One of the highlights of my Loewenherz modules is the pedestrian underpass. The visitor side of the module is separated from the operator side by the main line. I wanted to bridge both sides with an underpass instead of a bridge over the tracks. In my May article I wrote about some of the key challenges namely the available space and the module legs. I built a few prototypes to test the design of the underpass as well as gauging where the obstacles could be. I setttled for a design which I like. Underpass portal at operator side. Unimog street … Continue reading Overcoming the Biggest Challenge: Pedestrian Underpass is Now Completed

In my previous article “Constructing Stone Wall and Cobblestone Street“, I showed how I used a mechanical pencil to engrave and carve out individual stones and cobblestone. In this article. I finished this part of the Module 1b, which I named it 1bV (Module 1b Visitor Side). I used toothpick, tweezers and a presser made of coffee stirrer to create more prominent features on the stone wall such as making the individual stones more obvious, cracks and broken stones especially on the top section of the wall. The presser allows me to create rough surface on each stone; YES, each … Continue reading Finishing the Stone Wall and Cobblestone Bus Stop

Landscaping and structural work begins on Loewenherz modules. On Module 1b visitor side, I originally planned for a simple city bus stop. The asphalt street and a pavement will serve as a temporary stop. The pavement will lead to the other side of the park off-scene (Module 1a) After some thoughts, I decided to add a staircase leading to the train viewing platform (bottom right). Instead of asphalt road for the bus stop, I wanted a cobblestone road, which clearly marks it as bus stop zone and no other vehicles are allowed. Staircase made from XPS (Foto: Jimmy Low (c)) … Continue reading Constructing Stone Wall and Cobblestone Street

I have been following a few Facebook groups and YouTube channels on building dioramas and weathering. Those who do tabletop modelling for wargames (1/35 scale) really make impressive models. I want to apply their techniques on my 1/87 modules, which mean 60% smaller (yes!) than what they make. Extruded styrofoam (XPS / Styrodur) is an easier material to work with then expanded styrofoam (EPS / Styropor), which are the white, beaded foam that comes in electrical device packaging. XPS is used for building insulation and comes in densed foam. Lightly carve out each stone on the XPS. I found the … Continue reading Making Cobblestone Pavements

A few months ago, I announced that the Bad Niedrigsrode city planner has approved the construction of a new, wheel-chair friendly train viewing platform to replace the original one. The 36cm long and 9cm wide platform was constructed entirely 3mm and 5mm styrofoam. City planner inspector visited the site to check on the quality of the construction (Foto: Jimmy Low (c)) Modelling putty is used to fill any gaps on the platform. I use Vallejo Plastic Putty as it is extremely foam-friendly. It does not dissolve the foam unlike Revell Plasto (Foto: Jimmy Low (c)) The new platform made its … Continue reading Railway Fans Can Now Spot Trains

In April, I conceptualised a railway-themed park (note: not a sense of an amusement park filled with roller-coasters and other attractions) (read here for history of Loewenherz Railway Park in Bad Niedrigsrode). The centre of attractions on this railway park is permanent and revolving locomotive and rolling stock exhibitions from all over the world. What is visible on my module are 3 plinths to hold these exhibits. Whilst working on the second segment of the Loewenherz module, I work on other pieces that make up the key elements of the park. Amongst them, the 3 plinths. After 2 months I … Continue reading Ready for 40th Anniversary Loewenherz

Loewenherz has 3 plinths for hold permanent and revolving exhibitions from around the world. I created 3 with various materials – 3mm cork and 10m plywood and used various techniques to create sandstone and concrete feel. In addition, I did not want to use just wooden sleepers. So I bought a piece of Roco flex track with concrete sleepers. Overall, the 3 plinths look great and I am happy with the results. Unfortunately, Märklin does not produce Märklin K-track with concrete sleepers; hence, I chose Roco flex track. The first step is to remove the plastic shine on the concrete … Continue reading Different Strokes for Different Folks

Since my last post “Building H0 Plinths for Exhibitions“, I am have been working on my module construction. Between module constructions, I use my spare time – mostly after work – to do other DIY projects, which are fillers for my Loewenherz module. This time, I added ballast on the stone plinth and tested the effect. I used Wolfgang Tschunkert‘s ballast and granite 0.5-1.0mm granularity, a mix ratio 2 : 1. When you add the mixture of water and glue on the ballast, unfortunately it will turn the grey ballast black. I did not like this effect. This “blacken” effect … Continue reading Achieving Realistic, Weathered Track on Plinth

The main tracks cut across the railway park; thus, separating the viewing platform from the rest of the park. One option is an overhead bridge across the tracks. Or you can go underneath. I chose to go underneath. Challenges with Going Underneath Going underneath presents a few challenges for me as you can see from this contour drawing. Prototyping the Pedestrian Tunnel Design Parkett floor laminations 3mm allowed me to test my design. This one is 280mm long and 80mm wide. I hanged the prototype on the side of the end module template and marked any changes I wanted. My … Continue reading Prototyping a Pedestrian Tunnel for Park Connection