If you have built or are building the MR project layout, Salt Lake Route, did you (will you) use the Noch Sandstone Rock Wall product that Dick Christianson used in his prototype? The reason I ask is that it costs about $28 PER 7 x 13-inch sheet and you need a bunch of them to build the rock faces called for. I’m looking for alternatives, especially since I don’t have to keep the layout as light and portable as the MR version. I was even thinking of making tin foil rock molds. Any ideas? Thank you, Glenn
I didn’t build the layout, but am familiar with the prototype route. Since the scenery as built really doesn’t capture the prototype Meadow Valley Wash especially well in my opinion, using something else wouldn’t hurt. Check some of the available books on scenery construction for more ideas and use whichever technique you prefer. Try a few methods out before deciding on the final one to employ on the layout. Some people like using the crumpled foil method, but as often as not it looks more like crumpled foil than rock. Test to be sure you like it first.
Thanks, Ron. I’ll test drive a few options. Glenn
I have used tin foil for rock forms, using plaster or Sculptamold in the forms, They look fine for the type rock I wanted.
Have also made my own molds, using WS Latex Rubber to make them with. Go out and find a couple of rocks that look like what you want, make your molds. Pour your plaster, tilt the mold a little when you pour the next one, so that it has just a little different look. When you put the pieces on the layout, put some on upside down, break off at different points, fill in the gaps with some filler. You can make quite a few variations from just a few molds.
Good luck,
Richard