water level

[ShaunCN]

i need to drop down an area of my layout for my ferry dock and barges, the ground level is plywood,i'm wonder how to build the new section for the water lower than the ground. need help quick

[Anonymous]

Usually this is done by cutting out a portion of the plywood and building a section beneath the cutout. If you have 1x3 framing, you could lay a small piece of plywood across the bottom of the framing and build up on top of it to attain the level you want. Of course you may want to cut out the portion of the framing nearest the edge of your layout (to improve the visual aesthetics) and build something under it for support.

[Javern]

cut out an area of the plywood where you want your water, then build a sub platform as low from the ground level as you desire. Fill in the sides with foam and caulk, plaster, etc. Seal well, paint the sub platform, add rocks, docks, etc. pour your water. I supported my water sub platform by building a frame from underneath the layout. You can be more creative Im sure.

[ShaunCN]

the water isn't in the middle of a layout, it's a big area on the side that needs to be done.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ShaunCN

the water isn't in the middle of a layout, it's a big area on the side that needs to be done.

Just because you built it doesn't mean you can change it. Cut out as much as you need. If you have to cut supports, put in new supports and new legs if you have to.

[selector]

Draw it out freehand with a carpenter's pencil...lightly. Drill and hole anywhere on that line big enough for a sabre saw blade or a jig-saw blade. Cut out the plywood lake along its edge. If you want to make it a bit more realistic, you could angle the saw in an angled hole and make the lake shore 45 degrees. Then, glue along the nether edge of the lake a larger piece of thin plywood that will help to seal the lake bottom. Clamp and or screw it into place from the top down. Allow to dry.

Next, use powdered wood filler, mixed with water to form a light putty, and spread it thinly along the bottom of the lake and up the sides for form a paintable base and a seal for the epoxy you will pour. When that dries, in a matter of hours if the environment is less than 60% ambient humidity, you can then spray on the colours you want, blending the lighter earth tones toward the shore, finishing with your epoxy pour.