Proposal for an N Scale Addition

Something to set the mood and give an indication of what all is involved inside.

So what does a simple proposal for model railroad design and building services look like? Here's a recent one that is pretty informal, but it covers all of the bases. It explains what is included, what is excluded, as well as a conceptual plan and time line. Pretty simple, but it helps get everyone on the same page from the beginning.

A break down of what is expected really helps get everyone thinking along the same lines. Every job is bid differently.

A good idea of what is going to happen really helps every stage of the project. Having a clear plan will root out any misunderstandings rather quickly, so that more time is spent on productive work and a good working relationship.

Now just like any project, there is probably going to be scope creep, time adjustments, and cost cuts or additions. But a plan is just a starting point for change. The idea is to get a good starting point so your changes can be as good as possible. A schedule gives a pretty good idea of when things are going to get done. Life generally changes this, but the project usually ends up completing when projected.



The N scale structures in previous posts were for this project, so you've already seen a little of what is going on. I'll keep you updated on our progress as it unfolds.

Car Repair Shed

Floor is old concrete with some mud weathering smudged around.

Just finished an N scale car repair shed kit by Heljin. Simple kit, but I spent a lot of time on the weathering to give it a heavily rusted exterior. I used mostly Bragdon dark and light rust powders as well as some Poly Scale paint and Tamiya weathering "make up" system.

This is all Bragdon powder on the main surfaces. Only paint used was on floor and trim.

I'm a huge fan of the Bragdon powders, and I was able to use only the powders on the main surface of the corrugated metal siding without painting the pieces first. the original plastic is molded in silver, and the few area that show work fine. The concrete interior floor is painted old concrete with the Tamiya mud applied sparingly to dirty up the place.

I had about 15 pounds of help from Arresto, my scale figure.

I have to be careful and keep an eye out for Arresto when I sit down to work at the workbench. Sometimes he just really wants to help me with a project, and I have to humor him for a few minutes while he helps. He usually harmlessly moves along, but I have to move my paint water, drinks and glue out of the way until he does. The fur he leaves in his wake is especially voluminous in the summer time. Some day I'm going to try to use it as landscaping grass on the layout.