WS, realistic water

[UP Deano]

the "N empire" has been collecting dust for the last couple months since i've started the HO switching layout. i was looking over it though last night and noticed my stream has REALLY shrunk [:0]. the water used to be at the guys i have fishing in theres waist, and half way up the side of the boat. now the waters at there ancles, and the boat looks like its hit bottom and stuck! [:0]. i used WS realistic water on it two years ago, it was a one time pour, about an eighth inch thick, no bubbles, i mean it REALLY looked good. it still looks good, it hasnt clouded up, cracked or bubbled, but it has REALLY shrunk! i am wondering what i should do now, give it another pour, and take a chance on bubbles, or what? i sure would hate to take the stream up and start over, that would be an nightmare [:(]. has this happened to anyone else? if so, how did you fix it?

[bogp40]

I have noticed some shrinkage with WS Realistic water on a few areas that it was used. The problem doesn't seem as drastic as yours though. I feel the only cure for this is a second pour but using Envirotex instead. I believe the resin is strong enough to resist any distortion if there is any continued change in the first pour. I origionally thought the WS product was great, easy to use and clean up- now I really have my doubts.
Bob K.

[scubaterry]

Bob I hear allot of folks referring to Envirotex? What is it and where could you most likely get it? Thanks and Iginc sorry to highjack your thread.
Terry

[selector]

I believe it is a two-part epoxy, and should be available at hardware or builder supplies stores.

[ClinchValleySD40]

Best place to get Envirotex is Michaels. It's pretty cheap there. Get "lite", it's a bit easier to work with.

Of course you could leave it as is, tell everyone it's summer and there is a drought in the area. Just kidding.

[retsignalmtr]

woodland scenics realistic water shrinks down to half its depth sometime after it cures. i poured 1/8" in a stream and after a couple of days it was about 1/16". i repoured and the same thing happened. i wanted at least 1/4" depth so i'll have to make at least 2 more pours. good thing i have a small stream.

[hminky]

I would only use Realistic water for a moving stream. The shrinkage as pointed out is quite alot. Also don't let anything fall onto it. It will slowly sink into the material. I liked it for my rushing stream it eventually oozes over the rocks in the stream bed.



I have a web article discussing my adventures with Realistic Water at:

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/rushing_water/

Just a thought
Harold

[Anonymous]

Wow, this is a major eye-opener - I was planning to use WS Realistic Water on my river, but after reading this I'm not sure I want to go that route. I just might check the neighborhood Michaels to see about envirotex...

[bogp40]

The reason I would recommend the Enviotex, is I found that the WS Realistic water looses its flatness and sheen- looks like uneven slight sinkholes. Really disapointed with it. I guess it is only going to be used for small moving streams and waterfalls. The Water Effects seem to hold up OK.
Bob K.

[Anonymous]

This news really upsets me, I had planned on using WS Realistic Water. I gues I too will be going to Micheals and get some Enviotex. I have wondered why a little pond I had kept looking different, I planned on making a large slag lake using WS.

Thanks for the heads up.

[UP Deano]

Robert Knapp, thanks for the info on Envirotex. still kinda unsure on what exactly i am going to do. like i said, the realistic water sill looks good, not foggy, or sinkholes,and no bubbles, just shrunk. i have enough left to do 2-3 more pours. i"m thinking since its the same material it will not react to its self [%-)].Envirotex is an hole nother product, kinda worried about some type of reaction, like bubbles, lifting or getting a foggy look. i think i might try an inconspicuos spot on the stream with some Envirotex first and wait about two weeks, & check it out before i pour the whole thing [;)]. thanks again for the info.[:D]