i would like to build a shallow stream running under a bridge how do i create that any one know of a good book that i can read or someone tell me how to do it
IF your base is either foam or homasote/soundstop, just make irregular cuts along a path that will be the stream. Then, you can paint the bottom medium brown, with grey on the banks (or any earth tone). Next, you can use some Mod Podge that can be purchased in craft stores. Paint on a layer and then stipple with the brush to make it look like waves, or make it like ripples in the water. While the Mod Podge is still wet, you can add some rocks to the stream and “wet” them also with the mod podge.
You can also look on You-Tube to see if anyone has posted some other methods.
Dennis
Do a Google search on “Modeling Water” and you will find many different methods. Some people use Mod Podge. Other choose one of the many water simulation materials found on many of the major scenery distributes. I myself used an item called "Magic Water’'. My choice was based solely on the fact that when I contacted to manufacturer/developer he was so helpful as a resource that it was just the right choice for me. Again, everyone who has modeled water is going to has his personal preferences!
Good luck!
What I did for my river or stream is paint the surface you want for your stream, allow time to dry. Then I used an Epoxy finish that is mixed to form a thick glaze that dries clear and shows off the colors under neath. I used green to dark blue to show differnt depths. Here is a link of the type of epoxy I used. Hope this helps, its very easy and only cost about 17 bucks.
http://www.woodworkstuff.net/EpoxyPour1.html
laz57
Great stuff LAZ … and no need to order and pay shipping … and if you wanted more it’s right at your fingertips ! Thanks for the info !! [tup]
Oh just in case you didn’t know, “stippling” means lightly stabbing the brush bristles in the mod podge.
I have a plywood streambed, painted black, with earth toned shallows. I applied several coats of artist gloss medium, and got a nice effect with little effort.
Hey guys, got any photos of the finished projects ?
[C):-)]
so if i have plywood could i chip away at the plywood to give it depth then paint it and add clear opoxi over it add some rocks and dirt grass an should be good
Most would suggest that you either put extruded foam (pink or blue insulation foam at any home improvement store), or homasote or sound stop down for both the track noise reducing qualities as well as the ability to scenic the layout. You shouldn’t cut or chip away the plywood, if anything, build up the sides of the stream bed. If you do go with extruded foam, I suggest 3/4" as this is the depth of many accessory bases. You can simply trace and cut out the footprint of the base and the accessory would be at ground level.
Dennis
One trick I learned is before pouring your epoxy into the stream bed (In my case a pond) glue some patches of foam ground cover to the button. Once you pour epoxy over top it will appear as weed beds under the surface of the water. Don’t forget to add logs and other shoreline effects that may be on the shore and partially submerged before pouring.
Great addition STROGEY, I too have added balast material on the side to give the stream a depth look. The balast acting like the shallow giving way to the painted deeper look. When epoxy is poured on top really looks cool. Also to get any bubbles out of the epoxy after you pour it down take a simple drinking straw and just lightly blow on the poured epoxy. The co2 from your breath will eleminate any bubbles. I will post pics later.
laz57
Here’s a few oldies…
Extra 6604 and accompanying C&O consist are visiting from the South Branch Valley Railroad today. It sure was nice of SA tower to stage a local for this runby.
…unfortunately for the crew of the Chessie GP30, they sat so long they were outlawed. But, our nighttime photo runby had an extra prop, so all was not lost.
Never get tired of your layout, Fife. [tup] Is it time to resurrect the discussion about the correct color of water? [:D]
Jack
I airbrushed on Floquil Brunswick Green.
For a two-dimensional shallow stream you can use Modge Podge.
For a three-dimensional shallow stream less than an actual 1/2" deep, Magic Water would be a good choice. Will there be rocks or sand on the bottom of the stream?
Andrew
Dennis, why not cut into the plywood? If it’s in a location that’s structurally critical, it is easy to sister another layer (or several) of plywood underneath.
lionelsoni - That’s exactly what I did; dropped the creek bed 1 1/2" from the rest of the bench work, which made a more dramatic platform for the cement bridge abutments.
thats what i am doing then i will cut out and drop it down plaster it up . paint add some rocks twigs for logs then put a clear apoxy and should look good
first try coloring on a sheet of paper to get the right “depth” (lighter is shallow, darker is deeper) look at it from above. i have seen many streams or creeks that look to be as deep as an ocean!
Bye the Bye, i have also built rivers using real water! it’s funny when people dip their finger in it, and it comes up wet.