Although I'm not ready to start building a layout, I often think about what I would want on a layout.
I operate traditional size O gauge trains and accessories, so I'm not really concerned about realism. But, I like bridges and tunnels, so I think a dramatic landscape with steep mountains would be interesting.
I would also like a low maintenance landscape, something that you could just wipe off with a damp cloth, so all the various trees and ground covers that are used to create realistic scenery would not work. The land forms would be painted to represent mountains, deserts, forests, etc. Low maintenance and durability would be more important than realism. Dramatic shapes could create interest.
I'm thinking there would be 3 main parts to the scenery:
1) The base of the scenery might be a traditional cardboard lattice, but I'm open to suggestions.
2) Scenic Material X would be applied to the cardboard lattice to create the land form. It can be a combination of various materials.
3) The cured scenery material would be painted and sealed so it is easy to clean.
To sort of add up the qualities I would prefer in Scenic Material X, I would like it to be, if possible:
thin
hard
strong
smooth
light weight
inexpensive
durable
able to take paint and sealants
Does anyone have any suggestions for creating Scenic Material X? What materials and methods would you use?
Based on your suggestions for Scenic Materials X, what types of paints and sealants would you recommend for painting Scenic Material X? Keep in mind, I would like the final product to be water resistant so maintenance would primarily consist of wiping off dust with a damp paper towel.
Thanks for any ideas and suggestions.
