Creating Ultra Realistic Road Surfaces for Model Railroads & Dioramas | Boomer Diorama ~ # 305

[@Cowboy_Steve]

Howdy Boomer! Man... I hate to sound like a broken record constantly blowing sunshine up your skirt... but wow are you an effective teacher. The combination of the narration while demonstrating the techniques is just wonderful. Almost Bob Ross-ish lol. "Happy little road cracks" lol. Those of us in the northern climates understand the cracking in asphalt from the annual changing of the seasons and the associated expansion and contraction of the road surface. This represents that sooo well. Thanks again Boomer! 🤠

[@allen-n4nn]

Yes! Instructing/teaching wise he fills in all the cracks! 😕😂

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for the encouraging comments. I really appreciate it. Compliments from the community are the greatest rewards. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@Cowboy_Steve]

@@allen-n4nn Boo! Hiss! Ok... that was pretty funny... 🤣

[@edcvgp9]

Love the happy little Model railroading

[@chrisstromberg6527]

You are like the Bob Ross of model railroading! Your videos have gotten me super motivated to get back into model railroading after a 30 year hiatus. Thank you!

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . O.K. Bob Ross was cool for sure. 😉😊

[@orwellwasright9604]

Oh wow… seeing the real life then the model again… it took me a second to realize. You mirrored the scene. Incredible work

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@warnz9701]

Every day is a learning day, love these instructive videos. 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks 👍

[@FarlandHowe]

I love the old city bus you placed back between the buildings. It was subliminally staring at me and I didn’t consciously see it till I zoomed the frame. Then…wow, an emotional treat!

[@boomerdiorama]

There is one of those fully restored in town here, along with some earlier ones as well. It blew me away to see them fully restored in 2024 just like those Rapido models. ;-)

[@edtoomuchfun957]

Really enjoyed your video. I was surprised not to see any diesel/car traffic weathering such as oil stains/smears or tire marks. I'll search for the next ones on your channel to see if this was in a future video.

[@boomerdiorama]

Just so you know, this channel is about the overall layout build. Everything is in flux like everyone else' layout. Scenes take ages to finish so why should I wait to show it finished? There would be no content otherwise. ;-) You’ll see some of that in future videos. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, thank you, that is am amazing tutorial / refresher on getting a super realistic road surface. Thank you for the Master Class. Cheers, stay safe, and Happy Modelling, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

My pleasure! Cheers!

[@vicsmith1204]

Beautifully done Boomer, Great visual effect!..love it!....🍺

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@jesselomas8626]

Liquitext crackle... Dried stream, just dried desert wadi if you don't do that sanding or 2nd/3rd coat... Yes, thinking other uses 😂😂. Btw, nice to see that Dusty still has her spot on the layout, at least for now 🙂... Once again, always, a huge TY for sucking me into both the processes and into the layout. Always grateful for each and every video you put out..

[@boomerdiorama]

I can imagine desert terrain as being equally challenging as "flora" terrain as you mention "Wadi" , etc. ;-) Cheers.

[@DRCRailroard]

Thanks, Boomer. You encouraged me to get back to working on my layout again. It's interesting that you used the paint by numbers scenario for comparison. They are responsible for me discovering that I had artistic talent to draw them when I was a kid. For a long time, I didn't even realize that it wasn't a talent that everyone could do.

[@boomerdiorama]

It’s great to hear you’re back at it again!

[@aolis14umbra]

I discovered your channel earlier this year and am I glad I did! I have to say, your work is stunning. You have an amazing eye for detail and realism. I’ve watched many videos from others that just are not artists. Everything I’ve seen from you looks so realistic and the scale is spot on. Whether it’s your trees, grass or road cracks. Your tips and instructions are equaling fantastic! Thanks you so much.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for the gracious compliments. I am glad the community benefits from the share. 😉😊

[@larryhurd8111]

Fantastic video Boomer! Love watching these videos come to life. I gotta try this method.

[@boomerdiorama]

I hope it works out for you!

[@craiglowrey9550]

Really great looking asphalt. Living up past 100 mile house you see lots of that cracking due to frost heaves. Makes for "fun"spring driving... Happy Christmas.

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow! That area is beautiful as well. Thanks for watching!

[@johnniewelbornjr.8940]

Glad I've had some spare time this week to catch up a bit. You've certainly created some of the most realistic road surfaces I've seen yet, for even the newest of roads need some relief and textures to be convincing (akin to the difference between weathered and unweathered rolling stock). Road building/pavement varies from state to state and province to province, especially when it comes to the chip-seal aggregate materials colors used in various regions. I'd shy away from pure blacks, as well, for they most often just don't look right. Experiments with various mediums and supplies instead of only model railroad-specific sources allows all the more creativity, for great layouts such as this are truly artwork. Having the high benchwork and sharing that final trackside scene at a prototypical level really show this off well! :)

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for your kind words and for sharing your knowledge about road building techniques! I agree that experimentation with different materials is key to achieving a realistic look.

