How can i make a light wieght mountain from the Allegheny Mountian range in WV or VA. I am a new modeler and need an easy why to build a mountain on my 4x8 layout.
Thanks,
TrainMaster1212
going to modeling 1960’s N&W freelanced branch line at he foot of the mountains in WV and VA.
Use cardboard and make a lattace work shell for the mountain then paper mache it.
That’s a somewhat expansive question. If you are new and are looking for some entry advice on scenery building, I’d suggest buying a book. The Kalmbach series have some good guides. One to look at is Project Railroads You Can Build, it shows you a lot of the fundamentals, and offers example types in the layout size you intend. Dave Frary’s How to Build Realistic Model Scenery is another good Kalmbach book, one that goes deeper into scenicking.
The Layout Building forum on this site might be the place to post and search for your question too.
Well, to start, you got the region for your freelance right. [;)]
As Shawnee said - a good reference for techniques:
Foam, cardboard strip, screen, plaster cloth all work and are pretty light weight.
You’ll get lots of great info on this site.
Good luck,
Karl
Dave Frary’s book is a worthwhile investment, I have used many of his methods for doing my club’s scenery. This pic of the unfinished portion of the hill shows the cardboard lattice technique. This 12’ long hill required access from below for track cleaning/ derailments shop towels were glued to the lattice with a home brewed ground goop applied over
The rest of the lattice will be set once the lower section/ portal area has the structure placement and foundations set
If you only need limited access the stacked foam method goes fairly quick and you can use the shaped foam for the scenery base. This area is stepped plywood base with stacked foam
This spot was reworked a few times already. Origional sceniced foam, then redwood bark, the changed to a s
We have used Geodesic Foam to create our mountains. This has been a flexable and light weight approach to the project. And even after a month we are still able to fine tune the shell to the shape we are looking for. We have a review of the product on our website. Take a quick look. Hope this helps.
Here’s how I did mine. This can be scaled down to any size.
Hot glue pieces of card board to get the basic shape. Mount tunnel liners in place.
Hot glue and staple screen into place.
Cover with plaster dipped paper towels. (fabric softener sheets work GREAT!)
I used craft paint for the base color and rocks. Still need to add ground foam
