How to Make Realistic Scenery Model Train Layouts & Dioramas

[@bradpalmer7944]

Can't thank you enough for sharing this technique. I did a lot of research in how best to proceed with my layout. Your technigue stood out from all the others in terms of simplicity and the end result. My family and friends think I'm something of a genius, but I told them I owed it all to your KZbin videos.

[@wstks-fmworldwide5390]

Some of the most convincing ground treatment I've seen. Well done!

[@antonioshair4849]

This is so realistic that it looks like you took a huge piece of land and put it in a shrink ray. I love it!

[@Modeltrains]

Thank you for such a great compliment. Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Kevin

[@antonioshair4849]

Oh, and where do you find this stuff? It doesn't look like something i've ever seen, so i'm guessing it wouldn't be at your local store that's right next to your house.

[@Modeltrains]

The Woodland Scenics products are pretty common. JTT and Scenic Express are not as common, but both have web sites that you can order from or you local hobby store might be able to special order some products for you. Hope this helps. Cheers, Kevin

[@briank.7471]

As a newbie modeler not looking forward to chicken wire and plaster, this video was a godsend. Now well on my way using your foam and batting scenery techniques on my railroad. Thank you!

[@Modeltrains]

Brian, glad to hear you'll be trying this technique out. I think you'll find it to be a lot less messy than plaster. Cheers, Kevin

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Another great how to Kevin. Like how the scenery is turning out.

[@Modeltrains]

+Peter CPRail8748 Thanks Peter. Glad to hear you think it's turning out nice. Cheers, Kevin

[@jjab99]

Wow, that looks so realistic. Many thanks for all the tips.

[@Modeltrains]

+jjab99 Thanks, glad to hear you think it looks realistic. Hope you'll be able to use these tips on your layout too. Cheers, Kevin

[@MrLuvOldies]

Thanks. I live in the Denver,Colorado area,and I can see how your ground cover replicates the local area here. I like your method of making scenery.

[@Modeltrains]

Jay, thanks for the compliment and feedback. Always glad to hear from someone familiar with the area that I've captured the look of the front range. Cheers, Kevin

[@funonutube100]

Well done Kevin an excellent video. very well paced with clear instruction. Great job!!!

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks for the feedback and compliments on the video. Cheers, Kevin

[@csxmad]

The scene came out looking great thanks for showing cheers Robert

[@Modeltrains]

+csxmad Robert, thanks for the compliment. Cheers, Kevin

[@sabrabeli9816]

hey ,if anyone else wants to uncover building model train scenery try Boshapra Amazing Scenery Boffin ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my friend got great success with it.

[@shalukakumari9072]

+csxmad interesting points ,if anyone else wants to discover train model scenery try Boshapra Amazing Scenery Boffin (just google it ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my cousin got cool success with it.

[@ScottDowneywoundedbear]

Great scenic techniques. I never thought of using static grass mixed in with the turf. I will have to try that. I also mix fine saw dust in with the fine turf. Give the look of dead grass mixed in. Scott

[@Modeltrains]

+Scott Downey Scott, thanks. Glad you liked the video. Cheers, Kevin

[@gearhead5651]

saw dust, wontthat turn colour over time, say gray?

[@richardhaight8620]

Thank you for this great scenic tutorial. I found this very informative and helpful going forward with my layout.

[@Modeltrains]

+Richard Haight Richard, thanks for the feedback and compliment. Glad to hear you found this helpful. Cheers, Kevin

[@reddustdiecastmodelrail1499]

Great how -to video ! Very nice scenery ! Thanks for sharing ! Martin

[@Modeltrains]

+Martin Bruggeman Martin, you're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful. Cheers, Kevin

[@bradcaloroso8441]

wow! It came out good I think. I will use these methods on my first layout(s). I think they will turnout better than the scenery directly on foam.

[@ferromodelismororaima]

Very good demonstration. Thank you.

[@themaddogyoung]

This really looks great Kevin, Great information I will definitely incorporate here real soon! Thanks for the video.

