I have finally been able to finish my cork and ballasting. Perhaps I will post some pictures of my progress later. My question is, Im about to start a mountain in the corner of my layout with one tunnel, which I will be using news paper and plaster with paper towel. But I need to know how one creates small hills or rock formations. Same way perhaps? Any suggestions or tips is appreciated. Thanks.
I used rock molds I made from heavy duty Aluminum foil. I would take the foil, find a good object to transfer a pattern from (like a tree bark for rock walls, or even rocks), coat the inside with cheap cooking spray, and smooth in the plaster. This is a rock wall that I used tree bark for the mold pattern: This is one that first crumpled up Aluminum foil, then carefully pulled it back straight, then applied a coat of plaster, and while it was still wet, pressed on the foil. I formed these by hand by draping plaster soaked papertowels over "Great Stuff" foam: There are commercially available rock molds (like from Woodland Scenics) that I have seen used with great results. I am just a cheapskate and prefer not to spend the money.
I also use rockmolds. They are easy to handle and gives good results. It is important to use a very liquid plaster. If the plaster is not liquid enough the details of the rock will be lost. DaN http://www.railimages.com/gallery/daniellissa
Great thanks guys, so if I was just to make some simple rocks, I could just basically use Tin foil in a cup form and then pour plaster into it, would that work? Or do I need to stuff it with something?
If you are going the foil route, I would strongly recommend that you use "Heavy Duty" foil. The regular stuff just won't hold up. For a rock wall, I used these two methods: 1. Apply plaster to an area on the mountainside; then press the foil mold onto it. Wait for the plaster to set before you (carefully) remove the foil. This is a method that will require good timing, as the plaster will set up pretty quickly. So you need to get the plaster applied, and the mold set before the plaster sets. 2. Create the foil mold, and lay it into a pan (or paint tray), leave enough foil on all four corners so you can turn them up to create a form. Pour the plaster into the form (not too thickly) and let dry. You will then have to attach the dry rock wall formation onto the mountain with additional plaster.
Thanks Flash. Like most things on my layout, it was by trial and error. I employed several methods that I’ve read about, and even tried some variations. Some things worked better than others, while some things didn’t work very well at all. I guess you would have to see some of the other areas of my layout that I have not posted pictures of… My whole layout is a collection of several experiments in order to perfect techniques to use on a larger layout I hope to build someday. I read about using “Great Stuff” as a scenery base for hills and mountains. However, it’s really not cheap to use in order to build up large mountain areas. So I used it on smaller areas with boulders. You can also carve it if it expanded too much, or you didn’t like how it formed. I still wrapped it with plaster soaked paper towels because this gave it additional texture, and paint washes work better on plaster. I also really like what I see on Daniels pictures. Very nice! Much better than mine.
You you talk about the pictures ... or do you talk about the layout Just a joke and NO fishing for compliments !!! Thanks DaN
You you talk about the pictures ... or do you talk about the layout Just a joke and NO fishing for compliments !!! Thanks DaN </font>[/QUOTE]Well, you’ll get a compliment whether you like it or not! I liked both the layout and the pictures! No Joke. I just ordered a new digital camera, and it’s on its way. So I will try to post better quality pictures soon - or maybe not. If the pictures turn out better, you might all see how poor my scenery work really is! [ 08. March 2004, 20:16: Message edited by: Bruce-in-MA ]
Bruce Thanks for the compliment - sometimes a man need something like this. And the moment is just right You have a great layout. I checked again your album and must say: I have a lot to learn and there is a long way for me. Your scenery and the buildings are perfect. I hope your new camera will arrive soon and you will share your model railroad with us. DaN
dan you old fart.... why didn't you post a pic including the paraglider flying over these rocks ? any progress done the last few weeks ? or do you just wait for me fixing your ballast job ? btw, you should have seen that huge g scale dash-9 running in my backyard... see you man...
Sandro you old burp , this month I will have a inspection of my bunker - in which I have installed my model railroad - by the local civil service organisation. I will continue the work when the inspection is finished and I may be sure to be allowed to hold my scenery ... DaN
Sandro, the bunker in my own house - what else ... For all 'Non-Swiss-Residents' Building bunkers in new houses is aligned by law.
