How to Make Easy Hills & Mountains for Model Train Layouts and Dioramas

[@kristaharmon7584]

Thanks for helping a mom who is NOT a craft person. :)

[@Budnorth3637]

Hi, thanks so much for putting me on to this really neat technique. I’ve reserected my old train set from 40 years ago and for sure I’m going to try it.

[@Modeltrains]

Errol, glad to hear that. Hope you enjoy the train set. Cheers, Kevin.

[@robertschworm6036]

Kevin, Came back to report on poly fiber batting after many months of construction a museum grade N scale layout, depicting the Cuyahoga Valley and the Scenic Railway that runs for 26 miles thru it. I saw your video on poly fiber and decided to implement it in this project. It turned out amazing and nothing but compliments. We began with terra forming with foam off cuts and slabs to depict the terrain and hills of this Nation Park that dates back to 1870 when the rails came in. We held to exacting standards with historic buildings scratch built and a actual Cuyahoga Alco Pa1 that pulls a California Zephyr consist. The terrain is so life like that I had to just stand there and take it all in. 3D mountains and hillsides are blenedd and painted into the backdrop and disappear into the scene and horizon with forced perspective. The depth of illusion is tremendous. It will be automated to a push button pressed by visiting children to the museum. Seasoned modelers can not believe we did all this with poly foam low loft batting, a technique no one had ever heard of or used before. Thanks for the great idea. I just had to come back and look you up to give you this report. Bob Schworm- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad volunteer - N scale Museum Project

[@Modeltrains]

Bob, thank you so much for the feedback. I'm really glad to hear my technique worked out for you. Cheers, Kevin

[@tommythomason6187]

The fine painting you did with it really made it happen. I used to model Texas, back when I had an N-scale layout, for the specific reason of avoiding mountain building, lol. I had no faith in my ability to construct hills and mountain scenery.

[@davidamoody]

I've never seen a better idea than this, it's totally brilliant!

[@Modeltrains]

+David Moody Dave, thanks for the nice compliment. Hope this technique works out for you. Cheers, Kevin

[@HellfrozeoverDitto-lj1rm]

Thank you so much for sharing this neat video. I’m a beginner and I have been over thinking on a tight budget. I don’t have anybody that’s in this hobby so I’m flying sole on this adventure. I’m more into the landscaping but in all fairness my little people will need town to to live in.

[@amandam3708]

This was awesome. My three year old is train crazy, and the idea of trying to make something like this for him was so overwhelming- but this looks much easier than I expected! Thank you kindly for sharing your tips!!!

[@Modeltrains]

Amanda, thank you for the feedback. I hope you and your 3-year old enjoy trying out this technique and playing with your trains. Cheers, Kevin.

[@Budnorth3637]

Hey, I was a bit skeptical, wondering what kind of texture it would lay down, but I love it. What a perfect base to add to. Thanks again.

[@4gauge10]

Very realistic looking terrain,I like it,I'll have to try it when I start up another layout.

[@Modeltrains]

Thank you for the compliment on my terrain. Cheers, Kevin

[@playerpianogal]

Thank you for sharing this!! I used the "snow mats" available around Christmas and glued them over my foam boards, but never thought of quilt batting as I DO have a lot of that!! Thank you SO much for sharing!!!

[@Modeltrains]

You're welcome. I'm glad you found the video useful. Cheers, Kevin

[@jazzman1626]

Wow, the texture of the batting as soon as it’s painted, is excellent. Much more realistic than plaster.

[@Modeltrains]

Thank you for the nice compliment. Cheers, Kevin

[@johnnyrailer]

holy crap Kevin! I did this for my Christmas layouts but used some foam and screen and put the batting down for snow. never thought it would come out looking that good. great work!

[@Modeltrains]

+model railer Sometimes it's not about finding new products, it's about using readily available products in a new way. Glad to hear you think it looks good. Look forward to seeing this on your layout sometime. Cheers, Kevin

[@cjambrosi7391]

Just wanted to say thanks very much... I have tried this method and love it... Also wanted to share an idea I just combined with your batting technique that worked really good. on a Coal Mine module I am building this weekend, I decided to support the mountain with 1/4 inch metal screen, then sprayed the expanding foam on top of the screen and laid the Low Loft batting right into the wet expanding foam... Its really cool, because the foam doesn't come through the batting, but it definitely bonded to the screen wire and the low loft batting and was really easy to shape while it was expanding.... In less than 4 hours, it was ready for painting, grasses, earth, clump foliage etc.

[@Modeltrains]

CJ, thanks for the feedback on this technique. Sounds like its working out well for you. Neat idea on the screen wire and expanding foam. Cheers, Kevin

[@1701Starfish]

That looks incredible. Such a simple idea, but with amazing results.

