The last Train

[Markus Lack]

Hallo Leute,
lange habe ich nichts mehr gepostet. Teils wegen Zeitmangel, teils aus anderen Gründen.

Nun denn, da ich denke daß das Thema dieses Dioramas nicht ganz uninteressant für euch sein dürfte haben wir uns entschlossen es auch hier zu zeigen. Dem ein oder anderen könnte es schon bekannt sein, dennoch hoffen wir daß es trotzdem etwas Anklang finden wird.
Warum wir?
Ich habe den Beginn des Dios an anderer Stelle mitgekriegt und meinem Freund Rick Lawler eine Mail geschrieben und gefragt ob er irgendwelche Unterstützung braucht oder ob ich irgendwas dazu beitragen kann. Mich interessierte das Projekt brennend und ich wollte unbedingt daran teilhaben. Teilweise da ich schon geraume Zeit ein ähnliches Projekt im Kopf habe, es aber nicht ganz einfach ist so etwas auf deutschen Ausstellungen zu zeigen ohne in irgendwelche Schubladen gesteckt zu werden, teilweise weil Rick zu den Modellbauern gehört die ich seit Jahren bewundere und der mich immer unterstützt hat wenn ich irgendwelche Fragen zum Weathering hatte.
Um was handelt es sich bei dem Projekt?
Ich wollte es euch eigentlich von Anfang an erklären, allerdings will ich den Beitrag so zeigen wie ihn Rick an anderer Stelle auch zeigt. Ich hoffe deshalb das es für euch OK ist wenn ich ihn eins zu eins hierher kopiere. Ich habe das Einverständnis von Rick und ich werde ihn Links zu dem Beitrag schicken.
Ich überlasse es euch auf englisch oder deutsch zu antworten:

Ricks Beitrag:
p.
Hi all,

This is the beginning of a larger, and what I hope to be a thought provoking scene. Yes, I know big words - but the subject itself is difficult and must be addressed with due reverence.

Ok..enough said for now- let's build. The kit of the G10 German Covered Wagon comes by way of Libor, at L.Z. Models.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/g10_000.jpg" border="0">

The G10 kit contains 180 resin parts and 180 photo etched pieces, along with a decal sheet, wire, and plastic strip. The instructions are provided in PDF format on a CD which provides you with 52 pages of construction and reference photographs. Construction begins with the underside support beams and flooring....

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/1p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/2p-1.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/3p-1.jpg" border="0">

Time to add the sliders for the bearing housings, spring hangers and wheels...........


http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/4p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/5p.jpg" border="0">

Now the fun really begins....the brake system. To begin, many of the bracket parts are double thickness photo etch - these were soldered together for strength - styrene rod is used for the pins..........

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/7p.jpg" border="0">

The brake arms and hangers were then mounted.............

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/8p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/9p.jpg" border="0">

Well, it's a start. Much more to do...'till next time.  take care, Rick

[Markus Lack]

Began by adding the air tank and brake cylinder, the linkage is simply brass wire....

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/12p.jpg" border="0">

the brake operating arms and rods are made using styrene rod, with the connection points flattened and notched. (the should have holes and pins..but I cheated!http://www.modellbauforen.de/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/auge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/10p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/14p.jpg" border="0">

More stuff...air lines, valves, and brackets.....

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/18p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/19p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/17p.jpg" border="0">

And that pretty much takes care of the underside of the car.

Until next time.

Rick

[Markus Lack]

Hi all -

Ok..time to work on the topside. Before I get started with the post, I gotta mention how NICE this kit is to build. Yes, it can be complicated at times - the casting of the parts and the fit is spectacular.

The end pieces, laid out and ready to go. If you look closely you can see that there are channels on the end section for the sides to fit into - nice.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/20p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/21p.jpg" border="0">

So, now the storyline begins to reveal itself. I decided to cut windows (with bars) into the side panels....

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/22p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/23p.jpg" border="0">

At this point I have windows cut into a panel that fits onto either side of the car. Unfortunately, I didn't notice that these panels have a specific top and bottom orientation so one of the panels is cut in error. My fix is simple. Rather than re-installing the planking and cutting a new window in the proper location, I decide to simply put a "patch" over the hole simulating a quick train yard repair. You will notice this as the work continues in the upcoming photos.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/25p.jpg" border="0">

Detail strips...

