Blak Krau Studios - Custom Models & Dioramas

Blak Krau Studios - Custom Models & Dioramas Blak Krau Studios Blak Krau Studios creates one-of-a-kind models and dioramas in all scales and mediums.

From simple vignettes to complex dioramas and scenes, the goal is always to mimic realism in a smaller scale.

Getting there on Hall's Ace Hardware.
08/04/2025

Getting there on Hall's Ace Hardware.

07/18/2025

Sacrebleu! This bright yellow Alcan cylindrical hopper is making its way across the South River.

And we have operations!  Sort of.Okay, so it's not exactly a full blown operating schedule, but I had to move some thing...
07/14/2025

And we have operations! Sort of.

Okay, so it's not exactly a full blown operating schedule, but I had to move some things around, and was able to test the new turnout and team track by the Augusta Co-Op elevator.

Things work well, so the Buckingham Branch has a working layout once again.

As promised, I weathered the two Norfolk Western cylindrical hoppers I had.
07/05/2025

As promised, I weathered the two Norfolk Western cylindrical hoppers I had.

I did my best.I fell victim to Yankee Dabbler's 50% sale on the Athern 16,000 gallon tank cars.  I often see them here l...
07/05/2025

I did my best.

I fell victim to Yankee Dabbler's 50% sale on the Athern 16,000 gallon tank cars. I often see them here locally in Waynesboro, VA, and wanted a small fleet. Obviously, the ones I see on track aren't shiny and new.

So, I took a few pics and went from memory to make them look better. I started by giving them a coat of Blue-Grey acrylic, then Neutral Grey. Once that was dry, I sponged on some dark rust in a pattern that matched proto, then a very light sponge of light rust.

After that was the wheels and trucks. The trucks got a spray of Tamiya rattle can Deck Brown. Then they also got a sponge job of dark rust and light rust. A final wash of thinned black acrylic around the springs and axles, and then dullcote over all of it. The wheels got a coating of burnt umber.

Final touches were some graffiti with ink pens and rust on the walkways. I'm still working on my graffiti techniques.

I like how this turned out. Not only that, I feel I could repeat it for the rest of the cars, with slight variations so they don't look cloned. Some with more staining or fading, and some with less.

I like the trucks and wheels too. Maybe some lighter dry brushing to make some details pop, but I think this is a good base to start from.

Next up are some Norfolk and Western cylindrical hoppers.

Those didn't turn out too bad.
07/03/2025

Those didn't turn out too bad.

After spending the past week ballasting most of the track, I'm finally able to start working on some of the landscaping.
05/26/2025

After spending the past week ballasting most of the track, I'm finally able to start working on some of the landscaping.

Random work from the week, when I could fit it in.
05/18/2025

Random work from the week, when I could fit it in.

Spent the past week assembling and painting this modern grain elevator, only to drop it on the floor this morning and ra...
05/11/2025

Spent the past week assembling and painting this modern grain elevator, only to drop it on the floor this morning and rapidly unassemble it.

Mistakes were made. Lessons were learned. Attitudes stayed calm. No project, no matter what it is, goes perfectly. Ever.

Re-assembling this kit gave me the chance to fix a few of the things I wasn't happy with originally, and make sure I have a better way of transporting things up to where the layout is in the attic.

After some work today, I managed to start on some of the weathering, get some details added, and get close to finishing things up in the coming days.

04/14/2025

The main line of Buckingham Branch from Waynesboro to Staunton is operable. 👍

Definitely not pretty, but it's slowly coming together.

02/21/2025

We have power!

With the scenery nearly complete on the South River, I got the leads soldered to the track, and can begin planning to lay ballast.

But I first had to make sure the GP16 with Buckingham Branch livery could make its way across the 90ft span.

I feel like this turned out well, for my first attempt at resin water.
02/16/2025

I feel like this turned out well, for my first attempt at resin water.

Address

Waynesboro, VA
22980

Opening Hours

Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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