My layout is nearly ready for some scenery so in preparation I've started experimenting with different painting and weathering techniques on my structures to try and achieve realistic results.  My current side project is coming up with a repeatable technique to create the look of an old, weather beaten brick factory that are common to the New York City area that I'm modeling.  The image below gives a decent idea of the look I'm after (which is ironically in Oslo; used with permission of the site host): 

It's been quite a while since I've posted an update on my layout progess but there was a good reason:  I haven't made much of any progress in a long while! I won't lie, I get jealous when I see this guy and this guy make such great progress when things have been basically unchanged in my basement for the balance of a year.  Inspiring work that I only wish I could emulate!   

I've been experimenting with weathering trucks on my rolling stock and wanted to share methods I've hit upon that are easy and produce what I consider to be reasonably realistic results.  Here is my step by step for those interested in trying the technique:

I'm in the home stretch with my first structure but there are a few problems I'm facing and would appreciate suggestions/pointers.  My building is a kitbash of 3 Walthers Commissary buildings  which required trimming the foundations down to fit the buildings together.  Despite my best efforts I've discovered my cuts weren't totally square.  Here is a quick shot with my loading dock test fit in place:

I've been working on my layout in fits and starts lately, but I wanted to share a VERY easy technique I've discovered for modeling rolled roofing found on many buildings.  So let's get started!

Materials List

Although arguing the relative merits of NMRA logos past, present, and future is fun I thought it might be worthwhile to share a small change to my layout that has increased operational possibilities exponentially as a result.  Due to the generosity of a new model railroading friend I've made the acquaintance of through people I've met on these forums I was able to acquire a hand laid #4 double slip turnout to replace one of the regular #4's on my layout.  The before and after can be seen in the track plans below (apologies they

Well...maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration but it's another unbelievably hot day in the Northeast US as we've passed 100 degrees here in Connecticut for the 2nd day.  Since the heat has me captive I figured it was time to post some content. 

Let me start this out bluntly:  I'm a dummy.  I made an incredibly elementary mistake in the design and construction of my layout that I'm shocked I did not pick up on until just this past week.  While I've only been seriously involved in the hobby for the past two years, a rule of thumb I've heard used quite a bit is that any yard that is at 50% capacity is actually 100% full.  For whatever reason I chose to completely ignore applying that rule to my layout design.  And I did it at my own peril.