[@tomoconnell4235]

An unexpected surprise for Monday, thanks Tim, Please highlight the coil cars soon

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Cheers!

[@NSWLE]

Great googly moogly. I loved this video. What a pleasure to watch. Dave

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you enjoyed it Dave!

[@mikedurhan9941]

I finally see now what you have. You have the eyes of an artist, which is why your layout is lightyears ahead of nearly all others. You see not only what is there, but what will be there when you are finished. I am not so certain I have the same eyes as yours. But, whatever I have, you are opening wider to see more than I see now. And Dusty, the railroad cat..........what can I say, but to say she is magnificent. Thanks once more.

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Thank you. Have fun with your imagination . . . Cheers.

[@pkone7981]

Wow! I’m so excited about this section. Can’t wait to see Glover Rd volume 2 and the detail to follow. I’m currently building a copy of your first layout(with extra switches and staging) Your tips are going to be very welcomed as I complete my build. P.s. I have bench work track and wiring along with the valance and shadow box in place. Currently building structures and the road will come after this vid now!! :) I’m going to build structures like a puzzle so I can interchange with what ever era or industry I may do in the future. Your videos from Glover Road vol 1 have inspired so many! Your editing and the way you do your videos is so Immersive. Thanks again from Australia!

[@boomerdiorama]

You are going to have a great layout! Ian Rice designed many cool layouts with interchangeable scenes like you mention.

[@davecrosson5018]

Boomer your road seems to start wider and get more narrow the deeper into your layout... it looks amazing and gives great depth. That earthy tone looks stunning.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheating perspective when it seems prototypically correct as you move in closer. ;-)

[@rodneywalat8956]

Boomer, you are a true artist. I enjoy all your videos and detailed explanations of how you achieve your results. I have to admit though that I am absolutely salivating to see what your track plan and structures plan is for section 3. Hope you give us a sneak peak soon. Keep on enjoying your days doing what you do.

[@boomerdiorama]

The track plan is very simple for section three. It might shock you. Soon. 😉

[@StationaryDingleberry]

Great lesson; thanks. William Alexander/Bob Ross in 3D! These secrets show the possibilities for even a novice... really fun stuff and incredible results.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@10gaDragonsBreath]

Love it . . . Glover Road is coming back

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed!

[@glasswhisper5781]

Excellent! I'm definitly going to use that crackel paste on my roads. I've always wanted that cracked ashphalt look but never knew how to achieve it. This video is great timing for me. I've not started roads yet on my layout. Thanks Friend, God Bless and Cheers to you. Beautiful!👌👍

[@boomerdiorama]

You are going to love that crackle paste!

[@joesipos2975]

WOW!! I am speechless! Thanks for sharing your incredible amount of knowledge and experience with all of us. CHEERS!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the support!

[@DarkroomZombie]

Very interesting technique, with all the decades I been in this hobby never seen it done like this before. The end result looks stunning! Very well done, sir. Thank you for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

It won't chip or scratch like plaster will. ;-)

[@Fred-Wilbury]

Great coincidence and valuable information as I’m working on a similar thing on my layout 👌😎☕️ thanks Boomer ps had ear buds on the sound at the end was awesome 😮

[@boomerdiorama]

;-)

[@dwc7325]

Perfect timing Boomer. My Lake St. Clair boat launch scene is ready for its asphalt parking lot to be done. Great inspiration as always. 🙏✌️

[@boomerdiorama]

That’s going to be a great scene!

[@DieseldreaminAU]

I am constantly impressed with your attention to realistic detail, and you deliver and demonstrate what you've learnt so well. It's definitely inspiring and something I hope to emulate myself on my first layout. Great video as always!

[@boomerdiorama]

I’m glad you're finding the videos helpful for your first layout!

[@georgewood463]

I never tire of watching your magic. Thank you for another fun and informative episode.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for sharing!

[@jeffmurphree2937]

I really like the weathering of locomotive 382!

[@boomerdiorama]

Yeah. I really liked that as well. I'm tempted . . . ;-)

[@danielherbera7522]

Very impressive ...

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for the compliment. After awhile you sort of get used to things and it is always nice to hear other people's opinions and compliments on the subject. Cheers and Happy New Year! ~ Boomer.

[@PaulNicoll-b8c]

I work in " N gauge" and I have a very quick and simple method for making roads. In the UK there is a product called masking tape which is self adhesive tape with a lumpy surface. I used that then painted with whatever paint I need The advantage I found is that if there's an electrical fault I can just cut the tape out of the area, solve the problems and put another piece of tape over, then repaint the tape in a different shade so it looks like real roadworks

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great!

