| One of the more fun aspects of model railroading | | | | modelers create the terrain and then try to force |
| is planning and executing the scenery and | | | | the track to follow through that, just as occurs in |
| landscaping that your track and engines will | | | | real life - but one of the advantages of modeling |
| meander through - for some it is almost like | | | | vs. real life is that you can consider all aspects and |
| playing God in that you can decide and create on | | | | requirements up front. If you know you will have |
| any scene you desire. | | | | a bend or a switch at certain points why design |
| From fanciful hobbit themes, alien worlds or | | | | rough terrain that you will then try to overcome |
| realistic recreations there is nothing that you | | | | with 'grading' in your models at those points? |
| cannot create and display, all it takes is a plan, | | | | Next you should collect your materials - some |
| some materials, a little skill and some time. | | | | items you can find around the house, others you |
| First and foremost you need a plan or at least a | | | | may wish to purchase from dealers such as and |
| concept. | | | | or your local hobby shop but always stay true to |
| - Do you want to duplicate an existing landscape? | | | | your plan. Just because you find an amazing little |
| - Do you want a faithful historical recreation of a | | | | miniature you long to use doesn't mean it belongs |
| place now lost in time? | | | | in this model! Common materials you will need |
| - Are you more inclined to creating a | | | | include: |
| never-before seen or unlikely scenario to wow | | | | 1. Tables or Stands |
| the masses? | | | | 2. Plywood (preferably ¾" outdoor grade) |
| Making a choice on one theme for your layout | | | | for base if using stands |
| and staying true to that theme is perhaps the | | | | 3. Glues |
| most important keys to success. If you change | | | | 4. Twigs, 'dirt' gravel, crushed or powdered |
| your methods and style in the middle of your | | | | stones, herbs etc. for plants and groundcover |
| landscape the result will be inconsistencies that will | | | | 5. Paints of various kinds for touch-up, covering |
| detract from the overall impression you are trying | | | | the base and backgrounds etc. |
| to form. | | | | 6. Poster board, wax paper, aluminum foil, tissues |
| Ideally those you invite to view your work will | | | | etc. for texturing and shaping |
| see a delightful scene and the harder they look | | | | 7. Styrofoam blocks and sheets for shaping |
| the more detail enforcing that scene they will find. | | | | Optional items you may wish to use include: |
| Nothing is more enjoyable then hearing those | | | | 8. Plaster of Paris and / or fiberglass |
| delighted squeals as a viewer notices ever more | | | | 9. Talcum powder, pepper and salt, cayenne |
| subtle details as they come closer and closer ... | | | | pepper - for texturing and colorants |
| and the key to that is consistency. | | | | 10. Corkboard and cork 'paper' |
| Once you have a plan for the theme you need to | | | | 11. Roof repair tar (for road surfaces etc.) |
| decide on track placement and terrain. Many | | | | 12. |