Buildings on layouts are often missing an important element when displayed; people. Many model railroads are content with having trains run around and that’s fine. However, if you want you visitors to really enjoy your layout, give them more to look out, look for and find so they better can experience what the hobby has to offer. Detail parts, everything from boxes and barrels to cats and dogs, birds, garbage cans, mailboxes, fire hydrants, clotheslines….. you get the idea…. make your set-up come alive. So, use them.
We’re going to add some figures and details to out orchard building and try to tell a story of sorts. First, the weathering of boxes.
A little dark brown wash will bring out the “wood” in these boxes and barrels. Next, some dry brushing and we’re done. Most commercially available figures are usually poorly painted and can use some help. A quick dab wash of a darker color does the trick. These figures are all hand painted, get a wash, then, maybe, some dry brushing. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s well worth it.
These are metal figures that have been primed in flat white paint.
Figures in various stages of paint and weathering.
Placement is also important. They need to be prevalent, not take away from the entire scene, but still tell a story. In this orchard we have a few things going on. Work down at the loading dock.
Looks like some discussion going on the upper level.
And Pap has found the Hard Cider! And Granny’s found him!
We’ll finish up with some boxes, a broom and another worker to balance it all. Lastly, a Heljan / Cor Cor 1926 Mack Bulldog painted as the orchard’s delivery truck
