Building Fences

September 11, 2011

John sent in this suggestion for model railroaders:

 "Hi this is john just a quick story and tip for all you in the hobby im working on a scene on my layout that involves a cattle pen/cattle loading area/coral with a house on the property.

I came to a area that I thought would look terrific with a split rail fence,so off to the hobby shop I went. When I arrived I asked the clerk about the fences I was interested in he told "oh yes sir we have a large variety of them", when I asked him for the prices of them my jaw hit the floor I said to him of you misunderstood me this fence is for my ho model layout not for MY house.

I was absolutly stunned of the prices they want for stuff...I dont know about everyone else but im on a fixed income and do this on a budget...so I thought what can I use to make a split rail fence cheaply.

It just so0 happened that day my wife grilled out and made kabobs after eating a few I was ready to throw the skewers away and it hit me. Wow these things would make a great split rail fen!

So I cut some of these skewers about an inch and a half for the posts then hot glued them to the area I wanted fenced in about 5 and a half inches apart then added the rails to them, two rails per section.

After they set up I painted them with some paint I had and wouldn't you know it just so happens the paint I had was called hickory the fence turned out amazing and you can get bamboo skewers at any store for $1.00 for about a 100 try it if you need a rustic looking fence youll be amazed how it looks for almost nothing in cost"