“hi Alister i have been working on my laout for a year all my pics are work in process i have many more thats if you want them the cemetry is made from ice lolly sticks i an trying to keep it as a Welsh theme.
All the best from Gwilym”
“I have just subscribed to your tip line and I want to say it is been helpful. Especially the inexpensive way of do many thing , which I have already incorporated in into my layout.
I have a 4X8 layout that has a lot of mountains and cliff on it. I am a the phase to apply plaster on my mountains and have found a low cost material and method to apply compared to the plaster rolls that cost to much for my pocket which at the end has a flat plastering look. With that smooth look you then need to apply the texture to the landscape to get the look. I have found that I can achieve both with the first application. This is how I do it:
You purchase mesh rolls 25’L X 2’W. Cut the rolls in whatever width you want. I cut mine with a metal saw blade and cut them in (3) 6” and (2) 3” rolls, which totals the total width of the mesh.
You then roll out what you want to cover and staple it in place. The mesh has a slight adhesive on one side. It will almost stick to paper, wood etc. Use masking tape at the seems that slightly overlaps the last mesh you applied. Now you have apply the mesh tape and stable it in place. I
t is time to mix up the plaster. I use easy sand 20. Easy sand 20 is a plaster compound that is use in construction finishing drywall for quick setting so that it can be sanded within the same day.
It dries in 20 to 30” before you can continue. If you want texture to your landscape mix the plaster till it is lumpy not perfectly creamy with no lumps. Note: for a smooth finish you can make it creamy and achieve a smooth finish, your preference. Also make it slightly runny kind of like thick syrup you put on pancakes. When applying it will seep through the mesh tape and form up solid in 20 to 30 minutes with NO cracks. 20 minute easy sand has a low lime content and that is what I believe doesn’t allow it to crack. Plus it is harder then regular drywall compound.
When applying it will seep down through the mesh then I start brushing it on in the direction of the mountains or the cliff you might want. With the compound lumpy it give a great rough texture for ground under trees, gravel beds, rock etc.
You can apply as many coat as you like to get the thickness you require. I have done this on my layout and it has save be a bundle. I paid about $25.00 for everything. That plastered my entire layout table. If I where to use the plaster rolls that you purchase at hobby shop I would have paid in the ball park of $100 to $125 to do the same thing.
This is how I did my mountains and cliffs. I also use the same compound when pouring rock and column molds with NO cracks.
Someone has probably already written to you about this. If they have then just disregard this e-mail. Keep sending those tips plus the pic. I think this is a great thing you are doing.
Patrick”
All good stuff – keep ’em coming.
Still getting comments on the ‘ebay cheat sheet‘ – so thanks for those. I do appreciate them. Makes it worthwhile.
Take a look at my boy’s latest print out scenery. He’s done a house with a terrace. Course, I’m biased – but it looks superb.
Best
Al
