I would like to build a swamp area on my layout. I have searched the threads but have not found any advice on fake water, ponds, lakes etc…
Beside using Woodland Scenics products does anyone have advice on creating the water effect and a realistic swamp?
Thanks
There have been some good articles in the magazines on swamps. Try the index of magazines link at the very top of this page.
I know there was one which used a piece of glass or plexiglass. Envirotex is another resin product used to model water. The nice part about it is it doesn’t have nasty fumes.
I made a swamp on my HO scale modules:
(click photo to enlarge)
These happen to be On30 equipment posed on the track that passes through the swamp. I used Envirotex polymer coating for the liquid. The base was first painted light green, and the Envirotex was tinted with some green paint too. Various items of scenery by Woodland Scenics were placed around and in the swamp.
Bob Boudreau
Lou Sassi’s Basic Model Railroad Scenery has a chapter on modeling swampy areas. There are also two articles in the orginal Scenery Tips & Techniques from Model Railroader. And finally, the March 2001, MR article Lily Pads, Cattails, and Pond Scum contains very useful information
Nick
Pretty cool Bob. In all my years, I’ve never seen anyone model water all the way up to the rail head. Seen it in real life though.[8D]
Thanks for all the advice, I downloaded an articel called “Lily pads, cattails and pond scum” Was just what I needed.
I just started my swamp this weekend. My advice is LOTS of growing things with LOTS of variety. Most swamps I have seen on pikes have about 10% of what a prototype swamp would have. I just poured WS realistic water this morning. I will see how I like it in a couple days.
Hope you will post a picture Arthill, Did you install your plants, vegetation, etc… before you poured the liquid water or after?
Use some tall weeds in it for cat tails. Good luck!
Dead trees,dont forget water lines showing where water reached its peak.
The water line is a great idea that never crossed my mind! Thanks ammoguy!!![:D]
stripes2. All underwater stuff I put down first. I planted some grass after the pour. It gave a different look and thus more variety. I am going to try some cat tails out of plastic clay. I have no idea as to if it will work. Here is how it looked Sunday. Still crude but improving. It will get another pour maybe tomorrow. The little details come last.
From where I grew up, two things: Spanish moss and cypress trees. You gotta have BOTH to have a good southern swamp.
Tom
Actually, you technically have to have trees in ANY swamp. Otherwise, you’ve got a bog, slough, marsh or wetland area.
And variety is definitely the order of the day for any wetland area. Add several varieties of scrubby trees, tall grasses (cattails are a type of grass), and low-lying leafy plants in a wide array. Too many people stick with three types of ground foam to model everything, and it doesn’t come out realistically at all. Invest in a few different scenic materials; they go a long way and will do wonders for the overall look. I highly suggest digging through a Scenic Express catalog (or their website) for ideas.
And whatever you, visit a similar area in person before you start scenicing! You can’t model something effectively unless you know what it looks like! Bring a digital camera, burn lots of pixels, and study them for awhile before you build.
Along with what Ray said, if you ever have a chance, go visit either the Louisiana bayous or Okefenokee swamp in southeastern GA (Folkston). Very enjoyable places to visit for a day and educational, too. Food in either location (i.e. southern or cajun cookin’) is a plus! [:)][tup]
Here’s a couple of links:
Tom