Research, Hiatus, and Next Steps

 

Sisal and static grass foundation

In my last post, I left off with the notion of researching apple orchards, and I found that a fair amount of information and images can be found on the internet. A good first overview can be found here. First of all, while it is not the center of the Washington state apple industry, the area I am modeling (Whatcom county around Ferndale), had apple orchards in the 1950s and continues to have apple orchards.  The scratchbuilt sisal foundations make a reasonable model of apple trees with the proper leaf color and the addition of apples themselves. Looking at a number of photos through different time periods, the addition of ladders, baskets, and boxes would add to the suggestion or appearance of apple orchard. I was not as successful finding appropriate apple picking figures in HO scale. Preiser has a set with figures, baskets, and a ladder. However, the clothing is not correct at all. Before I go too far with this, I should remember that I don't really have a plan for a location for an orchard, This is something to keep in mind for detailed planning in the future. An orchard scene fits the story I am trying to tell, and I should plan on including such a scene as I move into additional phases following my TOMA plans. 

As mentioned in the last post, I learned this sisal technique of scratchbuilding shrubs from a Boomer Diorama video. One of his thoughts on modeling vegetation such as trees and shrubs is to model a specific example. One that I might use is Pacific ninebark or Physocarpus capitatus. These sisal trunk and branch structures are appropriate. The ninebark grows to 12 -18 feet high which is just about what these first examples work out to. I would need to highlight the trunk with several colors and use lighter color leaves than my first samples. Also, the trunk, with its twisting strands appearing somewhat correct, should be fairly hidden by other shorter vegetation. As I plan to model August or September, the white flower clusters of the ninebark would be diminished and transitioning into smaller red/brown seed clusters. Pacific ninebark is native to the area and would be found along stream beds, so it would be a reasonable choice for the trestle scene outside of Nooksack. 

While I have successfully done some research, my plans to form the "at least a few minutes every day" habit has not been that successful. In fact, actual work has been on hiatus. After having a problematic echocardiogram stress test, I was scheduled for a heart catheterization procedure. That procedure, which revealed a blocked artery, transitioned into angioplasty and stent placement. TMI, but the scheduled electrical work has been delayed until I am able to assist with that project. I will soon be able to work with the electrician, and after those projects are complete I can return to prepping more train room space and modeling. 

Restart building a habit: on the workbench and a return to Nooksack:

• Make some Pacific ninebark
• Wooden warehouse
• Nooksack packing house, 15 steps continued
• Rolling stock projects
• Touch toggle cups install on Nooksack

Other next steps:

• Make some real headway on Nooksack
• Phase two of TOMA plans; a new module expanding scenery to the west
• Return to Ingleton as part of train room revitalization