Scrounger's Scenery & Structures Corner

I once saved a bunch of hard cardboard tubes (from some kind of rolled paper stock) to make a grain elevator in O scale; they got lost/misplaced in a move but the idea still exists. Note that the tubes were about eighteen inches long and about four inches in diameter; no home-use products these. And they were FREE from where I worked at the time.

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

.......lopped off part of a finger using electric hedge clippers.

use my Dremel tool to cut the ceramic

@mwb posted:

That would seem to take considerable skill given all considerations.

Probably not the tool I would use to cut ceramics.

MWB, I don't know the details of the hedge clipper accident, but if one was using them on a ladder and fell, I think it is possible to cut oneself with them. I think it could also happen if one is using them, fumbles, and lost control of the power tool.

Concerning cutting stone or ceramic material, what power tool would you use to cut that?

Arnold

The grain silos were containers from Harvey's Bristol Cream.......the picture is about 20 years old.......the layout came down in 2003......

Peter

Nice silos, Peter, maybe I should take up drinking a little hard liquor like Harvey's Bristol Cream and then I could have nice solos on my layout too. LOL, Arnold

Here is my ceramic double track tunnel portal after some touch up painting and adding some lichen, which I did this evening:

I think it's better, but looks a little contrived. It looks like I added the lichen to hide the seams, which is, indeed, the case. I will let it rest and revisit it in a day or two.

For my next project, I have another pair of ceramic single track portals. They will be used to replace the plastic red brick portal shown in the photo below:

Arnold

I was having a snack and made this.

Another great thread by the one and only Arnold!!!  Thanks Arnold!!  

In the photo below I used real rocks which I got from the river near my home.  I glued them together with Sinbad glue and made this rock cliff for my rock climbers.  The only cost was the glue which I already had and the Woodland Scenics rock climbers.  

In the background you will see part of a canyon wall to the left of the bridge pier.  I made the entire canyon wall from heavy gauge aluminum foil.  First I crumpled the foil.  Secondly I attached the foil ( using a staple gun ) to the upper and lower wood surfaces which were already in place.  Next I painted the foil with a couple coats of cheap black spray paint, followed by spraying some cheap green in splotches over some of the black, then used some cheap brown spray paint ... a squirt here and there.  Once the paint was dry, I sprayed the entire surface with glue. Next step was to through scenic material at the wall.  What scenic material ( such as tallis, soil, grass, sand, etc.) did not stick fell to the bottom just as it would in nature.  Since I had already purchased the spray paint and glue for other layout projects, why not use those materials on this project.   The only real cost was the roll of heavy gauge aluminum foil which was about $3.00 back in 2015 when I did this project.  

In the photo below I used a real rock to create a steep cliff.   I hauled rocks from the nearby river.  The rock is seen just to the left of the K line double tunnel portal on the lower level.  It stretches from the base of the lower level to the top of the side of the portal and is bracing the smaller rocks in front.   Again, I used Sinbad glue to adhere the rocks to one another.  I used real stones on top of the wooden tunnel portal as well ... just behind the aircraft beacon.   At first stages of creating scenery for the layout I would go to a place on the river where a dam once stood and walk along the banks and choose stones and rocks that I thought would be a good fit.  I looked for rocks that had the right texture, size, shape, and color wise ( although I'm color blind ... lol ! )  I  would fill my back pack and walk the mile home ... great exercise too !!  Cost zero.  Loss ... lots of calories.

Heavy gauge aluminum foil canyon walls form a semi-circle around my lake.  Here a camper rests at her camp site at the base of the canyon.

I needed to do something creative with a corner of my layout so I solved the problem by using this big rock in the above photo ... again hauled from the nearby river.  I thought the shape, size, lines, and smooth surface of this rock would be ideal.  Once in place the rock looked out of place ... so I added some scenic material around it and the rock looks right at home sitting in the northwest corner of my layout.  The little guy sitting on the rock playing his guitar is my one and only " rock guitar player"  bada boom!!  The cost of the scene was only for the surrounding shrubbery, the fencing I purchased for about $1.00 at a train show, and for the Artista guitar player probably came in for about $6 -7 bucks back in 2015.

Some great ideas in this thread!

Below is the latest photo of my ceramic double track tunnel portal with additional lichen. I like the look of the lichen drooping over the stone.

@trumpettrain posted:

Another great thread by the one and only Arnold!!!  Thanks Arnold!!  

