Unleashing Creativity in Model Railroading
Unleashing creativity in model railroading allows you to add fun and whimsical elements like mythical creatures.
Fun and Whimsical Super Detailing Ideas
How do you engage viewers with details in model railroading? Detailing isn’t just about making your layout more realistic. It’s also an opportunity to unleash your creativity and have fun with your hobby. By adding whimsical and imaginative elements, you can inject personality and uniqueness into your layout. In this post, we’ll explore how model railroad detailing allows you to express your creativity. It’s time to enjoy the process of bringing your layout to life.
The Joy of Creative Freedom
One of the greatest joys of detailing a scene is the creative freedom it offers. Sometimes, after spending hours on technical tasks like wiring or track laying, it’s refreshing to dive into something a bit more fun and imaginative. This is where adding details to your layout really shines, allowing you to let your creativity run loose and explore new ideas.
David Kruiswyk, a member of our community, shared a scene with a graveyard, complete with ravens perched on the tombstones. This added a layer of eerie atmosphere to the layout, turning a simple scene into something that tells a story and captures the viewer’s imagination.
Examples of Creative Model Railroad Detailing
Whimsical details can bring a layout to life in unexpected ways. For example, Sasquatch and Bigfoot are among the most popular whimsical elements in many layouts. These mythical creatures add a fun, imaginative touch that sparks curiosity and makes the layout more engaging. Rick Smith used O scale lobsters in his scene for signage. This creative use of different scales adds a unique twist to the layout. Thinking outside the box can lead to surprising and delightful results.
Why Creativity Matters
Super detailing is an opportunity to infuse your layout with your own personality and interests. Whether you’re adding whimsical elements, playing with scale, or creating intricate scenes, the process of super detailing allows you to have fun and express your creativity. As you work on your next project, think about how you can use detailing to bring your own unique vision to life.
Creativity is at the heart of super detailing. It’s what makes the process enjoyable and allows you to create layouts that are uniquely yours. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your detailing. Whether it’s adding a mythical creature, playing with scale, or crafting a whimsical scene, let your imagination run wild and see where it takes you.
miniprints is the industry leader for adding unique and fun details to make your layout come alive. Discover the miniverse of model railroad details and accessories at miniprints.com
Learn more about adding details to your model railroad at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20nLIe3iBvw
Coming Next:
Blog Post 6: Rising to the Challenge: The Skill and Artistry Behind Super Detailing
Engaging Viewers with Subtle Details in Model Railroading
Connecting with Your Audience
One of the most rewarding aspects of adding model railroad details is the ability to engaging viewers with subtle details in model railroading. This creates a deep connection with the viewer. By adding subtle details, you can draw people into your layout. This encourages them to explore and engage with the scene on a deeper level. In this post, we’ll discuss how these small touches can make a big impact, creating a connection between your layout and its audience.
The Importance of Setting
Setting the time and place of your layout creates a cohesive and believable scene. As Ricky Keil, a fellow modeler, explains, “I have a module based on a typical agricultural co-op town in the Midwest. My structures vary from old to new to even abandoned. Adding all the “supporting actors” really sell the idea including birds eating spilled grain around the elevator. You know you succeeded when someone absolutely knows where the location is. Even if it is either a generic location or a conglomeration of pro type based scenes.”
The Impact of Subtle Details
John Allen, a member of our community, shared, “It adds life to the scene. Adding subtle details that sometimes aren’t visible to the eye come alive when photographed. It causes the viewer to pause and observe the scene in a different light. It’s fun to watch people discover those details that you know are there but didn’t make a big deal about.”
These subtle details are often what makes a layout memorable. They’re the little surprises that delight viewers and keep them engaged. Whether it’s a hidden animal, a small figure, or an unexpected object, these touches add layers to the scene. These details invite viewers to look closer and discover more. Randall Pratt observes, “Details bring a scene to life and help the viewer to be more immersed in what is going on. They can be the difference between: “Uh, ok, nice layout.” And: “ohhh cool! Look at the ________!”
Examples of Subtle Details
Consider a scene featuring a dog doing its business in a yard or a deer hidden in the background. These details may seem small, but they add life and realism to the scene, making it feel more authentic. They also create a moment of surprise for the viewer, who might not notice these details at first glance. When they do they will be delighted.
