Scenery Module technique

Looks like you're definitely on the right track. That approach would also make things more serviceable.

I wonder about the Masonite, it can warp.  I have a module that someone built in the 1950s on Masonite and I recently had to put a framework under it to stiffen it.  Might want to consider plywood.

Bill

George can you post a photo of the before with just the cookie cutter roadbed?

I use foam.  It is rigid and easy to cut with a utility knife.

I agree that foam is the way to go.  Several layers hot glued together produces extremely rigid and stable organic shapes:

Another vote for foam:

Carved pink Styrofoam:

Lift-off city scene:

More carved pink Styrofoam - no plaster:

A seasonal lift-out section:

Miscellaneous Styrofoam filler pieces:

Jim

Sure.  Here are some photos from the re-alignment and track roadbed strengthening work I did last year.

The area directly above in this photo became Standard Slag, another module created with a masonite "sandwich" approach.  The module is removable and involves track and electrical work.  I will try to post that later on, although it can been seen on Page 4 of the PRR Panhandle Division thread in the OGR Photo Forum.

While the subroadbed looks like a table top, it does change elevation and underneath it is supported by risers.  To the left in the photo above, the "S" curve is descending towards the viewer.  In my re-alignment, I decreased the angle of descent.

The blue wire is for superelevation of the curve - it carries no juice.

The hole on the left side of the photo became Standard Slag.  To the right is the hole that will be the City of Weirton.

George

Mark, Pete, Jim -

Love what you did with the foam in your modules.  They look great! 

At one point I was leaning towards foam for this area.  I still intend to use foam for smaller scenery modules elsewhere, but in this case:

• This is 4'x8' module that will bear substantial weight.
• The module must fit on top of the cookie cutter roadbed (overlap 1/2" to 1") and the masonite will do that well.  Edges will be sealed and covered with ground foam to hide them.
• Rigidity will be created by using wooden ribs - I have to get up underneath at least 8-10 buildings on this module to run wires.  Also there is a height change (wall).

I may regret this approach, but in any case, I will record the lessons learned and share them.

George

You might want to check out Paul Scoles excellent Scenery videos. He uses "modules" techniques, is EZ to understand and very well done. His DVD is listed on the Scourcelist.

Dave G.

Thanks Dave, I just might do that.

George

Earlier in the thread, I referred to Standard Slag as a module I had built using this technique.  Following are a couple of photos of that area.

The first shows the module framework - top layer of masonite, 1x4 ribs, bottom layer of masonite - on the workbench.  Pink foam will go between the layers to form a sloping hillside - in this case a slag dump.  For Weirton Junction, that slope will be green and hold trees.

The second photo shows the nearly finished module (I haven't glued any slag onto it and won't until much later).  The foam has been carved, covered with joint compound, and painted.

Your comments welcome!

George

Jim,

I really like the idea of seasonal lift off sections!

I hadn't thought of that and now my mind is in overload and making sure my layout leaves room for something similar!

George

Your idea turned out very nice and adds a great look to the layout.

Thank you for the additional photos and description.

Thank you, Charlie.

The Standard Slag module is actually an access hatch, although not a very convenient one.  However, when you think about it being next to an immovable 4'x8' keyhole shaped scenic module (City of Weirton) or being the only way to reach the Weirton Steel area (to its left up against the far wall), you have to pick your poison.  Hopefully, we'll never need to use it.  Of course, if you don't have one available.... 

For all the reasons previously stated, I don't think an all styrofoam solution makes sense for the City of Weirton, but it's definitely the method of choice for the mountain / coalmine / tunnel on the Ohio side of the layout.  That area will have a footprint of roughly 8 square feet and rise at least 4 feet.  The mountain will take up one of the back corners.  It will be all foam and sit directly on the frame and benchwork.  Trains will run through the tunnel, so the mountain will be removable as well.

George

I like to use foam glued to luan base.  Very sturdy and durable.   Easy to shape cut and form

Bill D

Similar idea, Bill.  The luan is thicker than masonite and more rigid so it might work better, actually.  But I've bought and used the masonite before, so I'm committed.  I expect the results to be equivalent.

George

This is a good thread since I'm now contemplating what base material am I going to use for the elevated city scene. It's going to be an odd shape and have a long axis of almost 8 feet. I have some Homosote floating around the basement, but it's not enough to do the job. I may go with foam also.