In the photo below I used real rocks which I got from the river near my home.  I glued them together with Sinbad glue and made this rock cliff for my rock climbers.  The only cost was the glue which I already had and the Woodland Scenics rock climbers.  

In the background you will see part of a canyon wall to the left of the bridge pier.  I made the entire canyon wall from heavy gauge aluminum foil.  First I crumpled the foil.  Secondly I attached the foil ( using a staple gun ) to the upper and lower wood surfaces which were already in place.  Next I painted the foil with a couple coats of cheap black spray paint, followed by spraying some cheap green in splotches over some of the black, then used some cheap brown spray paint ... a squirt here and there.  Once the paint was dry, I sprayed the entire surface with glue. Next step was to through scenic material at the wall.  What scenic material ( such as tallis, soil, grass, sand, etc.) did not stick fell to the bottom just as it would in nature.  Since I had already purchased the spray paint and glue for other layout projects, why not use those materials on this project.   The only real cost was the roll of heavy gauge aluminum foil which was about $3.00 back in 2015 when I did this project.  

In the photo below I used a real rock to create a steep cliff.   I hauled rocks from the nearby river.  The rock is seen just to the left of the K line double tunnel portal on the lower level.  It stretches from the base of the lower level to the top of the side of the portal and is bracing the smaller rocks in front.   Again, I used Sinbad glue to adhere the rocks to one another.  I used real stones on top of the wooden tunnel portal as well ... just behind the aircraft beacon.   At first stages of creating scenery for the layout I would go to a place on the river where a dam once stood and walk along the banks and choose stones and rocks that I thought would be a good fit.  I looked for rocks that had the right texture, size, shape, and color wise ( although I'm color blind ... lol ! )  I  would fill my back pack and walk the mile home ... great exercise too !!  Cost zero.  Loss ... lots of calories.

Heavy gauge aluminum foil canyon walls form a semi-circle around my lake.  Here a camper rests at her camp site at the base of the canyon.

I needed to do something creative with a corner of my layout so I solved the problem by using this big rock in the above photo ... again hauled from the nearby river.  I thought the shape, size, lines, and smooth surface of this rock would be ideal.  Once in place the rock looked out of place ... so I added some scenic material around it and the rock looks right at home sitting in the northwest corner of my layout.  The little guy sitting on the rock playing his guitar is my one and only " rock guitar player"  bada boom!!  The cost of the scene was only for the surrounding shrubbery, the fencing I purchased for about $1.00 at a train show, and for the Artista guitar player probably came in for about $6 -7 bucks back in 2015.

Outstanding scenery and structures, Patrick, and you have provided a wealth of information to help others adorn their layouts beautifully and inexpensively, as you have. Arnold

Here's something I thought of this morning.....when you finish your book of postage stamps, don't throw these babies away.....I'm sure these stick-on signs can be incorporated on an O gauge building.....

Peter

All "tools", including a hammer for missing a nail and mashing your thumb, to backing your car out of , or rolling off the jack in, your driveway demand your full care and attention.  Dunno what the statistical odds are, but l'd guess driving is the biggest threat.  Many drive.  My feared tool is a soldering iron, which handling l give most attention to.  But l carefully attempt to solder.  For hedge trimmers, (and soldering irons), just keep your eyes and hands, on the tool, and know where both hands are.  The trick is to not get sloppy with familiarity.

Beware power tools, and many unpowered tools as well.

Two weeks after moving to Arizona I was removing some excess foliage in my back yard when a 10" electric chain saw attacked me without provocation.  That led me meet Dr. Shere Khan (REALLY) at the VA emergency room.  Dr. Khan is a great doctor but a terrible tailor....lousy stitching, but it worked.  Over the next eight years I've kept him busy with other injuries, but none have involved power tools because I got very careful.....pronounced "paranoid".....after that.

Awhile ago, I built a little diesel engine shed entirely out of stuff from my junk box. The victorian window muntins were tricky:

Hi Pete.

funny recently, that I had a green plastic basket of fresh berries for my grand daughter and looked at it thinking I could make some mullens of some kind. I am sorry I have recycled the baskets now. Your creation is not only admirable, it’s very motivateing!

fantastic creativity!

thanks for posting.

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

MWB, I don't know the details of the hedge clipper accident, but if one was using them on a ladder and fell, I think it is possible to cut oneself with them. I think it could also happen if one is using them, fumbles, and lost control of the power tool.

