18th St. LA

[Whis]

Hi folks!

This will be my first post on this forum, so I thought it would be good to start of well and post some pictures of what I'm modeling at the moment.

The last two years I became more and more interested in US prototype model railroads. So much, that I began thinking of building my own layout, "US style". However, before modeling a proper railroad, I've been building a mini-layout as a start. The layout is far from perfect, but the main purpose is to try out new techniques and to see what's it like to model the US-prototype. The result so far is shown below. Some photo's and stories of building this thing will follow soon.

I will use this mini-layout as testbed for more new things I would like to try out, while designing a new layout.

Kind regards from The Netherlands! Wieger

[Ralph]

Nicely done! You've done an excellent job capturing the feel of an American urban scene! I'm rather envious of your talents. Welcome Wieger!
Looking forward to seeing more!

Ralph

[Charlie B]

Hello Weiger.
Welcome to the Gauge.
If you consider this far from perfect then I don't want to be any ways near "perfect"
Please keep us up to date. You will feel right at home here, and check out (here it gets impossible to just name a few modelers on the gauge) all the threads and you will find some great ideas even if you are an expert.
If you need some US prototype specific shots just ask, and I'm sure someone here will help.
Charlie

[Steamtrains]

Welcome to The Gauge..!! That is an excellent scene you've put together....Can't wait to see the "real" layout..!! As was mentioned...there are some great modelers here (not me.... ) that can lend a hand should you need it.

[Herc Driver]

Welcome! What an introduction too. Really nice work. Look forward to seeing more.

[Sumpter250]

Welcome Wieger! I'm happy to see you found us. I hope we can provide all the answers you may need in building your "U.S. Style" layout. You already have a good start on the model building skills, nicely done "mini layout"
In the one shot, there's graffiti on the walls, and a police car on the road........
A police officer, "watching" a "person" painting over some of the graffiti, would be an interesting touch.......and don't lose that billboard. Bending the rules can be a good thing.

[tetters]

Nice work. Welcome to Big Blue!

[tomustang]

Excellent work! Did a fantastic job

[Whis]

Guys, thank you for the incredible warm welcome!! Already feel at home

I'm really looking forward to participate on this forum, to get inspired (already saw some very nice things) and contribute where possible.

[cnw1961]

Hi Wieger . If this little diorama gives us a glimpse at what to expect of your layout, then I am really lloking forward to it!

[Mileswestern]

Wieger, those buildings are quite impressive and the street modeling is excellent.

However you need some more support beams under the bridge and thicken that freeway overpass, check out these photos for reference:

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It's really easy and it'll add a LOT, just buy some plastic "I" girders and lay them close together, parallel to each other, or sand a piece of wood to make a "V" channel if you want to model it in concrete.

[LiveSteamer]

To The Gauge. Enjoy your stay here. Bunch of nice people here.

[Steve]

Wieger
Glad to have you aboard!
I can only say what everyone else has already told you............Excellent scene with the right feel!
Looking forward to seeing more of your work in the future.

[Gary S]

Welcome to The Gauge, and thank you for sharing your modeling efforts with us. Excellent work! So what are your future plans now? A huge layout?

I'm looking forward to many more posts from you, and feel free to join the other threads also.

The grass in the foreground looks great, as does everything else.

[Whis]

Thanks for all the compliments, I've to admit I'm a bit overwhelmed

@ Mileswestern: that's a good tip and some nice prototype photo's too, thanks!

@ Gary: the grass is from a German firm called miniNatur. Expensive stuff, but very realistic and easy to apply. Don't know if they also ship to the US though...