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/26p.jpg" border="0">

Next time I tackle the doors and door tracks.

thanks for looking,
Rick

[Markus Lack]

Hi folks,

Ok...let's get this train movin'.....

Next up are the side doors. The doors are built/detailed and then attached to the car and can be shown in either the open or closed position. Detailing of the doors is straight forward, just pay attention to the small location bumps/marks on the part for the proper placement positions of the pieces....

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/30p.jpg" border="0">

The kit provides that the lower door railing be constructed from photo etched parts. I ran into difficulty here when trying to assemble the parts. The assembly itself is complex, and instruction photos are somewhat vague which caused me some confusion as to where certain bends were to be made - and how parts connected. Unfortunately the required trial and error caused me to damage some of the etched parts.

Rather than press forward with the etch, I chose to build the door railing from plastic strip - using the photo etched parts as a guide....

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/27p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/28p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/31p.jpg" border="0">

'till next time....

Rick

[Markus Lack]

Howdy everyone,

Moving right along.....next I tackled the roof. I wanted the roof exterior to have a pronounced tar-papered texture to it, so I covered the sections using Bare Metal Foil - purposefully leaving in small wrinkles.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/37p.jpg" border="0">

he roof comes in 4 sections that are glued together end to end to make up the length of the car. The joins were covered (inside and out) using plastic strip - small rivets were added using a prototype prototype punch and die set given to me for testing by the folks at The Small Shop. It's working great - Hope to see it in production soon!

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/39p.jpg" border="0">

The finishing details are added - steps, couplers, fittings...etc. and the car is completed.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/46p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/45p.jpg" border="0">

Once again I gotta say what a wonderful kit this is. Thanks again Libor (L.Z. Models) for your obvious dedication to your craft.


Ok...next time we'll get busy with the painting.

Take care,
Rick

[Markus Lack]

Ok guys...here we go. Painting.

First, a base coating of Grey Primer - just to seal it up and get the process started.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/48p.jpg" border="0">

Next, I gave the car an additional "primer" of flat black. This is actually an important step in the overall finish of this car for a couple of reasons: First, I want to increase the depth of the shadows, especially between the planking and in the interior, and Second, for the overall exterior finish I am going to depend upon a certain level of the Black to show through the color. I'll explain later when I get to that point.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/49p.jpg" border="0">

Working my way from the bottom up, I first added colors to the underside of the car, wheels and trucks. I probably got a little fancier here than I really needed to be. I first painted the metal areas using Model Master Metallizers (Burnt Metal. Aluminum & Magnesium) and then sealed with a light layer of Future. Over this I applied a layer of hairspray and then Tamiya's Nato Brown color. Once the brown had dried I removed patches of the brown color to reveal the steel colors underneath.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/52p.jpg" border="0">

Next, the base color(s). Since this was a rail car I figured why not use "real" railroad colors. So I went over to my Local Train Store and picked up a few bottle of POLLY Scale colors. Ok...remember how I painted a black undercoating? Well, here is when it comes into play. IF (big IF) I have developed a technique or "style" over the past years I think that can be traced to how I paint my base color(s) layer. In this case, I want a worn, somewhat transparent finish. I also try NOT to create a homogenous, or uniformed base color. I know, from experience, that the effects of the subsequent weathering will "play off" of be dependent upon the base colors. So, if I can make the base layers somewhat interesting - then I am confident that the later weathering will only enhance the visual interest.

Make sense? Probably not...but! Here's what I did.....

Over the Black I spayed an Inconsistent layer of POLLY Scale ATSF Red. Notice how the Black color still shows through the red color?

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/53p.jpg" border="0">

Next, in order to enhance the planks and further increase the visual interest of the base layer I lightly sprayed UN-even applications of POLLY Scale Freight Car Red (a brownish color) using cardstock as a quick mask along the planks...

