Groundwork question

A trip to your public library might be a good idea. There you might find some basic model railroad layout building guides.

Otherwise a visit to your local book store. Kalmbach publishes several titles all are helpful at learning the basics of diorama building...a model railroad is a functioning diorama.

Thanks.

The ramp broke twice and then I got so fed up I chucked it.

More to come when I get a new ramp.

Cardboard and styrene do not always work

james

The thing to do is understand why it broke, and then use that information to make one that does not break. Its how we all learn to make dioramas. Patience is a really important part of the equation here.

I use a wooden frame inside my groundword to build up the contours, and then add planks and coat it all with either auto primer or varnish. You can build up elaborate contours that way and they are strong.

Here are the insides of the diorama

After it is all sealed up and with some cardboard used to help me work out the composition

And after final construction

Thanks for your help.

I fixed an image to show where it broke.

Will post it later.

James

A better idea is to build up your groundwork and different elevations with foam.  You can sculpt it with a knife and add wedges and such to vary te levels.  Once it is how you want it, cover the whole thing with plaster adn add any cobblestone or road details at that time.

Hi Heavyarty,

Just what I'm gonna do.  Thanks.

James

Will post pics when I find my camera

Ditto on what Gino said. I always use pink insulation foam and other particle/foam material to build up the basic contours. Once that is done, a layer of celluclay, mud, and other surface replicating materials are added.

Thanks Zokissima

I am using blue foam left over from the waterproofing of our house this week.

PLEASE TELL IF OR WHAT I AM DOING WRONG!!!

Attached are some pics.

I will be getting a handheld wire brush and maybe a rasp tomorrow so i dont have to use the drill.

will post more pics when the camera has finished charging.

James

Good God! That thing is HUGE!

What exactly is the theme or scenario you're working on? Besides the obvious boat-launching thing....

Thanks

It may look huge, but in reality it is only 24"x8".

The theme will be a small municipal boat launch so if anyone has ideas or pics plz post them.

I need to sand it properly as the drill left behind some undesirable dents that make it hard to sand.

any advice for plastering would be much appreciated.

James

will post pics later, life has been hectic the past week.

More progress.

carved the piece last weekend after a long break for shoolwork and rc.