Calico Mountain Expansion Part 7: Rockwork

Time for part 7 of the Calico Mountain build on my On30 Thunder Mesa layout! In this episode, I demonstrate my techniques for finishing southwestern style rockwork by "skinning' the foam scenery base with Sculptamold and adding color with latex and acrylic paints.
Thanks for tuning in, amigos!
Dave
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Al music courtesy KZbin Audio Library, attribution given where available.
"Country Cue 1" courtesy of Audionautix, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon...
Artist: audionautix.com/
"Blue Creek Trail" - KZbin Audio Library
"Daley's Reel" - KZbin Audio Library
"Lost Native" - KZbin Audio Library
"Arkansas Traveler" courtesy Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum - KZbin Audio Library
"Campfire Song" - KZbin Audio Library

[@LifeIsAnArt95]

Brilliant, simply brilliant attention to wild west imagineering!!!

[@PaulsinMo]

Dave, between your artistic talent, videography, sound, editing, pleasing tone of voice and capturing interest PBS could have you as a regular broadcast! Imagine the potential for hobbyists 🙂

[@rickdee67]

Your technique is amazing , looks simple but it’s obvious that you have an amazing vision. I’m absolutely enamored with your artistic expression.

[@richardtalbot2529]

Wonderful workmanship and artistry. I do enjoy these videos so much. A fun and clever layout.

[@stevemellin5806]

Your layout just keeps getting better and better . thank you

[@N-Scale]

Great work brother, Looks spectacular !!!

[@davevan8864]

I can see the Knott's/Calico influence pretty well!!! I grew up at Knott's and your work is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[@normanrowe2831]

Hi. The way the foreground and painted background blend seamlessly is a credit to your artistry. Beautifully done. My favorite Saturday watch. See ya.

[@jayzobouldercreekrailroad]

WOW! You are making some incredible progress on this expansion! The Knott family made some very interesting rock formations for this ride and you recreated them perfectly. Keep up the great work! Happy railroading!

[@sru1436]

Really cool, love the whole layout!

[@Oldshoeshine]

Hey Dave! Have you ever thought about painting a very small Disneyland castle on the backdrop somewhere? Behind rainbow ridge might be cool!

[@vincentberkan605]

Maybe some eccentric millionaire had a castle built in the desert.

[@dkaustin98]

Fantastic! You are a good artist. I'm not an artist and I just hope when I start my desert scenery I can carry it off half as well as you do. I will use your methods. However, I want to try an experiment that uses a dark blue wash instead of the black wash. Try to get that Arizona "Painted Desert" effect. That would mean more pinks and purples in the rock. If it fails I can always try the black. By the way, I didn't notice any bands of "bone" color across your rocks. Which I guess is limestone layers. Did you leave that out on purpose? I can see the bands mid way up your cliffs.

[@hoo-t]

At 14:54 (ish), that sure does look like Walt Disney looking on. Middle of the tower just to the left of the brush.

[@johnbusby215]

That looks fantastic how long did it take in real time you are a lot better at this caper than me. But its something to aim for.

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

It took about 4 days

[@brucecampuzano5601]

When applying the sculptamold, have you tried wearing disposable gloves to help keep your hands clean?

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

You could do that. I like to be able to feel the stuff and know how much moisture is in it while I work it. Just personal preference.

[@jjdoeseverything8470]

Maybe it's me, but I like the look (shape, not color) before the sculptamold is applied. After it is applied, the rock-work loses some of its definition.

[@johnbusby215]

It may loose some definition with the sculpti-mould top coating but is sure doesn't loose the wow factor or mass effect. I don't think it will be that noticeable once ground texture, other details and vegetation goes in.

[@kenlynch6332]

🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂 X 5