The Internet.....

I've been thinking about the many ways in which the internet, and in particular, the World Wide Webb (thank you Mr Berner) has made modelling so much easier.

In the old days the only real source of information was books, and magazines, or going to the place and seeing with your own eyes. The amount of information I have collected over the past 12 months about the Vietnamese rail system would have taken me years BI (before internet).

A case in point. Level crossing gates. Over the past few weeks I have been able to collect a number of images of verious types of level crossing protection to help me protect my own level crossing on my module. Some photos are stills and some are captures from video. From these I have been able to design and produce two types of flashing light protection as well as the gates themselves. When I get a chance, they'll be going onto the module. they will help the module look 'Vietnamese'.

For me the Vietnam Railways Forum has been a life saver. The members are happy to share their knowledge. Despite being for most part in Vietnamese language, the judicious use of Google 'translate' allows non Vietnamese speakers to enjoy the 'flavour' of DSVN though some of the translation are quite puzzling. For example why are there constant references to 'doctors'?

The combination of all these resources has made it possible for me to work towards the completion of my VNR module. The actual visits I have made to view the system are therefore 'icing on the cake'.

When I return to VN for my third visit in March next year, I will be armed with all the knowledge I have gleaned from the internet and so will be able to focus on my information needs as a modeller, as well as just enjoy the scenery and the people.

Weekends...

I got a little bit done last weekend. But don't weekends go so quickly! Never enough time to do what you really want to do.

I bought some 'DAS' which is a kind of modelling clay. I'm going to see if I can make some of those big pot plant holders they have around Vietnamese stations and work depots. Also hope to try making some banana trees as well. DAS dries in the air so no need to 'cook' it to make it hard, and it is paintable. I'm told 'Warhammer' people use it to sculpt figures etc. Worth a try.

Not a lot of 'physical' modelling going on but a bit of planning. Two areas I'm concentrating on at the moment. The first is the level crossing and the second is the road bridge at one end of the module. I've worked out that while the roads are tar, most of the level crossings are constructed of concrete 'planks'. I've bought a special paint by "Faller" to represent concrete so should make it more realistic.

I also have some thoughts on paper as to what my military monument will look like.

Now to actually do some work!