January 29, 2009 • 10:18 pm
We all strive for some level of realism with our N scale layouts — or any model railroad layout for that matter. And as any repeat reader here knows, I’m a big fan of signage and billboard to add realism. Especially unique billboards (download some free here) that that don’t see on every other layout.
As you look through vintage photographs from the late 40s and early 50s, especially in urban commercial areas like the photo of Times Square above (taken in 1954), you’ll often see large groupings of billboards. Over-sized, stacked, horizontal, vertical, rectangular, shaped. Click the photo for a much larger view.
Most model railroaders seem to gravitate to simple rectangular billboards — and even the ones I’ve previously provided are mostly rectangular. I think we do this because they’re easily accessible and they give you a lot of options for different arangements, stacking, etc.
But in the reference photos I have collected in the last couple of years, the one thing that stands out to me is at least one blank billboard in every one of the photos. You can see one in this photo directly over the man in the foreground. Most modelers seem to not include blank billboards — or at least I don’t think I’ve ever seen one on a layout. I have certainly not seen multiple blank billboards on a layout which would be even more prototypical on a large layout.
Just something to thing about the next time you’re adding signage. Blank billboards could be absolutely simple to create but really boost realism.
Filed under: Signs , billboard, model, model kit, model railroad, model railroading, N Scale, n scale sign, New York, scale model, scale modeling
January 28, 2009 • 6:07 pm
I’ve decided to take a short break from another project I’ve been working on to do a little work with N scale Wilhelmi Mercantile kits by DPM, now owned by Woodland Scenics.
I’ve previously been working with relatively short structures — ranging on average from two to five stories. Since my overall intent is to model a major city, it’s about time I start expanding upward. My new rule for the foreseeable future is that structures must be at least 6 stories tall until I get a good number of these built.
The Mercantile kits are four stories tall each. Combining two structures gives you a seven story structure once the first floor storefronts are removed. Still not a tremendously tall structure, so I’ve spent some time trying to figure out just how many kits I should combine. So far, I’ve done the work to cut down two of the kits. I may order one more kit to make the structure ten stories in total.
One thing I’m pleasantly surprised with is that the Mercantile kit is pretty easily kitbashed, even with some of the detail on that structure that would make it appear difficult. I’ve been able to reasonable combine two kits and hide all seams and cuts.
The first floor storefronts are configured to look like two separate business could utilize the space — one large business and one smaller business. I think I’m going to make the small business a jewelry store, complete with light up display cases. I’m still undecided by for the larger store.
I’m on a business trip right now and won’t be able to post photos or more specific detail for the time being, but keep an eye out for more information as I move forward with this.
Filed under: Kitbashing, Structures , DPM kit, kitbash, Kitbashing, model, model kit, model railroad, model railroading, N Scale, scale model, scale modeling, Woodland Scenics
January 23, 2009 • 8:37 pm
Just trying one more blog template for the next week or so before I revert back to what it was.
Filed under: Blog Info , blog, template, WordPress
