I’m blocking the 1/2" ply subroadbed sheet that will contain my turntable, enginehouse, and associated trackage. It’s bound by the yard on one side and the main on the other. The main rises on a 2% grade at this point. I’ve cut the piece as big as possible, as it’s easier and more pleasant to make it smaller than to wish it were larger!
This is the overview:
This is the separation between the new subroadbed and the mainline–there’s currently about a 2" gap between the two pieces horizontally and vertically. That vertical gap shrinks to 0 where the main enters the yard, to the left in the photo above and here:
I plan to span the gap with a rockface made from plastercloth supported by cardboard strips. Is there a minimum gap you’d recommend so I can do that effectively? I have an additional 2 - 6" to play with if necessary.
Rick have you considered using screen wire as a base for your rock face then cover it with plaster cloth? Just a thought, as far as the cardboard strips I would say if you place them ever two or three inches that should be more then enough support. Like you said better more then not enough. I can’t see a downside of having too many strips?
I’m currently in the process of doing exactly what you are proposing. I’ve used the same method on my previous HO layout (1993-2008) and NEVER had a problem with it.
Pick up a roll of nylon screen wiring from Lowes or Home Depot. Its pretty inexpensive, and you get enough to cover a lot. You could use aluminum or other metal screening, but the nylon is much more user friendly, with a lot fewer “ouches”.
Staple the screening over the opening, and trim with a scissors (another reason for nylon). Then, cut up a bunch of paper towels into strips about 1x8 or so inches. Then, prepare a plaster mix, keeping it on the soupy side. I add color (latex or tempera paint powder) so future chips will not be a shining white and stick out.
Prepare to get messy… run a towel strip in the plaster and place over the screening. Keep doing so until you reach a stoping point. I prefer to do a single layer first, and then go back to add a second layer if needed. Lastly, once the first layer or two are dry and cured (one day), I mix up a thicker batch of colored plaster and cover up the towel marks and begin to add in rock detail. Lastly, I’ll paint and add ground cover.
While there are other ways to accomplish what you want to do, I believe you will find this relatively easy and fun to do.
Thanks, everyone. I much appreciate your guidance, as I’ve never done this before. As you focused on how I create the rockface, may I assume the 2" distance between the plywood pieces is adequate? I’m thinking I should create a bigger gap for greater ease in working with the materials. Would you recommend creating, say, a 4" gap between the plywood pieces to open things up a bit?
My gap on the current HO layout is due to an incline track going to a lower level on a 2% grade. The opening that shows on the main level ranges from “zero” to just over 4 inches, and is about 10 feet long. Your 2 inch gap is roughly about 16 feet in HO, and that is plenty of space to work in some rock faces. I’d suggest you try to get a layered or shale appearence, with mostly horizontal lines worked into the plaster. After you initially paint it, you can “wash” it with a thin india ink or dark color thinner/paint mixture and that will highlight the strata.
Ohhh, one thing to remember. Whatever color you paint your rocks will be darker when it is dried. I made this mistake on a previous layout and it bothered me for years. I would use a light beige and work from there. Its easy to go darker, but very difficult to go lighter.
Acknowledging, with thanks. I now feel well armed and maybe even confident. I’ll experiment offline with colors and structure before I take the plunge. Thanks to all.
The directions for the plaster cloth call for you to dip it in water, then apply. I cut it into strips, lay it in place, then spray with wet water or apply water with a 3" wide paint brush. Much less mess!
I am a convert to plaster cloth (purchased it in bulk on Ebay to save costs, do a search for plaster gauze) and have used both the dip-and-place and the place-then-wet methods. I’ve found that there is surprisingly little mess with the dip-and-place method, and am also of the opinion that you have a little better control over the final placement that way, particularly in more confined spaces where the stiffer dry cloth can be a little fussy.
I’ve also used both cardboard strips and wadded newspaper held in place with masking tape as a base. A lot depends on what space you’re filling, but I like the wadded newspaper. Again, in my opinion, is seems to create a more natural-looking terrain contour.
Have fun. You’ll be amazed at your layout’s transformation! And remember: pictures pictures pictures!
Appreciate the consistent encouragement–and I won’t forget the pictures. First things first, though; I just ordered a CMR turntable, and that’s next on the agenda. I’ll post some images of that when I’m finished–assuming it resembles a turntable!
Check garage and yard sales. You can pick up a turntable pretty cheap. They’ll probably toss in some albums, too. Oh yeah, don’t forget to ask if they have any of those inserts for 45s, too! [:D]
Instead of using paper towels…how about using used clothes dryer sheets?
I have a friend that uses them at a club he belongs to and I have also used them on parts of my layout…less landfill waste by throwing them away and less paper to use.
Do you want a rock face or a cut stone wall? Easy way to do the first is to krinkle tin foil in both directions, fill it with plaster and push it in place. When it has set to where you can remove the tin. Foil you carve the joints between castings. At that point if you want cut stone you also carve in the joint lines. I then use three different color spray cans to paint the rocks one from the.top, one from the right and one from the left.
I had the same type of setup on my layout. the way i did it was to brake off chunks of foam with my hands and stuff it between the gap ( no glue needed) and covered it
with plaster cloth. This will look like the stone was blasted. to give way for the railroad.
