The LIRR Industrial Service, Inc. shelf layout

[Chris333]

About soldering the bridge in place. I don't think it would really matter. You could even leave it un-soldered, just use nice tight joiners.

[Lemosteam]

Thanks Chris, I was thinking that  I like the convenience of the sub-assembly perspective for installation, but now the channel and bridge will have to be in place prior to laying that section of track.  This also eliminates feeder wires to the bridge (I was thinking of keeping it separate in case I needed to work under the bridge).

Joshua, the walls will look like the top half of the sample leaning against the retaining wall with a little dirt splash at the bottom to simulate rain splash/ light flooding.

Really cant wait for the thousands of cattails that Hornwrecker is going to make for me!   

[Lemosteam]

I painted the channel tonight thoughts please.  "Remember chief, this is the Hudson."

The lighter area is the beach and I am trying to simulate the sand spreading underwater.





Here it is with the bridges resting in place:



Need to add the retaining walls, soon so I can start the water.

Also looking for ideas on tinting the water.  It will be gentle ripples, not waves. I am thinking of using matte medium alone.  What can I use to tint the modge podge?  I want it to stay transparent to let the flour come through.  Should I use a poured product instead?

[davefoxx]

I'm sure you didn't mean matte medium for the water surface in your last post.   

I suggest foregoing a poured product (e.g., Envirotex) and using Gel Gloss over a painted river bottom.  I've used Envirotex before, and it worked okay.  But, once I discovered Gel Gloss (thanks, DKS!), I'll never go back to the hassle of a poured product.

On my current layout, I used Liquitex Gel Gloss for my lake.  What you see in the following picture is craft paints blended to create the shallows and the depth directly on 1" foam with lightweight spackling for the banks.  I applied a coat or two of Gel Gloss over that.  In essence, all you see is painted foam for this lake.  It's very effective, easy, non-toxic, and not messy.  If you screw up or don't like it, then sand it, repaint, and try again.  It's almost failsafe.



Hope this helps,
DFF

[Lemosteam]

Thanks Dave!  Your lake looks great!  I meant gloss medium...

This water will stop at a sea wall except where the beach is.  Can the product you mention be tinted?

How thick can it be applied? 

I'll take a look at your layout thread too!

[davefoxx]

You probably could tint the Gel Gloss, but I would rather paint the bottom and then gloss it.  I put the Gel Gloss on full strength, so it can be applied rather thick.  I tried to avoid large wave action, but, if someone wanted that effect, it could be done, especially with multiple layers.

Oh, and don't be afraid to practice on a scrap piece of foam or plywood.  So, feel free to give tinting a try, if you like.  If it doesn't come out right, you can always sand it flat and try again.

DFF

[Lemosteam]

Product says it is tintable, however there are several variations.  Did you use the acrylic heavy gloss? Also what tool did you use to apply it!

[Philip H]

Do what this guy does:

this guy was called the "bob Ross" of model railroads in the comments.  I'll say this, he's good . . . 

[Chris333]

10 coats with a mop brush:

[Dave V]

Needs more bodies.   

[Lemosteam]

Philip H, Chris, thanks for those vids.  I have been meaning to watch that Coast Line video since I saw it in another thread.  Thanks for posting it here.

I think I'll do a combination of both, I like the spatula method and the mop brush method, but mostly I like the sealing aspect of the second video after the 10 coats.

Dave V., Let's just say I plan to add much "debris" in the channel... With all the Whitey Bulger hype, maybe I should add a body dumping scene...

[Lemosteam]

I added all of the sea wall and finished the bridge abutments for all the bridges:







Picked up some of the materials and tools for the water, I think that's next after I add some beach sand and some conspicuous materials in the channel.

[Lemosteam]

Still drying.  This is my PRR L1s Lollipop on the newly painted berm wall.







Looking for the best way to highlight the stones and make them pop.  Ideas please!  Powder, drybrush, Wash?

These two shots show that the mortar lines really don't show all that well. I think any white in there is likely calcium deposits.

Doug Nelson photo:


Stephen J. Brown photo:

[Chris333]

Rock walls are always tricky, but the base color looks good.

[chicken45]

Hey @tom mann ! Do you think colored pencils will work in this application for Gorbachev's wall, here?