Aug 22nd 2016 - Devil in the Details

I've been rolling with the detailing phases and it's working out wonderfully. I'm digging the additional foliage and I've been making a few attempts and street markings, though I've rushed them and I'm not happy with what I've done there. The street markings are just going to require more time and effort. That's ok. 

I've started covering up bare deck areas - painting them or covering them with foliage and scenic elements. A huge help.

I had a layer of paint down in this center Shizuka section, but I went in with a second coat and it's much better.

More painting in the back area.

I purchased a plastic kit from a Chinese company recently - Outland Models on eBay. I was a little weary at first due to the low price - around $9, I believe - and the fact that they said that it didn't come with instructions. However, I took the leap and gave it a go.

The kit was simple. The plastic they used was super sturdy and felt like it was quality stuff. It arrived quickly in a little bubble pack. All grand.

The building went together with no glue - very sturdy and tight. I was very pleased with the overall construction and it was very simple to sort out what went where. No worries there. I did my usual fluffing up of the interior adding a few bits and bobs to make it look like something was happening inside.

I added a few splashes of color on the outside. I wasn't looking at this as a foreground building. I see it as more of a mid-ground or background filler building. But, the color was nice.

I have lots of room to add additional details like the poster items I've been tossing into the mix.

I placed the building on the layout when the paint dried and did a literal double take when I placed it next to this Kato building. "HEY! hehehehe  It's the SAME BUILDING!"  I had a good laugh. I guess the folks I got it from used the Kato building as a mold or scanned it. Rather humorous.

Some small differences, but...yeah...it's the same damn building. :)

I masked off the top and did some painting there as well.

I was going to do a bunch of weathering on the building, but I thought better of it after driving through my neighborhood and checking out some buildings. My wife was driving and I was taking in some details and thought, "You know...these buildings are pretty dern clean, really. Not a lot of grime." They really were clean. And any details that were on there would have been invisible in N scale. I think the roof could use some grime, but I think I'll go easy on the dirt on the buildings in Shizuka. Now...the factory area will be a different thing all together! :)

 The new lights are working out well. I dig the overall feel they give off. It's working for me. I can tweak images via Photoshop or Instagram, so it's really about the "glow" in general for me.

I switched the building I built in memory of my Father over into a more prominent spot.

I added yet ANOTHER bus to my bus lineup. This time an offering from TOMYTEC that features characters from the Anime LUPIN! Fun stuff! 

I also added the TOMYTEC Bus Terminal Roundabout which is a fen little detail. I'm going to use it close to the Kiwamura Station area, so I'll have to work at blending it into the area properly. It plays well with the KATO Uniplates due to the height of the base, but I'll need to build up the area so buses could roll up where I'm setting it. The ramp they provide is...not acceptable. :)

And lastly, I made a purchase of a few other items - people, some motorcycles, and some additional cars and trucks.  I also got a building and boxcar to try out the project I had in mind of the spot I saw back in Maryland where they had boxcars up on a building used as storage.

However....the buidling I got was a bit small to do this with. :::sigh:::  I didn't even think to check. I was rolling through my order process too quickly.

So, I may do this with a building I already have, I might try to kitbash up something using the building as a base and rolling some additional structure elements off to the other side of where the stairs are now, or may work with it as storage just off to the side. I think I need to work out a building that this boxcar can sit on top of - I dig it too much! hehehe I think the kitbash will be the most fun. And I'll have something really unique when I'm done.

I'm still making an effort to fit my modeling in around the edges of my schedule making use of lunchtime and the few minutes I have before walking up from my office. It's working so far and better than not doing any hobby time at all! (This might explain away any typos that may be present in these blog posts as well! hehehehe)

Thanks for reading! 
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Tomytec Bus Sytem in action

I really enjoy this TomyTec bus system.
Seeing the wheels turn and the bus moving through the landscape makes me happy. :)
However, I still get the same feeling I get when i see trains running.

"We aren't the people and cars moving? That's just...odd."  hehehehe  

However, this really does add to the scenery and the fun of this little scene. Being able to run the buses through the winding roadways, having them stop at bus stops and over little humps that make them bounce along is a lot of fun!







