Colorado O Scale St. Vrain River Bridge Project

Since i do the trackwork, i'll answer the rail color question.  Rails were painted with RustOlem primer for rusty metal before laying.  After everything was in place,  the rails, spikes and tieplates were painted with Joe's Model Trains Custom Flat Acrylic Paint and a small brush.  It's not really as tedious as it sounds.  A little weathering should knock down the "new" rust look.  The BNSF rails behind my house are much darker brown than this color,  but they are only seen in direct sunlight.  Erik has been teaching me about the role of light in presenting models in a "good" light. 

Today’s pic of progress 

Roughing in the water base and refining colors. Will finalize with airbrush then on to water  

 What colors are you using on your water base ?  What are you doing for water ?

I’m mixing heavy bodied acrylics on my pallet to photos taken near Longmont of the St Vrain River. If you want to be technical it’s raw umber, cerulean blue, hunter green, violet, and in not that order. Water? -I have Envirotex, Modge Podge, that new stuff from Woodland Scenics sooooooooo.... I haven’t decided. I’ll let you know 

Thank you Erik . I look forward to sticking my finger into it !

CHOO-CHOO MIKE posted:

Thank you Erik . I look forward to sticking my finger into it !

Some further crude shots of continued work 

Not crude at all, Erik.  No nekkid wimmin. 

I like that second one. 

Erik C Lindgren posted:

Some further crude shots of continued work 

I see nothing "crude" about it.........

How will one show high water marks on the bridge piers?

Jan

Today’s picture progress did some test shots of a train. 

Still have a long way to go; I’m pleased with the overall appearance it’s workinh out the way I wanted it too. Made a stop at Caboose in Lakewood to stock up on supplies this afternoon. This hopefully will be a good week. 

WOW! Just WOW!

Erik,

Not only are you a great photographer, but you artwork in scenery is another great talent you exhibit !

Ted Michaels

AND your great atrwok

teddymich posted:

Erik,

Not only are you a great photographer, but you artwork in scenery is another great talent you exhibit !

Ted Michaels

 

AND Erik, your modelbuilding surely ought to earn you a commission from BRASSTRAINS since both of their Overland truss bridges sold over the weekend.  

Today’s progress 

All the while nursing a 5 month old. 

Loving those dad pictures! Great progress on the bridge, awesome.

Today’s progress pic

soon I’m hoping for some pouring...

Testing water effects with using an under surface sandbar formation in my computer before committng to the job. 

Just finished the first pour.. 

What a beautiful result! 

'hope the water is not too cold.......

jpv in France

This is really looking good, Erik. You nailed the sub-surface sand bar effect.

Some of todays progress pics 

Outstanding work, can't get much better than that, and I spend a lot of time around creeks and rivers when I'm bushwalking.

You have got it right Erik.

Roo.

Hey thanks Roo; I do as well spend a great deal of time along the rivers and streams. I still need to add another layer of water from Woodland Scenics I am very happy with the results. And it didnt stink up the house. The little ones are not really good at breathing that stuff. 

Well, back too it!

WOW. Just wow...

Thank you Lee

Under certain lighting conditions I am reasonably happy with the results of the water efforts to create the interaction between under water features and rocks along the banks. The sand bar is exactly what I was hoping for so typical of the Platte River and St. Vrain. 

In my opinion, this is your best scene yet Erik!  I've been following your work on this and I must say...its worth every painstaking scale stake you drove, all your drawings, research, scenery, design work, engineering studies, work sessions, bridge modifications, and the hours and hours of artistic love of scale work you've put into this scene. You're an O Scale 1/48 artist and it shows! Best work! Love it! Congratulations!

Many thanks Rick 

OUTSTANDING!

Well, you've done it Erik!!! This one absolutely looks real. The angle is terrific and adds to the overall look. Just like sitting on the bank fishing or trainspotting. I can't find anything that says model. 

This module will do more for "O Scale" at train shows than anything I've seen prior.   Very few layouts, much less club modules, get anywhere close to this level of detail, fit and finish, in any gauge. You've have the HO and N guys drooling!

Nice work!!!

Weathering?

BH

Butch,

I have not started the weather of the bridges yet that’s next; still working. Weathering wise it will be not as rusty as we see them today it’s only a 20 year old simulation (1940’s-1950’s)

Thank you for the great support! Glad you enjoyed it- so far.

