your portal to more fun in scale model railroading
your portal to more fun in scale model railroading
The scenery certificate is the most popular technical award. A scenic layout basically represents what most railroad modelers want. With this comes track planning, then the installation of trackage and the various components. This part of scenery overlaps the Civil award, which is not a big problem. The skill of scratchbuilding some of the Civil elements is the area more modelers are actively involved with today.
The best benchwork in the world, coupled with the best electrical wiring and track laying, still leaves a void when it comes to a model railroad. Without scenery, trains may run beautifully but just don't look right. Scenery is not hard to do, but good-looking scenery may take extra effort some practice, and instruction. The articles in all the model magazines have given ideas for many years. The books and videos on scenery, found in the hobby shop, will give you a concentrated dose of what to do, and how to do it. The whole thing boils down to wanting to do the job.
Scenery construction does not take a great deal of time, unless you try to build a "Franklin and South Manchester" on your benchwork. Aside from the benchwork, no other phase of model railroading gives you so much to see and enjoy in so short a time. Scenery is the essence of model railroading.
Well, it helps to have an idea of what type terrain you want to model. If you are following a particular prototype, that makes it easy. Just follow the real railroad's landscape. If you're freelancing, look at magazines, books, and videos, or places you have visited.
Once you have the idea in mind, sketch it. Then collect the materials and tools you'll need. There are several ways to build scenery: hardshell, using plaster over screen or plaster-soaked paper towels (use best quality or the type with a woven thread) over crumpled paper and Styrofoam blocks, or 'softshell' using lightweight Styrofoam sculptured to your terrain. Check scenery articles published for other techniques. No matter what you do, you can't go wrong, since you can always patch it.
For your Achievement award you will have to construct a minimum size, as indicated in the regulations. Modules will also qualify.
'Realistic effect' are the key words in the regulations. This standard is what separates scale modeling from toy train layouts. You are trying to achieve a realistic miniature model snapshot of reality. For example, in (1) Terrain, natural features include tree trunks that are grayish (not brown plastic), foliage with subtle shades (not hard colors), rocks that are partially buried (not sitting on the ground). Don't forget the weeds, tree stumps and natural debris. In (2), Structures, these must be dull and weathered, also, in the ground (not on top). Streets and roads should have normal features, i.e., sewers, manhole covers, shoulders and drainage ditches, cracks and patches, road wear marks and stains. For the Background (3), make sure there is a transition to the foreground or that it is hidden in some way. The backdrop should be in scale prospective. For Lighting (4), paint the inside of the structure so there are no light leaks. Also, conceal the lamp.
Add at least two unique mini-scenes, something creative, that are not seen on a traditional layout.
Each element will be judged and scored. If you don't earn an Achievement Award, redo the areas that fall short on points. It would be a good idea to upgrade all elements for a little insurance.
In addition to your craftsmanship, you must prepare a set of at least six photographs, including an overall shot if possible, and a written description of the way the scenery was constructed, as well as a description of what your scene represents. It is not necessary to write a book, just make your presentation clear. A topographical map would be helpful, but not necessary.
The pictures, with notes, must show your interpretation of the requirements. The sample should include an overview of the scene, including the background, but don't show above or the sides beyond the backdrop; a couple of closeup shots of the terrain and structures for scenic effect, and of course your unique mini scenes. You don't have to be the photographer; and you can substitute with video (VHS).
Be sure to read the requirements carefully and follow them completely.