Model Railroading > Good to be back

I allowed my TO subscription to lapse in March 2011, but just haven't found the free site-based forums to have as much of a following among prototype modelers, which is where my primary interest lies. So, it feels good to be back on TO and to see a lot of familiar names, as well as all the fine work being shared here.

While I was away I pushed myself away from the workbench and spent the majority of my hobby time on the layout itself, specifically my first-ever scenery and structures at Iowa Interstate's Bluffs Yard. Here are a few summary pics. My apologies to those who've seen them on the Yahoo Proto-Layouts list or elsewhere.

1 - Prototype view of the Bluffs Yard diesel facility
2 - Model view. Structures and sand towers are scratchbuilt. Enginehouse is just prototype photos glued to a styrene core, with added details to hopefully give it a more three-dimensional look.
3 - Another view.

Joe Atkinson
http://www.iaisrailfans.org/gallery/Sub4WestEnd

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4 - A Brad Williams aerial view of Bluffs Yard, used with permission.
5 - Looking south.
6 - Overview of Bluffs Yard.

Joe Atkinson
http://www.iaisrailfans.org/gallery/Sub4WestEnd



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/12 11:07 by iaisfan.

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That's some fine modeling Joe, Welcome back!

Excellent modeling and photography. Like the foggy look.

When I looked at the second and third pictures,I thought it was the real thing.
Great layout!

From another Joe.

Uncle Joe,Seffner,Fl.

Nicely done and thanks for sharing!

Joe,
I knew that you wouldn't be away for too long, glad to see you back my friend!

MrOGDEN

Really beautiful work. You have an excellent eye for contrast and detail.

It's great to see you back Joe! Had it not been for the fascia visible in the second photo, I'd have thought it was just another prototype photo. I think modeling an overcast day is particularly inspired, because most layout lighting provides that even, soft look, rather than the harsher singular light of a sunny day. Well done, look forward to more.

Elizabeth



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/12 16:14 by Betsy.

Cool layout.!

Photo #2 nailed it, the storm cloud had me looking, then I saw the edge of the shelf. Nice job.

Welcome back Joe!

I too thought the second picture was the real thing until I saw the facia. Great work!

Dennis

All is Excellent work and those trees are just super realistic looking!

Having been at that exact same spot several times looking to see if the IAIS RI Heritage unit is in town, I can say that your fine modeling captures the exact "feel" of the place, I instantly recognized the location. Cool! === === = === JLH

Glad to have you back. That's some nice modeling!

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

Thank you all very much for the kind words. I've never met any of you, yet I feel like I'm back among friends. The Prodigal Modeler. ;-)

Elizabeth, now you're making me wish I HAD painted my backdrop for a hazy, overcast day. I think what you're seeing is just caused by the way my camera is picking up on the lighting, though, and not any inspiration on my part. Thank you though. The last of the six photos above probably gives the best feel for how the backdrop really looks in person.

Joe Atkinson
Council Bluffs, IA
www.iaisrailfans.org/../Sub4WestEnd



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/09/12 11:09 by iaisfan.