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/55p.jpg" border="0">

I continued the process of adding light color layers - always changing my color mix slightly with each application. My goal is to achieve a foundation that is visually interesting - areas of varying colors and tones.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/57p.jpg" border="0">

With the base colors applied it's time to let things dry for a bit before moving onto the weathering....

'till next time...thanks for following along.

Rick

[Markus Lack]

Hello again,

Well, now it's getting fun....weathering. Or as I like to think of it, giving the model some personality.

Chips and Paint Peels. I went back to "old school" on this step. No tricky hairspray, scrubbing or masking....just some paints and a fine brush. Although I work quickly, this step takes a few evenings.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/60p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/61p.jpg" border="0">


Still a long way to go....

Thanks for following.
Rick

[Markus Lack]

Hello again.

Thanks to everyone for following along.

It's time to bring some depth to the finish, and for this I turn to artists oils. To the upper areas of the car (planking) I want to continue with the theme of enhancing the tonal interest. As you can see from this photo I chose a number of colors for this stage of the process. The oils are first placed upon a small of cardboard in order to leach out the oils - this helps quicken drying times and insures that the colors dry to a matte finish.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/63p.jpg" border="0">

Grime and dirt staining were added to the lower edges of the car, again using oils. The primary colors for this stage were 502 Abteilung Light Mud, Starship Filth, and Shadow Brown. In all cases using oils it is a process of building effects - layer by layer.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/64p.jpg" border="0">

Finally, the wheels and trucks received a "special" treatment of oils and pigments. Here, rather than apply each separately - or in succession - I apply the oils and pigments in one step. First, I dab oil colors onto the surface (wheel) - generally a mix of Shadow Brown and Dark Rust - and then using a a larger, soft brush I stipple the pigment colors (Rail Rust, Track Brown, Standard Rust) directly onto the wet paints. The pigments "stain" the oils and produce some nice nuanced effects. Once the oils have dried the application is permanent.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/67pp.jpg" border="0">

And here is where we stand at the moment. The car is about as done I a want it to be at this stage. I do the final weathering once it's placed upon the base.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/76p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/71p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/79p.jpg" border="0">

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/70p.jpg" border="0">

Next I will be moving onto the pieces for the scene.

Thanks,
Rick

[Markus Lack]

Hi everyone,

Well, it's time to begin working on the scene itself.

The genesis of this idea took hold while visiting the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C.  This was my second visit to the museum, but the first time that I had taken advantage of the full tour.  My tour began by being personally shown some of the museum artifacts by a Holocaust Survivor, his narrative intertwined with the descriptions of the museum pieces.  His Story – Their Story; had a profound impact.

In the museum and among the symbols of the associated with the Holocaust, the German Rail Transport car, G-10, came to symbolize the forced "relocation" of millions of people during the Nazi reign.  Until recently, 1/35th scale rail stock has been nearly non-existent.  Fortunately Libor of L.Z.Models has filled this void with an absolutely stunning rail car kit.  

It is my full intention to approach this subject with the respect and reverence deserved.  The scene is simple.  A single rail car is parked on the rails, the side door is open and the occupants are gone.  All that remains are the personal effects of the occupants - piles of clothing, suitcases.  A lone prisoner, using a handcart, is tasked to collect the effects.

The cart was built from styrene....

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/99p.jpg" border="0">

The figure was sculpted by a friend, Bruce Bowman, specifically for this occasion...

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/91p.jpg" border="0">

Thanks for following along.

Rick

[Markus Lack]

Ok...Like I've mentioned earlier my focus is going to be upon the prisoner and the cart.  But, I do need to set the stage, create a backdrop.   I shaped these from plastic stock and then cast multiples.  The transformers are small glass beads on wire posts....

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/96p.jpg" border="0">

The electrified fence posts will run along the rear of the scene, behind the train car....

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/102p.jpg" border="0">

The wire fencing is Plastruct mesh that I've cut into length - leaving only a small "barb" of the cross pattern.  Since these photos I've restrung the fencing to tighten, and straighten it up....The tracks are laid (Trumpeter) onto the base and good 'ole Scenic Express Ballast was glued in place....

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/RickLawlerphotos/Never%20Again/103p.jpg" border="0">

Thanks again,

Rick

[Markus Lack]

Das ist jetzt der momentane Stand der Dinge.