[@Modeltrains]

+sdyoung You're welcome. Glad you found these useful. Hopefully you'll get to try them out on your layout soon. When you do, let me know how it turns out. Cheers, Kevin

[@brian102256]

Hey Kevin, thanks for posting this. Great technique! I will have couple areas about that size to scenic on my new layout and will definitely save this video as a favorite! Nice work!

[@Modeltrains]

+brian102256 Brian, thanks for the compliment. Glad you hear you'll try this out on your layout. Cheers, Kevin

[@annmariebrown9572]

Landsburg & Great Western Railroad lo

[@davidsheriff8989]

Great stuff....photography can be a good guide as foreground is more vivid and distance loses its intensity...

[@Modeltrains]

David, thanks for the compliment and tip on having the foreground more vivid than the more distant areas. Cheers, Kevin

[@ForrestAdam]

Like others I really like the way this method came together toward an outstanding look. I am shaping my foam board up on my 131x60 layout O scale layout. Planning on using this for flat areas. Are there any unique suggestions you may have for flatter areas where this technique would be used. For example, I am planning on using for farm field that will have a river running through it. One area that I am not exactly sure about is how to form lightly rolling contours to give some character and not be exactly flat. I have heard of others using a hot air gun to actually melt the foam board a bit to provide such contours. Any other thoughts or suggestions to achieve light contours would be appreciated.

[@johnrocheleau1595]

I'm making a modular layout and weight will be a problem. This system looks like it will work quite nicely. Thank you for a great video.

[@Modeltrains]

John, awesome. Thanks for the feedback. Let me know how this turns out for you. Cheers, Kevin

[@njRRtrainer]

Kevin, Thanks for sharing, really useful, helpful info and techniques.. Looking good... Bill

[@Modeltrains]

+njRRtrainer Bill, you're welcome. Glad to hear you think this technique and tips are useful. Cheers, Kevin

[@retrainrun]

It came out really good! Great job. Thanks for sharing. RT

[@Modeltrains]

+retrainrun RT, thanks again.Cheers, Kevin

[@marthaisabelnieto]

how do you "stick" or glue the fine grass to the brown paint if it´s already dry?

[@katherinecorrell4817]

Did you use foam to shape the mountains under the batting?

[@MrGameengineer]

Great tutorial! I wish I had seen this first before using that goofy heat moldable grass mat you find at Michaels and Hobby Lobby. This technique takes more time but looks much more realistic. Question: For the smaller dioramas that I do need to transport (think: kids school project) and I DO want the layout to be hard like the back of a turtle, how do you get all that fine powder greenery to stay put? I was thinking of spray adhesive but then it may give a shiny sheen to the whole scene which would be undesirable.

[@Modeltrains]

+MrGameengineer Glad you believe this technique will work out for you. The best way to secure all the scenery is to wet the entire with a wetting agent (a couple of drops of dish washing detergent in water) from a spray bottle. This will allow your glue to spread more evenly over the whole scene. One everything is damp, spray scenic cement (or a mixture of white glue or Mod Podge and water) over the whole area. Spray enough of it to get a white looking film over the whole area while it is still wet. This will seep into all the scenery since and once dry it will be pretty solid. The reason you add dish washing detergent to the water is to reduce the surface tension of the water and allow it to flow more easily and disturb the scenery less. Also, use as fine a spray pattern as your spray bottle will allow. Hope this helps. Cheers, Kevin

[@dismaldog]

very good tutorial thanks-all elements came together well!-trees look fantastic.

[@Modeltrains]

+dismaldog Thanks for the nice compliment. Cheers, Kevin

[@CarlosMunoz-gg2tc]

when you put the green did you spray first or afteryou didnt say c.munoz el paso tx

[@Modeltrains]

No, I did not spray the painted surface first. The wet paint is the first layer of adhesive. Cheers, Kevin.

[@dacuzzz]

hi Kevin... that was very informative... i still need to add more scenic material to the area i have been working on... thanks for sharing your techniques .. vinny

[@Modeltrains]

+bnsf6951 Vinny, thanks. Your scenes look like they're coming along nicely. Hopefully you can use this technique to add some natural areas near all your buildings and overpasses. Cheers, Kevin

[@knapfordpublishers8145]

+

[@jeffbartner]

Great videos. We liked the color of your base coat paint. Can you tell us what it is and where it came from?

