Thanks for the kind comments, guys. I've passed them on to my friend, who thanks you as well.
Wayne
doctorwayneA longtime friend created this snow scene.
That looks beautiful. The photography is also excellent.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Nice scene Wayne. It looks like the real heavy wet "mashed potato" snow.
Mike.
My You Tube
A longtime friend created this snow scene...
I did the detail work on the plow, and built the tender which accompanies it.
Water Level RouteMike, I love the ice fishing scene.
I did not even notice they were ice-fishing!
This activity has no point of reference in my life.
Mike, I love the ice fishing scene. That's perfect.
Mike
Thanks Kevin, the first picture is way to blurry. I wish I would've taken more pictures of the complete layout. I had perfected ( in my eyes) the bare tree look.
mbinsewiI used to set up a layout in the living room, every year for Christmas
Mike, I love the last picture. The scene looks great.
I used to set up a layout in the living room, every year for Christmas. I used WS snow, and white latex caulk for street scenes.
speedybeeYes, more of a "White Christmas" type scene.
I have used the Woodland Scenics snow and added a little glitter for sparkles. Mine was a portable Christmas layout for our church's annual Polar Express event. I also used some "hobby snow" which were little round foam balls that got everywhere and looked terrible.
One thought, check out the Classic Toy Trains site and forum - many have done winter scenes which might give you some inspiration and guidance.
Send us pictures when you get started!
Those are the best scenes for railroad layouts.
Will the snow be permanent on the module?
BillwizAre you looking to create a "holiday/snow" scene or a prototypical "this is what the snow looks like after a few days" theme? One is very beautiful, "White Christmas-like" while the other more like Fine Scale Miniatures with the dirt and dinge of industrial life. With the idea of a portable layout to take places, I think you would like a Christmas Card winter scene
With the idea of a portable layout to take places, I think you would like a Christmas Card winter scene
Yes, more of a "White Christmas" type scene. I do intend to use proper buildings on the layout, not gingerbread houses or Lemaxian structures, but I am aiming for the idyllic village covered by recent/ongoing snowfall look. Everything covered in at least a few inches of new snow. Should be easier to model that way too.
I think my next step is to just work out doing good snow coverage on a large area and for that I'll pick up some white flat paint, white sparkles, and probably try some WS snow, and do some experimenting. Later I'll work on getting the icicles to be pointed at appropriate angles
trainnut1250 As with all extreme scenery techniques, I would practice first before the snowstorm hits the layout. Guy
As with all extreme scenery techniques, I would practice first before the snowstorm hits the layout.
Guy
And do not upset the Household Authorities.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Returning back to the topic of modeling snow:
The best snow I have seen was in a series of articles (circa late 90’s) in MR (previously mentioned in this thread). The modeler was Rand Hood and the snow and ice looked great.
A more recent snow modeler is Mike Confalone. He has some great looking snow on his layout as well.
One of my local modeling buddies had a great snow scene on his layout. He used plaster, paint and reflective crystals to give the snow that “sparkly” look. The snow did get dirty from time to time but he was able to keep it looking pretty good with a soft brush and vacuum cleaning every once in a while.
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
speedybeeHey all. I'm thinking of building a winter theme portable module
Hi Speedtbee!
So sorry that your original post has morphed. I'd like to ask a question. Are you looking to create a "holiday/snow" scene or a prototypical "this is what the snow looks like after a few days" theme? One is very beautiful, "White Christmas-like" while the other more like Fine Scale Miniatures with the dirt and dinge of industrial life.
With the idea of a portable layout to take places, I think you would like a Christmas Card winter scene, however for any of us to make that assumption is incorrect. Let us know, and perhaps we can get back to your request.
I'm hoping we can truly answer your question simply.
There are two anchor wells on the bow of this ship. The starboard well has, just to its right and above, as we look at it, a well-curved icicle. I wouldn't call the tip of that fat one pointed down, with gravity, except in the broadest sense. It looks to be curved, scimitar fashion, toward the well.
ice buildup on ships - Bing images
7j43k I guess it was too cold to take pictures, then. I just did a search for "icicles on car", and didn't find anything close.
Anything with an edge on a car can become a base for an icicle.
https://www.alamy.com/a-icicles-with-snow-on-headlights-of-car-image330776357.html
Winter is NOT my favorite season...
Simon
snjroy I've seen many icicles form on cars that way. Simon (who's seen 52 winter seasons in Canada!)
I've seen many icicles form on cars that way.
Simon (who's seen 52 winter seasons in Canada!)
I guess it was too cold to take pictures, then. I just did a search for "icicles on car", and didn't find anything close.
Ed
rrebell Sombody dose not know how snow melts on a tank and it is not the modeler of the scene. The icicle would form flowing in the direction of down which changes depending on location of tank when forming, are they on a downhill slope or an incline, left side in ditch or right, the list is endless. Also the down is not correct realy as it could have formed when the tank was moving. You have to remember that the engine was in the back but also since the tanks were not heated, the only heat for the inside was opening an interior service hatch so that could melt some snow if it was not too cold but ussually only near the rear of the crew department.
