Scenery
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!
Automobiles On Train Layout
Barry asks a question that was covered in a recent blog. Perhaps someone would like to add some comments to help Barry.
“Is there a means to move automobiles in an N Scale train track system by using electricity? I prefer to use (adapting with magnets or whatever) the inexpensive model cars.”
Barry have a look at this earier posting http://modeltrainsetshelp.blogspot.com/search?q=miniatur+wunderland
Mulberry Leaves Into Grass
Doreen has kindly sent in this tip for readers to use:
We live on a lifestyle block and have 3 mulberry trees. We picked fresh mulberry leaves and dried it in a microwave oven and then put the dried leaves in a blender and hi presto, we had fine, beautiful grass for the scenery costing us next to nothing. Just bag it and keep it until you need it. The first batch was done about 4 months ago and the color is still absolutely perfect.
If you are prepared to help others and share a clever tip or two go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/train-tips.html
The best tips will be published.
Cementing Earth Base For Grass On Layout
Here is your chance to help others in the hobby. A reader is hoping to hear from anyone who has experience using a sprayer to distribute cement and asks:
I have been a work cementing down the ‘earth material’ as my base for the grass that I will be laying on top for my layout. However, the directions on the cement state that I need to use a sprayer to distribute the cement over the earth material so I can sprinkle the grass material on top.
I bought the sprayer and it sprays a nice fine mist when I tested it out with water but the cement does not come out as nice, even when mixed with water.
I am using the earth and grass materials because it was cheaper than using the grass mat you can buy. Now I know why it is cheaper!
It is very tedious work and wondered if anyone has any suggestions that might make this process a little easier.
Use the green comments link below to add your helpful suggestions.
Ideas For Lights And Action On Railroad
Pat was some ideas from anyone in the hobby who has experience with adding lights and action to a layout and asks:
“I am helping to build a model railroad scene for my 5 year old grandson. He wants lots of lights and action. I am not quite sure how to do this. I am unsure of how many transformers I need and how to wire the scene. Are there rules to follow?”
You can help Pat and his grandson by adding your thoughts to this posting. Simply click on the green Comments link below and register (if you haven’t yet done so). It takes just 2 minutes to register and then you can participate in future model train discussions.
Clever Ideas For Scenery Props
John has kindly sent in these ideas to share with others in the hobby:
Here are a couple of things that I have found you can use for details that look fine and won’t cost a lot to do.
Making A Garden Hose
Firstly, take a bit of single wire green or black insulated coated wire and coil it up around a small dowel rod. Leave to the two ends sticking out. Then, attach one end to a house or a structure the other end to a HO figure and you have him or her holding a hose, washing a car of squirting a driveway.
Making A Fence
Next take an old piece of window insect screen. Lay it on an angle the cut about 1″ x 2″ long, or what ever you think you will need for a section of fence. After its cut into sections you will have very nice sections of cyclone fence. Then, attach some posts (usually just toothpicks or small match sticks), and paint it silver or crome and you have a pretty neat little fence.
Making Sign Posts & Telegraph Poles
Small match sticks make excellent sign posts. Just cut them to length and you have it.
Also, you can take bamboo skewers (they sell them at walmart for $1.00 for a hundred). These skewers make excellent telegraph poles. Just cut them to length and file down one end. Then flat drill a small hole in the flattened area and attach some black thread. Then string your telegraph poles in a row.
Thanks John for sharing your ideas. The hobby needs lots of people like you.
Making A Lake
Aaron has a question for those scenery experts out there and asks:
“My layout is 8′ x 16′. How can I assimilate lake without cutting a hole in my platform?”
Add your comments below.
Sand Pile at Asphalt Plant
Dorothy has been creative but now needs some help:
“Last winter I made two lovely piles of sand out of brown sugar. They held up very well in the dry basement. Now that the air has been a bit damp I had to scrape them up today. How do I construct a pile of sand?”
Add your comments below.
Model Cars in HO layout
Tim has a question about how to make model cars move on a layout (like in the “Miniatur Wunderland” video we showed readers. If you know the answer and would like to inform Tim (and other readers), then use the green Comments & Feedback link below Tim’s posting. You will need to register (it is very quick and easy) and it means you can participate in future blog discussions. Here is Tim’s preamble and question:
After 30 years I have decided to get back into model railroading. I have just purchased a copy of “Model Train Help” and have read about half the first night. I’m still struggling with what scale to use HO or N, I like the idea of HO as I feel it will be easier to model the landscapes, bridges and buildings but N is appealing as I can get more track in the same space. I have been putting together sketches of different parts of my projects when I received the e-mail with the link to your Blog site. That video of the “Miniatur Wunderland” is incredible and depressing at the same time, that’s what I want in my basement! Ok here is the question part, in the “Miniatur Wunderland” video they show trucks and cars moving seemingly independently on the roads the same thing is happening in their new airport with the planes, what are they using to control that? I have searched the web for clues but have found nothing. Could you point in the right direction?
Tim, I had a look on the Miniatur Wunderland website and it said “The program has one process for each car which calculates all situations for this vehicle 20 times per second. A vehicle can either just ride the streets, have a fixed tour (like buses or trash trucks), have a fixed destination, or be on it’s way to an incident (fire fighters, oversize load transport).” The link is here http://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/exhibit/technology/carsystem/technology/
Tips For Using A Craft Knife Safely
A craft knife (with snap-off blades), a Stanley knife, or a scarpel is a very useful tool for anyone doing hobby work. These tools are great for giving a clean cut through cardboard, balsa wood, polystyrene etc. However be very careful, because they are also very efficient at cutting through flesh. That’s why surgeons use scarpels in operations!