[@donhanley1213]

Another great tutorial. Your first pass at the crackle paste is very close to pavement that has a wet sub base under it. Something you often see in poorly maintained parking lots. A couple of other details regarding pavement 1. there are straight lines where a contractor's work begins and ends. There is usually a color varation in the pavement for a few years after the asphalt has been laid. 2. Asphalt patches are very common and also have variations on the color depending on age. The patches can be anything form pothole repair , utility repair, to a new water or sewer line crossing the pavement. 😊

[@boomerdiorama]

That is great information, thanks for sharing!

[@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304]

Good Morning! Thanks for this! I'm going to have a road that stretches about 8' along the front edge of one of the towns, paralleling the right-of way.

[@boomerdiorama]

Fun coming for you! . . . ;-) Cheers.

[@TheGomes412]

Looks amazing. Thanks for the reminder of this technique.

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K.

[@TheGomes412]

@@boomerdiorama Always great watching and listening to you.

[@rye_trains]

Love these tips! I'm working on my road right now and this effect looks way better than my straight stucco method, I think I will give this a shot. Thanks for the video!

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. you are welcome!

[@spankyfuentes3502]

Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@spankyfuentes3502]

Way Cool Groovy Booooooooomer. Very Inspirational.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@fogdan]

Great Ideas and tips again Sir!! Thank You..

[@boomerdiorama]

My pleasure!

[@ISAACBATENBURG]

The road is and artwork; looks awesome!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you. Should be fun doing Glover Road next. ;-)

[@JeffRichBLET129]

That looks fun! I'll have to review the first Duncan Way video on including the track in the process because I'm looking at asphalt filled track on my layout. Great tutorial Brother!

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Go to the (lower) search bar on the home page and type "Duncan Way" and it will come up. ;-)

[@doubtsalmon]

Well done!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@bobhastings6464]

Hey Boomer Great info and quite timely. I’m working on a parking lot , I’ve done it twice trying to use your methods but it hasn’t worked out for me but I’m going to give this method a shot Cheers Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

I’m glad you're giving it another shot!

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Boomer & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Boomer & Friends Randy

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Randy. Thank you. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@davecrosson5018]

How cool that the SRY SD 38-2 is numbered 382...haha

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed! ;-)

[@A.J-TrainS]

FRIKING Nice I like your work !!!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

It's funny the way skill development works. The more we all do it, the better we all get. Cheers and thanks for sharing. ~ Boomer.

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

I needed to see this. Every time you do the wet on wet, I get more inspired, I try again, and I get better. Your explanation is as valuable as the visual. I hear my layout calling me. "Come here and do this. You're ready." "Okay, be right there." 😁

[@boomerdiorama]

I’m glad you’re finding the videos helpful. Keep practicing!

[@michelrigaud9552]

Superbe et très utile ! Merci beaucoup pour tous vos conseils et les gestes techniques.

[@boomerdiorama]

Merci!

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

Congrats dude, 30K!🥳🤘 About dang time lol

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks, it's been a long road to get here!

[@FATBONNES1969]

Real good, I'm going to try it

[@boomerdiorama]

Hope you enjoy!

[@goforitpainting]

Really cool.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@allen-n4nn]

1:45 He's been on this podcast three times. In the Boomer Dioramas model railroading inspiration and education podcast he tells about some of his modeling jobs in the first hour. Interesting.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@jeffwhite3679]

Thank you for posting this. Your videos have made me a better modeler. The asphalt roads in the area I model weather to more of a tan color than gray due to the aggregate in the asphalt. Do you have any color suggestions for more of a tan hue? Maybe replacing one of the grays you used with the concrete?

[@boomerdiorama]

Try a combination of the Concrete, Sinai Grey, or a Sand for a very light filter wash at the end.

[@jeffwhite3679]

@ thanks!

[@harperlarry49]

Thank you, very much.

[@boomerdiorama]

You’re welcome!

[@josephiantorno3391]

I love your use of artist grade pigments and mediums. Any recommendations for what to use to model snow??

[@boomerdiorama]

Look up "Army Painter" "diorama supplies" They make an excellent snow product.

[@PacificEnterpriseNetwork]

Could this be done over styrene or directly on foam board? This looks amazing, and very timely as I have some roads I need to pave. Thank you for sharing!

[@boomerdiorama]

I never tried it over foam or plastic but you can try a small sample piece and see for yourself.

[@THBRailwayInHO]

Excellent video tutorial as always Boomer - thank you. I’ve been wondering about the use of markers for finished work on models and landscaping: any comment on light-fastness of the pigments in markers generally? In other disciplines I’ve seen black turn purple for instance and red fade badly. Thanks again!

