Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
How I managed not to burn my fingers is beyond me, unfortunately I need another half dozen.
Tim
HO Eine Sekundärbahn
- Thread starter Tim Hale
- Start date
How I managed not to burn my fingers is beyond me, unfortunately I need another half dozen.
Tim
Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
The ditch beside rural road in Oberfranken is nature’s highway, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including the common iris amongst which the stork will hunt for food. Noch offers an excellent laser-cut iris that is easy to plant but needs a dab of yellow or purple as preferred (yellow on P’dorf)
The reality
Unfortunately, the little paper iris plants need to be supported after 'planting' in scenic glue for at least 45mins, just two at a time. With thirty-six plants, it is a tedious process for very little reward despite the cost. I intend to fill the ditch with whatever bits of model flora that remains from a lifetime’s hobby and it is a lot.
Tim
Unfortunately, the little paper iris plants need to be supported after 'planting' in scenic glue for at least 45mins, just two at a time. With thirty-six plants, it is a tedious process for very little reward despite the cost. I intend to fill the ditch with whatever bits of model flora that remains from a lifetime’s hobby and it is a lot.
Tim
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Richard Gawler
Western Thunderer
There are high-tack versions of PVA which provide a good initial grab:
Adhesive: Hi-Tack Glue: Original Gold: 115ml (12)
I suspect, tiny spots of this would hold small plants upright, and you could then add a little regular pva around the bases to add strength.
Can be had from independent craft shops and through eBay.
Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
Richard,
Thank you, now the sticky glue is on its way.
I am tempted to paint the base of the stems of the yellow plants at post 266 in order to hide the hot glue blob. The slightly more risky* plan is to dig a tiny hole in the foamboard scenery and ‘plant’ them in a bed of PVA with some green leafy scatter to cover the surgery.
These are a couple of my favourite images of roadside ditches (sometimes I doubt my sanity)
*sharp blades is a bit silly, however what’s the worst that could happen?
Tim
Thank you, now the sticky glue is on its way.
I am tempted to paint the base of the stems of the yellow plants at post 266 in order to hide the hot glue blob. The slightly more risky* plan is to dig a tiny hole in the foamboard scenery and ‘plant’ them in a bed of PVA with some green leafy scatter to cover the surgery.
These are a couple of my favourite images of roadside ditches (sometimes I doubt my sanity)
*sharp blades is a bit silly, however what’s the worst that could happen?
Tim
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Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
Beside the barn
Just a few left-over scraps with dabs of Dulux tester.
The layout is neither neat nor tidy, it represents a scene of working rural life with weeds and detritus. Although the layout is finally running it will remain a ‘work in progress’, the next big task is to unbox the stored trees and ‘plant’ them to create some variation in levels……The layout will always need something to do, which was always the plan, thus keeping me purposely busy.
Just a few left-over scraps with dabs of Dulux tester.
The layout is neither neat nor tidy, it represents a scene of working rural life with weeds and detritus. Although the layout is finally running it will remain a ‘work in progress’, the next big task is to unbox the stored trees and ‘plant’ them to create some variation in levels……The layout will always need something to do, which was always the plan, thus keeping me purposely busy.
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Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
Pedantry tends to be a problem with certain demographics, any attempt to upload images of a model is certain to attract a veritable blizzard of 'not quite right' comments from those who either do not actually build anything or more likely have nothing better to do. Add to the mix that outsiders are often the target of these folk.
The recent upload elsewhere of the farmworker's cottage was met by the usual comments from the usual suspects however there is a problem, it is a fairly undersized offering as a kit from Faller, unfortunately there isn't a great deal of choice of smaller rural dwellings and even the smaller specialist manufacturers tend to avoid the mundane and humdrum.
The problem is not one of underscale but woefully short, the actual windows, doors and other bits are perfect, just the length of the side walls are the issue. Maybe a simple cut n'shut is the answer OR a less radical solution is to paint over the incorrect Fachwerke (exposed wood framing) on the lower part of the building just above the lower windows, this is needed anyway as the lower level is simply rendered.
