I am doing some layout work these days and in the beginning stages of a canyon with a creek and ponds. Could need up to 1/2 gallon to put onto the bottom of this canyon. The stuff from the local hobby shops might break me, man that stuff is expeeensive. I used envirotech water some time ago with good results but the fumes are no good, looking for a user friendly, inexpensive substitute. The creek and ponds will be around 20' long and up to 1' wide.. I was hoping someone here could enlighten me as to some water modeling tips. Thanks Tom H.
Howdy Tom, We had the same problem at the Texas Western in the Houston Harbor area. I went to a clinic taught by Dave Frary and learned a simple technique of first painting the bottom of the water area, then using multiple coats of gloss medium. We put six coats on the Texas Western harbor. The final coat is simple high gloss polly which seals the surface and makes it easy to dust and clean. Here is a photo of the result. The base color was applied using cheap china brushes and daubed on. The picture depicts the harbor with two coast of gloss medium, dobbed on. I like the result better than our envirotex water. Best, mike
Tom, I'll second what Mike has outlined. When I belonged to the Mexico (Missouri) Train Works, we used a similar approach for a crossing of the Missouri River (with a much muddier paint base). It was reasonably quick but, most importantly, was quite cost effective. Best Regards,
Thanks guys for the info I will give the Polly a try. Mike, that photo you attached is what I am going for, it looks great. Are you talking about the water based clear gloss that is sold in hardware stores for finishing wood? A brand name Deft comes to mind, but I am sure Minwax and others make it as well. This part of the MRR is being proving difficult to work with. I knew it when the benchwork was over 5' wide, having to work it in small segments with basically one hand (my back hurts) I need to take some photos and post. 2 tunnels and a bridge in the most difficult section is not helping. Have fun Tom H.
Use inviro Tex Lite, get it from any hardware store up to a gallon in size. Dries prefectly clear, so ay detail must be added before you use the Inviro Tex Lite. Richard
It should be borne in mind that, if this is the same gloss medium that is sold at art supply stores, it is only a finish coat. In other words, you must actually model the surface of the water, then apply the gloss medium to give it a shine. You do not pour this stuff in like a casting resin. I have used gloss medium the past and it does work very well, but you should be clear on what it actually does before you get too far into your project. GS
