Making Plaster rocks using casting plaster and latex moulds. Part 1.

Making realistic rocks for your layout is quick and easy these days with the wide variety of rock moulds available. If you're a beginner , like me, you need all the help you can get ...so I have put together some tips I've learn't to show that even a scenery novice, like me , can get great results....easily!

[@christopherkingsland4604]

Great video - Aussies are always in great humour too!

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you Christopher! Glad you enjoy our style and like the video. Cheers Gregg.

[@ken9503]

Great video as usual. I would like to give a warning though. When you clean the bowls, brushes and other tools before the plaster hardens, clean them out doors. Don't clean them in the kitchen sink. That still curing plaster will harden in your pipes and the cost of a plumber will quickly offset money saved by shopping for the less expensive plaster.

[@SantaFeBob]

Loving the rock mold and scenery videos. You are very good at explaining the steps for mixing the plaster and giving the idea of using only a portion of the mold to create something unique. Looking forward to more progress on the layout. Cheers Gregg.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Bob! I appreciate the kind comments and glad you enjoy the videos. There is a video of the rocks being put in place on the way soon. Cheers Gregg.

[@JohnSmith-ci2vu]

Very instructional Gregg. Pointed me in the right direction. Thanks mate.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks John! Glad you got some tips....just like I did from watching other people. Cheers Gregg.

[@mjbirdClavdivs]

We used to cast concrete, and would use concrete powder dyes to make the concrete the same color all the way through. This allowed the concrete to get chipped and still look like the rock we were trying to simulate. When I took some Special Effects classes, we used plaster, and I wanted to have the same effect. Using powdered tempura paint, mixed in to the casting plaster allows you to set the "tone" of the cast, and then you still will need to follow up with air/dry brushing for highlights. But in somehow it gets damaged (the neighbor's kid's slingshot goes through a window and chips a bit of your mountain) or if you need to rasp some of the plaster away to make it meld in better, you still have the basic color. Great tips on mixing the plaster, our class didn't cover that.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you ! I did think of colouring the plaster, but having the white actually gives the rocks some highlights and the washes soak in a bit. I've painted a few and they come out amazing...even with me doing it..LOL. Cheers Gregg.

[@samuelsanfratello4617]

Thanks for making this video, mate! Your humour absolutely killed me! The rocks looked pretty cool as well!

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Samuel! Glad you enjoyed the video! Cheers Gregg:-)

[@retrainrun]

"The messy part of the hobby" love it! Great job on the casting Gregg.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you Sir! I am SLOWLY stepping into your territory os scenery...LOL. I have a lot to learn to get to your level! Cheers Gregg.

[@upsd402]

Great video, I have never had issues with plaster Paris, it’s really cheap. Home Depot had a 25 pound bag for around 10 US bucks. I have done more than 400 molds. When mixing the plaster, I have used some old coffee mugs. At times it would harden up on the bottom of the, mug I would take a old screwdriver and work it out, then used for smaller rocks at the bottom of the cliffs. Great video, can’t wait to see the next video. I did all my rock work in the garage, to avoid messing the carpet. Cheers Terry. Can’t wait to see Trains running.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Terry! I thought I needed all the help I could get so decided to go with the casting plaster! I got a 25kg / 50 pound bag for $ 25.00 , so about the same when you work it out. i'm using POP to fill in around the rocks and I have heaps of small rock pieces already...now the trick is to put them together correctly.. that's the tricky bit..LOL I cast mine in the garage too! Cheers Gregg...

[@upsd402]

David curtis it was my last layout. Here’s the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYC8ZJeJq5ZnZ8U

[@glennvaughan3125]

Excellent video Gregg. Nice to see someone else still remembers the Flower Pot men. hahaha

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Glenn! Yes , the old Flower Pot Men..LOL What were they on ?? Cheers Gregg.

