Modeling an HO Scale Lake

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Good Afternoon everyone,

I am beginning the plans of a small lake on my HO scale layout. Ive got the basic shape to it but from their i am kinda stumped on what to use for water: Woodland Scenics, Matte Medium, or Enviro-Tex. Any tips or techniques would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
G. M.

2

I have a “what I did” about making ponds using a metallic silver party balloon at:

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/scenery/ballon_pond/

the pond with bushes of faux fur and polyfiber

Click images to enlarge

Thank you if you visit
Harold

3

I tried hminkys ballon and it is nice. For a larger lake the poured ones are more dramatic and a lot more work. There is one in my future, but not this week.

4

Thanks Art, hopefully I will find room to make a pond with this larger party balloon

Just a thought
Harold

5

WS stuff works good, but is a little expensive. Enviro-Tex works great, but sets to perfectly smooth, high gloss finish. Stay away from matte-medium, try GLOSS-medium instead. It requires several coats to build up a good shine, but also works well.

Nick

6

I saw a new product at a train show near Chicago last month. It’s called Magic Water (?) and is advertised in Jan’s MR. It was going for $25 at the show and covered a fair amount of area. The seller had a bowl of water and the porduct in anouther bowl next to it. Couldn’t tell the difference untill your fingers got wet!! I haven’t used it, but plan on looking further into it, although the silver balloon idea is great!! I never would have thought of that one, thats why I love this forum!! Good luck

7

The idea for the balloon pond came from a suggestion in my guestbook. I had a picture in my mudhole “what I did” with a mirror and reflections. I wanted a reflective pond but the mudhole was perfect for my layout when it was O scale.

Click image to enlarge

They had an idea of caulk or gloss medium on a mirror. I tried the gloss medium on a mirror and it worked. A regular mirror had the “double” reflection. I was looking for a front surface mirror when I looked at a powdered Sweet-n-Low mylar bag. It was a perfect front mirror. I found mylar tissue at a party store and developed this:

The mylar tissue is too thin but I have found mylar that is thicker with the possiblity of making realistic looking ponds and other bodies of water. It is on my list of projects.

Just a thought
Harold