[@Modeltrains]

Jeff, thank you. It is Cliff Rock by Behr in a matte finish. Cheers, Kevin.

[@andrewb9590]

Thanks for posting. Very helpful! What is the deciduous tree at the top of the hill made from?

[@Modeltrains]

+Andrew B Thanks for the feedback. The deciduous tree was made with a variation of Scenic Express's Super Trees Method and Woodland Scenics's Fine Leaf Foliage. I've got plans to do a video of this technique, but haven't gotten around to it yet. Cheers, Kevin

[@jamesb1118]

Your work looks amazing! Very help for me ty! Answer 1 question for me please if your still on your channel. VvvvvvV I'm building a miniature battlefield / play scenery for my sons to play with their dinosaurs, vehicles and g.i joes. How strong / durable are your hills with the foam and badding? Can it withstand a lot of abuse / use / being rough on it with action figures?

[@CatalinTriff]

Thanks again for this beautiful and complete post. Mixing turf with static grass is looking far better than I could have ever imagined. What kind of tape do you use to cover the rails? Don't you have rail cleaning problems after removing the tape? PS after a long period I've stopped working at my layout, the first trees produced with your technique will come this days out of "the factory" . High productivity , good looking!

[@Modeltrains]

+27scumpi You're very welcome. Glad you liked the video. The tape I use is just regular blue painters tape. I've never had any problems with residue when I take it up. I'm going to have to make a bunch a trees myself for this area of the layout. Cheers, Kevin

[@4ennout2]

Again, Great tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@Modeltrains]

+MWRR R Thanks, Cheers, Kevin

[@jean-pierrepodik9638]

Hello! thanks for your video, a very job and realistic landscap. Greeting from northern France.

[@Modeltrains]

Merci pour les gentils compliments. Slaute, Kevin

[@suelinerr]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@Modeltrains]

+Sue Line RailRoad You're welcome. Cheers, Kevin

[@billstroud367]

You can also get black poly quilters backing (instead of the white). That would help if you need a darker ground cover. Search for Black Quilt Batting Quilters Dream Midnight Poly Batting Craft for around $10

[@Modeltrains]

Bill, thanks. I've never seen the black quilt batting. I'll have to check it out next time I need to get some. Cheers, Kevin

[@emilfri]

which brown paint do you use?

[@milanal]

First time trying dioramas. What makes the grass and turf stick to the surface? What glue or adhesive?

[@Modeltrains]

+Milana Leshinsky I use scenic cement. It is a mix of matte medium and water. You can also mix white glue or mod pod with water to make something similar to scenic cement. Probably the most common brand of scenic cement is by Woodland Scenics. You can find it at model train stores, hobby stores, and some craft stores. Hope this helps. Cheers, Kevin

[@oracle796]

Incredible scenery.. But what is the material used in background? ( color brown) before the spoon came??

[@Modeltrains]

It is painted quilted batting. I have a specific video on how to use it to make hills and mountains. Cheers, Kevin

[@rhondasalsbery8896]

What would you use to make your hills or mountains into a winter scene? I would like to use your technique to make a north pole scene for my polar express train. I am new to this

[@Modeltrains]

Rhonda, depending on how heavy you want your snow will determine how much dirt/dead grass you need to put down before covering it with snow. Most scenery companies make a snow ground cover. Similar to the regular technique, I'd buy several different company's products to get some color variation. When painting the cloth batting, I'd chose a slightly blue tinted white paint. This will give the initial ground cover just a bit of color and keep it from looking like pure white cake frosting. From there, start adding the snow ground foam. For areas that you want to appear wet, you can brush on gloss medium. Hope this helps and good luck with your winter scene. Cheers, Kevin

[@jameslcoble248]

I was wondering what do you recommend for glue to put plastic structures together? I know you have some structures you have to build is why I was asking. like the refueling station area

[@Modeltrains]

+James L Coble I use Plastruct Plastic Weld and Plastruct Bondene. If you can't find these, the Testors liquid plastic cement (it looks like water in a bottle not the kind in a tube) works well too. Cheers, Kevin

[@jaycameronford]

Do you spray scenic glue on the layout before or after each layer is sprinkled on?

