so as many of you know. we [myself and the fiance] are building an approx 30x20 layout of the p&le monongahela branch… but since we are both young (24/22) and busy (starting law school next year/just started working) we are doing it modularly… we built a core 8x8 l unit… and now its time to add a 2x4 module… below are pictures of some work we did tonight…
the plan. the south profile connects with the 8x8 L… the monongahela river cut out connects between the module and the L.
here is the built frame for the module… simple 2x4 plywood base, 2x4 frame, 2x4 plywood top with the monongahela river cut out…
the module is seen here connected to the L…
i like to use a framework of duct tape covered with fiberglass joint tape… i then apply 2 layers of joint compound… this combination gives me great results as it is ultralight when compared to plaster… its easy to mold shapes into… it dries over night and can be painted a good earthen color…
the monongahela river cut out is now completely shaped and waiting to dry…
more to come shortly… im transfering the photos as i type…
here i have finished plastering the wooded hills that form the other boundary for the track.
here i have painted everything. i even painted the cork as the paint i use has a lot of texture and double as a nice surface for the ballast to adhere to. i use a paint called mountain gold from american tradition. its a matte finish paint available at lowes that has a black/grey fleck in it so it gives a dirt/rocky impression and due to the flecks, no two square inches are identical…
just did a small 6 or 7 inch segment along side the river… two small trees, a larger tree and some clump foliage… the scenery will also include some fine-leaf foliage, but i am currently out and need to hit the LHS tomorrow…