Sombody dose not know how snow melts on a tank and it is not the modeler of the scene. The icicle would form flowing in the direction of down which changes depending on location of tank when forming, are they on a downhill slope or an incline, left side in ditch or right, the list is endless. Also the down is not correct realy as it could have formed when the tank was moving. You have to remember that the engine was in the back but also since the tanks were not heated, the only heat for the inside was opening an interior service hatch so that could melt some snow if it was not too cold but ussually only near the rear of the crew department.
True, a heat source can lead to icicles. But these can be from multiple sources, including a warm draft or an exposure to sun. In Canada, the February sun is usually sufficient to melt some snow on the south side of the building. When the sun goes down, the water freezes gradually and creates icicles.
I think the tank scene is perfect. I've seen many icicles form on cars that way.
rrebellYou have to remember that the engine was in the back but also since the tanks were not heated, the only heat for the inside was opening an interior service hatch so that could melt some snow if it was not too cold but ussually only near the rear of the crew department.
That armoured fighting vehicle is based on a Soviet T-34 chassis. I don't know all the specifics of T-34 appliances, but the general knowledge of them is that there was not one single part that was optional. I have read war memoirs from Soviet soldiers in tank crews where the conditions inside of a T-34 were always worse than outside.
7j43kNot fond of the icicles, especially that one with the blob at the bottom, and the snow on the tank seems kind of grainy. The foreground snow and branches is just perfection. I'm guessing it's 1/72 scale.
This picture actually shows what is the rear of the diorama. The model is 1/35 scale. There is not much snow on the actual vehicle body. Most of what is there is weathered and worn white-wash winter camoflage paint.
The front of the diorama has the crew outside of the vehicle looking off into the distance. The expressions on their faces tell that they are witnessing something terrible, but cannot get there to help because their vehicle is blocked by a fallen tree.
It is a very powerful scene.
SeeYou190
Not fond of the icicles, especially that one with the blob at the bottom, and the snow on the tank seems kind of grainy. The foreground snow and branches is just perfection.
I'm guessing it's 1/72 scale.
Water Level Route Lastspikemike icicles must all be absolutely parallel Unless there are other factors at play.
Lastspikemike icicles must all be absolutely parallel
Unless there are other factors at play.
Alton Junction
Man! ...Dem icicles sure are crooked Mike. Maybe Mother Nature didn't want to follow the Spiker Claus and made it a little vinder out
I think icicles can do whatever they want, just as model railroaders can model what ever they want
Things can get a little heavy sometimes and then not very straight
Especially icicles
I sure was saddened to hear about Garry. What a great guy and always so kind. That beautiful man and top-notch modeler will be missed around here, that's for sure. My heart goes out to his loved ones
TF
LastspikemikeActually the OP specifically asked about modelling winter.
speedybeeI'm thinking of building a winter theme portable module
speedybeedoes anyone have experience to share about making good looking permanent snow?
Lastspikemikeicicles must all be absolutely parallel
Notice how the thickest ones in the center actually curve and not in parallel with the rest. Other factors at work when those formed.
snjroyClumps on the side of tracks or a road make sense to me.
They make sense to me too.
After over 40 years of photographing nature as a hobby, I can assure you she follows no man's written rules.
If anyone wants to learn to model winter scenes realistically, the resources are in sites that specialize in military dioramas. Those guys really know how to use the natural elements to bring out the drama in a scene.
I saw this diorama in person at an IPM event. It was astounding.
Anyway, most model railroaders, myself included, like to model fantasy, whether we admit it or not. My 1954 is a much more wonderful place than the real one.
Same with winter. We (generally) like Bing Crosby White Christmas scenes, not the hell on earth that horrid winter conditions can actually become.
The OP asked about how to model snow, not winter, and I think he got some very helpful responses for his goals. There is realy no point in discussing how realistic winter scenes can be modeled any further.
Clumps on the side of tracks or a road make sense to me.
snjroyKevin, that is very convincing.<SNIP> Folks usually prefer the "fluffy" look.
That is the great feature of the Citadel Modeling snow product, how it naturally makes those "fluffy" looking clumps. That is why I chose it for the Winter scenes I made. They look like a Winter Fantasy with very little effort.
I only used a little bit to build up the foreground snow. The "snow" on the other side of the fence and tracks is just white felt.
Thank you for the kind words.
If you want to model a Currier & Ives version of snow, pretty much any "snow" product will make the wonderful winterland effect that you need.
If, on the other hand, you really want to model the evils of Winter, the products used by Wargamers and Military Modelers will provide you with everything you need.
As always, I prefer Vallejo, but Secret Weapon Scenics, Turbo Dork, and AK-Interective all make Winter Systems as well.
Vallejo's system for modeling snow includes rough white paste, ground white pumice, transparent water, transparent white, foamy water, icy water, and other effects.
AK-Interactive, as always, has great videos on their site for modeling these awful conditions.
SeeYou190 My favorite has been the "snow" marketed by Citadel Modeling. I have used it for photographing staged small winter scenes. However, doing a larger area with it would be EXPENSIVE! -Kevin
My favorite has been the "snow" marketed by Citadel Modeling.
I have used it for photographing staged small winter scenes. However, doing a larger area with it would be EXPENSIVE!
Kevin, that is very convincing. Dave Frary, in his book, gives a recipe to make snow goop. He also indicates the mix for paint (white, blue and some black, IIRC). I can dig it up if there is interest on these.
For sure, as a Canadian, I can say that snow can take many appearances in real life. But folks usually prefer the "fluffy" look.