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks for the compliment. Cheers, Kevin

[@rantiroy7831]

(I read these and the reasons they work on Jareks Hobby Club website )

[@md.nasimreza9348]

Nice video. You may also want to checkout the review of Model Train Layouts on my blog at *noahreviews. com/model-train-layouts-review/* Thanks. Ddt Ferdinand.

[@merevedes4325]

hey ,if anyone else needs to find out about how to build a model railroad layout plans try Pycanta Model Railroaders Protocol (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some super things about it and my brother in law got amazing results with it.

[@josephdesenclos2769]

Excellent idea and it looks great! Thanks for sharing.

[@headninjadog8120]

I’m trying my first diorama and came across this. It’s perfect!

[@DWilliamCinKMO]

This looks like a really good way to cover a lot of terrain in a quick amount of time. Definitely going to try it. Thanks

[@Modeltrains]

+David Cullinane David, you're welcome. Completely agree that you can cover a lot of area very quickly and inexpensively. Let me know how yours turns out. Cheers, Kevin

[@johnmarking5588]

I watched this video about a year ago. And I have found that this is the best way to do terrain. Thanks you help me make a master piece.

[@Modeltrains]

John, thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to hear my technique worked out for you. Cheers, Kevin.

[@trainjam6596]

You have a gift and you helped me understand. I think I can get it right the first time. Thank you so much. I hope my grand daughter will be excited when see comes over and sees what grand pops train garden looks like this Christmas. Thanks again. Waiting for the batman train set to be delivered, should be a show stopper. Thanks again.

[@Modeltrains]

Don, thanks for the feedback and compliments on the video and technique. Glad to hear you're going to try this method out. Let me know how your mountain turns out. Cheers, Kevin

[@davidrobinson8224]

Neat, I like it. I'm near to building a tunnel section and wasn't really looking forward to using plaster. I'll certainly give it a try. As a side issue have a look at Bolder Creek Railroad, the stuff that this guy puts out is unbelievable and he makes it look so simple, rest assured, it ain't I've tried.

[@vincenthuying98]

Love the ingenuity of your method. Looking great.

[@dprice2405]

I have been watching this video over and over along with the one showing the addition of the scenery following. I have been to Colorado many times as well as Wyoming, Southern Idaho, and Utah. In my home State of Nevada this terrain simulation of yours looks so much like the area around Reno and Virginia City areas. great job. We took a drive south just to compare and I have to admit it is just about a perfect vision of the High Desert type of plains areas... Grasses, sagebrush, etc are all the textures and colors shown on your video at this time of year! Awesome job thinking outside the box! Going to try it soon on a Diorama that I am making with my son and wife. This video inspired them to get involved and they will be creating their own Diorama's as a practice run before starting the new layout! thanks for the idea... :)

[@Modeltrains]

D, wow! Thanks for the great story of how this video and method is helping get your family involved. Also, thanks for the kind words on how my model scenery matches the actual scenery in the high plains. Quite a compliment from someone who lives there. Good luck with the dioramas. Let me know how they turn out. Cheers, Kevin

[@davidmichaelvara]

Thanks for sharing. Pretty sweet idea using that batting versus plaster of paris, which is I totally agree is extremely messy. Yuk, Awesomeness

[@Modeltrains]

David, thanks for the nice compliments on this technique. Cheers, Kevin

[@The420Earthling]

I have not yet started my miniature train set, but i've been watching a lot of videos in the past month and i think, so far, you have the best way to do the terrain. The quilt material really does an amazing job to look like dirt once painted, it could almost be left naked and still look good. I'm taking notes of this for when i start my own.

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks for the compliment. Hope you're able to use this technique on your layout sometime soon. Cheers, Kevin

[@andrewmccallum5699]

Really cool, honestly after the touch up and paint, it looks like a real hillside / mountainside! thanks!

[@BradChism]

sweet. I have been in search for something light in my diorama ... Thanks for the tip

[@Modeltrains]

+Brad Chism Brad, you're welcome. Hope this works out well for your diorama. Cheers, Kevin

[@pgclift51]

Great work Kevin - that's a really different approach to scenery.

[@Modeltrains]

+Phillip Clift Phillip, thanks. Hopefully some folks find this useful and can try it out on their own layouts. Cheers, Kevin

[@randypiasecki4161]

Great idea! Looks great. I like the idea of it not being messy like plaster can be. Also the texture looks great. Thanks for sharing this with us! I will be giving this a try on my N scale layout. Randy

[@Modeltrains]

+Randy Piasecki Randy, thanks. I like the fact that it isn't as messy as plaster as well. Glad to hear you'll be trying out this technique on your N scale layout. Let me know how it turns out. Cheers, Kevin

[@damianbushman4973]

Loved the way you did the mountains with the bedding batting and thought I would try taking it a step further and dye the batting brown first so you didn't need to go too crazy applying paing. Just thought I'd relay the results to you and your subscribers whom may have thought about this but have not tried it. I doesn't work because the batting does not absorb the dye. Keep up the great work!