Bob Miner added, “As many have said before me, details, people, and animals make a scene come alive, even if for a brief moment, as a viewer scans through a scene while watching the train, they see the details, whether they realize it or not. It makes it more believable, more real. It can also tell a story and add humor to a layout.”
A great example of this is a scene with an old, abandoned caboose where squirrels are playing. It’s a clever and fun detail that adds life to the scene, creating a connection with the viewer. Or consider a worn-down building with ravens perched on the roof. These are small touches that add layers to the narrative and deepen the viewer’s engagement with the layout.
Why Subtle Details Matter
Subtle details have a unique ability to draw viewers into the scene and make them feel a connection with the layout. These details encourage viewers to linger, explore, and engage with the scene, creating a richer and more immersive experience. By focusing on the small things, you can create a layout that resonates with people on a deeper level, making it more than just a display—it becomes a shared experience. John Alaniva adds, “It adds life to the scene. Adding subtle details that sometimes aren’t visible to the eye come alive when photographed. And it is fun to watch people discover those details that you know are there but didn’t make a big deal about. And adding those details are what separates us from the Christmas tree loop crowd.”
Engaging your viewers with subtle details in model railroading pays dividends. Adding these little touches allows you to create layouts that connect with your audience in meaningful ways. The subtle details you add can draw viewers in, encouraging them to explore and engage with your scene. As you work on your next project, consider how you can use these small touches to create a deeper connection with your audience, making your layout a truly memorable experience.
miniprints is the industry leader for adding unique and fun details to make your layout come alive. Discover the miniverse of model railroad details and accessories at miniprints.com
Learn more about adding details to your model railroad at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20nLIe3iBvw
Next:
Blog Post 5: Unleashing Creativity in Model Railroading: Fun and Whimsical Super Detailing Ideas
Creating a Believable Setting in Model Railroading
Anchoring Your Model Railroad Layout in Time and Place
In model railroading, creating a believable setting is essential. Detailing plays a key role in anchoring your layout in a specific time and place, making the scene more immersive and realistic. In this post, we’ll explore how creating a believable setting in model railroading can transport viewers to a particular era or location.
The Importance of Setting
Setting the time and place of your layout creates a cohesive and believable scene. As Ricky Keil, a fellow modeler, explains, “I have a module based on a typical agricultural co-op town in the Midwest. My structures vary from old to new to even abandoned. Adding all the “supporting actors” really sell the idea including birds eating spilled grain around the elevator. You know you succeeded when someone absolutely knows where the location is; even if it is either a generic location or a conglomeration of pro type based scenes.”
Examples of Setting the Scene
Consider a New England wharf scene. To make it feel authentic, you wouldn’t want to overlook the presence of seagulls perched on the docks or flying overhead. Because these small details anchor the scene in a coastal environment. Also this makes it more convincing and immersive for the viewer. Similarly, if you’re modeling a mountain region, adding animals like mountain goats to the canyons adds to the realism. It’s these touches that make the viewer believe in the reality of the scene. Afterwards this transports them to a specific place and time.
Often talented modelers attempt to create a scene that is so photorealistic that viewers often mistake them for real-life images. Because this type of work exemplifies how attention to detail can set a scene in a specific time and place. Basically making it more immersive and believable.
Why Setting Matters
Creating a Believable Setting in Model Railroading matters. Ken Bergen captured this idea perfectly, saying, “If there’s no smaller details, it’s as if i’m just “playing trains.” if i have bothered to add details, i’m actually modeling a slice of reality.”
Super detailing is about more than just adding objects to a scene— equally it’s about creating a world that feels real and lived in. Pay attention to the small details that define a specific time and place. This can make your layout more immersive and believable. As you continue working on your projects, consider how you can use details to anchor your scene in a particular era or location. The result is a true slice of reality.
miniprints is the industry leader for adding unique and fun details to make your layout come alive. Discover the miniverse of model railroad details and accessories at miniprints.com
Learn more about adding details to your model railroad at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20nLIe3iBvw
Coming Next Week:
Blog Post 4: Connecting with Your Audience: Engaging Viewers with Subtle Details in Model Railroading
Model Railroad Storytelling Through Adding Little Details
Storytelling through detailing a model railroad transforms a layout into a captivating narrative
Bringing Model Railroad Scenes to Life
Adding details to a model railroad scene allows you to engage in model railroad storytelling. Each small detail adds to a larger narrative, drawing viewers into the miniature world you’ve created. In this post, we’ll explore how storytelling comes to life through details, with insights and examples from our community.