There is a vague similarity to the Häcker family house from Ergersheim preserved as building 12 at the Fränkische Freilandmuseum in Bad Windsheim (above). The drawing reveals the disparity in length.
Btw, I can live with the slightly different pattern of Fachwerke, Konrad Bedal's book reveals multiple variations of regional styles.
The easier option will be tried first, if it fails, then I will perform some minor surgery on the kit unfortunately, there is very limited space to extend the side walls. A new roof from Kibri 34140, is waiting to be used.
Tim
The recent upload elsewhere of the farmworker's cottage was met by the usual comments from the usual suspects however there is a problem, it is a fairly undersized offering as a kit from Faller, unfortunately there isn't a great deal of choice of smaller rural dwellings and even the smaller specialist manufacturers tend to avoid the mundane and humdrum.
The problem is not one of underscale but woefully short, the actual windows, doors and other bits are perfect, just the length of the side walls are the issue. Maybe a simple cut n'shut is the answer OR a less radical solution is to paint over the incorrect Fachwerke (exposed wood framing) on the lower part of the building just above the lower windows, this is needed anyway as the lower level is simply rendered.
There is a vague similarity to the Häcker family house from Ergersheim preserved as building 12 at the Fränkische Freilandmuseum in Bad Windsheim (above). The drawing reveals the disparity in length.
The easier option will be tried first, if it fails, then I will perform some minor surgery on the kit unfortunately, there is very limited space to extend the side walls. A new roof from Kibri 34140, is waiting to be used.
Tim
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Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
The ditch is almost but not quite finished, a seemingly simple task has taken almost two mornings to get to this stage.
It may look underpopulated but there are a lot of different types of plants in the few centimetres of ditch, unfortunately my lack of basic photographic skills are clearly evident.
Tim
It may look underpopulated but there are a lot of different types of plants in the few centimetres of ditch, unfortunately my lack of basic photographic skills are clearly evident.
Tim
Roger Pound
Western Thunderer
You continue to supply postings of a steady rate of progress with excellent explanations and references regarding your work, Tim. It is always welcome and a good learning curve for other modellers - particularly myself - who have considerably less knowledge of Germany and its nuances. The accompanying pictures always enhance the verbal description you have supplied for a particular item so please don't be too self-critical.
I heartily agree with your comments regarding those members of many forums whose sole purpose seems to nit-pick and find fault yet in most cases fail to publish examples of any work they may have done. There always seems to be at least one in every forum. They can always be 'ignored' though - a most useful facility!
Cheers,
Roger
.
I heartily agree with your comments regarding those members of many forums whose sole purpose seems to nit-pick and find fault yet in most cases fail to publish examples of any work they may have done. There always seems to be at least one in every forum. They can always be 'ignored' though - a most useful facility!
Cheers,
Roger
.
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Overseer
Western Thunderer
Looking at the larger versions of the house photos on the museum website shows that the ground floor walls are stone. The large stone quoins are visible, and suggested on the drawing, with random ashlar work walling. The stonework is a bit rough and finished with either lime wash or parging. Quite hard to model convincingly in plastic. Das over card or wood would work well. More scope for interesting paint effects to match the part exposed stonework.
The layout is coming together very convincingly and avoiding the chocolate box appearance many German (and other European) layouts tend towards.
Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
Two minor updates:-
A better dung heap, rather than a modern pre-cast concrete, a self-built affair of boards and creosoted timber baulks. The heap in on a small concrete base whilst the dung heap was seeds dusted with dead grass over the PVA
And the cottage, this is the current iteration, another is waiting to be reworked. There really isn't too much scope the lengthen the building as the sub-base of the scene is finished but the next version will lose the fachwerk (timber framing) below the top of the ground floor windows. It will be sprayed a white plastic primer but carefully stipled with AK Interactive Terrains acrylic, a texture normally used for roads etc.
