Stone Walls

[modelbob]

I'm looking for a source for HO stone retaining walls like the PRR used. These are large square cut stones.

Does anyone make anything like this, or will I have to carve my own?

 

[sushob]

I don't know if anyone makes them or not, but I do think it would be a fun project to cast each stone individually and build the wall the "prototipical" way I've been casting stones for my N scale display/diorama recently. I just pressed some rocks into "Sculpey" clay to make molds and used plaster to cast them. The clay has an almost rubber-like quality, so the plaster doesn't stick. The clay doesn't seem to air-dry either, so if you decide you don't like a mold, you can just roll it up in a ball and start over. Of course, individual stones probably wouldn't be very practical for any sizable project

 

[modelbob]

I don't know if anyone makes them or not, but I do think it would be a fun project to cast each stone individually and build the wall the "prototipical" way

So... Are you offering to that work for me? The section I need is about 8 feet long (real, not scale, btw) and ranges from 1 to 3 inches high. Let me know what other info you need to get started.

Seriously, that's just not an option. Between work and this website and all the other layout work I want to do, scratchbuilding a wall, or much of anything for that matter, isn't going to happen any time soon.

 

[George D]

In case you are forced into carving your own - I made a small wall using blocks carved from a strip of styrene. It's not as time consuming as it might appear. The size of the blocks are based on the size of the piece of styrene you use. Here's a picture of the carved blocks and a picture of the completed wall.

George

 

[sushob]

Are these the type of wall you're after?
http://homepage.mac.com/jjakucyk/Transit1/prr/pages/page_10.html
http://homepage.mac.com/jjakucyk/Transit1/prr/pages/page_9.html
http://www.railfanusa.com/pics/mine/mtc_83.jpg (minus the orange cones, of course )
http://www.jerseycityhistory.net/embankment.html

Here's some info (scroll down to stone work).
http://kc.pennsyrr.com/model/prrflavor.ws4d

And here's what they suggest.
http://www.choochenterprises.com/html/8310_cut_stone_wall.html

How about handbuilding a small master section and then making a mold to cast the rest? I'd love to, but I'm afraid it would take awhile, unless you can talk my chemistry teacher into easing up on the homework a bit

 

[sushob]

Wow! Nice work George!

 

[CBCNSfan]

WOW! haven't got to finish the tour yet, what terific photos fantastic thanks for posting the links even though they took a nice chunk of time out of my morning but it was worth it
Cheers Willis

 

[George D]

Thanks, Nate. I liked your first link. There are some other scenery ideas besides the walls in those photos.

George

 

[modelbob]

Are these the type of wall you're after?

Yes, that's exactly what I have in mind. The first one really shows it well (minus the brick portion, that seems to be a later addition.)

The orange cone one was great too, and included a detail I'd forgotten, those distinctive railings that PRR used.

 

[sushob]

Glad you guys liked the links! Hope they helped! Good luck with your project Bob...let us know how it turns out.