Mein Beitrag:
Rick bot mir an die Figur für die Szene zu bemalen, ich brauchte keine zwei Sekunden um dankend anzunehmen.
Wie Rick bereits erklärt hat, die Figur wurde von Bruce Bowman modelliert und Rick hat sie zweimal für mich abgegossen (falls es Probleme geben sollte). Nach Wochen des Wartens trudelte sie dann auch endlich ein.
Auch wenn die Figur an sich nicht schlecht ist, ich habe schnell gesehen daß ich durchaus mehr aus herausholen kann.
Momentan bin ich noch dabei die Figur zu versäubern und sie mittels Modelliermasse zu verbessern. Auf den Bildern seht ihr auf den ersten zwei Bildern die Figur wie ich sie erhalten habe, auf den nächsten zwei Bildern die Figur nach Anfang der Versäuberungsarbeiten und den ersten Überarbeitungen.

http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/89/6786889/6639623332336336.jpg" border="0">

http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/89/6786889/3266323963306134.jpg" border="0">

http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/89/6786889/6263343062353834.jpg" border="0">

http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/89/6786889/3637343535313436.jpg" border="0">

Ich möchte mich, auch hier, nochmal ganz herzlich bei Rick für diese einzigartige Gelegenheit bedanken mit ihm an diesem Projekt zusammenzuarbeiten.


Bezüglich meines Beitrags zu dem Projekt noch Ricks Beitrag zu meinen ersten Bildern:

Zitat

I'm so Happy! Finally, you can see for yourselves! Thank you Markus for becoming involved with this project and making the special announcement!!! When Markus asked to become involved I honestly didn't know what part of the project I could offer to him - I only knew that I wanted his involvement. Over time the project began to take shape and it became clear to me that Markus would be the perfect person to bring the focal point of our story to life. You can imagine my excitement when Markus graciously accepted the offer. And so, after what seemed like a very long time in the mail a small box containing two copies of the figure finally arrived to Markus this past weekend. As you can see he has wasted little time getting started............ Thank you to all who are following this project. Rick & Markus

Hallo Markus,

Danke für dies Vorstellung. Ist ja eine interessante Kooperation zwischen euch. Ich finde Rick`s Herangehensweise und seine Vorstellungen bezüglich des Dioramas sehr beachtenswert. Vor geraumer Zeit hat ein anderer Modellbauer, dessen Name mir nicht bekannt ist, eine sehr realistische Szene von der Verladung zum Beginn eines Transportes geschaffen. Durchaus sehr gelungen. Mir gefällt das Gezeigte bis jetzt sehr gut, wobei das handwerkliche Können ja auch sofort ersichtlich ist. Bei der Figur gebe ich dir allerdings recht; Ich denke, dass man zum Beispiel die Knöpfe besser darstellen könnte und die Hände sehen auch etwas sehr groß geraten aus. Der Kopf mit dem Käppi und die Haltung an sich überzeugen aber auf ganzer Linie. Ich bedanke mich für eure Mühen; ist ja mit den vielen Bildern und dem Hin-und-Her-Übersetzen schon viel Arbeit. ich bin aber auch froh, dass Rick seine Schritte so genau beschreibt. Durchaus sehr informativ...

Beste Grüsse

Dennis

[superbickel]

Also mal abgesehen von dem supergenialen Modellbau, der hier gezeigt wird, freue ich mich wirklich sehr mal wieder was von dir zu sehen/lesen! Schön. daß du noch bastelst!

[Steffen23]

Hallo Markus!

Danke erstmal für die Mühe, diesen genialen Baubericht hier zu zeigen. Der Bau dieses Güterwagens ist einfach genial!!
Die Figur "kommt", .... das wird sicher eine tolle Kooperation!

Ich freu' mich sehr aufs Dio! Auch wenn ich vermute, daß es eine sehr bedrückende Szene wird.

Alles Gute
Steffen

[installateur]

Hallo Markus,

ich bin froh überhaupt mal wieder  was von dir zu sehen....auch wenn euer Projekt ein bedrückendes Thema beinhaltet...

Gruß Chris