Modeling plant-filled shallow water

[BillW]

I am modeling a section of the New York Central (now C&O/Metro-North) mainline along the Hudson River.  Much of roadbed is located in the shallows of the river itself, creating shallow coves between the roadbed and land that are filled with broad-leafed water plants.  Has anyone attempted to model this environment?  What materials were used to create the illusion of masses of water plants?

[Medina1128]

There was an article in Model Railroader, last year I believe, where a modeler showed how to make lily pads for his pond. I've used some "brush grass", for lack of a better description. It looks like fine paint brush bristles that you cut, put into a bunch, then glue to the layout.

[larak]

Welcome to the forum Bill,  

That's an interesting area to model. Remember that parts of that line (hyde park near the yacht club) use five distinct colors of mixed ballast.

You can cut out "lilly pads" with a sharpened piece of brass tubing - kind of like a miniature leather punch. Paint the paper first with several shades of green and use the tube to make the leaves. Sorry, I don't have an image handy.

You can also simulate algae by dipping a toothpick into green paint (floquil reefer green) and touching it to the surface of the envirotex before it dries. The green will spread out and mix. Careful application will simulate algae with animal "tracks" through it.

I simulated cattails for a farm pond with brown nail polish on floral wire (see image).

 

I hope that this is of some help to you and am sure that others will have further tips.

Karl 

[loathar]

Noch makes a tree leef product that might work for broad leef water plants.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/528-7142

 

[camaro]

Bill,

 

Check out Lance Mindheims "Voodoo and Palmettoes" layout.  Lance modeled a canal which is excellent.  He also has photos of the construction of the canal less the paint and Envirotex resin which is used to simulate water.  The actual canal depth is 3/4".  Lance does fantastic detail work.

www.lancemindheim.com

 

Larry