I am fine with its actual size although it is about 30% too short compared to the Häcker family house but all other dimensions are 1:87 moreover buildings of this size were once common until the '70s when a two down. one up became unacceptable. They still exist, tucked away in villages but either as 'bijoux' holiday rentals or just sadly neglected.
Tim
A better dung heap, rather than a modern pre-cast concrete, a self-built affair of boards and creosoted timber baulks. The heap in on a small concrete base whilst the dung heap was seeds dusted with dead grass over the PVA
I am fine with its actual size although it is about 30% too short compared to the Häcker family house but all other dimensions are 1:87 moreover buildings of this size were once common until the '70s when a two down. one up became unacceptable. They still exist, tucked away in villages but either as 'bijoux' holiday rentals or just sadly neglected.
Tim
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Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
The recent reappearance of Pottendorf 1.0 at Aylesbury prompted this two images, six years apart:-
It may seem odd to repeat a rather mediocre scene but when, in 2022 the four old baseboards were being recycled, it was logical to recycle the concept of the only really successful layout with a few alterations to make it more suitable for home use. Consequently, this version of Pottendorf reuses familiar scenes (we once spent a cramped three weeks in a Airbnb in Coburg hence the cottage) whilst the trackplan is Grafenwalde without cassettes.
However, the other more likely explanation is that my imagination is almost nil, which does explain a great deal.
Tim
However, the other more likely explanation is that my imagination is almost nil, which does explain a great deal.
Tim
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Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
Just trying out a technique previously used on the roads and hinted at by Overseer, hopefully it might work.
The fachwerk (timber framing) on the Häcker family house does not extend beyond the ground floor windows, the bottom floor received a rough limewash render. Some Frog tape was judiously applied , then a first layer of AK Interactive Terrain acrylic stipled on for a textured finish with the second layer tommorow.
It might just work, the upper part will need to be carefully matched but the plaster between the framework was usually smooth and sometimes decorated with painted motifs. Look at the bibliography a few good books were collected over the years.
Tim
The fachwerk (timber framing) on the Häcker family house does not extend beyond the ground floor windows, the bottom floor received a rough limewash render. Some Frog tape was judiously applied , then a first layer of AK Interactive Terrain acrylic stipled on for a textured finish with the second layer tommorow.
It might just work, the upper part will need to be carefully matched but the plaster between the framework was usually smooth and sometimes decorated with painted motifs. Look at the bibliography a few good books were collected over the years.
Tim
Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
The Frog tape seems to have worked perfectly and the shade of the AK Interactive Terrain acrylic seems spot-on, as previously mentioned, the plaster between the framework was usually smooth and sometimes decorated with painted motifs. I don't know if the texture of the render is apparent in these images but it is there.
The result is far better than hoped although scratchbuilding would be the perfect solution, both lack of space and poor skills deem that not to be, this is the pragmatic outcome.
I am rather pleased, Tim
The result is far better than hoped although scratchbuilding would be the perfect solution, both lack of space and poor skills deem that not to be, this is the pragmatic outcome.
I am rather pleased, Tim
Herb Garden
Western Thunderer
Tim,
I've just discovered your thread. Oh what wonderful scenic modelling your eye for capturing the flora of the landscape is inspiring.
Just ignore the pedants.... I think your modelling is awesome!!!
George
I've just discovered your thread. Oh what wonderful scenic modelling your eye for capturing the flora of the landscape is inspiring.
Just ignore the pedants.... I think your modelling is awesome!!!
George
Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
Thanks George,
The intention is not to copy, but to create a reasonable resemblance, nothing more. The pedants don't care what I do, they will always criticize, so I just build what suits me. WT does not seem to be home to this demographic, it is refreshingly tolerant of those who simply build, share or just plain do stuff.
