how can i build a paper mache O gauge tunnel?

[Anonymous]

hi . I just put my o gauge Penn. Flyer around the tree and i want to put a tunnel on the tracks.Alls i got is Paper Mache,so please tell me how i can build one.

[Buckeye Riveter]

There might be an easier way and cheaper, too.

If there is any construction in your area go look in the dumpster for high density foam. Get a bunch and build you some small bricks. Use Elmers glue and glue the bricks together in the shape of a tunnel and then use something like a cheese grater to shape the foam. Cut out the portal openings and paint it with some green and mud brown paint.

[AlanRail]

You need something to form the tunnel, I suggest a blown-up balloon, but if you dont have one use newspaper to form the shape of the inside of the tunnel.

using tape, tape the newspaper down to form the tunnel. Then tape a plastic bag over the newspaper. Now apply strips of papermache over the plastic covering the newspaper, until it is fully covered over the top, not at the ends where the train will pass thru. Let dry.. Carefully pull out the news paper leaving the dried paper mache tunnel

paint over the dryed tunnel.

OR instead use texture paint( heaviest sand texture you can find) dip strips of cut paper bags and form over the tunnel; better texture than plain paper mache.

Alan

[lionelsoni]

When I was a kid, I made mountains by stacking boxes and whatever was handy into the rough shape that I wanted. Then I took two sheets of newspaper and stuck them together by spreading flour-and-water paste between them. I draped this sandwich over the boxes. I added more sandwiches until the entire shape was formed. When it dried, the paper had wrinkled into a more realistic shape that didn't look like newspaper draped over boxes.

I took out the stuff under the mountain and replaced it with sticks to prop up the paper shell wherever it needed support. Then I painted it and added tunnel portals where I needed them.

[3railguy]

I remember making paper mache stuff in grade school and liked the taste of wheat paste. We used Tempra paints if I remember correctly. Maybe you can spray it with spray snow too. Alan's method of balled up newspapers held in place with tape is on target. You can mist the newspaper with water too to help hold their shape. Paper mache scenery was popular in the 30's, 40's, and 50's. To use this technique for an XMAS scene is ideal because it is traditional. Plus it is inexpensive which is good if your XMAS scene is temporary.

[MartyE]

Very Simple... Form a tunnel out of a cardbord box or what ever to get base going. Wad up newspaper and tape it to the box to give it some contour. Next get some flour in a bucket and warm water and make a paste out of the mixture. Not too souply but not too dry. Next rip strips of newspaper ups and get the paste solution on it and then slide it between your figers to get the excess off. Put it over the mountain form until covered and in the shape you want it. Let it dry. If you can save some of the flour paste until the next day, or make more, and then smear some on the mountain if needed to cover seams and such. Paint with a latex paint and add ground cover. I use this technique all the time. Make sure the mountain is completely dry before painting though.

[MartyE]

I sse now you have the paper mache' so just get the box and wad the news paper to get some shape. Them mache like crazy!

[laz 57]

Watch out where you store that paper mache. My dog loved the taste of it and so did the mice. Dogzilla took a couple of bites out of my tunnel when I had my lay out on the floor of the basement. The mice later got to it too. I now have a elevated setup and my tunnels are made with floor leveler and screening.
Laz 57

[bogaziddy]

Excuse Me? According to a Seinfeld episode I saw recently, it's pronounced
PAPIER MACHE'

[Anonymous]

LOL laz 57!