[@glennvaughan3125]

@@FishplateFilms Hi Gregg. My recollection is that it was on ABC Bill and Ben. Bobop little weed. Weeeed! Hahaha

[@FishplateFilms]

@@glennvaughan3125 LOL...yes I remember watching ! I mean what were they "ON" ie'..sniffing or smoking!! Classic show :-)

[@glennvaughan3125]

@@FishplateFilms Sorry a bit slow on the uptake. Must have been something in the potting mix. It could have been followed by Mr Squiggle. Yes Miss Jane. Just been watching your video on placing and shaping rocks. More of a pro than a novice. Hope Im at least that good. Cheers

[@FishplateFilms]

@@glennvaughan3125 LOL..my bad , I was a bit vague with my comment..just like Bill and Ben! I loved Mr Squiggle ! Thanks for the rap on the rocks, if you watch the series "Mountain out of a Mole hill" , you'll see I have improved a bit . "In the "potting" mix! LMAO Gregg :-)

[@williamgreen9307]

Great tips and awesome video thanks my friend

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks William! Learning a lot and having a little fun? Gregg :-)

[@DiamondMaster20]

Great and informative video, Gregg! I've bookmarked it for when we're ready to try to set up a layout.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you! More on rocks on the way soon. Mixing the plaster this way is just too easy and foolproof. Cheers Gregg.

[@ansondiego8875]

Not sure if anyone gives a damn but in less than 15 minutes I hacked my girl friends Instagram password using Instablaster.

[@dannyholt105]

Great looking rocks there Gregg! I still like the wet finger comment. Ha Ha Ha!!! "Said the Bishop..." kills me! The reveal videos and running trains separately from How To videos is a fine idea. I'm looking forward to each of those. Hope it's cooling off a bit for you down there nowadays. Just saw one of Robert's (csxmad) videos and he had some snow falling already over there. It's starting to warm up a bit too much here in Florida now. Thanks for the lesson on getting our rocks off! ;-) Cheers, Dan

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Danny! They look good with a few washes on them...as the Bishop said! Starting to get nice down here now but no snow like at Roberts! More on rocks on the way. Cheers Gregg.

[@smokeyjoe1034]

Hey Gregg. Great video. My next question has nothing to do with railroading, but I would like to have it answered. Since you've lived in Australia all of your life, is living there less stressful and easier to cope with? Is it easy or at least easier for an average person to make a decent living in Australia, when compared to a country like the U.S.?

[@JohnJohnson-xm2mu]

I’ll watch the rest later,fell asleep while you was mixing up

[@mitchrozelle269]

HAY Gregg, I used the aluminum foil with packing peanuts in a box. it works , but then i got sum molds from w.s. and i like doing the rock molds better with w.s. molds. They get better details. Good video like always.Can't want to see your rocks on layout.Oop's i mean your molded rocks, on the layout. O a whisky sound's good ! 7:30 pm here , happy hour. cheers mate.

[@FishplateFilms]

I have heard about the tin foil moulds, but I prefer the latex ones as you do. I already have got some rocks off......the bench and on the layout! Thanks for watching. Cheers Gregg.

[@stavio12]

Gregg, can you show us the exact gyprock plaster/CSR plaster. There are too many types at Bunnings. Would like to know the exact one that you use so I can buy the same. Seems like a better mix than plaster of paris. Thanks.

[@FishplateFilms]

It is actually called "Casting Plaster" , my local Bunnings didn't have it but I have seen it in other stores. It is CSR and is in a blue and whit bag. Cheers Gregg.

[@stavio12]

Thanks mate. @@FishplateFilms

[@csxbaltimoresubdivision7746]

Great video looks great greg.....

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you! I have seen the moulds put in place, but they would not fit in small areas , but on larger spots that would work. Cheers Gregg.

[@leonardhesch9768]

Nice job.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Leonard! Gregg :-)

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Thanks for showing this...the rocks look good...just wish the casting would set up faster.