The Power of Model Railroad Storytelling
As Tim TC Adams, a member of the miniprints modelers Facebook group, puts it, “Not scenes for me, but stories. Signs on buildings and elsewhere are like credits in a movie. Details, figures, animals, and other things are the actors who tell stories & depict themes.” Many modelers share this view. They see their layouts as more than just tracks and trains. For them, each scene tells a story.
John Sharpe adds, “It helps tell a story of what you are trying to show. It also makes it more believable—the more details there are, the better it shows. Also, it is fun making little scenes and getting people to try and find it. Like an eagle going after a snake.”
Examples of Model Railroad Storytelling in Action
Effective model railroad storytelling can be seen in a scene where a fisherman is watched by a group of river otters. The otters, miniature HO scale models, sneak up on the fisherman. This creates a playful and engaging narrative. It not only tells a story but also invites viewers to imagine what might happen next.
Another example is a front yard scene filled with garden gnomes, a mounted deer, and various pets. These small details add layers to the story, making the scene more immersive and relatable.
John Grant compares this approach to painting. “It’s like a painting—you add some light blue to a canvas and that is it, light blue on a canvas. But if you add some tan, brown, green, some yellow, orange, and red, now what you have is someone looking past a tree watching the sunset into the ocean. The details finish the painting and the story. Now instead of just looking at a building and walking on by, you stop and look—it draws you into the picture.”
Why Storytelling Matters
Storytelling through details transforms a static layout into a dynamic narrative. It captures the viewer’s imagination and makes the scene more engaging. Ray Persing, another modeler, shares, “What draws people, not model railroaders, into a scene, is the inclusion of figures and critters. We can admire the craftsmanship of a well-detailed alleyway, but what draws you in is the figures—a couple making out, a drug deal, a cop making an arrest, somebody putting out the trash, dogs or cats or rats or pigeons in the trash.” These figures tell a story and pull us into the scene as we try to figure out what that story is.
Stories Bring our Layouts To Life
Adding miniature model railroad details allows us to tell stories that bring our layouts to life. Whether it’s a fisherman and otters, a bustling front yard, or a dramatic alleyway, these stories make our scenes more than just displays—they turn them into experiences. As you work on your next project, think about the stories you want to tell. Consider how the details you add can help bring those stories to life.
miniprints is the industry leader for adding unique and fun details to make your layout come alive. Discover the miniverse of model railroad details and accessories at miniprints.com
Learn more about adding details to your model railroad at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20nLIe3iBvw
Coming Next Week:
Blog Post 3: Anchoring Your Model Railroad Layout in Time and Place: Era-Specific Detailing Tips
The Obsession with Adding Scale Model Railroad Details
Introduction
Model railroading is a hobby that sparks the imagination, offering endless creative possibilities. One aspect that truly transforms a simple layout into a captivating world is adding model railroad scale details. But why do we spend so much time on these tiny, intricate additions? To understand this, we need to explore the depths of this passion.
The Origin of “Going Down the Rabbit Hole”
The phrase “going down the rabbit hole” comes from Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland, written over 150 years ago. In the story, Alice follows the White Rabbit into a strange world called Wonderland. Today, the phrase means becoming deeply immersed in a project, often spending more time than expected.
As model railroaders, we know this feeling well. We start with a simple idea; however, soon we get lost in the details. Hours fly by as we perfect every aspect of our miniature worlds. This is the draw of super detailing—a journey that pulls us in, urging us to create something extraordinary.
Why We Add Details To Model Railroad Layouts
This blog series, therefore, explores why model railroaders are so drawn to adding miniature details to our layouts. Over the next eight posts, we’ll dive into various themes discussed with fellow modelers. These themes, consequently, reflect our shared experiences and passions, driving us to go the extra mile in our hobby.
What to Expect in This Series
In this series, we will explore key themes that capture the essence of model railroad detailing. We’ll cover storytelling, setting the scene, enhancing realism, and personal satisfaction. Additionally, each post will offer insights and examples from the community. Whether you’re a seasoned modeler or just starting out, this series will inspire you to dive deeper into your projects. As Erik Block notes, “Little details can bring your layout to life. They add drama, and sometimes humor. Visitors, therefore, always find something new to see and talk about.”
