The M-K & Eastern RR, a layout made of dioramas, sort of....

[Graffen]

I've started on the landscaping.

I made a stone wall and sculpted a plaster rock along the embankment.


The road is sculptamold for now.


It's real fun to get some nature on the layout.

[Graffen]

I've started on the ballasting.


I use Chamotte clay that I glue with Mod Podge matte diluted with water and a drop of detergent.
I add acrylic paint to the mix before applying it on the ballast.


I think it looks quite good. 

[Graffen]

Some more work done.


I added some static grass.




First train on the line. 

[Zephyrus52246]

Nice looking track.


Jeff

[jerryrbeach]

Michael,

I really like the bluff that splits the tracks.  Cannot wait to see how great that looks with the bridge over the single track. 

[Graffen]

I've started with the plaster work on the mountains.
I use a mix of WS moulds, home made latex moulds and alu foil.


The plaster is regular plaster of Paris.




I prefer to cast in situ. I wait until the plaster shows small wrinkles in the mould before placing it on the mountain.




I carve the surface with WS rock carving tools.
May need some more plaster in places.

[Graffen]

I removed a part of the foam mountain backdrop and replaced it with a piece of hardboard cut like mountains.


It will be painted to give a nice 3D effect.

[Graffen]

I've started painting the backdrop.

Just regular artist acrylics.

It's important to have a good original photo to paint from.
The colors are mostly midtones at this point.

The details are being added.
A lot of work left to do.

[Mark Dalrymple]

Looking very good, Graffen.

Its interesting to watch you work.

Cheers, mark.

[Graffen]

Thanks!
I test painted a mountain...

I use regular acrylics and WS earth pigments.

First an ochre wash.


Then a light wash of burnt sienna.


And finally (?) gray stone earth pigments.
As it is supposed to look Colorado-ish, I hope this is the way to go.
It will lighten when dry.
Then some dry brushing.

[Graffen]

I'm trying to match some photos I have of the Colorado mountains.
The color lightened a bit when it dried.

[postalkarl]

Hey Graffen:

Looks nice though. Is there A way you could darken it just A bit?

Karl

[Graffen]

Hey Graffen:

Looks nice though. Is there A way you could darken it just A bit?

Karl

Yes, I think I'll add a wash of gray with a bit of raw umber.

[postalkarl]

Hey Graffen:

sounds like a good idea. Post A pic when done OK.

Karl

[barrymk]

Impressive work, Graffen. My favourite Swedish word "Skol!"