Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!

model scale railroad houses to construct ho scale n scale oo gauge

Making Water for a Model Railroad

model railroad water

 

Model railroaders are known to be ingenious when it comes to constructing, creating, and improvising. Creating water effects is a good example of this. Various techniques get used to create ponds, rivers, streams, and even beaches and harbors.

Although it can be cheaper to use an old mirror, a discarded pane of glass, or just gloss paint – it’s not usually as effective as using one of the many epoxy resin based products available from hobby or craft stores.

making water for a model railroadResin products dry hard and clear so the surface under the resin still needs to be sealed and painted to add the illusion depth. However the final effect can be extremely realistic and closely resemble real water.

how to make water effects on model railwayProducts available include: Realistic Water by Woodland Scenics, Magic Water by Unreal Details, Aqua Water by Busch, KraftKote by Klockit. Other products are EZ Water (I’ve heard some bad comments about this product so would be interested in reader feedback), and Envirotex Casting Resin.

These 3 photos show how altering the base color can can dramatically change the perceived water depth.

If you would like to add your tips or comments on water making just click the comments link under this posting.

2 Responses to Making Water for a Model Railroad

  • John Hainer says:

    there is a product I used from home depot called super glase worked real good

  • Lloyd says:

    I would like to know how the ripples were made on the water,as in pictures one and two. The surface in picture three appears flat. Any products I have used will level out and appear flat. I used white paint and brush to simulate rapids and white caps etc., and it turned out well but just did not have that wind over water look.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Add a photo or image related to your comment (JPEG only)

Reader Poll

Which scale of model trains do you operate or prefer?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION

Download Your Free Catalog

Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers

N Scale Track Plans

Watch Video

Model Train DCC HELP

Model Train Help Ebook

NEW TO MODEL TRAINS?

FREE Tour Inside Club

Take a FREE tour inside the club.

Scenery Techniques Explained

Scenery & Layout Ideas

Model Railroading Blog Archive