If you were using them on a ladder that right there depicts poor judgement; fumbling about probably falls into the same category.  Falling off a ladder with a power tool - you throw the power tool away from you as hard as you can.  Learned that with a chain saw long ago.  Bad decision making does seem to be something that too many have good luck in pursuing...

Concerning cutting stone or ceramic material, what power tool would you use to cut that?

Arnold

I'd find a tool specifically designed for cutting ceramic tile and not a hand tool at all. Small table saw with a blade for that purpose would be my 2nd choice.  1st choice would be to visit a tile shop and pay someone else to cut it.

Cutting stone; I do that using a set of hand tools specific to that task; something that I was taught how to do by my grandfather. I have a set of chisels, a mallet I like, and I used to have a set of feather & wedges.  I've not cut stone at that level in 20(?) years; did some landscaping stones with just a cutting wedge a few years ago.  Not unlike riding a bicycle; one remembers "how to".

I have a very funny and true story about one of my 1st experiences with power tools.

I was always a good student.  In Junior High School, a required course for boys back then was metal shop. I did not do well, probably because of my fear of power tools. In fact, I got a D in metal shop. My father was furious, not at me but at the metal shop teacher for giving me such a poor grade. LOL.

The next day, my father drove me to school, parked the car, marched in to my metal shop class, and told the teacher he was a horse's xxxx for giving me a D and ruining my average. LMAO.

My fear of power tools and general lack of natural talent at using tools and making things related to model railroading hobby is a major reason why I say, " If I can do it, you can do it."  Arnold

Pete,

As many here know, I love "This from that" projects. Your windows from this small crate is probably the best idea I've seen in this category. Way to go !

You guys might enjoy my first post in my website (www.warrenvillerailroad.com ) entitled "Free and Unique Stuff to Use"

I, and I'm sure many others here have dozens of "scrounged" items repurposed for the model train realm. I wonder if a repository thread could be started for folks to list their repurposed items? I have posted photos over the years of many I have used.

I use the icing container from Pillsbury Cinnamon rolls and the containers from Crystal Light drink packets for a variety of things including creating screens for motors in diesel engines without cab interiors.  I've printed out pictures of engineers that I paste onto the screens cut out of these.

I've even used the smaller one to make my Union Terminal Information Booth modeled after the one in GCT.

Not sure if it's scrounging or a tip, but to make the inside of your tunnels look realistic, cut a sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil (not the flimsy standard kind) to just slightly larger (1/8") than the inside height and length of each side of your tunnel walls.

Crumple up each sheet and then uncrumple, leaving each sheet relatively flat. Spray paint each sheet lightly with flat black paint so that a little of the silver shows through. Glue each sheet to the inside of the tunnel walls and trim, as necessary.

When a train goes through, the headlight and other lamps shine on the tunnel walls and the crumbling effect creates all kinds of angles that makes the walls look like cut rock faces with some metallic impurities shining through.     

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Here is my ceramic double track tunnel portal after some touch up painting and adding some lichen, which I did this evening:

I think it's better, but looks a little contrived. It looks like I added the lichen to hide the seams, which is, indeed, the case. I will let it rest and revisit it in a day or two.

For my next project, I have another pair of ceramic single track portals. They will be used to replace the plastic red brick portal shown in the photo below:

  Looking at the lichen Arnold , I would probably start from the greenery on the hill and work to a larger pattern at the tunnel.   Then maybe a few more hanging greenery pieces on the face of the portal. 🤔

It's always fun to work on things like this.    A little at a time to see what is taking shape..    I worked like that when I had a lot of  landscaping to do in the yard. 

Have fun

The oldest trick in the book:

Take some leftover ceiling tiles and break them into pieces by hand. Glue them together lining up the broken edges. Instant rock strata:

Another Arnold classic thread!  Thank you!

It’s been a while since my last post…April of this year…but hey, it’s time to get back to the layout.

Lots of great ideas presented.

Here is a pavilion that I crafted from a bird feeder and left over doll house parts.  The musicians on the layout needed a place to jam.

Fendermain

@Avanti posted:

The oldest trick in the book:

Take some leftover ceiling tiles and break them into pieces by hand. Glue them together lining up the broken edges. Instant rock strata:

Great looking rock strata.         Great weight savings over some of the conventional methods.     Great savings in time .       Great savings cost wise using the ceiling tiles  (  as long as the little lady doesn't spot the missing ones from the ceiling 🤣😃😅😄😂  )             

Great idea Pete. 👍

@Avanti posted:

Awhile ago, I built a little diesel engine shed entirely out of stuff from my junk box. The victorian window muntins were tricky:

Really nice Pete.