[@boomerdiorama]

I read the labels. If it's there. ;-)

[@ainsleyperry5192]

Boomer, I see you recorded this episode on the day the residents who live over in the "Landlords" building. They are all going on a day out that's why the bus is parked there. That landlord, he knows how to look after his/her tenents. Putting on a bus so they can hit the Black Friday sales. Cheers, Chris Perry.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . or he is shipping them out for a renoviction . . . lol. ;-)

[@PeterTillman3]

Wow Boomer - a masterclass in road building and painting. I don’t think that I would ever have known about Golden and Liquitex had it not been for your channel. Just one question: do you prefer the Liquitex crackle paste to the Golden crackle paste? Cheers

[@boomerdiorama]

I do prefer Liquitex over Golden. It seems to have a more consistent crackle effect than the Golden . . . but that could just be in the moment stuff. They are both good if you seal the surface really well with acrylic first.

[@PeterTillman3]

@ Thanks Boomer

[@larryblazynski9678]

You put a sand layer down, then subsequently cover it with thin layers of the crackle paste. Does the sand layer still have an effect after being covered?

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes.

[@benmoreau8404]

What type of tape you use again for painting lines? And thanks again for your painting techniques.

[@boomerdiorama]

I use Tamiya tape.

[@johnschutt9187]

Beautiful. Are you doming the road in this area, or is it flat?

[@boomerdiorama]

All the roads have a crown as well. It is very subtle in HO, but I do model it as well. This is why I usually use balsa wood for roads so I can easily shape the camber in the road.

[@johnschutt9187]

@@boomerdiorama THANK YOU!

[@marleneseely3509]

I used water base paint over Homasote. Will that be seal enough?

[@boomerdiorama]

No. You need to use a type of varathane. Paint is not generally a sealer unless it is listed as a primer. Even then, Homasote is grossly porous and not suitable for this technique.

[@1Nanerz]

Building my paved lot now. Got the crackle paste. Still gotta get the sand stuff and having a hard time sourcing Vallejo paint in Ontario. Any Vallejo dealers you know of that will deliver?

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. Intercity Trains & Hobbies is well stocked and has the whole line.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

In Ontario Sunward hobby

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Boomer could you list the paint and other supplies you used , looks fantastic, yea Vallejo paint is great

[@jfjf5835]

👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@jfjf5835]

ok superv@@boomerdiorama

[@sigmanfloyd7179]

~ So maybe it's just my eyes because of my bad cataracts but what do you use or do to overcome the dip in the road suface between the rails? Again, maybe it's just an optical illusion on my part.

[@boomerdiorama]

There is no dip in the road. ;-)

[@tomspettel3646]

I though you used golden products only? So you use both?

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. They are both compatible.

[@sigmanfloyd7179]

Hey Boomer, I just came across a airbrush for sale on Market Place. It reads; This is a Paasche Talon airbrush & compressor. Comes with everything you need to start using it, other than paints. I will also throw in some airbrush cleaner & paint medium that I don't need anymore. Great for painting fine details and create artwork. What do you think? They're asking $250.00 for it and a compressor, used like new. Thx.

[@boomerdiorama]

The Talon is worth about 150. Not sure about the compressor. Just about everything depends on the compressor. I have no idea what it is. Personally, I use a "Pasche" Talon Airbrush and it gets the job done. ;-)

[@ISAACBATENBURG]

Wetting aid is quite expensive, I use a drop of dish wash

[@boomerdiorama]

Dish soap can work as well like I said.

[@davido9345]

Hello Boomer. What is the purpose of the Liquitex Natural Sand layer?

[@boomerdiorama]

When you skim the different layers, you create more varied depth of textures that show really well, as road surface details, when you enhance them with paint washes, etc.

[@davido9345]

@@boomerdioramaThank you. Great technique. I am purchasing those products for use on my layout.

[@jpkarenko6952]

Greetings, Oh Sensei! This Padawan Learner (sorry about the mixed metaphors...) has a question about the wetting agent and alcohol mix. You mentioned using it with Matte Medium for foliage. Would it work for pre-wetting things like ballast, too? The usual wetting agent mix involves alcohol, water and dish soap. Any suggestions? Happy Thanksgiving (and I'm Thankful in advance.)

[@boomerdiorama]

I use IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) in the water as you say for pre-ballast soak. If you ever get any white spots from matte medium just over spray with straight alcohol and it will go away. Cheers.

[@jpkarenko6952]

@@boomerdiorama Thanks again. My Bob da Cat sez "Rowr" to Dusty.

[@bazza945]

Excellent work. (Proud Boomer here, because it's annoying to some demographics.) 😅

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . can't imagine why. ;-)

[@ronhill5118]

Boomer, so do not use Alcohol with Vallejo paint period? Can you not mix it in a bottle like Tamiya paint?

[@boomerdiorama]

Some claim to use IPA with Vallejo, I just use water.

[@CraigBelcher-wg1fn]

L

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers.