| Constructing scenery for your model railway layout | | | | You simply sandwich the acetate sheeting between |
| does not need to break the bank. There are many | | | | the landscape material layers. |
| clever ideas using low cost items, many of which are | | | | There is also a product called Gallery Glass which is |
| found around the home. Here are some simple ideas | | | | used for simulating stain glass in craft projects. This |
| for making a pond, stream or canal to get you started. | | | | comes in a range of colors and can be used to give a |
| You can use styrofoam as your base for making a | | | | water effect. Ask for Gallery Glass at your local |
| pond. It is inexpensive to buy. You may even be able | | | | hobby shop or craft store. |
| to get some for free, as it is used for packaging | | | | If you want to save some money, use undiluted PVA |
| electrical appliances etc. Ask some local retailers if | | | | glue. You can simply pour it over the painted pond |
| they have any you could have. | | | | base. PVA glue is inexpensive to buy and, unlike some |
| Cutting Styrofoam is a messy job, so you might want | | | | other adhesives, will not react with the foam. Although |
| to have the vacuum cleaner handy. Draw the shape | | | | PVA does not dry as crystal clear as epoxy resin, it |
| you want on the foam and then use a firm wire brush | | | | gives a good result. PVA glue may dry a cloudy color |
| to rub away the foam to a depth of about 1/4". You | | | | in colder climates, but it will dry clear in warm |
| can use white PVA glue to seal the foam. It you are | | | | temperatures. |
| painting the Styrofoam, remember to use acrylic paints | | | | Another idea is to add a stream, or drainage canal, |
| as they will not eat into it. | | | | alongside your railway lines. Four inch wide Acrylic |
| Paint on some white glue around the pond edge and | | | | Perspex is ideal for this purpose. Simply mix some dirty |
| sprinkle on some simulated grass. Make sure you | | | | gray, black and green paint and apply it to the |
| remove any grass that falls into the pond as this might | | | | underside of the Perspex. |
| give the appearance of a swamp (unless that is the | | | | The banks of the canal can be built up using |
| effect you want). | | | | Styrofoam. This can then be covered with a |
| If you want the pond to appear to be deepest in the | | | | combination of newspaper, PVA and wall filler. |
| middle, simply paint on some darker color towards the | | | | There are many other ways to make a pond, stream |
| center. Try diluting the color to avoid any sharp lines | | | | or canal for your model railway layout. Use your |
| between the colors. Darker colors will give the | | | | imagination and you may be pleasantly surprised with |
| appearance of deeper water. | | | | what you come up with. The important thing is to |
| Now you can add the water effect. There are several | | | | enjoy working on your model railway layout. Treat it as |
| options. Some in the hobby prefer to use epoxy resin | | | | a fun hobby with lots of interesting challenges, rather |
| as it dries crystal clear. Alternatively you could use a | | | | than a work that must be done. Have fun! |
| sheet of clear acetate to simulate the water effect. | | | | |