Water falls?

[michaeljoe]

First off I hope I'm in the right area.

I'm looking for suggestions on the easiest, way to create realistic waterfalls.
I don't mind if I have to pay a little extra, to it the easiest way, as long as it's realistic.
Researching the subject shows so many different ways.
So far it seems Woodland Scenics might be the best way to go....... But what do I know I've never done this before.......
Thanks

 

[migalyto]

I read or watched a video somewhere for the actual waterfall part they used clear silicon spread out and cured on Saran wrap.

I'm sure there are a number of ways to make a waterfall, This is probably something you want to do several experiments off the layout
with several different products to find your technique.

YT probably has some how-to vids if you haven't already looked.

 

[Iron Horseman]

I'm looking for suggestions on the easiest, way to create realistic waterfalls.
I don't mind if I have to pay a little extra, to it the easiest way, as long as it's realistic.
Researching the subject shows so many different ways.
So far it seems Woodland Scenics might be the best way to go....... But what do I know I've never done this before.......

In 60 years of being in the hobby and seeing hundreds if not thousands of model railroads, I have yet to see a realistic waterfall. I've seen people try real water. I've seen sheets of various transparent materials. I've seen moving wheels behind the transparent materials. I've seen shredded various materials blown my a fan (including one with aluminum behind the transparent materials). I've seen one fellow who make his (yes plural) out of silicone caulking. I've probably seen a few more type but they have all been easily forgettable. And I've see the resin ones like Woodland Scenics. The resin are probably the best, but the problem with a waterfall is that it moves. Making the motion is the hard part.

 

[michaeljoe]

Thanks guys,... Actually the suggestions helps a lot
Anyway picture of the the area of the waterfalls. .. maybe about 14-15 in high.

And yes I know .....realistic.... is asking a lot for a waterfall scene but I'll try to do my best.Thanks for the suggestions like I said it helps

 

[santafewillie]

Please post pictures. Looking forward to your results, as I am hoping to have a much smaller waterfall on my layout someday. Other modelers have told me that the Woodland Scenics product is far better than others, although I haven't actually seen their work.

 

[Rico]

I’ll be modelling my rapids soon, they’re not so hard to do but waterfalls I’m not sure about.
As above the best I’ve seen are silicone but as stated far from perfect.
I wonder about simply using a photo of one? A friend used a photo at the top of his rapids and it was quite convincing.

Kathy Millatt has a great tutorial on the subject but not a vertical waterfall like I think you’re wanting.

How to model Waterfalls - Kathy Millatt Modelling

How to model waterfalls using silicon sealant and resin.

www.kathymillatt.co.uk

 

[NWP Dave]

First off I hope I'm in the right area.

I'm looking for suggestions on the easiest, way to create realistic waterfalls.
I don't mind if I have to pay a little extra, to it the easiest way, as long as it's realistic.
Researching the subject shows so many different ways.
So far it seems Woodland Scenics might be the best way to go....... But what do I know I've never done this before.......
Thanks

This video provides a pretty good how to for higher waterfalls. Worth a look. Waterfall info is about 29:00 into the video.

 

[Selector]

Here is an unfinished scene crafted about eight years ago on my current layout. The water fall is just teased polyfiber stuffing, untreated with anything. Eventually I will try spraying it with a dilute acrylic gloss medium to make it a bit more white and shiny, but you get the idea. I think it looks pretty good:

 

[michaeljoe]

Please post pictures. Looking forward to your results, as I am hoping to have a much smaller waterfall on my layout someday. Other modelers have told me that the Woodland Scenics product is far better than others, although I haven't actually seen their work.

I definitely will post pictures when I'm working on the waterfalls.

It may take a while though.....I always gather information and materials way ahead of time before I begin a project.

I try to make sure that I am prepared with the information I need before I begin something....... Also, like I said I try to gather up the materials I need also

I try to study up as much as possible when I try something new but anyways I'll let you know when I get started.

 

[Rico]

I try to make sure that I am prepared with the information I need before I begin something....... Also, like I said I try to gather up the materials I need also

Aha, so you’re the one!