ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
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.
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.
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’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.
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
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:
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
hard to get them right or look realistic (can tell you till now i was not satisfied with my results).
i did or did try one in my Woodland Scenics Series. You can find the Videos in this Forum.
I was not really happy.
But there are many different ways to do/try it.
So if you find something that works for you, share it here iam interested in!
cheers
Marco
here is a not finished picture of my attempt number 2:
More rapids than waterfall, but I created this with plastic wrap, silicone chalk and acrilic paint. I think same technique could produce a fairly reasonable waterfall.
Do not apply water effects to wax paper.
It will not peel free from it.... it sticks horribly
I think I used cellophane and it worked a little better
I'll give better details later when I know something more
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.
Still working on the waterfalls the bottom half is not finished yet silicone is still drying I need to add some paint for effects
This is one of the biggest pain in the #$$@#$&@!* Had to work on. Anyway I had to practice on several practice pieces before I got it look in the way that it is.
Only it's not the way I wanted it to turn out but .....it is what it is..... I used a bottle of the water effects.
Also waiting for the materials for the bottom I will have a pond that the water falls empties into.... that part is not finished yet.