk several boards in the wet ground in front of the workbench. The ground around the bench is compacted from all the foot traffic. This area really comes to life with the addition of trees. (I removed mine in order to photograph this area.)
The left side of the main building is lined with abandoned junk and weeds. The combination of the board on board on batten walls, laser cut windows with individually detailed panes, all of the casting, and the clutter makes for one truly fantastic scene!