BATMAN wrote:The reason I am asking is I saw an HO scale barge being loaded and unloaded and the barge would list to the side as this happened. It looked so real but I sure wondered about water maintenance. Maybe lots of bleach would help.
I think real water would be best used for a garden railroad. It look more in place there.
Adding to all of the above, your benchwork had better be bolted to poured concrete, because one good bump and your harbor is going to turn into a tsunami. Unless you're modeling Anchorage, Alaska in 1964 I wouldn't recommend it.
Nelson
Ex-Southern 385 Being Hoisted
Also, don't forget the weight of the water means extra bracing to support the tank that would be used in the harbor scene. Also the tank/basis would have to be water proofed to stop any leakage.
John Allen planned to use real water for the Port facility and changed his mind for the above reasons. Also he did use real water in Squawbottom Creek with the results mentioned in the above posts.
Rick
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
BATMAN wrote:Has anyone had experience using real water in a harbour scene? I would think it would look like a neglected aquarium after a whil
Not only that (and the other issues that Dave already brought up), real water isn't going to look to 'scale'. In other words, it's going to come out looking like one of those cheap 'B' movie Godzilla-like special effects.
I think bleach might add to your troubles (i.e., changing the color of the scenery and boats, fumes, etc.).
I don't mean to be the voice of doom, and it can be done... I just wouldn't do it myself!
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
This question comes up from time to time.
Although some have gotten it to work, most will agree that it's logistically very difficult and the visual returns are usually not worth it.
Cons:
1. Water plus electrical equals bad. Dripping onto electrical components could be a shocking experience. And forget a locomotive that derails into it, especially if it has a PC board in it.
2. Water will damage scenery unless extreme steps are taken to seal it. It will disolve plaster, Sculptamold, and the like.
3. It evaporates. You'll have to keep replacing it.
4. Stuff grows in and around it. Stuff you don't want (mold, algae, etc.).
5. It just doesn't look right. It lies too flat, it's too clear, and the surface tension will give it away where it contacts the shore, bridge piers, dock pilings, and boats.
Pros:
You can tell people "Hey, it's real water!"
That's all I've got!
I've thought about it, and it has its pro's and con's. If you could find a filter and rig up a system that moved the water without creating too turbulent of water, it could work. You would have to have some way to keep the water fresh and to keep it from evaporating.
-beegle55