Hey guys, Does anyone have a method for creating "large" rock faces without using molds? David O'Brien
Coaltrain did an excellent representation of a heavy rock tunnel portal area. You have "seen" many tunnels like it , yet you might not even think about trying to identify this particular location. This is the beauty of his workmanship. It looks realistic yet would not draw your attention away from a train going in or coming out of the mountain. Some large rock faces have been made for diorama and display use by simply breaking thick foam blocks into pieces. A thin glue and "Wet" water mixture was sprayed on the broken surface, then single sheets of toilet paper were draped to cover the area only one layer thick. The water immediately caused the paper to conform to the shape of the "broken" surface yet allowing it to bridge over the air cells. After allowing plenty of drying time, a second layer was needed to obtain the desired effect. Afterward, colors were added by brushing with acrylic paints and by using ink washes to highlight cracks etc. The natural break look was enough to cause the visitor to pay more attention to the subject (the train, people, or whatever) than be drawn to the rock. Museums prefer the scenery to be muted so it is no more noticeable than it is in driving along a road, yet because it is well done, you do not notice the rocks because you "expect" them to be there.
What are some of the tools used to make the rock face? David [ 15. May 2004, 02:33: Message edited by: dvess111 ]
About 20 years ago, back before rubber molds came into vogue I used a paper product thet was made of shiny layered paper that when painted and weathered, were some of the best looking sedimentary rock formations you would ever want to see. Beat molds hands down. However, it was time consuming. Unfortunately I have not been able to locate the product of late anywhere. It came in a clear bag and the pieces of layered paper were a light gbrown with a bit of a sheen to them almost like they had a wax coating. I believed it was made by Noch or some other European company.
It depends on the type of rocks you are looking for. Before I tore apart my N scale layout to rebuild it, I was experimenting with sedimentary rocks made from ceiling tiles. I got this technique after reading an article in MR.
Dave: You can use aluminum disposable baking pans. Crumple the base to create irregular surfaces to simulate rock formations and then pour in your hydrocal. These pans come in many sizes so you can create rock outcroppings of many sizes. I do however prefer individual rock castings and this is the way I built my elevated mountain layout:
