I Need To Make Snow

[Anonymous]

My O-Scale Layout is going to be all winter scenes. Engines will be pushing plows and various removal equipment..... What is the best way for me to make snow? One person told me to use baking soda and a sifter. Another said flour and one said corn starch. What should I do and what is the best? I want to be careful about what is on the tracks as I don't want anything ruining the mechanics of the engines and rolling stock. Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Baking soda has been one of the old standbys for many years. Look at any number of winter scene photos in the magazines; most of them used baking soda for snow.

Another product that looks really good - if it's still available - is Builders in Scale's Snow. It's made from crushed marble and has that nice snowy "sparkle" to it. It may no longer be available because I think B-i-S went out of business.

[Anonymous]

Unless you want your snow to someday start looking old and partially melted, I would stay away from baking soda. Sooner or later it is going to get damp and cake up.

There is a material called "kaolin", which is a type of white flaky inert wax. I know of at least one instance where this has been used convincingly as snow in O-scale. Unfortunately, I don't know of a source right now, but you could probably find one in an internet search.

I have also noticed in the latest issue of Micromark's catalog (pg 79, item #82357) a snow modeling material, but I have no experience with it. Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Do you want the snow to be permanent? If so, why not just use plaster to cast the drifts, etc. and leave it unpainted?

[Anonymous]

I built a layout that has our Christmas tree stand built into the center. It gets pulled out every year (12 years now) and is fully covered in snow. I used baking soda at first, but after a couple years it yellowed and cracked so I went to the hobby shop in search of a solution. I don't remember the exact name of the product, but I am sure it is still available. (just bought more in Dec. of 2001) It is a shaved plastic that has a glistening effect to it. I glued it down with diluted white glue. Once dry the stuff is as hard as plaster. I also bought a bag of what they called slushy snow. It has a gray tint. It worked good for the snow banks along roads and foot paths. I am sure a local hoddy shop will be able to help you out.

Other advise I would give is to paint the entire layout with white paint first. This really makes the glistening effect come out more.

Another scenery tip is to take a small mirror and lay it flat on the layout. Cover the edges with plaster and blend into the scenery. Then take a some diluted white glue over the top. This really makes a convincing frozen pond.

Also don't forget the icecicles hanging from the down spouts. Use clear caulk in a Dixie cup. Take a dab and hold it on the building then pull straight down.

Good luck, and if you need more info contact me at [e-mail]

Kevin

[GerFust]

Woodland Scenics http://www.woodlandscenics.com/ has a product called "Soft Flake Snow". I saw it at a train show over a year ago and it looked very convincing.

[Anonymous]

That Kaolin sounds like a pretty good idea. Actually, it is a white clay that is used mainly for paper production. Most mills nowadays get it in a liquid slurry form, but if you have a paper mill in your area, you might be able to get some. Stay away from flour. It looks real good, but soon you will have all kinds of bugs invading your layout. Another possibility is Malic Acid. This has the same texture as sugar, but won't attract any unwanted "wildlife". However, I don't know if it would be compatable with the rails, wires, etc.
Todd C.