Are there any folks with a good reputation for quality and cost who come to your layout to do the scenery after all the track work is completed?

We are thinking that might be a better option for us, to get all the basic scenery done by professionals and then add bits and pieces ourselves as we go along.


Not talking about one of these high-flying pro layout builders who wants $50k to slap down some plaster and paint. Sorry, can't afford one of those millionaire layouts. Retired on fixed income ya know how that goes.

Are there a couple or whatever who parks their RV in your driveway and spends a couple of weeks knocking it out?

Any ideas and recommendations? Anyone done it this way?

I have used Bob Chapman, who does exactly what you need. He works by the hour for a reasonable rate. He is extremely talented with planning, scenery, sctructures, etc. He will do as much or as little as you need. He has been to my layout four or five times and I recommend him without hesitation. I will provide his contact info, if you wish and if he gives me permission to do so.

By the way, he lives in Ohio and I live in South Carolina. The logistics have proved to be no problem in our situation.

Paul

Kerrigan,
In what part of the country are you located? That would make a big difference in making recommendations.

Jim

i dont know enough about your situation personally to comment accurately, so i dont know if there are any extenuating factors precluding you from scenery work (handicaps, time issues, price) but i highly recommend you think about tackling this project on your own.

originally, i was like you and thought hard about either forgetting entirely about the scenery or waiting to contract someone out to work on it. i must tell you, since i decided to bite the bullet and tackle it on my own i havent felt quite such a feeling of joy and accomplishment in this hobby in a long time. its slow, tedious, frustrating, and sometimes intimidating work. however, using the resources available both here and on a number of great websites as well as humbly seeking the advice of many talented modelers here, i have not only improved my scenicing abilities but have also made a great number of friends as well.

give it a thought, if its possible. all the best whatever route you take and hope you share the progress with us here on the scenery forum!

At my age doing the scenery myself, with all the other work on the layout, will mean it remains a scenery desert long after I've changed into dust. I'd like to get the basic scenery done by someone fast and then add all the details, like a tavern, a scrap yard, etc., by myself as time goes on.
Does that make sense?
Also, the layout is in Portland Oregon.
If interested in seeing what we've done thus far (not much) pictures of the progress in the HiRail Yahoo group in the photo album area: Construction of the CL&W

I was just kidding my wife that I hoped you were going to say Hawaii. Then I would have told her that I had to run an errand and that I'd be back in a month or so.

Seriously, try checking with the local hobby shops. Often they can recommend someone who enjoys scenery building and wouldn't mind picking up a few bucks on the side. Maybe they have bulletin boards where you could post a request.

There are usually local modelers who wouldn't mind doing this work. More than one of my friends in this area have finished their layouts with this kind of help, and very reasonably as compared with the pro builders.

Since you are doing all the trackwork, guys who usually only work in HO might be recruited also.

You might also try at a train show. If any groups are set up running trains, you might explain your project and ask if any would be willing to help you.

Good luck with the layout (I wish I lived closer),
Jim

This may come across as sacrilege BUT check with your local model railroad club, regardless of scale. Scenery is scenery, technique wise. A good scenery guru can do it regardless of your scale. Chances are you will find a local that can do it much cheaper and quicker than a 'hired' gun. BTW I'm a hired gun and I always recommend you try a local first. I also suggest that as others have posted here, that ya' giver' a try urself! Russ

Kerrigan,

I'm doing that very thing for an older gentleman in my area. Call or email me at:


Dennis Brennan
Brennan's Model Railroading Products
dennis@brennansmodelrr.com
816-252-4605