I have an interesting idea for a water fall. The waterfall has to have real water running while I have operations, and look real while the trains are not running. I have tried using Woodland Scenics water to make it look real, then run real water over it, but since Woodland Scenics is water based, it did not work correctly. Thanks for any ideas you have.
Darick
Well, you might try coating the Woodland Scenics stuff with some kind of lacquer to keep the water off of it, but…
Why do you want to use real water? I think there was a thread about this very subject a few months back. Everyone thought it was a bad idea. Some noted that making real water look “real” in the scaled-down setting was very difficult. Others pointed out the problems of water - getting into your wiring, attracting mold, etc.
I have tried some water sealants, but it changed the color of water. I did not look real.
I like real water just for the effect. My thought was because you can have a water fall on your coffee table…why not on a model railroad. There is nothing more realistic then real water on a water fall.
Darick
I agree with Mister Beasly about the pitfalls of using real water. However, if you insist, try using silicone caulk for the falls Envirotex light for basin pond. These products are not harmed and are water proof.
Bob K.
I think with today’s materials we can make a real water waterfall waterproof. The problem I have is making it look real. I have been told to use everything from pod liners, to joint compound. I like the sound of water running, so to reproduce it could be fun to try.
Thanks
It will look odd, and some would say a bit goofy, to have your train scooting past or over the waterfall at a scale 40 mph while the water is zipping under the bridge at a spectacular 120 mph.
Then, there is the humidity problem in the room, algae and mold growth, discolouration over time, etc.
If you must, you must, but I can’t see it providing you with lasting satisfaction. If nothing else, it will be good experience in scenicking.
Boy…I did not think about the speed of the water. But, there seems to be no speed limit on the water I see in the mountains. As for humidity or algae, my layout is in the garage and that is a problem I will have to battle anyway. I still like the sound and look of a stream and waterfall running…and it still should fun to build…if I can figure out how.
The very first scenery manual I read way back in the 1970s stated that nothing looks less like real water than real water. It just doesn’t scale down well. In addition, you will be adding a laundry list of potential problems by introducing moisture to your layout. It might be a good idea for a garden railroad but certainly not an indoor scale model layout.
if you do run water on your layout, take a visit to your local medical supply store and get some sterile saline water, I am an EMT and know all about this water, no mold, and it will reduce some of the molding issues due to the saline., think about the pumps(size, strength, flow, adjustment), your going to need a filter system of some type and catch basin. need to think about water lift and flow, water will take the easiest route it can find, and will work its way through any crack it can find, theres a lot to think about.