North Dublin themed layout. Ideas needed

[Adam Berry]

Ive entered the final stages of my exhibition layout set vaguely in the Greater Dublin Area. Looking for any advice on what I could add to it to finish it off.

[Patrick Davey]

Welcome to the forum Adam, a lot of work there - my only suggestion would be maybe road markings, probably essential for an urban setting?

Looks like the Jinty is pulling a consignment of track rubbers!

Like the tyre markings coming out from below the archway.

Enjoy the build!

[Tullygrainey]

Welcome Adam. You'll find a friendly atmosphere and plenty of support here. No matter what the question, someone will have the answer. 

If you're planning to take your layout out to exhibitions, it might be wise to consider some form of lighting for it. Some locations can be a bit dark and won't show your work off to best effect. Even a simple wooden batten supported at each end a couple of feet above the layout with some LED strips glued to it will make all the difference. LED strips of the sort intended for under-cupboard worktop lighting in kitchens can be had fairly cheaply on-line and they usually come with a power supply. Go for 'warm white'.

Best wishes

Alan

Edited November 12, 2024 by Tullygrainey

[Galteemore]

Always good to see someone posting their modelling. Add some Irish scenic touches like phone boxes etc if you can to help finish it off.  The station building has the makings of a GNRI prototype. And please keep posting !

Edited November 12, 2024 by Galteemore

[jhb171achill]

2 hours ago, Patrick Davey said:

Looks like the Jinty is pulling a consignment of track rubbers!

Well wrapped consignment of raw materials for Kutch, Hinahan & Co. (Chemical Importers), Dublin & Limerick.

[Tullygrainey]

Re: LED lighting strips. This is sort of thing I've used. It comes on a reel and can be cut to length.

[Adam Berry]

1 hour ago, Tullygrainey said:

Re: LED lighting strips. This is sort of thing I've used. It comes on a reel and can be cut to length.

Deffo will look at getting a few, thanks!

[LNERW1]

I love the elevation differences between all the buildings- I find I’m often more immersed in layouts with different levels. Not that I’d ever take my own advice lol.

Edit: love the profile pic too.

Edited November 14, 2024 by LNERW1

[LNERW1]

I’ve noticed something that you may be able to do. Keep in mind I am very inexperienced and in fact you seem to have done loads with your layout that I have yet to do, but I think maybe the roads are a bit dark and glossy for tarmac. Maybe try a lighter grey paint, with a matt varnish over it? Again keep in mind you are probably more experienced than me but I think it could help the layout look better as the glossy roads stand out a little from the otherwise more realistic scenery around them. All the best, LNERW1.

[jhb171achill]

2 hours ago, LNERW1 said:

I’ve noticed something that you may be able to do. Keep in mind I am very inexperienced and in fact you seem to have done loads with your layout that I have yet to do, but I think maybe the roads are a bit dark and glossy for tarmac. Maybe try a lighter grey paint, with a matt varnish over it? Again keep in mind you are probably more experienced than me but I think it could help the layout look better as the glossy roads stand out a little from the otherwise more realistic scenery around them. All the best, LNERW1.

Good thinking; I will simply pass on a tip I received from a very experienced modeller friend of mine.

He did a job for me with a road surface. He painted the baseboard a grey-sih brown muddy-looking colour, then scattered an even but light coating of REAL soil (suitably washed and with all organic material removed - thus more like sediment) over the road surface. Spray with light glue, presumably diluted PVA.

Didn't need to paint it - it looks great. For a tarmac road I think i would put a dull greyish diluted wash of some sort over it after it had hardened.

Edited November 18, 2024 by jhb171achill

[Adam Berry]

Love the ideas that have came through. I've made a good bit of progress in the last couple of months including finishing off the station and modifying the buildings. Its near the end now, just needs a couple more buildings and to do something about that road!

[LNERW1]

Looking great. One question though- what's going on with the track in the last photo? It looks like a point has been modified so as not to allow any vehicles or power to the siding, but I'm not quite sure why it's like that at all really. I'm sure you have your reasons but I'm just curious as to what they are. Thanks.

[Adam Berry]

It's basically a sort of display line. I wanted to fill that space but there wasn't enough room to add a set of points and the track was already laid, so I made it unpowered, with a fake set of points leading to it. Can display unused wagons and small locos without them getting in the way of the running line.

[LNERW1]

Ah I see. I have to say that’s quite a good solution to the problem but I don’t doubt it was somewhat of a pain to construct. Anyway that question aside I love the (almost all of) rest of the layout, keep up the good work but I notice the roads still haven’t been done! Tsk, tsk.

(if not obvious I am of course joking. If you prefer them like that who am I to stop you. Or if you just haven’t got around to it yet I’m the last person to reprimand you!)