Geoff Potter's Gn15 2015 challenge layout

[Steve Welch]

Hi Geoff,

I'm liking the backscene - it compliments the layout perfectly.

all the best
Steve

[NotHarryPotter]

OK,
so I have now put a fascia around the layout. It is plywood, nicely fitted to layout contours where necessary.

The plain plywood looks nice, and I was thinking of a sort of decoupage look covering the wood. Catch is, there really isn't much wood to decoupage. On such a small layout it would be easy to overpower the scenery with black or similar dark colour.

What colour might be suitable for the outside, or should I just clear varnish the pale plywood?

[Nevadablue]

What about using brown paper and modpodge to make a sort of leather look? Wrinkle the paper and glue it on with the decoupage stuff.

[NotHarryPotter]

Interesting! I think I can get modpodge in Australia.

[Nevadablue]

My wife is getting ready to do the top half of a wall in our bedroom using the 'leather' technique. She intends to use an idea she saw on the 'net. Paint the surface and stick the paper into the paint. Paint is much cheaper than the modpodge stuff and works fine. Then coat the paper with modpodge or something similar.

[NotHarryPotter]

Ken,

thank you, I have found a how-to page on the web and this looks most effective.
http://modpodgerocksblog.com/2013/04/ma ... frame.html

I think I will give it a try,
cheers
Geoff

[Nevadablue]

Cool! I think you talked me into doing that to my layout... if I can ever get to it again. It is buried right now.

[lesmond]

Excellent progress, Geoff - looking lovely.

I'm watching closely how you treat the sides, as I've that not too far ahead (hopefully).

Les

[NotHarryPotter]

Hi folks,
here are some more progress pics of the layout, showing the plywood surround.
I have not yet started on the faux leather look, but will try and do a bit this week.
I am considering a plywood marquee with thw layout name, LED lights etc. Don't know yet, this could be overkill. Your own lights are good for those exhibition halls with rubbish lighting.
cheers
Geoff

[docnjoj]

Looks good. Perhaps some reporters standing around taking pictures and notes?
otherDoc

[Nevadablue]

Bravo!

[NotHarryPotter]

OtherDoc,

yes, I have a number of vignettes to include with various figures. It looks a little bare at the moment as I have much detailing to do. I have wooden fruit boxes to fill with excavated bones, a work table if it fits, various signs etc.I have made a 1915 copy of Photoplay, the early film & gossip magazine for one lady to hold, and am looking to include many similar touches. The office will have a back on it, and this will provide a view block and minimal impression of some work going on in there.
cheers
Geoff

[lesmond]

This is the reason I love a micro layout, Geoff.

Absolutely superb modelling, an oddball subject (how much further can you get from a GWR branch line?), and detail enough to study it for ages. Beautifully done, and thank you for sharing.

Les

[NotHarryPotter]

Thank you Les,
you really are very kind. I am off to the Australian Narrow Gauge Convention in Geelong next Easter. I am taking a display that consists of 3 micros,
this one, Deer Valley Vegetables (APA Box layout in On18) and a third, as yet unbuilt 1/35n2 layout.

I wracked my brain to try and come up with a suitable collective noun for the display. I have coined the term "an obsession of microlayouts".
cheers
Geoff

[lesmond]

Hi Geoff,

I like that one - it sums up what we do rather well.

Les

[NotHarryPotter]

Hi folks,
following Ken's suggestion for the faux leather look I have tried to obtain the Rose Pink Japan colour here in Australia. I can find only local suppliers of Black Japan finish. A bit further afield there may be brown available, but it is quite expensive. I think it would look wonderful, but I am pondering cheaper alternatives. I do have a nice satin stain in brown that I might try as an experiment on scrap plywood. It might work, I'll keep you posted,
cheers
Geoff

[DCRFAN 3]

Thank you Les,
you really are very kind. I am off to the Australian Narrow Gauge Convention in Geelong next Easter. I am taking a display that consists of 3 micros,
this one, Deer Valley Vegetables (APA Box layout in On18) and a third, as yet unbuilt 1/35n2 layout.

I wracked my brain to try and come up with a suitable collective noun for the display. I have coined the term "an obsession of microlayouts".
cheers
Geoff

I like obsession.

Other titles could be a round of micros

or many micros could be a mimic of micros

[NotHarryPotter]

Nice suggestions,
thanks!
Geoff

[NotHarryPotter]

In the last few days (following my failure to obtain the Japan lacquer required for the leather look fascia) I went highly experimental and decoupagey with the decoration of my plywood fascia! I figure if it doesn't work out I can easily go over it. Copied 1915 magazine advertisements from Photoplay magazine are looking OK, in keeping with the whimsy of an entire layout in an incredibly small space. I downloaded a few copies of photoplay, selecting (mostly) small ads reflecting hare-brained money-making schemes typical of the time. The newspaper ads look a bit stark... this will be aged with coats of light brown varnish. It won't be to everyone's taste, but fingers crossed!!!

[Maniwaki]

[lesmond]

"Learn Electricity" - I love it

[Thorness]

Looks superb.

Cheers

[Thorness]

"Learn Electricity" - I love it

I think I should subscribe to that!

Cheers

[Ian-IoM]

It does look a bit stark at the moment but with some ageing that will look pretty good, great idea and a layout that packs a lot of atmosphere into a tiny space. Impressed

[Nevadablue]

I do like it. I hope it gets yellowed and aged. For me, that would be the proper look and not be so bright below the layout.

Nice work, great idea!