The next step is to plan how to complete it as close to the original as possible within the limits of my ability, the window shutters and doors should be plain unpainted wood and I have a Vallejo wood effects set to use.......the creeping vegetation shouldn't be too much of a struggle whilst white medical tape works for the ubiquitous curtains.
Some expoxy two-part should work to attach the shutters onto the acrylic covered walls whilst the presentation of a fence and two smallish trees should complete the scene enough to satisfy me.
It should be remembered that the Häcker family house was re-located to the museum and once it had a larger garden replete with fruit trees, this is why it is being rebuilt as it once was home to a family, warts n' all.
Tim
The intention is not to copy, but to create a reasonable resemblance, nothing more. The pedants don't care what I do, they will always criticize, so I just build what suits me. WT does not seem to be home to this demographic, it is refreshingly tolerant of those who simply build, share or just plain do stuff.
The next step is to plan how to complete it as close to the original as possible within the limits of my ability, the window shutters and doors should be plain unpainted wood and I have a Vallejo wood effects set to use.......the creeping vegetation shouldn't be too much of a struggle whilst white medical tape works for the ubiquitous curtains.
Some expoxy two-part should work to attach the shutters onto the acrylic covered walls whilst the presentation of a fence and two smallish trees should complete the scene enough to satisfy me.
It should be remembered that the Häcker family house was re-located to the museum and once it had a larger garden replete with fruit trees, this is why it is being rebuilt as it once was home to a family, warts n' all.
Tim
Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
A change of direction
Trees make all the difference to a layout, they add height, interest and structure. There are over ten trees available to Pottendorf, most made by MBR. They will be 'planted' in groups of three (one large, two small) with the last single tree behind the barns and hiding the exit.
This is one of the larger 210mm examples
And two of the smaller trees in the farmyard
Trees make all the difference to a layout, they add height, interest and structure. There are over ten trees available to Pottendorf, most made by MBR. They will be 'planted' in groups of three (one large, two small) with the last single tree behind the barns and hiding the exit.
This is one of the larger 210mm examples
And two of the smaller trees in the farmyard
Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
More waffle……now that the trees are out of their storage bin, I suppose that they should be ‘planted’ .
The on-line archive of small rural stations was helpful, it revealed that the station area had been cleared but later the railway company had often planted a sapling either side of most station buildings. Seventy years on and these had matured rather nicely and the aesthetic framing was noticeable.
The larger tree is in the far corner of the scene in an attempt to 'hide' the hard corner.
Tim
The on-line archive of small rural stations was helpful, it revealed that the station area had been cleared but later the railway company had often planted a sapling either side of most station buildings. Seventy years on and these had matured rather nicely and the aesthetic framing was noticeable.
The larger tree is in the far corner of the scene in an attempt to 'hide' the hard corner.
Tim Hale
Western Thunderer
OK,
Today marks an end of the beginning, at long last I am taking a break, there are just a few chickens to place in the coop, a cottage to complete and a multitude of insignificant details to install, otherwise, the 'heavy lifting' that started in 2022 is done.
For the next few weeks, I will be mostly running trains.
Tim
Today marks an end of the beginning, at long last I am taking a break, there are just a few chickens to place in the coop, a cottage to complete and a multitude of insignificant details to install, otherwise, the 'heavy lifting' that started in 2022 is done.
For the next few weeks, I will be mostly running trains.
Tim
Richard Gawler
Western Thunderer
I'll give you two days! Seriously Tim, you clearly enjoy your modelling and enjoy sharing it.
A slightly "distant" photo of the whole layout would be good if this is possible. I'm struggling to see how the different scenes go together.
See you soon
A slightly "distant" photo of the whole layout would be good if this is possible. I'm struggling to see how the different scenes go together.
See you soon
Roger Pound
Western Thunderer
Enjoy running trains, Tim - IMHO it's the best bit.
Roger
Roger