Syd Schofield

4th Division, PNR, NMRA, Eastside Get Together South Branch (Renton), 30 June, 2016 clinic

About a dozen folks came to the Renton over-the-Cedar-River library for the Thursday evening clinic. Russ Segner brought the group to order for the presentations of photos of model railroad interest. JJ Johnston brought an example of his craftsmanship in a small HO scale store building decked out with signs, merchandise and the proprietor.

We had pictures of layouts and railroad prototype examples suitable for modeling ideas. The layouts presented were in various stages of completion showing finished rolling stock, buildings, structures as well as different scenery techniques in process. There were the fixed installation chicken wire armature overlaid with a plaster cloth skin, wadded newspaper bulk covered with masking tape and a paper mache skin, and window screen patches covered with a slurry of gypsolite. These ground contour shapes could then be covered with rock castings and vegetation.

Another method of a light weight material allowing some portability from the work bench to the layout was the foam epoxy in a mold that was draped over supports during the curing process. If the final shape is undecided and some exploratory shaping is needed for visualization, there was an example of foam insulation planks cut to approximate ground contour and laminated with adhesive such as latex house paint. This allows some shape and study before the final “commitment” to the finishing process. Both foam material-based methods provide for a sturdy yet light scene construction.

Final adjustments can be made to these foam-based modular assemblies and then populated with hydrocal castings applied to the foam armature with Sculptamold, vegetation and then colored at a convenient location before final placement on a layout. The lightweight foam and lightweight plasters allow portability to keep the messy working process away from the layout site with only the final finishing touches there.

The Eastside Get Together (South Branch) clinics will take a summer break for July and August with meetings resuming in September. Both the North and South Branches are seeking permanent meeting locations as the present arrangements for reserving library meeting rooms are temporary and for a limited number of months. For relating info of possible meeting places such as museums, churches, fraternal halls, or other suitable gathering sites in King County, please contact Russ Segner at russseg@gmail.com.