I have found from experience it is best to make several cuts along the same line using light to medium pressure on the knife rather than pressing down hard on the knife to make one deep cut. The knife (or your grip) is more likely to slip under pressure and result in a serious cut to a finger (or damage to the object you are cutting).
So, try using several light cuts – it may take a bit longer, but you’ll be more likely to finish with the same number of fingers.
When cutting a straight line is also a good idea to use with a metal ruler rather than a less sturdy plastic ruler. Some metal rulers come with an integral finger guard.
Always keep your hand and fingers behind the direction you are cutting. It is a simple rule, but not applying the rule it is the reason many people get cut.
Also, apart from keeping the craft knife in a safe/secure place, make sure the blade is safely retracted after use.
Many in the hobby prefer using a Stanley knife as they are more sturdy than the snap-off blade types. However, they are a little more bulky so it depends on the type of project you are working on, or what you prefer using. Whatever you choose be careful!
Many in the hobby prefer using a Stanley knife as they are more sturdy than the snap-off blade types. However, they are a little more bulky so it depends on the type of project you are working on, or what you prefer using. Whatever you choose be careful!
Make Realistic Looking Logs For Logging Scene On Model RR Layout
Jim needs help from someone with experience in creating a logging scene for his N Layout and asks readers:
“I’m pretty new at railroading and have decided that my layout will be Alaska and I’d like to have a logging camp. I cannot find any suggestions of how to make realistic looking logs. I enjoy scratchbuilding and would prefer to make them myself. Any help from some who knows would be appreciated.”
To assist Jim – use the green comments and feedback link below his posting.
Telephone Lines in HO And N Scale
Edwyn has kindly sent in this model train tip for publication:
“Here’s a tip to help add ‘depth’ to a layout. If you are modelling, say, in HO and you have telephone lines running into the background, use N scale poles for the last 3-4 say. Their smaller size helps create an illusion of distance.”
If you have a tip to share with other model railroaders please submit them here http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/train-tips.html
Waterfall Construction
Alex wants to hear from any reader who has experience constructing waterfalls and asks:
“I’m in the process of finishing off a mountain scene and I want a double waterfall. I have a mountain built on a 4×8 sheet of plywood and want a water fall to a pond from the mountain to a pond. Then this piece of plywood is elevated 8 inches off a second 12×16 foot layout and I am trying to install a second waterfall to a second pond. I have the magic water but I don’t know how to put the waterfall together. Can anyone help?”
Making Sidewalks On A Model RR Layout
Jim wants to hear from anyone who has had a go at making sidewalks for their model train layout and asks:
“What is a good material to use for sidewalks? Also, finishes for these, such as indentations?”
Jim, if you haven’t already done so, have a good read of the Model Train Help Ebook as you will get some good ideas.
Positioning N Scale Telephone Poles
Jim has a question for you about telephone poles:
“Would some please tell me what is the proper distance between telephone poles on a N scale layout? What are the pro’s and con’s of using thread for wire or not to wire at all?”
Reply to Jim using the green Comments & Feedback link below.
Backdrop Photos
Daiq wants to buy some photos to use as backdrops. If you have any experience with making backdrops you might like to give Daiq some tips:
“I hope one of the readers can help here. I am in need of some color photographs for backdrops. I need them to be 8.50″ x 11″. Hopefully larger if possible. I will blow them up to the sizes I require. I hope someone can point me in the right direction. Thanks.”
Add your Comments & Feedback below.
HO Winter Landscape
Luca is having a problem with his HO layout and has this brief question:
“I have had my first read of your e-book, and I found it very interesting. I’m on my way to set up a modular layout restricted to the steam servicing area during a typical winter landscape. This is my actual problem! My ‘state of the art’ is not sufficient to face this problem: can you ask (through your blog) if one of your readers can help me out please?
Luca, perhaps you could log in to this posting (use the green comments link below) and provide readers with more details so they can give you the best possible answer.
Note to all readers: Please provide as much detail as you can when submitting your model train questions as you are more likely to get help if other model railroaders know and understand the precise problem.
Building Mountains and Rocky Terrains
John has a question for you on using styrofoam to create scenery and asks:
“I will be building mountains and rocky terrains. In the pass I used the cardboard strip, plaster cloth and hydrocal method. Also used scultamould for final touches. But I’m reading that styrofoam can be used to create realistic scenery. Has anyone got any suggestions? Thanks John.”
Rail Track Sims And Swiss Mountain Scenes
Laz has tree questions relating to rail track sims, so if you can help him I’m sure he would like to hear your thoughts. Add your comments below using the green comments link.
“I enjoyed reading about train travel in Switzerland at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/switzerland-train-travel.html and have some questions for others who are also interested mountain scenarios.
Can someone recommend, or is there a Train sim that does Swiss Mountain scenarios?
Or, can someone tell me or recommend Rail Track sims and Scenery builders that will enable convincing Mountain tracks?
Or, is there a scenery builder for Rail Sim that can read/copy from Google Earth, so I can create reasonably faithful virtual tracks of an actual Train journey, with accurate Terrain?”
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