Rockfaces at Kyle in 4mm.

[Ben Alder]

I have been asked from time to time about the rockfaces at Kyle and I did once explain it in my old thread, but like much else in the continuing layout topics, it got buried and passed by. However, I needed to add a further piece or two in my recent renovations, and I ,for once, photographed as I went.

 

Adjustment of the backscene board meant that the road beside the signal cabin was extended slightly and some scenic work was needed- a shot of the area in question is here.

 

Filling in was done at both sides of the rear of the bridge.The rocks are Woodland Scenic castings, using stone powder rather than plaster to make them durable. This is important, I had to resort to the softer material once and it has caused no end of problems with flaking and chipping. The castings are fixed in place with hot glue and any fill-in is done with ready mix smooth Polyfilla- I usually mix in some PVA to give it a bit more grab. This is shown here in a poor picture but the next one will make things clearer- the white face is to the left and the rear area has a initial coat of Polyfilla over PVA soaked newspaper to give an uneven surface.

 

 

Painting then starts- its quite simple- firstly an overall coat of acrylic mid grey

 

Then a wash of diluted black and wiped off with a tissue when wet

 

Then a diluted wash of brown and wiped off at once

 

And thats it- sometimes I give it another wipe of black, but usually the three covers do. The acrylic dries so quickly the whole job can be done in one session. These are the paints I used.

 

 

First a grey base coat.

 

 

A close up.

 

 

The black wash.

 

 

Then the earth brown one.

 

 

Flock and static grass cover added.

 

 

Two shots of the finished piece.

 

 

 

Hope this is of some use/interest.

Richard

[neils]

Thanks for that Richard. Good to see it step by step with photos. Very good to know.

 

Neil...

[winterbournecm]

Very interesting, the wash of balck is a great idea, probably picks out the contours. I'll have a go myself. I find a brush of white powder paint dabbed on whilst still tacky gives a washed out, weathered look.

 

The greenery certainly brings it to life though. Cheers

[Oldddudders]

The sort of effect I'd be thrilled with! Definitely one to remember!

[Ian_B]

Ben,

you said you'd had trouble with the WS rocks flaking and chipping. Did you seal them with the scenic cement as they recomend of did you just leave it to the paint?

Thanks for the pics etc>

Regards

Ian_B

[Ben Alder]

The only problem with flaking was when I used plaster of Paris- all the rest of the rocks were done with Hydrocal or stone powder, and when I had to carve away to give extra clearance at the turntable site I had to use a chisel to get the rocks altered. I never have bothered sealing them beforehand either. HTH.