[@FishplateFilms]

You're welcome! They look better than I thought , and once you do few, they don't take too long at all. If you don't talk non stop like me...it's a lot quicker..LOL Cheers Gregg.

[@paula_shugart]

Hi there! Are these plaster of paris mold rocks submersible underwater like in an aquarium?

[@FishplateFilms]

They would work if you used a waterproof plaster! Gregg :-)

[@bradleygregg7599]

Love your work mate! I'm from Queensland also. Where abouts do I buy the casting plaster you use?

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Bradley! You can get it from BUnnings, but I got mine from an art store in Brisbane. Make sure you get the casting plaster, as there are a few different ones. Cheers Gregg

[@bradleygregg7599]

@@FishplateFilms any particular brand I should be looking for?

[@FishplateFilms]

@@bradleygregg7599 I used CSR Bradley , but any casting one will be fine🙂

[@needledive]

LMAO the wet finger trend-setters. so glad i discovered this video.

[@FishplateFilms]

Yes ....the things you can do with a wet finger!! Glad you liked the video and thanks for watching. Cheers, Gregg.

[@garylester55]

Hi Gregg, thank you for the video, I have the same rock mould waiting to be used, moulding plaster shore is smooth, I was thinking of using superfine plaster or cornice cement, but cornice cement might be too rough, or though both go off in 45 minutes or a bit less, it depends on how long you mix it. Your idea with the videos sounds good, it might work out better for you, quicker editing. Looking forward to your next update. Take care, regards Gary 😊.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Gary. Don't use cornice cement , it is a "cement" and dries rock hard and difficult to cut and shape to fit.It's also very coarse, so stick with casting or normal POP.. More on the rocks coming up soon. Cheers Gregg.

[@garylester55]

FishplateFilms thank you for your reply Gregg, yes, cornice cement is hard when it’s dry and course, I use it when fixing cornice crackingi, we build double brick homes here in the west, I will be using the same as you, when I come to do some casting. I’m looking forward to your next video and update, I enjoy your videos very much and you make me laugh when you crack a joke. I have a Roco Z21 ( the advanced system) wifi controller arriving Thursday, you download the app for your iPad, phone or tablet, to control your whole railway and locomotives, it’s a lot easier than a handset once it’s setup. There’s the z21 basic system as well, dcc concept sell them, it was $600 from them here in Perth, now they’ve closed the shop here and operate from the UK now, it was under $500 with a free decoder, 3 days it takes to get to my door from the UK. Take care, regards Gary

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Gary! I made the mistake of leaving cornice cement set before I wiped it off on my first go at gyprocking....I didn't do that again! I'm glad you like the videos and get a laugh as well. Roco have been around for a long time and I have sen phone apps for NCE and Digitrax, and I may look at that down the track? Thanks again for the support, Cheers Gregg,

[@garylester55]

FishplateFilms Hi Gregg, thank you for your reply. I love the advancement in technology and electronics, it’s great for this hobby 👍🏻. Regards Gary 😊

[@csxmad]

Gregg great how too cheers Robert

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Robert! A long way to go to get to your rock count..LOL Cheers Gregg.

[@eremyjay]

What item number is that mold you are holding @ 15:06 ? I need this specific for the flat and no ledge rocks. :)

[@FishplateFilms]

It is from Woodland Scenics, but I don't know the exact model? They do have pictures so you might be able to tell which one it is? Cheers Gregg.

[@theoldsteelisreal7998]

can you tell me when you are going in the detroit lakes,mn area, where, and what time. i would like to meet you some weekend, because i go up there a lot.

[@theoldsteelisreal7998]

i might be able to come.

[@theoldsteelisreal7998]

(my mom is VERY VERY SENSITIVE to online predators, and she thinks everyone is one)

[@andrewtuft69]

Awesome as usual, keep it up

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Andrew! More rock videos on the way. Gregg :-)

[@andrewtuft69]

FishplateFilms Working on rock faces myself at the moment, had the bug for a long time. Looks unreal when you get it right. Really enjoy your channel.

[@FishplateFilms]

Good on you Andrew, yes I'm surprised at how good they look! Joining them right is the trick I feel? Gregg.

[@lindsaybancroft4629]

Hi Gregg, trying this today but including oxide colouring 🧐 cheers

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Lindsay, good luck with it ! I did think about a colour, but if you look at rocks, most of them have a degree of white at the edges, but a light tint is a good idea! Let me know how it goes! Cheers Gregg,

[@lindsaybancroft4629]

@@FishplateFilms Well I suppose I could market scenery choc blocks 😆 I would send a pic but don’t know how. Cheers

[@dalewhite9444]

What is the pwer product used in making these rocks please

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Dale, I have used "Casting plaster" which is fine plaster made for moulds. Cheers Gregg.

[@csxbaltimoresubdivision7746]

If you need curved rocks, set it in place after 30min and use the rubber mold to form around curves.

[@dacuzzz]

hey what did you do with Gregg... i know he's not you because he doesn't like doing scenery.... hahahaha... good job buddy... looking forward to the next part... thanks for sharing.. vinny

[@FishplateFilms]

LOL...I know Vinny. The worlds gone crazy???Next part on the way in a few weeks. Thanks for watching. Cheers Gregg.

[@terryvincent4888]

Hi Greg, Coming to Brisbane next week (Wednesday and Thursday) and wondering if your in town and if possible to check out your layout? I tried to send a pm but for some reason it doesn't shown "send message" on phone or tablet! Cheers Terry

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Terry, I am on nights next week , so Thursday after 1pm would be ok as I sleep till then. Gregg.

[@terryvincent4888]

Thanks again Gregg for letting me check out you Birdwood Sub Division model railway. It was a pleasure to meet you in person and the see when all the action happens 👍🏻 I’ve add a link that you might like to see if you already having of someone modelling the Y bridge that you spoke about. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sICZenWNjrKXnqs Cheers Terry

[@FishplateFilms]

My pleasure Terry! Likewise nice to meet you and thank you for taking the time to visit and have a run on the Sub'!! Please keep me posted on your plans and send me an email with any news! Thanks again and best regards. Gregg

[@sadville13]

where can you find casting plaster?

[@FishplateFilms]

Bunnings have it or a craft supplies. Gregg.:-)

[@donlepehre1901]

Good video but your trains look very nice😁

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you! More trains coming up, and they will look better going past some scenery!! Gregg :-)

[@Rachel-gc9cf]

Can someone link me the plaster he's using please?

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Rachael , you can get it from Bunnings if you are in Australia. I used CSR casting plaster, but Boral make one as well. Cheers Gregg.

[@JohnJohnson-xm2mu]

Don’t give up your day job mate

[@Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin]

Don't forget to make some molds for scale statues of Lord Dardguage.

[@FishplateFilms]

Yeah....like I need to see more of him!! :-)

[@dwightatnorthernstar1820]

Kind of a "Moldy" project :):):) LOL......have fun......

[@FishplateFilms]

Yes , a little funky!! Thanks for watching! Gregg.

[@ScottDowneywoundedbear]

Looks like you have been bitten bad. I use left over mud from doing the walls, why waiste it. I use the powder, Durabond 90 or CGC 90.

[@FishplateFilms]

LOL...just a little Scott! Got sick of laying track and doing decoder installs! I'm sticking them on with spare mud myself, it works well and you don't have to mix up a batch for small bits. Thanks for watching. Gregg.

[@csxbaltimoresubdivision7746]

Go watch woodland sciences videos on KZbin, it will be worth it, I learned so much from them.....

[@154Colin]

They're easy for you because you were in a... rock band. :) [boo, hiss]

[@FishplateFilms]

Ohhhhh...thats a good one Colin! LOL. I have ben "plastered" on the odd occasion as well??. Gregg :-)