[@Modeltrains]

No. The wet paint holds the first layer. Then you can just add scenic glue at the end to cover all the layers above the first layer. Cheers, Kevin

[@hatakashi1900]

So I should add the few layers of grass on top of the brown paint BEFORE the paint is completely dried right?

[@Modeltrains]

Correct. The wet paint will help glue the first couple layers of ground foam down and will allow you to use less scenic cement later. Cheers, Kevin

[@tedmax75]

How do all the layers stick to the landform? Doesn't the first layer cover the adhesiveness of the brown paint allowing the top layers to just role or blow off?

[@Modeltrains]

You adhere the other layers with scenic cement after you get them all into place. Cheers, Kevin

[@trainsandthings]

did you let the paint dry before adding ground cover, thanks

[@Modeltrains]

Tyrone, no. I applied the first couple layers of ground foam to the paint while it was still wet. Cheers, Kevin

[@vincentvanbro475]

Is there a way to set that initial few layers of dirt and grass texture ? I feel like one good sneeze would send it all flying

[@vincentvanbro475]

never mind found the answer in the comments, thanks! awesome vid!

[@johnbrown7858]

Great DIY video!

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks John. Cheers, Kevin.

[@lorikepple3324]

I have been looking for your Part 1 but don;t find it. Can you provide the link? I wondered if you glued down the batting for the hills you made? This video didn;t show that part. Thanks

[@johnnyrailer]

looking good man. Thanks for sharing!

[@Modeltrains]

+model railer You're welcome. Thanks for the compliment. Cheers, Kevin

[@hannahlostsheep1971]

Would this work for outdoor g garden train layouts

[@Modeltrains]

Possibly but I haven't tried it. Some of the natural material might break down if not sealed from the environment first. Cheers, Kevin.

[@xavierhorace7213]

How do you get your layers of your turf to stay intact on your hill besides the very first turf you used from the beginning?

[@Modeltrains]

They are held down by the scenic cement. If you want a harder shell where you don't have to worry about any of the ground covering moving, just cover the entire area in a couple layers of scenic cement. Hope this helps. Cheers, Kevin

[@xavierhorace7213]

Scale Model Trains & Colorado's Joint Line indeed it does help thank you very much. Like your helpful tips.

[@blameusa7082]

what do you think about static grass?

[@Modeltrains]

Static grass can look very nice in some applications. However, a lot of it on layouts looks way too long to my eye. Where you have every blade of grass 4-5 scale feet tall. Unless your making a specific field where you should have grass that tall, you'll need to be careful in your application. Cheers, Kevin

[@blameusa7082]

Scale Model Trains & Colorado's Joint Line thanks for the reply, i got the static grass yesterday.... think it ruins what you teach here tbh. Looked really good copying your technique, now looks a bit toyish :(

[@ZicajosProductions]

Looks great!

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks Joe. Cheers, Kevin

[@rantiroy7831]

There are several factors in diy railroad layouts. One resource I found which successfully combines these is the Jareks hobby club (google it if you're interested) it's the most incredible plan that I've seen. Check out the amazing info .

[@papapsadventures6119]

How do you keep all the loose material from coming off thru vibration or just air moving over the whole display?

[@Modeltrains]

Add as much scenic cement as you need to keep your ground foam from moving around. I haven't had any problems with mine moving at all. Cheers, Kevin

[@timbonjovi]

What brand/color paint do you use over the batting?

[@Modeltrains]

It is "Cliff Rock" by Behr. Cheers, Kevin

[@RGMerkel]

How ridged is it once the paint dries?

[@Modeltrains]

The batting is stiff but not rigid from the dried paint. Adding more scenic cement over the entire area would stiffen it even more. It is supported by the foam underneath so that is what is providing support for any trees, etc that are added. Cheers, Kevin.

[@MrRenoman2011]

Awesome thanks again great video

[@Modeltrains]

And you're welcome again. Cheers, Kevin

[@STEAMBOLTANNIE]

you can use a fine small colander for rinsing vegetables etc...its faster! fill it with your ground colored foam and shake it all over!

