I’m just starting to build an HO scale layout and I’m not sure what method to use for scenery. Most people tell me to use foam. However several people that I have spoken with say use foam, but then lay plaster cloth over the top to provide a more realistic look. So what is the best way? What materials will I need?
You can carve and paint foam to look like very convincing rocks. It’s time consuming and takes much more artistic talent. I think covering the foam with plaster and plaster rocks and then painting and staining them is a bit easier for those of us who aren’t so talented.[2c]
I just used plain casting plaster for all my stuff.(cheap!)
There are dozens of ways to do scenery. Dpends on your preferences. Are you building huge mountains or low rolling hills, are you making all your scenery go up or are you making some of it below track level and some above?
Common supports for the scenery are foam, a webwork of cardboard strips (very cheap and easy), screen wire, balled up newspaper or cardboard or foam sheet profile boards among others. Then you can cover the supports with strips of paper dipped in plaster, strips of cloth dipped in plaster, the gause/plater strips used for casts, rosin paper, rosin or kraft paper dipped in glue.
Just depends on how messy, how expensive you wants to be.
Dave H.
I’d invest in one or more of the Kalmbach books on the subject. I prefer plaster cloth over foam as it usually works great for us artistically challenged.
If you are interested in spending a little $ on some good how-to type books and DVD’s you would do well to look at some of Dave Frary’s materials at http://www.mrscenery.com/ I think that you will find his book of great value for all stages of your project.