Glad you like it John! And better yet picked up some unprofessional help! 

Erik,  this looks awesome.  As expected!

John Sethian posted:

Erik,  this looks awesome.  As expected!

Thanks John, I do appreciate the support.. 

Awesome picture's Erik!!

Thank you guys for the feedback 

Incredible work Erik. You attention to realistic detail is really enhanced by your skilled photography.

Well done!

PRR Man posted:

Incredible work Erik. You attention to realistic detail is really enhanced by your skilled photography.

Well done!

Thank you 

Incredible talent! this landscape is alive! 

jpv in France

Thanks JPV! 

Working in some trees

Super Trees! 

Late summer Black Eyed Susan’s  

A little further progress .. 

anyone know where I can locate a fisherman ? Fly or boat? 

Hi Erik

It's good that you left your tools in the photos - so we don't mistake it for the prototype. 

Arttista make a couple of excellent fisherman.

I have them on my layout.

Cheers

Thanks Max! Your layout Work is stellar!!

Thank you, Erik.  Most appreciated. 

The photos and modeling are awesome. Thanks for posting them. Is the layout built to travel to shows or sectional just in case you have to move?

Thank you Christopher,

It is a portable layout and can also be integrated into a home layout. 

Under surface effects layering and tinting and adjusting current effects 

Yes I could have done fish however I felt it was a little too much. I will plan on adding a fisherman and a line. Picked up one today from Artista online. 

Some further refinements to the water and riprap etc. 

Superb, Erik. 

That last photo kind of sucks but I was trying to capture the surface texture of the water and how it was interacting with the rocks and sands. Im glad your ok with the progress I trust your judgement. 

All quiet this end.

No sucking sounds at all. 

I would like to be on the banks of this river, watching at trains..........

Romantic, isn't it?

jpv in France

Thank you John, I really appreciate it. 

John. P. Johnson posted:

Since i do the trackwork, i'll answer the rail color question.  Rails were painted with RustOlem primer for rusty metal before laying.  After everything was in place,  the rails, spikes and tieplates were painted with Joe's Model Trains Custom Flat Acrylic Paint and a small brush.  It's not really as tedious as it sounds.  A little weathering should knock down the "new" rust look.  The BNSF rails behind my house are much darker brown than this color,  but they are only seen in direct sunlight.  Erik has been teaching me about the role of light in presenting models in a "good" light. 

Hi John,

Can you tell me the importer of the thru plate girder bridge that you have displayed in your diorama ?

Thanks,

Ted Michaels (teddymich)

teddymich posted:

John. P. Johnson posted:

Since i do the trackwork, i'll answer the rail color question.  Rails were painted with RustOlem primer for rusty metal before laying.  After everything was in place,  the rails, spikes and tieplates were painted with Joe's Model Trains Custom Flat Acrylic Paint and a small brush.  It's not really as tedious as it sounds.  A little weathering should knock down the "new" rust look.  The BNSF rails behind my house are much darker brown than this color,  but they are only seen in direct sunlight.  Erik has been teaching me about the role of light in presenting models in a "good" light. 

Hi John,

Can you tell me the importer of the thru plate girder bridge that you have displayed in your diorama ?

Thanks,

Ted Michaels (teddymich)

 

Ted, it’s actually my bridge John is assisting me with the incredible engineering required in building my section for the layout we both own together.  The model was built for me by a custom builder in China of brass. He was selling similar models on eBay and agreed to build one to a specific length and width found in the Rio Grande standards books. 

We’ve had some excellent feedback at a new show in Denver called the Rocky Mountain Hobby Expo today  

Gerald from Caboose Ltd (Caboose Hobbies) in Lakewood was very supportive in his critique; he is an accomplished Narrow Gauge modeler and instrumental in putting on this years 37th annual National Narrow Gauge Convention.

The layout exhibits well and continues to grow  

Bob Kjelland is an excellent resource for bridges and gave it the going over! One of his Northern Pacific bridges won best at the March Meet back in the 2000’s and was featured in O Scale News  1/4” to the Foot  

This gentleman is a an expert on civil engineering and was very impressed by the working miniature quality of the build  

Doug Geiger is a hard man to impress and he was! His knowledge of railroad operations and history makes him one of today’s leading authorities in our community  

I drooled all over Fred’s booth today  ;-)

This fine gentleman fired on the Espee AC’s! 

