| An extremely enjoyable hobby, model train | | | | spread it thin and flat or you can even make |
| building can definitely benefit from adding different | | | | "waves" by pulling it up into small heaps. |
| features such as working bins or even water | | | | If you are wanting to add more realism than this |
| features. A water feature can be anything from | | | | then you should start by getting pictures of a |
| creeks and streams to rivers or even a lake. | | | | water feature that you would like to simulate. Get |
| There is no end to the amount of creativity you | | | | as many different ones as you can especially of |
| can use when it comes to using this technique to | | | | the area surrounding the water. You should also |
| improve your model train layout. | | | | look at the colors that are in the water so you |
| You can make this sort of feature from many | | | | can accurately match them. When you begin to |
| different materials. You could use something as | | | | build your new feature you should keep in mind |
| simple as crumpled up tin foil with an ash tray or | | | | that coffee grounds are perfect for simulating the |
| a bowl to create this look. All you have to do is | | | | dirt that surrounds lakes. You can also simulate |
| to look for the shape you want to create and | | | | gravels and rocks by using small pebbles. |
| crumple the foil to fit this shape. You then just | | | | If you are wanting to represent boulders or |
| have to place your new "pond" on the train layout | | | | islands then you can use big rocks. After you |
| and maybe add a few touches of paint to make | | | | know where on your train layout that you will be |
| it look a bit more realistic. First you will need to | | | | placing your feature. You then should decide what |
| disguise the edge of the pond with some "dirt" | | | | sort of feature it is going to be. It could be a |
| such as coffee grounds. | | | | pond, a lake, a beach front or more. No matter |
| You can also use sand or little rocks to dress the | | | | which it is you will need to first lay the course out |
| edges up. Now you will just need to add the | | | | on your display. As soon as this is done then you |
| illusion of depth to the water feature. This can be | | | | can begin to paint it and add coffee grounds or |
| accomplished by painting the inside with different | | | | sand. |
| acrylic colors. You should paint the inner parts | | | | Once you get all the parts into place you can |
| deeper colors and the outer ones a lighter shade | | | | begin running your "water" by pouring acrylic floor |
| of blues and greens. This will help to vary the | | | | wax. Use it as deep as you need it but before |
| depth of the water. If you want to add any small | | | | you decide to create your simulated waves you |
| islands you can do so by using rocks. Now all you | | | | will need to allow the wax to set a bit. This will |
| have to do is to fill up the water feature with | | | | begin you down the road to making award |
| some of the clear acrylic cement. You can either | | | | winning water features, enjoy! |