Building My First Waterfall With A River

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi Guys ,Im getting ready to build my first river with a small waterfall, And with the track im Thinking of using a truss bridge Any ideas about this or mistakes i should avoid when i get started? Its H.O scale

Thanks Much!
Carl…

2

Check out the many threads here on modeling water. I have used the Woodland Scenics Realistic Water and the stuff they sell for moving water with some success. However for ponds, lakes and other still water scenes I will use Envirotex in the future after visiting some layouts and seeing how well it turned out. I think Joe Fugate has a thread on modeling realistic water… check it out it is a must read! Good luck with the project!

3

I am about to do the same. Much of what howmus has said is how I will experment. I also have found Sassi’s book on scenery to be helpful. I have read all the threads and have information overload at the moment. I think I will learn by trying. Good luck.

4

I have a “what I did” web article on using Woodland Scenics Realistic Water for rushing water at:

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/rushing_water/

(Click image to enlarge)

Thank you if you visit
Harold

5

I’ve read over and over about Envirotex used for modeling water but have neve used it myself. One thing consistently warned is to use it in a well-ventilated space. Well, most layouts (including mine currently in the planning stage) are built in basements and I’ve yet to encounter a well-ventilated basement! So how do you deal with the stuff?

Jim

6

I have two rather large waterfalls on my new layout and struggled with how to make them look realistic. Since both fall 6-8", most of the products would not suspend, but pour over the edge and pool at the bottom. Not what I was looking for. I came across the idea (from whom I don’t remember) of using clear silicone caulking for the falls. Although stinky, it worked very well and I used it for the rapids as well, it is flexible when wet, yet thick and sticky enough to form the falls and after hardening takes paint well.
good luck
Randy

7

I have heard that using Angel Hair forms a good base for the falls, then pour whatever water product you are using down it slowly. This allows some fine streams of water as they cascade down the falls.
Bob

8

I used angel hair years ago. It was fair but easy. I just did a small falls with clear acrylic caulk squezed out on a shinny surface. When it was dry I peeled off the strings and piled on the rock face. It too is fair and easy.