Inspiration

[faraway]

When I started a new layout in summer 2009 an industrial theme in the Chicago area about 1950 was fixed. Dark brown ties, dark gray ballast and lots of dark buildings.


Some weeks ago I discovered the unique charm of the relative light colored box buildings present in any todays industry park. I build some from cardboard and liked them. Looking at the light and clean building reminded my on some pictures of Pelle's layouts located in the far west. Some time later I got some books from Lance Mindheim. The same light buildings but this time with very light colored ballast and located in Florida. Finally I got aware of Kurt's Miami 58th St. layout in this forum.

That was the moment when I did my "U-turn". All dark buildings went to the storage. The modern "boxes" became the primary choice. At that time all tracks had been laid but no ballast was done. Light gray granite ballast was the new choice. Light brown sand was used for general ground coverage. Some CSX engines (four GP38-2, two MP15DC) had been in my roster already. There is no direct prototype. It is a very free freelance interpretation of CSX somewhere in or close to Florida.

Here are first shots of my inspirations borrowed from Pelle, Lance and Kurt:






There is still a lot to do and a lot to improve. Light gray ballast on dark brown ties is a challenge for clumsy fingers . Each stone counts twice.. Also the placement of grass needs improvement. Look at Kurt's layout for the real thing.

More pictures are on my homepage http://rubpeters.ru.funpic.de/h020091/index.html