Great crew 

Really superb job on your bridge project, what ever happened to the coalveyor cars one of your group was doing, looked like it was coming along well.

upside down fireman

hibar posted:

Really superb job on your bridge project, what ever happened to the coalveyor cars one of your group was doing, looked like it was coming along well.

That was Trinkle Trains I am pretty sure he is still working on them. 

I have begun weathering the bridges. 

I need to get on the maintenance department I’ve found at least a dozen loose spikes. 

What an awesome railroad!

Erik C Lindgren posted:

I need to get on the maintenance department I’ve found at least a dozen loose spikes. 

Eric -

Very  nice work, and thanks for sharing the build. I really like the water as well... Well done!

I have the same issue above, but I term it as more of a loose screw!

Take care and include us in the future builds.

How did your drone manage to catch those photos. An artist and pilot. I'm impressed.

Dick

I went back an looked through the thread again. Great stuff. Definitely worth the trip.

christopher N&W posted:

I went back an looked through the thread again. Great stuff. Definitely worth the trip.

I missed this sorry Chris, thanks 

I hope we can have the O Scale National in Denver next summer se we can see this piece.

Dick

J Daddy posted:

Erik C Lindgren posted:

I need to get on the maintenance department I’ve found at least a dozen loose spikes. 

Eric -

Very  nice work, and thanks for sharing the build. I really like the water as well... Well done!

I have the same issue above, but I term it as more of a loose screw!

Take care and include us in the future builds.

Thanks Dick and J Daddy for the comments. Sure Brightened my day

CBQer posted:

I hope we can have the O Scale National in Denver next summer se we can see this piece.

Dick

I would love too Dick, we need an army of guys to pull it off! If you see Leighton and Jefferson at the March Meet hit em up. Maybe Caboose Ltd would want to sponsor.  

Thanks man 

So believable as real.  As usual.

Fantastic and better than real. We are in the 4th dimension with this module.

How about cutting the side of the module, to give the appearance that the water will be flowing out of it? I think I twould improve the experience overall.

Yves

Thanks Yves and Joe, your comments are appreciated. All in good time Yves, I need another day a week. 

         OUTSTANDING photo and model !!   easily pass as real !   great job !

The only clue that it's a module is that it's posted here.  Otherwise woulda taken it for a real scene.  Best combo of modeling and photography I've ever seen.  Thanks, Erik.

Yep, it's almost beyond modeling at this level, it's art. Sure you have to model it to have it, but few can match this level of detail and realism.  Nice job Erik!

BH

Gee fellas, I’m thrilled you enjoy the hard work. It keeps me coming back for more punishment. 

Austin Bill posted:

The only clue that it's a module is that it's posted here.  Otherwise woulda taken it for a real scene.  Best combo of modeling and photography I've ever seen.  Thanks, Erik.

Very cool Bill I’m so flattered and humbled by your comments. 

Erick, the modelling is amazing. The detail is incredible, I have so many questions, I hope my modelling gets to that level one day.

Erik C Lindgren posted:

 

I know it's an overused phrase on forums like this, but this photo looks REAL. I don't simply mean that it's very realistic, I mean it looks like you stood lineside at the Illinois RR museum and caught their streamliner on a run somewhere.

There's nothing in this photo that even suggests this is anything but a 1:1 reality.

Matt Makens posted:

Erick, the modelling is amazing. The detail is incredible, I have so many questions, I hope my modelling gets to that level one day.

Thanks Matt, I appreciate it. 

p51 posted:

Erik C Lindgren posted:

 

I know it's an overused phrase on forums like this, but this photo looks REAL. I don't simply mean that it's very realistic, I mean it looks like you stood lineside at the Illinois RR museum and caught their streamliner on a run somewhere.

There's nothing in this photo that even suggests this is anything but a 1:1 reality.

I need to be careful with that so I need a few of these to disprove the naysayers... 

p51 posted:

Erik C Lindgren posted:

 

I know it's an overused phrase on forums like this, but this photo looks REAL. I don't simply mean that it's very realistic, I mean it looks like you stood lineside at the Illinois RR museum and caught their streamliner on a run somewhere.

