Model train landscaping is one of the more enjoyable aspects of the model train hobby. Most fun is planning and executing the scenery and landscaping that your track and engines will meander through. For some it is almost like playing God in that you can decide and create any scene you desire.
From fanciful hobbit themes, alien worlds or realistic re-creations: there is nothing that you cannot create and display. All it takes is a plan, some materials, a little skill and some time.
First and foremost you need a plan or at least a concept.
Do you want to duplicate an existing landscape?
Do you want a faithful historical recreation of a place now lost in time?
Are you more inclined to creating a never-before seen or unlikely scenario to wow the masses?
Making a choice on one theme for your layout and staying true to that theme is perhaps the most important keys to success. If you change your methods and style in the middle of your landscape the result will be inconsistencies that will detract from the overall impression you are trying to form.
Ideally those you invite to view your work will see a delightful scene, and the harder they look the more detail they will find. Nothing is more enjoyable than hearing those delighted squeals when a viewer notices ever more subtle details as he looks closer and closer. The key to obtain such results is consistency and persistence.
Once you have a plan for the theme you need to decide on track placement and terrain. Many modelers create the terrain and then try to force the track to follow through that, just as occurs in real life ” but one of the advantages of modeling vs. real life is that you can consider all aspects and requirements up front. If you know you will have a bend or a switch at certain points why design rough terrain that you will then try to overcome with ‘grading’ in your models at those points?
Next you should collect your materials. Some items you can find around the house; others you may wish to purchase from dealers such as www.oakridgehobbies.com and www.jttmicroscale.com or your local hobby shop, but always stay true to your plan. Just because you find an amazing little miniature you long to use doesn’t mean it belongs in your model! Common materials you will need include:
1. Tables or Stands
2. Plywood (preferably outdoor grade) for base if using stands or building model train tables
3. Glues
4. Twigs, ‘dirt’ gravel, crushed or powdered stones, herbs etc. for plants and groundcover
5. Paints of various kinds for touch-up, covering the base and backgrounds, creating model railroad water areas, etc.
6. Poster board, wax paper, aluminum foil, tissues etc. for texturing and shaping
7. Styrofoam blocks and sheets for shaping
Optional items you may wish to use include:
8. Plaster of Paris and / or fiberglass
9. Talcum powder, pepper and salt, cayenne pepper ” for texturing and colorants
10. Corkboard and cork ‘paper’
11. Roof repair tar (for road surfaces etc.)
12. Paintable caulks and adhesives for securing items in place
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