MOUNTAINS, ETC.

SCENERY AND OTHER DETAIL

A train layout never looks really complete without the details.  Details go beyond the laying of track and the electronics.  There are many visual techniques that enhance the appearance of the train layout and add to the realism.

BALLAST

Ballast is the stones you see in between and alongside the train track and ties.  I use purchased material made to look like ballast.  They come in a variety of colors that approximate the real stuff.  I tried to use the fine clumping kitty litter (it looks similar to the more expensive purchased material), but as advertised it clumped up when moistened with glue.  Applying ballast is a very tedious process.  I spread the material in between the track ties and alongside the rail by hand.  Then I apply diluted Elmer’s Glue with an eyedropper.  Sounds easy, but you have to make sure the ballast is not too high so as not to interfere with the running of the trains.  Since there are over 2,000 feet of track, this process takes a long time.

TUNNEL PORTALS:

Tunnel portals are both purchased (made from plastic, molded plaster or polypropylene [I think] foam) and homemade.  I use both purchased and homemade.  Portals are made to look like wood, concrete, stone or rock.  Since I have 52 portals, I have the opportunity to use a large variety of types and styles.  Portals in themselves can be interesting and add personality to the layout.

MOUNTAINS

Mountains are made (at least on my layout) by building a wood frame that approximates the size and outline of a mountain area.  Next I build and install the tunnel portals associated with the section that is being built. Then, depending on the terrain, I do one of the following:

For angled or horizontal sections

Weave wire or strips of cardboard using the wood frame for places to attach the material or attach chicken wire to the wood frame.  Then apply plaster impregnated gauze or a mixture of paper and plaster (papier-mâché type substance)

For vertical or near vertical sections:

Do same described for horizontal sections or create more of a stone section as described under Vertical Walls

Regardless of the technique used, I randomly place rock outcroppings created from molds and plaster.  Building mountains is a messy operation so care must be taken to cover and protect tracks, structures, etc.  Finally, the painting process takes place – my worst skill.

TREES

Trees can be purchased or made.  I will be making them using a combination of real branches, wire and a variety of substances made to simulate foliage.

WATER

There are a number of specialized items to simulate water, not the least of which is water itself.  Water has a tendency to corrode and leak, so I have chosen to not use real flowing water.  I will be using a combination of mats or sheets made to look like water and resins that pour onto a surface.  There are also water falls in the layout that will be made from a combination of background painting and a stringy type resin made for this purpose.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Being partially color blind makes scenery and painting details difficult.  I am constantly asking for and getting advice from Sheila.  There is no way I could make decent looking structures and scenery without her.  Also, a special thanks to Donna (a local friend, art teacher and artist) and Audrey (one of our first friends in the wild west and a talented artist).  They give me advise on techniques and material that compensate for my total absence of sculpting and painting knowledge and skills.