There's nothing in this photo that even suggests this is anything but a 1:1 reality.

Erik is engaging in what I refer to as "scary modeling". This is where the model looks so much like it's a 1:1 photo that it's scary anyone can model like that. 

Erik,  do you guys (COSM) have any upcoming shows where you will put up your modular layout including the bridge module.  Didn't see anything on the COSM website.  Would like to see the layout at a show  while doing other things in Colorado when the high country warms up.  Thanks, Bill. 

I’m not sure Bill, at the moment unless something comes up the next scheduled event we are planning on doing is October 2018 at the Hobby Expo and this is not certain as it’s so far out. If offered space we would be willing to set up anytime. I’ve often considered contacting Children’s Hospital in Aurora colorado and offered setting up for a 3 day weekend.

Thanks, Erik.   Bet the children will get a big, big lift if you do it.  I'll watch your website for COSM show participation.  

The sheer complexity and world class execution of this project is something we can all appreciate. I wish I could see it with my own eyes as I'm sure the limitations of photography don't do it justice. 

AGHRMatt posted:

p51 posted:

Erik C Lindgren posted:

 

I know it's an overused phrase on forums like this, but this photo looks REAL. I don't simply mean that it's very realistic, I mean it looks like you stood lineside at the Illinois RR museum and caught their streamliner on a run somewhere.

There's nothing in this photo that even suggests this is anything but a 1:1 reality.

Erik is engaging in what I refer to as "scary modeling". This is where the model looks so much like it's a 1:1 photo that it's scary anyone can model like that. 

J Daddy posted:

Erik C Lindgren posted:

I need to get on the maintenance department I’ve found at least a dozen loose spikes

 

 

not uncommon though in the real world!

The darn English language doesn't provide enough variations to praise the quality of your work Eric, both photographically and modeling unless you go all Lucius Bebee an stuff. Man that guy had a way to turn a phrase.

Thanks fellas glad you like it. 

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

The sheer complexity and world class execution of this project is something we can all appreciate. I wish I could see it with my own eyes as I'm sure the limitations of photography don't do it justice. 

Wow Santiago thanks muchly 

wb47 posted

I need to get on the maintenance department I’ve found at least a dozen loose spikes

 

not uncommon though in the real world!

Indeed. I saw several loose spikes on the (BNSF) main last night while waiting to photograph a Amtrak train. I noticed several loose spikes, a couple were almost completely out.

Some test shots on the bridge, I thought maybe you guys enjoy them.

The poor farmer’s shiny green Hudson is going to get some clinkers on the roof. 

Erik C Lindgren posted:

I need to be careful with that so I need a few of these to disprove the naysayers... 

Well At least Your Bridge lasted a lot longer than this one!

http://www.miamiherald.com/new...rticle205316174.html

John took the word right out of my mouth!  Fantastic Erik!  Thank you for sharing your photographs with us!!

Erik C Lindgren posted:

p51 posted:

Erik C Lindgren posted:

 

I know it's an overused phrase on forums like this, but this photo looks REAL. I don't simply mean that it's very realistic, I mean it looks like you stood lineside at the Illinois RR museum and caught their streamliner on a run somewhere.

There's nothing in this photo that even suggests this is anything but a 1:1 reality.

I need to be careful with that so I need a few of these to disprove the naysayers... 

Sure, nice photo shop work. Seriously thanks for posting all these great photos, hopefully you will motivate others to do some work and post it on the forum. You positively have a fantastic ability both modeling as well as the photos! Thanks again for letting us use one of you photos for the cover of our 2018 catalog.

Eric  - I really look forward to seeing the fruits of your amazing modelling and photography talent posted on the forum - its inspirational. Thanks for sharing. 

Scale City Designs posted:

Erik C Lindgren posted:

p51 posted:

Erik C Lindgren posted:

 

I know it's an overused phrase on forums like this, but this photo looks REAL. I don't simply mean that it's very realistic, I mean it looks like you stood lineside at the Illinois RR museum and caught their streamliner on a run somewhere.

There's nothing in this photo that even suggests this is anything but a 1:1 reality.

I need to be careful with that so I need a few of these to disprove the naysayers... 

