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Sheer Rock Walls

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  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Sunday, October 31, 2010 9:44 AM

Here's a pic of one I have in progress.  I just started painting it last night. There are molds availabe with different patterns from rock to brick etc. Just get some molding plaster or lightweight hydrocal and mix it to the consistency of toothpaste or a little wetter and put it on the mold. Then press the mold against the wall you are doing.  After about an hour the mold will pull off easily. Complete dry time is a day or 2 depending on humidity. 

Springfield PA

  • Member since
    November 2002
  • From: US
  • 4,648 posts
Sheer Rock Walls
Posted by jacon12 on Sunday, October 31, 2010 8:14 AM

I have an area on my layout that is in dire need of near vertical rock walls.  This area is part of the logging railroad in the mountains.  I've seen photos of this done using some type plaster or hydrocal, carved when it is still wet, at least I think that is how it is achieved.  I know that rock castings may have been interpersed here and there, but it looks as though most of it is done as described.  This area is made of foam and can be taken off the layout and laid on its side to make it easier to work on.  What I'm after is the naturally occurring rock cliffs found in mountainous areas, without using rock castings.

My questions

 1- what material is mostly used to do this 'rock' work ?

2- how is it mixed, thick, thicker etc.?

3- how long is the 'working' time before it dries?

4- any special treatment for the foam, prewetting maybe, beforehand?

5- problems to avoid?

I can't think of anything else to ask so if you have anything to add I'd appreciate it.  Photos would be great also!

Thanks,

Jarrell

 HO Scale DCC Modeler of 1950, give or take 30 years.

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