N Scale Hi Rail - Retro Hollow Core Door Layout

[MK]

^ Is that like Sculptamold?

[CRL]

Celluclay is still my go to for my base layer texture. I use the white version (as opposed to the gray) mixed with 50/50 dirt colored latex paint / water. Apply the mixture over your carved foam base in a thin 1/8” layer, then sift your choice of dirt, ground foam, etc over the goop while it’s still wet. Spray with wet water until the latex paint color starts to bleed through, then let dry. This will bond everything together in most cases, but you can add diluted white glue or cheerleader level hairspray if you need more adhesive. This will give you a very tough but impact resistant base layer that is light weight but won’t chip.

[CRL]

^ Is that like Sculptamold?

Similar, but Sculptamold has a plaster base & the Celluclay is more of a starch like glue base.

[dem34]

You guys talk ***** about sawdust, but it's a useful part of my forest floor blend.

The key is knowing its good for representing earthy wood detritus but is rather poor at being a grass facsimile. 

[CRL]

The key is knowing its good for representing earthy wood detritus but is rather poor at being a grass facsimile.

How much of it did you smoke before you figured that out? 

[wm3798]

Another retro scenery material (that's still available) is this stuff:



https://www.activaproducts.com/5-lb-package-celluclay

I did most of my first layout with that stuff back in the 70s.  I actually took my sectional track, propped it up on my Atlas "over and under" pier set, then stuffed Celluclay under the track to bring the grade up to the track.  What I didn't realize until too late was that A: it was very sticky going on B: it shrinks quite a bit as it dries, and C: it forms a near permanent bond with the underside of the track as it cures.  What started out as a brilliant idea for a short cut, turned out to be a disaster!

This was long before VHS tapes, much less YouTube tutorials!!

Lee

[x600]

 Anyone remember Perma Scene??
Mix with water, looked like oatmeal??
I used it on my first N Scale layout in 1967-68.

Greg O.

[wm3798]

Some sort of vermiculite as I recall.  I might still have half a box of that mess laying around somewhere...

[CRL]

I did most of my first layout with that stuff back in the 70s.  I actually took my sectional track, propped it up on my Atlas "over and under" pier set, then stuffed Celluclay under the track to bring the grade up to the track.  What I didn't realize until too late was that A: it was very sticky going on B: it shrinks quite a bit as it dries, and C: it forms a near permanent bond with the underside of the track as it cures.  What started out as a brilliant idea for a short cut, turned out to be a disaster!

This was long before VHS tapes, much less YouTube tutorials!!

Lee

Yep. It also cracks as it dries if applied in a thick layer. THIN layer no more than 1/8” is the secret. You can also apply it over cheesecloth draped & hot glued over random bits of scrap foam. Makes for quick & interesting open country hills.

[pdx1955]

Anyone remember Perma Scene??
Mix with water, looked like oatmeal??
I used it on my first N Scale layout in 1967-68.

Greg O.

Yep, used that on my first large N layout in the early 80s. Looked ok, but had a propensity to create mold spots here and there over time.

[John]

Ok, you say it's only retro stuff on the layout, but then you've got 3D printed buildings. Or is the retro only the rolling stock? Hey, it's your layout ... or maybe say it's "retro+".

It's retro because I used expired resin to print his building ..

[wm3798]

On to another project!  (The ADHD is strong with this one!)


It's time to build out the highway bridge over the new yard lead.


This old Faller Kit, which was incomplete and missing its deck, was purchased for a song, and is perfect for the task.

I'll need to cut up the old Cumberland bridge deck to make it two lanes, and rework the sidewalks and railings, but that shouldn't be too hard.


And as long as I keep an eye on my clearances, it should be just fine.
Stay tuned for more news as it happens!
Lee

[OldEastRR]

That once "jest a country road moseyin' into town" is turning into a superhighway. I remember when it was barely a overpass on simple piers. Where's the subdivision for it going? Is there going to be waterway under it? Seriously, I'm glad this project keeps rolling merrily along --- I remember your earlier ones falling by the wayside with time.

Scenery how-to's: I got my first ones from the hobby articles in Boy's Life, a zillion years ago. Dyed sawdust, you built the track right on the plywood, and it you wanted a sub-bed creek, you chiseled and gouged it out of the plywood!! But best not to use 3/8" plywood!! they said use tile cement for water. Brown stinky goopy stuff.

[wm3798]

Yes.  The Mighty Potomac runs right to left, and a tributary comes in from behind the girder plate bridge.  This scene will be very "Model Railroady".

Lee

[wm3798]

Progress on the highway bridge.




Lee