Sure, nice photo shop work. Seriously thanks for posting all these great photos, hopefully you will motivate others to do some work and post it on the forum. You positively have a fantastic ability both modeling as well as the photos! Thanks again for letting us use one of you photos for the cover of our 2018 catalog.

Marty, it’s an honor you wanted to use it! Be sure and give one to Leighton or Jeff so I can get one. Good luck this weekend sell lots! 

Keystoned Ed posted:

Eric  - I really look forward to seeing the fruits of your amazing modelling and photography talent posted on the forum - its inspirational. Thanks for sharing. 

Thanks Ed, feeling is mutual..

Erik , you always inspire me to do better modeling. Your work is fantastic! As a byproduct; you have introduced me to some really great jazz artists!  I'm always checking to see if you have released a new video with great trains and smooth jazz.

Billy C

Thanks Billy C! 

Thanks guys for all the support on this project. Soon Jefferson will be installing his bridge on his layout and what fun we will have! Wish you all could help. 

I should have Liked this topic long ago.

Summer fun with the kids! 

I need to weather these things! 

Got a chance to work on the bridge again this past month among other things, it also gives me a chance to photo my models a nearly equal passion. 

I always enjoy your work, Erik!

@John Sethian posted:

I always enjoy your work, Erik!

Thank you kindly sir. It’s a privilege to share with you. 

Erik,

Wow, just wow!

Larry

@LLKJR posted:

Erik,

Wow, just wow!

Larry

Cool Larry! Wish you were closer we could talk builds! 

A OGR member “Brother Love“ original built for my since passed dear friend Chip Rosetta. I miss you Chip. Malcom so beautiful so perfect. Blessed to be its owner. 

Thats utterly amazing.

@p51 posted:

Thats utterly amazing.

Thank you kindly sir. 

Erik:

What are the overall dimensions of this bridge module set?

@AGHRMatt posted:

Erik:

What are the overall dimensions of this bridge module set?

Hi @AGHRMatt

5x10 as discussion earlier in the thread. 

Amazing talent and ability and the photos look so real.  

Erik, great to see updates.  Don't worry about weathering, even the real things were freshly painted once.  How do you get the smoke so realistic?

Some newer stuff to add to the project. It’s been fun fellas. Maybe it might make a article idea for someone. 🤭🧐

Some raw behind the scenes looks……

The backlit steam exhaust is a work of art!

Nicely done!

Thanks Chris. This is how I enjoy our hobby. 😊👍

@Erik C Lindgren posted:

Excellent use of smoke. You made sure the issues of shadows from the smoke are avoided. I've never seen anyone else make sure you can't see the lack of shadows from photoshopped smoke!

Thanks Lee 🙂

@PRR Man posted:

The backlit steam exhaust is a work of art!

Nicely done!

Thanks Chris appreciate that.

Dual gauge....three rail prototype...Colorado railroading..beautiful .

@colorado hirailer posted:

Dual gauge....three rail prototype...Colorado railroading..beautiful .

Not even close, 🤣

But worth a good laugh, 2 gauges in one track isn’t 2 rail with an electrical pickup rail in the middle although subways are getting close but still I see no subways in my mountains. With dual gauge the center rail isn’t even centered perfectly like toy trains. I wish it was I could save a lot of time hand laying dual gauge track… 🤪 cute buddy but no dice my man 🎲

So real! Spectacular. Congratulations on your fantastic modelling!

thanks Sara, for the compliment. 🙂

Very nice in every way.  How long is that unit and how easily transported?

@mwb posted:

Very nice in every way.  How long is that unit and how easily transported?

This section is 10’ long into 2 parts.

My friend and I built these free-mo modules as sections to be used as photo props and a portable railroad or installed into home benchwork for a future home layout which they are set up now and running as modules in my home. My friend John and I started out together in 2013 with a plan to do a O scale group and it never really took off like we hoped but it’s still there for anyone wanting to get involved. John has a 25’ trailer with carts that all the sections fit into neatly and stow. We set it up at the OSNC in 2021 it was a success ran beautiful for 4 days. They are frames of wood with styrofoam cores and splines for roadbed. My Z scale and n scale is the same only smaller all DCC. You can browse this thread that is now some 8 years old and follow along the process. Fun hobby, thanks for keeping us going! Good job at OST, it’s loved greatly.