Let’s embark on this journey together and discover the magic in adding mini details to your model railroad layout.
miniprints is the industry leader for adding unique and fun details to make your layout come alive. Discover the miniverse of model railroad details and accessories at miniprints.com
Learn more about adding details to your model railroad at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tUqPycRuHs
FU 2020. Good riddance. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021.
Every year for the past 7 years, I’ve occasionally blogged on my model railroad hobby (addiction?). Part of that is sharing some thoughts and setting embarrassing unrealistic new years resolutions. Hey, it’s what I do at this time of the year….time to reflect on the past and plan for the future.
Most times when I look back on my thoughts from the previous year, I am a little dismayed at how little I’ve accomplished. Occasionally I will celebrate the completion of a goal. But WOW did 2020 ever throw me for a loop. I first talked about COVID on March 14th, with the post Covid-19 and the model railroading hobby and predicted (unfortunately) a number of things that have ultimately come true. On the positive side, the model railroad hobby is flourishing and Joe Fugate of MRH has noted that the hobby is booming with MRH mag setting all time records with total unique audience web hits in the upper 90,000s per month.
Looking back at my post on January 6th, 2020 entitled, 20 Model Railroad Resolutions for 2020, I am reminded just how much the world has changed in the past year. My goals of doing more with friends, getting into operations (with friends), establishing a local group of rotating OPs sessions, as well as attending a Convention, all seem very unattainable right now. On the positive side, my goal to STOP going to Train Shows came true (ok, funny, not funny).
The BIG surprise for the year was that I became a model railroad manufacturer. Honestly didn’t see that one coming! Who could’ve predicted that my 3D printed https://miniprints.ca/ would become a thing. Last year, miniprints did over 500 orders to amazing modellers in over a dozen countries all over the world including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.
While I didn’t get downstairs to work on my railroad at all this year, my creative itch has been scratched when designing miniprints for others. THE MOST fulfilling part of modelling in 2020 has been seeing what all my customers have done with their miniprints. I love getting and posting pics on the miniprints facebook page (1544 followers and growing!!!!!!) of all of the fabulous modelling being done. Other firsts in 2020 included, writing my first published article and conducting my first ever online clinic. Also like every year, continued to meet some amazing new people and make some great new friends (albeit, virtually).
So in balance, 2020 was a year none of us will soon forget. There was the good, the bad, and the unexpected. Now there’s one question left… dare I even attempt to make any new year’s resolutions for 2021?
How to paint 3D resin miniprints online clinic
As part of the excellent NMRAx GatewayX convention on Thursday, July 16th, I presented an online clinic on the steps I use to realistically paint my miniprints 3d printed miniatures to make my model railroad come alive.
It was my first time ever presenting a clinic and it was a lot of fun. The one-hour clinic was streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. A number of people who missed the live stream asked if the clinic could be re-posted – so here it is. The miniprints clinic portion starts at 1:58:27 in the stream:
These are the steps that work for me and I’m sure that there are many other techniques that you can apply to bring your resin 3d prints to life. Do you have a technique that works for you? Are you proud of your miniprints paint job? I’d really like to see your work!
Please feel free to share your thoughts and pictures with me at bernard@miniprints.ca and post any suggestions, comments or questions.
I hope that the clinic above will be of interest to you and help to bring your miniprints to life. Happy modeling!
miniprints painting clinic at NMRA GatewayX
You are invited to attend a special free online event.
NMRAx ‘GatewayX’ Virtual Model Railroad Convention
Learn how to get the most out of your resin 3d miniprints during a special one hour clinic on Thursday, July 16th at 8PM EST.
Join Bernard Hellen from miniprints.ca for a trip down the rabbit hole as he outlines the steps he uses to realistically paint miniatures to make your model railroad come alive.
The NMRAx GatewayX online convention runs from July 12 – 18, 2020.
8 am – 11 pm EDT for 7 days with 15 hours per day of live streamed clinics, layout tours, live shows, experts and vendors. GatewayX is online when the NMRA planned their face to face national convention that had to be cancelled, due to the Global COVID-19 Pandemic
Get the full convention schedule and learn more at https://miniprints.ca/clinic/
Beavers, Hounds, Bison and Skunks. Oh my!
