Task: Build a Mountian

I began the process of building the one mountain on the layout that will have tunnels. I like tunnels but did not want long stretches of the layout beneath mountains because to me its all about the trains. I want to see trains, not hills and mountains. So this mountain is compressed and thats fine. It provides the sense of tunnel action without hiding trains from view for extended running.

After setting in the homemade modern concrete segment bridge into the still wet ground goop, I began constructing the mountain. Its largely cardboard framed with plaster impregnated paper towels over top. I used wide masking tape to develop the curves of the mountain. The tunnel portals and retaining walls were attached and then the rock molded plaster castings. Once I was satisfied with it, I began covering it all with the ground goop.

Lots of small details remain, as I need to work the inside of the tunnels so that nothing layout-looking is seen. I will use black construction paper to create the tunnel once I get all the wiring completed.

Task: Create Rocks

I began the process for the 100 or so rocks that are going to be needed for the layout. I started with the Woodland Scenics product called Lightweight Hydrocal. Its a really high quality plaster product that sets quickly and allows for fine details in the final rock casting. Using three separate rubber rock molds, also by Woodland Scenics, I poured the mixed Hydrocal in to the "wetted" molds. Wetted means water with liquid dish soap mixed in (in this case in a spray bottle) that allows the completed rock to be lifted out of the rubber mold.

Once the Hydrocal was completely dried (think 4 or so hours), I began the painting process. I first mixed 16 parts water with 1 part Woodland Scenic Burnt Umber and Yellow Orchid paint. And 32 parts with 1 part Woodland Scenic Black paint (for the final wash). Using cheap foam brushes I dabbed the rocks with both colors in different spots. Then I coated the whole rock with a 16 parts to 1 part Woodland Scenic's Slate Rock paint. Once it sat for about 30 mins, I washed the rocks with the highly diluted black paint, really soaking the cracks and crevices (I use an empty Windex spray bottle for this washing).

I allowed these to dry over-night then using white acrylic paint, I used the modeling technique called dry rubbing, to bring out the edges of the rocks. I was satisfied with the finally results. The last step will be to seal each painted rock in 50-50 white glue.