Hi

Since the last blog post, I have been researching how to model the water rushing over the weir. The basic water techniques I have used to model the stream were learned by watching Right Track 6, Modelling Landscape Part 2, by Barry Norman. This involves giving the stream some actual depth, modelling the surface with perspex sheet, and roughing and painting the stream base a dark brown colour.

Next I went out using the digital camera on my phone to take pictures of weirs on local water courses. This was very instructive and gave me a target to aim for in my modelling activities.

.jpg] [/font]

The water I found was coloured a deep green/brown colour and followed an arc. Where the water coming over the weir met, the surface there was disturbance and white colouration. From Barry's video, I learned that surface effects can be simulated using PVA glues, because it dries clear.

I then watched a video, on Youtube made by Woodland Scenics. The presenter made a great deal of always using Woodland products. They may be very good, but they are expensive for such a small project as mine. And he didn't just use one, I counted at least three different products. I decided that I could adapt their techniques using PVA instead.

I decided that I would paint the PVA onto the front of a suitable strip of clear styrene sheet and the paint the reverse with the green/brown colour to simulate the water colour. I always make components longer, as it is easier to remove material, than add it. I also added some white PVA based paint to the PVA that I dabbed on with a cocktail stick to simulate the disturbance to the lower stream surface, where the water lands.

The weir existed on the prototype, but as previously stated I have moved it nearer to the railway bridge, this is partly because it is a interesting feature, but the change in water level reduced the amount of the frame that required to be cut away, and therefore makes the layout structure much stronger.

I placed the screw that holds the support block, for the upper water surface, under where the walkway over the weir will occur. This is necessary so that the gates can be adjusted.

I have also completed the occupation over bridge at the other end of the scene. I need to get on creating the water effect on the weir now!

Julie