| When a hobbyist can put track, scenery and | | | | shape, can cause a dust problem. |
| structures together in an engaging design, the magic | | | | Sometimes the additions of ground landscaping causes |
| happens. The model train scenery transforms the | | | | a hobbyist to question how to get the right look for so |
| railroad into a miniature world often depicting an historic | | | | many different ground environments. Just take it one |
| scene. The enjoyment of your miniature world of | | | | type at a time. |
| working railroad and realistic scenery spreads to all | | | | For rocks at the base of your mountain cliffs and |
| who see it. What a sense of fulfillment you must have. | | | | roads try ground foam, the most popular ways to get |
| Anyone who sees your work will know it took planning | | | | the right look. The ground foam adds texture. Diluted |
| and lots of study of the real world to make it as | | | | white glue painted or sprayed on the ground base, |
| realistic as possible. | | | | prepares the base for peppering with the grass-like |
| For purposes of this article landscaping and scenery | | | | ground foam and polyester fibers. Another technique is |
| are used interchangeably. With the current materials | | | | to mist the glue on top of the foam after the foam |
| available, you can build most of the scenery for your | | | | has been applied to the ground. Along with ground |
| layout. The sub-terrain of screen wire and cardboard | | | | foam is another easily found material, Lichen, for |
| strips supports the scenery base. Styrofoam sheets | | | | making trees and bushes. To simulate track ballast, a |
| are another material that can be used. On top of the | | | | finely ground granite works well. To simulate water, try |
| sub-terrain the scenery base is made of plaster, | | | | resin, rippled glass or polyurethane. Choices for |
| fiberglass, light weight foam or paper mache. | | | | simulating grass include colored sawdust, wood chips |
| Since the most popular scenery element is a mountain | | | | and ground foam. Finally, for trees and shrubs try |
| or mountain ranges, let's look at mountain making. A | | | | building with candytuft, Western sagebrush and caspia. |
| common way to make model train mountains is with | | | | Apply model foliage with adhesive. All of the scenery |
| plaster and rubber molds. Other methods include | | | | pieces can be bought at your local hobby shop so do |
| carving, shattered ceiling tile and a urethane foam rock | | | | not feel overwhelmed. |
| casting technique. Foam scenery costs a little more | | | | There are no limits to making the gorgeous scenery of |
| than plaster and it takes a little longer to color. | | | | the American mountains that can leave your viewers |
| Among hobbyists, many believe the foam gives a | | | | breathless. The miniature world is far more about |
| better outcome. Your hobby shop can supply you with | | | | imagination, focus and creativity than about how much |
| detailed instructions and the internet can supply access | | | | money is spent. Having a deep understanding of trains |
| to books and articles. As alternates to plaster, you | | | | really is not necessary to get started in this hobby. All |
| could also try Styrofoam® board and beaded foam | | | | of that will come along when you need it. What you |
| board. They are light-weight, but when sanded into | | | | need now is time and care when building. |