TRANSLATED FROM YouTube:

Published on Jun 26, 2013

N gauge size of Tommy Tech bus model (scale 1:150) "The bus collection to commemorate the 10th anniversary "(Basukore) Release," Basukore complete (stock) Neko Publishing June 28 is all manual " It is published in. 
　As one of the articles inside is also a featured product of Tommy Tech "Basukore travel system I have posted using the "" diorama of the Miura Peninsula bus run around "the (900 × 600mm) has.The system is intended that self-propelled on the road the bus model has been determined, the easier you have them traveling is what try to run in fact poetry. In this study, the running scene of the bus I have created a video with a focus. Please visit along with the magazine. 
Diorama Craft: Shimbo Mitsutoshi

The hobby bug is hitting me again

Well, the hobby bug is starting to creep in around the edges again. My new baby girl is getting older and our house routine is starting to get a little less manic, so the idea of actually sitting down and getting some hobby time in....somewhere...makes a little more sense. Well, that, a little bit back in taxes and my Mother-In-Law coming for a visit shortly. :)

And, listening to MODEL RAIL RADIO adds to it as well. So much fun hearing about what everyone is doing. (It's a great podcast if you have not already heard it. Check it out!)

Large Building Boutique and Office (Beige) - Kato 23-438B N scale

On deck for the future!

Thinking long term, I snagged another KATO building for Shizuka, the city portion of my layout. I'll need a few more of these base buildings for the layout to go along with what I already have. I also have some custom, signature buildings in mind to build from scratch later in the game.

Hino Town Bus Poncho 1 - Kato 23-540A (N scale)

I'm continuing the bus madness with the addition of two little KATO buses. I'm still not sure what I love about buses, but I figure I'll just go with it until things get totally out of hand. :) This actually goes along with the lore of Shizuka and Soyokaze - buses being a great way to get from one to another to avoid having to drive yourself. Eventually, there will be a modern bus terminal in Shizuka and a more quaint and quiet terminal in Soyokaze.

Taxi Car Set 1 - Kato 23-519 (N scale)

 I also snagged some KATO Taxis. I'll have to figure out which ones will live in Soyokaze and which will be in Shizuka. I'm trying to replace all the American motor vehicles that are currently on my layout. I might try a repaint on some of the American Taxis that are on the layout now - making them look more Japanese. Maybe "America Taxi Company" for tourists?

Station Square House B - Tomytec (Building Collection 110) 1/150 N scale

And lastly, more houses for Soyokaze, though I'm not sure where they are going to go. :)  I've looked at some small village towns in Japan and they are rather dense. Rows of tightly spaced buildings. So, I thought about fitting in more buildings in Soyokaze. I just need to play around with where to place them. Again, this is a moot point due to the fact that - in the BRIGHT AND GLORIOUS FUTURE® where we've moved to a larger home - this Soyokaze section may in fact be torn up and re-placed depending on what's going on with it then. So, we'll see!




I also have plans to add steps to many of the foundation areas of the Soyokaze buildings. You can see that the "sidewalk" areas are far too high to be manageable as they stand now.

I'm also going to place some gravel in around the foundations to get rid of the gaps there. Makes taking photos a real pain.


Speaking of photos - Curse you, Dust! I can see where having a layout under glass in a table or something would be pretty awesome. Keep the dust off the layout!


Happy Hobbying!

Malco

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Soyokaze Tour

Visitors to Soyokaze can access it in various ways. Driving through Soyokaze is common, but parking is a chore. There is a large parking area a few miles down the road, but it isn't paved and you need to take a shuttle up from it. So, many people either take the train from Shizuka or spend a little more time and hop on the bus. It's a great way to see the area if you're not in a rush.

Soyokaze Bus System

The main attraction in Soyokaze is the Soyokaze Temple area. They are basic, Wayō style buildings, but they have a rich history and hold a special place in the hearts of people in and around the Soyokaze area. They are currently being looked after by a small, independent group known as Tenpuru gurūpu or The Temple Group.

However, the thing that pleases people's souls the most while in Soyokaze may not be the Buddhist temples. Soyokaze is a harbor area town that has a rich fishing industry. 

Fresh fish is brought in daily and the chefs of Soyokaze are known for their culinary arts. Soyokaze may be a somewhat small area, but there are many variations in cooking styles that will keep you coming back for more.

A visit to Soyokaze will leave you relaxed and well fed. There are several spots that cater to overnight guests, but we recommend that you reserve a spot early. There are many festivals and events that draw crowds to Soyokaze and you don't want to have to take the late night, naito aurubasu home after a long day of shopping and eating!

Eat, drink and be merry in Soyokaze!

Soyokaze Bridge

The bridge in place.

 

After popping a figure on, I see that I need another railing. :) I can't wait to start painting this up!

Additional Work Layout Photos

I've gone through and taken some more photos of my work layout. We just found out we have to MOVE at the end of March, so the layout will have to be packed up for moving, sadly.
Even more crazy making is having to make sure I get another office space! I need to have a space where I can re-set the ole work layout or I'll be really upset. :)

More photos up on FLICKR: http://www.flickr.com/photos/malcojojo/sets/72157628630757331/

The STARCUP COFFEE spot! :)

Morning tram out to Old Town

Apollo Gas - $3.00/gallon when paying with cash!