Even though the inside isn't paid much attention to on regular running of the trains , this interior is too beautiful to miss.     Maybe an enlarged poster photo of the interior hanging near the layout would be great. 🤔

These trees were made from sedum plants harvested from my home,  dried 6 months over the winter and spring. Then I spray painted them black.  I hit them with cheap hair spray then sprinkled crushed leaves I gathered and dried.

Wow Bill ..

After spending time seeing the woodlands around here near central Pa. , I have to admire your  representation of this scene.                                                                               I never thought of using sedum for the trees.  I've tried some dried wild flowers that were given to me in a commercial kit, but they always seemed too fragile and would fall apart.

Nice job Bill. 👍

Thank you.  How about some scrap metal gondola loads.  Regular aluminum foil balled up then formed into a cube with a hammer.

Painted some with black and rust colored acrylics.

@third rail posted:

Thank you.  How about some scrap metal gondola loads.  Regular aluminum foil balled up then formed into a cube with a hammer.

Painted some with black and rust colored acrylics.

Another good look Bill. 🤓

Never saw this done before.    It certainly doesn't have the appearance of my OEM scrap loads .  You definitely are having fun with your creative approach to the scenery and accessories.     Nice 👍

@third rail posted:

Thank you.  How about some scrap metal gondola loads.  Regular aluminum foil balled up then formed into a cube with a hammer.

Excellent idea , I'm stealing this !

Painted some with black and rust colored acrylics.

@Dallas Joseph posted:

Another good look Bill. 🤓

Never saw this done before.    It certainly doesn't have the appearance of my OEM scrap loads .  You definitely are having fun with your creative approach to the scenery and accessories.     Nice 👍

Thank you.

I think I found the ultimate scroungers product.  I'm building a steel mill layout so I need a number of different scrap loads for the furnaces and gondolas.  After finishing a box of shredded wheat,  there's plenty of crumbs left.  If you looked hard at the texture,  it kind of resembles shredded scrap metal.  I'm away from home right now but when I return,  I'm going to try making a scrap load by gluing it to some foam then spray painting it silver.

@third rail posted:

Thank you.

I think I found the ultimate scroungers product.  I'm building a steel mill layout so I need a number of different scrap loads for the furnaces and gondolas.  After finishing a box of shredded wheat,  there's plenty of crumbs left.  If you looked hard at the texture,  it kind of resembles shredded scrap metal.  I'm away from home right now but when I return,  I'm going to try making a scrap load by gluing it to some foam then spray painting it silver.

OH  BOY , .........now I'm going to have to go buying cereal again Bill !!!  😁

@Dallas Joseph posted:

OH  BOY , .........now I'm going to have to go buying cereal again Bill !!!  😁

Good for the heart,  good for the layout.

Power tools indeed do need 100% of the user’s attention. Always wear eye protection when grinding, or sawing or hammering any metal or wood. That goes especially for anyone who does their own gardening. Easy way to sustain an eye injury is to use a weed whacker without protective eyewear. Have seen this over and over. Never managed any model train related injuries, though!

@third rail posted:

Thank you.

I think I found the ultimate scroungers product.  I'm building a steel mill layout so I need a number of different scrap loads for the furnaces and gondolas.  After finishing a box of shredded wheat,  there's plenty of crumbs left.  If you looked hard at the texture,  it kind of resembles shredded scrap metal.  I'm away from home right now but when I return,  I'm going to try making a scrap load by gluing it to some foam then spray painting it silver.

DO NOT DO THIS!!!

I few years back to took some uncooked rice, painted it yellow and made a corn crib for my farm.  It looked awesome until the mice invaded.  They ate the painted rice.  Never found any dead mice from paint poisoning either. They are probably mutant mice living in the sewer now ready to attack.

See my post on this thread about half way down.  All of the rice is gone.

O Scale Chickens? | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum (ogaugerr.com)

No food products on the layout.

Have Fun!

Ron

@third rail posted:

Good for the heart,  good for the layout.

I'm assuminng you aren't referring to SUGAR  FROSTED varieties  Bill  !?!

Great advice Ron.

Ordinary mice will eat through a plastic bucket to get to grain inside. 

And, once you get mice in your house, they are there virtually forever.  You will never be able to trap or capture them all.

They love attics and they love basements.  And, they love to create little cities underneath your tub, in the hollow space between the tub and subfloor, because it is warm there.

Mannyrock