After completely failing at building a mountain with a tunnel for my N scale layout, I ripped it out. And will be putting a small lake/pond in it's place. I have the techniques pretty much down. Here are some examples from the other side of the layout on the other side of the dog bone shaped layout.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/benpsutton/7069473515/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/benpsutton/6991388557/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/benpsutton/7069499027/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/benpsutton/6923413780/
The lake/pond I plan on doing is going to be a calm, mirror like body of water. I use a method of outlining the body of water with caulk and then spread a thin layer of caulk inside this outline. Point is, it's not very deep. The lake above is as deep as the one I'm about to do. Question is, do I paint the bottom black to create a more deep look? What color(s) should I use for the edges and what techniques should I use to transition the 2? See, I didn't have this issue since I modeled ripples and waves on the above body of water so you really couldn't tell too much that it was shallow. Thanks!
Ben
your water looks good. whats the brand your using for it.
Sean, the unknown train travler,
I used Envirotex. Was skeptical at my abilities but it was pretty easy. The waves and ripples were made by matte medium. Except I must have did one of those "looking at the product I want but picked up the wrong thing!" and got gloss medium. Easy fix, just put a DAB of white acrylic in the mix and "painted' the ripples and waves. Before the medium set up and hardened, I went back and detailed the waves/ripples as sometimes the medium will run and go flat. I would suggest getting gel or water effects.
In case you missed it, there is another thread (http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/201905.aspx) on issues with water features that includes a discussion of finishing colors.
Co-owner of the proposed CT River Valley RR (HO scale) http://home.comcast.net/~docinct/CTRiverValleyRR/
Ben,
Your water modeling is tops. Really looks good but don't give up on the mountain.
For variation on your layout maybe you shouldn't give up on the mountain and tunnel. Every layout needs them and a bridge. lol.
Attached is a tutorial for mountain building on youtube. Do a google search and you will find different methods.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1D4KBB_GC4
This is advice from some one who hasn't built one (but am planning one) so take this advice it for what's it worth.
I'm sure that anyone who can create the water scene that you did can build a good looking mountain.
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up
I'm going to be honest, didn't watch the video. But decided to go ahead and try again with the mountAin and tunnel . I'm glad I did. Not yet complete. Need too do some acrylic washes overall. Puffball trees, "real trees", clump foliage, and rocks from the backyard added.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35697969@N03/7072178701
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35697969@N03/6926101006
Last link is the most complete. Enjoy!