Motivating myself to change!

[Ralph]

Well, I haven't forgotten about this thread, its just that the weather in MN has been so nice that its hard to spend much time in the basement. I did do a little work though. Here are some new mill buildings made of scribed plastic sheeting I got at an art store. Some of the smoke stacks are just temporary mock ups quickly cut out of cardboard. They will be replaced. Anyway, here's what's happening so far. I'm not sure how much more I'll detail the mills as hey are supposed to be background buildings....





Ralph

[Bob C]

Looking better and better, Ralph...I'm impressed with your work ! You asked for suggestions (sort of)...will throw these out: add just a little suggestive detail to the flats - a few windows, small 7 dark, just to hint at "inside", and a door or two, second or third floor level, with a walkway/stairway/enclosed ladder to ground, roof, another door lower/even/higher on the flat. How about a company sign (United Ralph Steel Co.) painted/mounted on the flat, or roof of the building (maybe even done backward, like its free-standing, facing away from this side of the plant). How about power lines mounted on the walls/on poles/towers (hi-tension lines); towers could be painted on background in the distance. Try "fading" the background (buildings, stacks, etc.) more to increase apparent "depth" (experiment with color fades on cutouts) - mills have a LOT of atmosphere. None of this has to be a huge project - can be done inexpensively over time - and will add to and show off the skill you've obviously got. Guaranteed to be worth the cost of the ideas ! Bob C.

[Lester Perry]

DIRT

[Ralph]

I decided to add large vents to the sides of the mill buildings and I took Les's advice and tried to dirty things up even more. Not sure if it shows. I'm planning a KINGS PORT STEEL sign with large letters on a metal grid on top of the flat roof section. I really like the idea of adding power lines.

Any way, here's a minor update...



Ralph

[Herc Driver]

Even that simple and minor addition really adds some depth to the overall look of the back drop. Telephone lines in front of the buildings would certainly break up the "flat" appearance too. Would the possibility of adding an elevated roadway from one side to the other be a possibility? I'm not sure how much depth you're working with there...but it's quite usual for a major highway to cut right next to large factory buildings like those. (All the highways cutting through St Louis come to mind, as does Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago and NY/NJ for inspiration.) I'd still suggest adding a roof (thin styrene sheeting) to suggest a roof over the walls and maybe even add a few open windows to vent fumes and all air to pass through as so many buildings like those had, and maybe the end I-beam of an overhead crane sticking out from the top of the wall.

But even what you've done there looks better than before - nicely done!

[Charlie B]

I decided to add large vents to the sides of the mill buildings and I took Les's advice and tried to dirty things up even more. Not sure if it shows. I'm planning a KINGS PORT STEEL sign with large letters on a metal grid on top of the flat roof section. I really like the idea of adding power lines.

Any way, here's a minor update...



Ralph

Might I suggest that you increase the blue in the background buildings, It gives more illusion of depth and smoke.
Charlie

[Herc Driver]

I don't know how you did that Charlie...but that's a pretty neat effect. Really great to see the before and after pictures to express your point. Well Done!

[viperman]

That looks awesome like that with the blue in there Charlie

[Ralph]

Hey Charlie,

I've been out of town for a week and just now had a chance to see your edited pic. I like the effect a lot!
Ralph

[Ralph]

I've done some work on the scene. It's not completely finished yet but this is pretty close...









Ralph

[Lester Perry]

I only see one problem here. You wanted to add some dimension and if I am seeing things correctly you removed some details that I feel should have stayed put. there were some large pipes and what appeared to be a water tower that I no longer see. If you can give us a before and after picture showing as much as possible.

[Ralph]

Here's an image that might convey what you're thinking of...


Actually I wanted to push the mills back into the distance. Having only two or three inches between track and backdrop I felt the old mill appeared too close.

Ralph

[Charlie B]

Ralph, that is looking way better. I'll need advise for this when I get to mine, if I live that long.
Charlie

[nomad]

I was going to agree with Les, But looking at the scene more the way you have it now is better. Before with the pipes and stuff, it looked like the train and parking lot were right in the middle of a mill. Now it looks like the train and parking lot are on the outside. Much better. I think the vents really help. Makes it look like the back of the buildings.

Loren