British micro layout builder wants info on rock moulding

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm very interested in learning the process of rock moulding. I want to make a number of moulds to fit specific situations in a highly detailed small layout.
Does anyone :-
# know of a publication that covers rock modelling in detail, including the making of moulds. Must be reasonably priced and available in UK or on internet
# know a link to a website where I may obtain the information I need.
# know of another way I can get the info I need.

I have a number of US publications and I warm to the way the americain side of the hobby approach scenery work. I have introduced a number of ideas into my modelling that originated in americain books and am very pleased with the results.
Years ago I visited the US whilst I was in the Navy and purchased a number of books including one on Zip texturing. This book, if I remember correctly included a very short introduction to geology to help with scenery design at least to help it seem possible if not probable. There are numerous US books available now in the uk but most of them cover similar advice.
I want to develop my work on rock modelling in a serious way.


Thanks
Andy, 009 modeller Norfolk UK

[ndbprr]

The basic way to make a mold is to buy some liquid latex rubber that comes in a quart jar ib the US. You choose the object you wi***o mold, clean the surface preferably by washing and scrubbing and them start painting on layers of latex rubber in this case about every ten layers I would put some gause in it for strength and do about twenty layers with a throw away cheap brush. Don't do it to thick at a time or it won't dry properly and will stay gooey in the center. Then just mix plaster and make your rocks. Rock molds are available in the US already to go for under $20.00 in variety of sizes (at least they were at one point). You might check EBay also and get lucky.

[dehusman]

Large lumps of coal make good "rocks" to make a mold from. I tend to make "flatter" molds, that aren't so cupped, they can make thinner castings and can flex around land forms.

Dave H.

[ARTHILL]

I bought a bunch of Woodland Scenic molds and like them a lot. I have filled them with all different kinds of plaster. Plaster of paris is the cheapest here. WS light hydrocal works but is very expensive. I keep all the waste, dye it and use it for talus. I model mountains and have used a coffee can full already.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dehusman

Large lumps of coal make good "rocks" to make a mold from. I tend to make "flatter" molds, that aren't so cupped, they can make thinner castings and can flex around land forms.

Dave H.

Thanks. Where I live, in East Anglia there are very few rocks worthy of note. Coal is a good idea but I'll have to search for it as there are not meny people using coal round here and those that do tend to buy it sacked in small pieces.
Good luck

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ndbprr

The basic way to make a mold is to buy some liquid latex rubber that comes in a quart jar ib the US. You choose the object you wi***o mold, clean the surface preferably by washing and scrubbing and them start painting on layers of latex rubber in this case about every ten layers I would put some gause in it for strength and do about twenty layers with a throw away cheap brush. Don't do it to thick at a time or it won't dry properly and will stay gooey in the center. Then just mix plaster and make your rocks. Rock molds are available in the US already to go for under $20.00 in variety of sizes (at least they were at one point). You might check EBay also and get lucky.

Thanks I've managed to buy some Woodland Scenics latex which was very expensive and some moulding plaster which was very cheap. Looking forward to getting my hands dirty with some experimentation.
Andy

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ARTHILL

I bought a bunch of Woodland Scenic molds and like them a lot. I have filled them with all different kinds of plaster. Plaster of paris is the cheapest here. WS light hydrocal works but is very expensive. I keep all the waste, dye it and use it for talus. I model mountains and have used a coffee can full already.

Thanks I've seen the Woodland Scenic moulds but I fancy making my own just for the satisfaction of it. If I make a mess of the work I can always fall back on the ready made ones.
Andy

[nbrodar]

Dave Frary's book, How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery (Kalmbach), has an indepth section of making and caring for your own molds. This is still by far the best scenery book I've ever used.

Nick

[Peteblake]

Andy, have only just seen your request.Have a look at our web-site....Seaboard-Southern.org.uk and check out the rocks in the photos (mainly best in the exhibition section) They were made by one of our Club members who used to own a model scenics co.Its now owned by another member and is called,--Set-Scenes Ltd. I made some of them and if you would like any further info, please reply off-line to [e-mail] the way, I live in w.Sussex.