Hope you are keeping safe in these difficult times. Unfortunately my small business has ground to a halt (like many) for the time being. I am trying to get the 3D printing up and running to bring in some income.
For now it’s small items only that can fit in a regular envelope. Selling to CANADA ONLY for the time being as postage is included in all orders. Payment is by Bank e-transfer to bernard(at)trafficdesign.ca You can also DM me from Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/QGRYinHOscale
Here is what I am offering:
Beavers – HO and O Scale
HO Scale
3x standing. 3x sitting up to chew and 2x swimming.
Set of 8 is $20 Can (postage included) to any Canadian address.
O Scale
2x standing. 2x sitting up to chew and 2x swimming.
Set of 6 is $30 Can (postage included) to any Canadian address.
Damn (get it? beaver puns) these things are small. 
The full set of 8 in all its HO scale glory.
Hounds – HO and O Scale
HO Scale
Set of 6 is $20 Can (postage included) to any Canadian address.
O Scale
Set of 4 is $30 Can (postage included) to any Canadian address.
Bison – HO Scale ONLY
4 poses – 2x Male and 2x Female
These are HUGGGGEEEEEE!
Set of 4 is $30 Can (postage included) to any Canadian address.
Skunks – HO and O Scale
HO Scale
Set of 6 is $20 Can (postage included) to any Canadian address.
O Scale
Set of 4 is $30 Can (postage included) to any Canadian address.
Happy to add whatever people want and open to printing other things – if you need anything.
Thanks and please let me know at bernard(at)trafficdesign.ca if anyone is interested.
Bernard
Covid-19 and the model railroading hobby
This is an unprecedented time in our human existence. Most of us have never experienced what we are about to endure. I know this sounds alarmist, and I will forgo the medical/scientific rationale for my beliefs. You can do your own research online and draw your own conclusions about the future.
However, one thing is undeniable, with most of North America and Europe on lockdown, almost all non-essential travel and events cancelled, and with people practising ‘social distancing’… we have a lot more free time on our hands. Free time that we may not have had in the past.
Thankfully we share a wonderful hobby. Did you know that spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing? Something that I think we all need or will need soon.
Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression. Hobbies have also been shown to improve self-confidence and improve memory. Hobbies make you feel happier and more relaxed. https://headtohealth.gov.au/meaningful-life/purposeful-activity/hobbies
Here are some of my thoughts as it relates to our hobby:
1. While I am not much in the mood to go downstairs to the layout right now; it’s important to do so. We need positive distractions now more than ever. I find myself turning to the news and social media for end-of-the-world updates way too frequently. Model RR is a great stress-reliever that provides a healthy mental break from my addictive negative habits and allows my mind to focus on other and more creative endeavours.
2. Passion. We are lucky. Model railroading is much more than a distraction as it gives us something to look forward to. Its an escape but it’s also a joy. It’s great to have a passion. And passionate people not only inspire me but tend to be more interesting people in general.
3. Connections. We are a social species and the model railroad community is just that… a community. There are fine folk that I have virtually ‘met’ and interact with in Facebook Groups and have never actually met. I also first discovered people online that have gone on to become real friends whose houses I go to for operating sessions and dinner parties. I hope that in this time, and as we transition to more virtual than physical relationships that it is these connections that will satisfy and enrich us all.
4. Entertainment. There is only so much Netflix and Amazon Prime that one can watch. I love watching YouTube videos and seeing the amazing work that others have posted online. These are not only entertaining but inspiring and motivating. Perhaps it’s a time for a top 10 list of who/what to watch… any suggestions?
5. Explore and develop new skills. I like challenging myself and learning new things. I often joke that the layout is my anti-Alzheimer’s aging strategy. This hobby has taught me things I never thought that I’d be good at and introduced me to the worlds of drones and 3D printing. I am going to use some of this time to try to learn 3D modelling with Fusion 360. What are you planning to do?
6. Get outside. My understanding is that we need to avoid other people (for now). We can and should still go outside….and railfan! Standing by the tracks, camera in hand sounds like a healthy pursuit. If you see me out there, just remember keep 6 feet away is the recommended distance.
If you’re like me, this is a time of some stress. Hopefully with family, friends, faith and the ‘world’s greatest hobby’ it will be a little less stressful. Please let me know what the hobby means to you and how you are planning to use your time.
Now if I could only get my kids interested in the layout.
Stay safe.
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