Need help/advice on Mountain Plan

I have used your first method to build mountains. If you'd like to make it taller, build a frame with scrap wood to a size and height you like then repeat your first method. 

Thanks Brian, 

I do plan on going a bit higher with this one and out on the corners.  Thought I would be able to do that by building it up with newpaper and then using plaster cloth over that (getting the ridges and contours I need) or using shaper sheet to do the same.  Have used neither and was curious as to others experience with them. 

Tucker

I used this xmas layout for my first effort at mountain/tunnels. Not real happy with my work.  Lots more work to do. Probably bit off more than I can chew for a first time, but so be it. Maybe use it as an example of what Not to do!  

Something to think about

Is that open in back to get trains out of tunnel if something goes wrong ?

Yes sir... it is...thanks for asking 

Clem, it will be, one of the things I need to do. There's a manual switch there which needs to have access. In testing, hasn't been a problem, but will cut a rectangle out for sure. Thx for the reminder. One question, this is a winter scene, do you earth tone wash everything then apply snow, drifts, etc or just leave it white?  TW

I've used the following methods:

Crumpled newspaper

layered and carved blue or pink foam sheets 

lattice of cardboard strips to form shape.

The one that I find easiest and fairly easy to modify is the crumpled newspaper. 

Loose wads of newspaper piled up. As the pile gets unruly, I cover everything with a lattice of blue masking tape to hold things in place and then keep adding more wads as needed. Once the shape is acceptable, I apply more tape to hold everything. I cover it all with two layers of plaster wrap. I try to do the second across the grain of the first just so seams aren't running in the same direction. Once dry, I use sculptamold to fill in areas and hide any "weave" patterns left from the wrap material. 

On my PW layout I essentially use the method described by Graz. I use lattice cardboard strips with crumpled paper and tape to hold it in place and control the shapes.  Cover with application of Woodland Scenics plaster cloth. Dries to a hard shell.

Thanks folks.   All input welcome.   Was curious if anyone had used Shaper Sheet and what they felt it's pros and cons were.......

And TEDW ... apply some carving plaster to your work, etch it and you may look like a genuis.

Start with balls of crumpled newspaper held together with masking tape. Then, after you have the height and width you want cover with plastic screening which is stapled on in strips which overlap. The, purchase hydrocal from a local supplier or from Woodlands Scenics. Use a cheap paintbrush to spread the hydrocal. Use small batches as it sets up quick. Then, add rock molds to give it character. Then get paint pigments from Woodlands Scenics or Scenic Express. Enjoy, if you screw up, take a hammer and start over. Once you start you will enjoy the ride.

It's all fun Tucker.

I fooled with most of the ways and I always ended up liking  good old pink foam board and whack, grind, and  cut  away.

This is a little overboard but it's just for information for you.

You do need a good shop vac.

Larry