How would I make snow look real?
Welcome to the forums.
Woodland Scenics makes “snow.” I have never used it, but others have mentioned it and seemed to think it was a good likeness. Probably some other manufacturers too.
Had a little of the real stuff mixed in with the rain today. Messy, cold. Hear that south of here at higher elevations got up to 10", it’s only Oct 15, let’s wait a little longer.
Good luck,
Snow effects on a layout will look real if the size of the individual particles is about right for viewing relatively close-up, and if it is applied properly…AND kept clean and undisturbed over time. Those last two tend to get the better of us, and we either have to recover it or clear it away and start over with a fresh layer.
You can use baking soda, Woodland Scenics “snow” as I used, or something similar that is non-toxic and that you can sift or shake and let it fall naturally. You only need a covering, not deep drifts, and I would advise against pouring more than enough to just barely cover the ties and areas where flanges and wheels will be moving.
I would not consider fixing it in place with adhesives. I would rather be able to vacuum it and add a fresh layer.
If you are patient and skilled, you could layer Hydrocal or plaster of Paris, or any white gypsum-based material of a similar nature thinly all over the area, which would be more permanent, but I can’t vouch for how easily you could maintain its snowy appearance in the following months and years.
-Crandell
The “Coal Belt” model railroad (no longer around I guess) had a nice winter scene. The builder, Bill Henderson, used white talcum powder applied over the scene to give a “first snowfall” look.
The major problem with model snow is that brilliantly white, glistening in the sun appearance. In a typical layout space, with just average airborne dust, thet ‘new-fallen’ look has a half-life of hours.[|(]
OTOH, if you’re modeling week-old snow in the heart of transition-era coal or industrial country…[:-,]
Reputedly, John Allen wanted to create a snow scene on the Gorre and Daphetid. He sifted either loose plaster or bleached flour onto the scene. His photos came out with the proper ‘look,’ and he was quite pleased. But then he noticed a problem which caused him to vacuum the area clean. Seems his birds were all flying South…[:-^]
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in snow-free September, 1964)
In my opinion the master of modeling snow scenes is Rand Hood. His articles about winter-modeling is the best I have read on the subject so far!
I know that they are in a Kalmbach book, but I can´t remember wich one right now…
I use a mix of Woodland Scenics and Heki Glitter Snow - the latter has a nice sparkle, but the particles are too big and I pound them to a fine dust with the mortar and pestle. I try to grind the WS finer too, but it’s quite a task.
For temporary snow drifts and patches I have used plaster powder in the past, and it looked very good.
Mike