[@BaronvonBavert]

great work !!!!

[@Modeltrains]

+Harald Schmitz Harald, thanks. Glad you liked the video. Cheers, Kevin

[@rkalicki]

How do you do your roads implying you did the batting in flat areas also.

[@Modeltrains]

Randy, I try to put my roads in first before adding the batting to both sides of the road. If I was adding a road to an area where the batting already was I would cut a path in the batting. This would give a nice firm substructure to build the road upon. If you want to see how I made my roads, I've got a couple videos on how I did my roads around the Santa Fe bridge on my layout on my KZbin channel. Hope this helps. Cheers, Kevin

[@bigjon7143]

Do i start this while my brown base coat is still wet? If so, at what point do i start?

[@bigjon7143]

+Big Jon (I'm a newbie)

[@Modeltrains]

+Big Jon Yes, use the paint as part of the adhesive to glue the scenery materials in place. Paint an area you want to scenic, say a few square feet, then start applying scenery material. Hope this helps. Cheers, Kevin

[@bigjon7143]

+Scale Model Trains & Colorado's Joint Line Thank you much!!

[@bigjon7143]

+Scale Model Trains & Colorado's Joint Line What kind of brown paint did you use? will i get the same effect on foam or plaster??

[@Modeltrains]

The paint I used is Behr Cliff Rock in matte finish. It wasn't anything specific. I just took in some photos of Colorado earth/dirt and tried to find something sort-of close. foam or plaster will give you a smooth texture that you'll either need to carve to sculpt in some way to give it some texture to be similar before adding ground foam. Cheers, Kevin

[@creekredfishingmastery]

How would I make the sides of the foam and batting much more rocky looking?

[@Modeltrains]

Joe, you could use regular rock molds and then attach them to the batting. Also, you could cover the side of a hill or area you want to be rocky with plaster and then carve it to look like rocks as it is hardening. Cheers, Kevin

[@dancousineau72]

Do you have a link to you first video you are talking about at start? Thanks

[@Modeltrains]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3SZknt7pLqKj8k

[@quintonfriesen5198]

Enjoyed your videos very much. Well done. What is the name of the paint that you used for the base color? Is there a paint number? Thanks.

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks. The paint is Cliff Rock by Behr.

[@railandsail8676]

Do you have some videos of various rocky mountain techniques??

[@Modeltrains]

No, nothing specifically on how I did my rocks. They were made with Woodland Scenics rock molds. I pretty much follow the Woodland Scenics leopard spotting technique to stain them. Hope this helps. Cheers, Kevin

[@georgehead8211]

Thanks I like your video. I'm going to make WW2 diorama have you got any tips

[@Modeltrains]

George, you're welcome. No specific or different tips. If you're doing 1/35 scale this technique should work the same. Cheers, Kevin

[@buddyboy1953]

Great video thank you !!!

[@Modeltrains]

You're welcome. Glad to hear you liked the video. Cheers, Kevin

[@InterCity134]

Very cool though the thought I had as I watched you put it all down was "when is he going to glue that material in place?" With each additional layer step the damage from bimonthly by the layout and ensuing landslide of scenic layers goes up. Slow and steady I suppose but for is klutzes I'd say scenic cement or bottom glue as you go along. Finally I'd defiantly spray bottle coat with scenic cement or some sort of sealer unless you thin lol you'll never have to clean your layout. Otherwise when you come in to dust and vacuum once a year you'll end up pulling up a lot of the scenery unintentionally.

[@Modeltrains]

All good points. I've never had a problem with the loose scenery when cleaning the layout. But I never vacuum the layout either. Cheers, Kevin

[@jimgaffney4524]

looks great

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks Jim. Cheers, Kevin

[@mtalha4077]

how much completely kits I like your videos very lovely videos

[@bosks]

What Does "JJT" Stand For?

[@Modeltrains]

It should be JTT Scenery Products. Hope this helps. Cheers, Kevin.

[@bosks]

Thanks, Kevin! (Now I feel stupid :D ) That really helped. Now I can add that finishing touch! (using your way).

