model trains lighting
Model Train Scenery — Dispelling the Myths about Making Your Own
Uncover the real facts about model train scenery, should you settle for pre-made pieces or try to make your own? Many model train enthusiasts believe it is just too hard or you need special materials to construct your own scenery when actually it is simple and requires no more of an “artsy” turn of mind than building the model itself.
The Challenge – Realistic Results on a Miniature Budget
Face it modeling can be an expensive and fulfilling hobby. However, for those either who do not have unlimited funds or, who want to recreate a scene for which buildings and other items may not be available, then making your own scenery for your model trains layout, is an answer. It requires some time, perhaps some experimentation, and a fully stocked garage with lots of miscellaneous items does not hurt.
The Answer – Create Your Own
Dirt roads, snow banks, even sandy beaches cannot be easily simulated with real dirt or sand; it looks too large when placed in a miniature scene. However, talcum powder mixed with a coloring can produce excellent results without looking like there are boulders in your dirt road.
Sheets of ice in a pond, any surface that needs sheen can be simulated with wax paper.
Perhaps you have an idyllic country cottage in your scenery and a simple grass lawn will not do it. Why not use herbs for the hedges or bushes or vegetation instead of buying premade items. Dried and coated these homemade scenery items will last as long as the premade and look even better since you made them to suit.
Roads for automobiles are always a tough one to solve because finding something small enough and yet granular to make the surface from can be an issue. However, hobby stores can supply “materials in a jar” which when applied to a layer of scenic glue can simulate cement, asphalt or even grass surfaces.
Crushed nuts can also be coated and painted to make a suitable asphalt surface. The trick there is to crush them finely enough to be realistic and retain the granular quality.
Depending upon the scale of your model trains such elements found in nature as twigs and small grass can add a wild look to forested areas. If you wish to get into real detail, entire trees can be constructed of twigs and herbs. This obviously will need to be scaled for different sizes, as the N scale will require much smaller details than the HO or O scales.
While planning your layout and placing the elements of your railroad and scenery on paper, bear in mind the relative sizes. Then peruse your garage or your local hobby store for elements you can make yourself, in general these will be most pleasing to you and complimentary to your scene.
Additions to your scenery such as train signals can also be made by hand using two small LED lights, some creative cutting of cardboard or poster board to construct the outer casing of the signals and a straw for a pole through which the small gauge wire powering your lights will run. Paint it grey and black and you will have your own model signal for your scenery. An on off switch is also necessary to control the lights.
Making your own model train scenery and you may well help you uncover an exciting new facet to your model trains hobby.
About the Author
Want more valuable tips on setting up your own Model Train Railroads. Grab your copy of our free mini-course on model railway train secrets today at http://modelrailroadtraintips.com right now.
Model Railway Tail Light Kit (model RML10) By RMLectronics
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