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tips on making/using snow

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  • Member since
    December 2009
tips on making/using snow
Posted by m3orm5 on Monday, January 18, 2010 10:50 PM

ahoy there. planning to do a winter setting dio, particularly something about the Bulge. Any tips or techniques on how to make snow for dios? 

Thank you very much! 

 

  • Member since
    November 2012
Posted by dioramator on Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:56 AM

you could try this stuff

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by senojrn on Thursday, January 21, 2010 8:04 PM

Ditto 

m3orm5,

I am actually working on a Bulge dio too, but this product is what you want to use (IMO).  It is the best choice--that I know of--for making snow.  It is a little pricey as you can see from the picture, but well worth the price and will last you a long time.  It is actually made up of tiny styrene bits.  Don't try to take a shortcut and go cheap with anything organic like baking soda--it will rot, turn yellow, stink and attract bugs. 

I've used this product a couple times now on dioramas and vignettes and have had great results!  Basically, paint your base/groundwork under the snow white, then after that dries, give the area where you want the snow to be with a liberal coating of white glue (I use Elmer's school glue).  I thin the glue with a little bit of water to make a slimey paste which allows the glue to spread out more, rather than glom together.  Then sprinkle this Woodlands Scenics Soft Flake Snow on top of the white glue--I sometimes like to tamp the "snow" down into the glue to get a better hold.  Let it dry completely, then shake off the excess that didn't get attached to the glue.  Then, if you want more snow in a particular spot--to build up a little more snow thickness, add more white glue, then more snow and let dry.  I've found that 2 layers of snow looks best--first layer tamped down, the second layer left naturally "fluffy."

If you want deep drifts, I build them up like I would if I was making a little hill in my groudwork.  It will save you time and effort--rather than having 1/2" thick Woodland Scenics snow & glue. 

If you're adding footprints, make them when the glue is still wet.  I use a spare figure leg to make the tracks in the snow, then add the final figures in their desired places.

I then seal it all in with a quick spray coat of Testor's Dullcoat, just to make sure it all stays put. 

Hope this helps!  Would like to see some pics of the WIP and finished dio if you care to share! 

  • Member since
    August 2007
Posted by Doolittle on Thursday, January 21, 2010 8:26 PM

I use woodland scenic material almost exclusively on my model railroad. This snow works great and looks exceptional. Some scenic or dilluted white glue holds it down well. You can make mounds using flex paste.

  • Member since
    December 2009
Posted by m3orm5 on Friday, January 22, 2010 2:04 AM

So baking soda turns foul in the long run... Hmm. This is gonna be tough. I'm gonna ask around and try to get that snow powder. Not sure if there are model railroad shops around like they used to. (in Asia by the way.)

Thanks for the replies guys. 

 

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: The Bluegrass State
Posted by EasyMike on Friday, January 22, 2010 7:39 AM

m3orm5
...So baking soda turns foul in the long run...

I'm not sure baking soda will foul, but it looks like extremely dry and cold snow.  It will not have the appearance of the wet fluffy stuff.

Smile

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Friday, January 22, 2010 8:02 AM

I did use bakeing soda on a dio a couple of years ago, and already its not looking to good. And i was told by doog that over time it can damage the plastic on kits. Since then i have bought the woodlans scenices snow shown above. I have not had a chance to use it yet, the first use i have for it is to replace the bakeing soda. But i have read lots og good stuff about it.

senojrn Thanks for the little tut there. I wasn't sure on the best way to use this stuff, now you have answered a question i hadn't gotten round to asking yet.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by senojrn on Saturday, January 23, 2010 8:19 PM

m3orm5,

You might some try online mail-order for the Woodland Scenics products--that may be your best bet, if there are no hobby or train stores available to you.

Bish,

You're welcome!  Glad to help someone else out!  That's the point of these Forums--at least that's what I think!  =0) 

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