[@sparky107107]

very nice , , there are so many ways to do scenery but most of which are the same , , just differ in the glueing aspect , , thanks for sharing your way of doing this and maybe check my system out too and let me know what you think , model train scenery for beginners , by a beginner

[@Modeltrains]

+sparky107107 Thanks. I'll check out your videos too. Cheers, Kevin

[@sparky107107]

thanks , I am looking forward to more of yours and see you get your layout dressed up a bit

[@Modeltrains]

+sparky107107 I'm looking forward to seeing my layout a bit more finished too.

[@toastyburgerz3078]

I can't get over how much he sounds like the guy from the FitnessGram Pacer Test audio

[@markhayes6407]

very nice

[@notguitargatekeeper]

Very simple!

[@daveyadams3398]

Hi, great tutorial, in the video he calls the paint he used 'brown', it looks green to me, does anyone know what colour, sorry color :D he actually uses?

[@Modeltrains]

David, the paint was "Cliff Rock" by Behr. Cheers, Kevin

[@daveyadams3398]

Thank you very much for the reply Kevin, hopefully my local paint store will have a near enough match.

[@hotwirezzz]

Good vid

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks.

[@imwetty4992]

Problem is with this sort of thing, is you can easily add too much, or too little. Its quite difficult to get it perfect. One bush too many could make it look like there is too much going on, but not enough, may make the area look bare.

[@Modeltrains]

Agreed. That's why I said you have to stop, step back and take in the overall scene to determine what looks good and which areas need a little or a little less. Scenery comes in all different densities and thicknesses. You just have to use your eye and try to match the area of the country you're modeling. This is certainly one of the areas where the art part of model railroading comes in. Cheers, Kevin

[@imwetty4992]

That's a good idea, I'll be sure to take note when getting to my scene, but first I must finish my track layout.

[@adamfischer1366]

Scale Model Trains & Colorado's Joint Line

[@vandougan5933]

Did you let ur paint dry first or just sprinkle your different types of grass and just let it dry that way?

[@Modeltrains]

I sprinkled the first couple of layers of ground foam on while the paint is still wet. The paint acts as glue and helps hold it in place. Cheers, Kevin

[@bahntv]

By the way , great video 99*

[@Modeltrains]

+bahntv Thanks. Cheers, Kevin

[@keyboardexe2584]

cool I have a 0 gauge layout alex

[@PAULPINBALL]

Thank you!

[@adamosuilleabhain324]

Intro music?

[@markcinque4586]

nice,0:36

[@ItIsTom]

Intro song ?

[@Modeltrains]

+Tom Smit Its "Hot Heat" by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena.

[@rionatan8415]

what the music title at opening

[@Modeltrains]

The music at the beginning and end of the video is "Hot Heat" by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena. Cheers, Kevin

[@abandonedmines8346]

10:12 Grove street for life.

[@opeyshop]

where the rock and boulder at

[@ripjeffhanneman]

I used this method to hide a body.

[@mir-trud-mai]

здорово

[@Modeltrains]

спасибо

[@DrTeddyMMM]

It's funny how you say not to do something but then go ahead and do what you say not to do.......sheesh...

[@Modeltrains]

Hmmm. Not sure what you are getting at. I'm not aware of any part of this technique or anything in the video that I said not to do and then went ahead and did it anyway.

[@dennissastini3312]

You’re very talented but talk way too fast

[@Modeltrains]

Dennis, thank you for the nice compliment and feedback. Cheers, Kevin

[@tristanverbruggen1627]

How would I make the sides of the foam and batting much more rocky looking?

[@Modeltrains]

For rocks, I'd use the standard rock mold and plaster technique. The you can cut a hole in the batting where the rock will go and glue it to the foam underneath. Then shape the batting around the rock and glue it back down to make it look like the rock is protruding from underneath the rock rather than just sitting on top of the ground. This can be down on vertical or flat surfaces. Finally, stain or paint your rock to match the types of rocks in the area you're modeling. Hope this helps. Cheers, Kevin

[@mtalha4077]

how much completely kits I like your videos very lovely videos