[@Modeltrains]

Damian, thanks for the feedback. Cheers, Kevin

[@4ennout2]

Great tip! Thanks, I really like that it will help hide the seam between the layers of foam. Now, on to your next video

[@Modeltrains]

+MWRR R You're welcome. Glad you liked this method. Cheers, Kevin

[@cbgadget4740]

Nice job with the batting. I'm going to try this on some low hill areas of a layout I just started. Thanks for the idea.

[@Modeltrains]

You're welcome and thanks for the feedback. Let me know how your hills turn out. Cheers, Kevin

[@jaywhite5833]

Good technique.. I use the used dryer sheets ( bounce or whatever brand ) for the smaller areas that don't need a whole lot of attention and mostly on the river banks or cut areas of a creek. They work well and its a good way to recycle I guess. Two birds with one stone. Keep the videos coming. Good Stuff.

[@Modeltrains]

+J “jwcomair297” White Thanks for the feedback on the technique. Cheers, Kevin

[@mrlionel1965]

What a great alternative to plaster covered Styrofoam. I am going to try this on my mountain! It's always great to see another take on how to do something.

[@Modeltrains]

+mrlionel1965 Thanks. Let me know how this turns out for you. Cheers, Kevin

[@izenguarr5236]

Excellent! Thank you for making & posting this! This is one of the best methods I think I've ever seen.

[@Modeltrains]

Thank you for the nice compliments. Cheers, Kevin

[@patrickvanloon2263]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. I was looking for a lightweight solution to create hills on our portable railroad layout. This must be THE solution I'm going to use. So easy, thank you!

[@Modeltrains]

Patrick, thanks for the feedback. Glad to hear you like this technique. Cheers, Kevin

[@davidseeberger3568]

excellent ideas. we were going to use drywall mud and now were going to copy these ideas

[@ScottDowneywoundedbear]

Great idea. Sure does save time and mess. Looks goo too.Scott

[@Modeltrains]

+Scott Downey Scott, thanks. Agree completely on saving time and mess. I used plaster for years and then for about the past 15 I was using plaster cloth over foam for the top surface of my layout. Stiff a bit messy and I found i didn't need the strength of the plaster because the foam supported everything. So I went looking for a new technique and developed this one after trying a few different cloth alternatives. Cheers, Kevin

[@daviddurbin808]

Awesome idea of using the batting, never thought of that and my mother used to have it everywhere as she was making quilts. I'm going to give that a try as I love your results on your layout. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@Modeltrains]

+David Durbin David, you're welcome. Glad to hear you're going to give this technique a try. Let me know how it turns out. Thanks for the compliments on my layout too. Cheers, Kevin

[@tonyslight826]

i'm defiantly gonna try that on my layout great tip looks good too thanks mate.

[@ShortyLaVen]

Love this technique!! I'm working on a "tin scale" O gauge layout in my basement, and need a fast, cheap way to rough out a few hills. A lot of other methods are just too involved and tedious for the kind of toy-like prewar stuff I run. This way looks easy, fast, and could easily go either photo-realistic, or old school with sawdust and stuff. For reference, my track design is based on the mid 50s D-190 Lionel display, but with a mountain for the grade instead of trestles.

[@Modeltrains]

Glad to hear you liked this technique. You're layout plan sounds pretty cool. Cheers, Kevin.

[@retrainrun]

Great idea! I work for a couple of years in the upholstery business I use that on Christmas land forms but never would've thought of using it on my layout. It looks very realistic! The scene came out great. Thanks a lot for sharing. RT

[@Modeltrains]

+retrainrun RT, thanks for the nice feedback. Glad to hear you think the scene turned out nice. Cheers, Kevin

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Kevin great how to. Love the outcome. Great idea for fast land forms.

[@Modeltrains]

+Peter CPRail8748 Peter, thanks again. I find this to produce the best basic land forms of all the techniques I've tried over the years. While you'll still need to employ some other techniques for specific scenery features, like rock outcroppings, this should give you a great base to start from. Cheers, Kevin

[@giostrainnetwork9267]

Excellent video... took a bunch of screen shots because I plan on using this method now for my terrain.

[@Modeltrains]

Gio, glad to hear you found this video useful. Cheers, Kevin.

[@jeffjdt]

Wow, thank you. You make it look so easy! If mine turns out half as good as yours I will be thrilled. I just bought the stuff to try this out on my layout. I was wondering how I was going to make my carved foam look good.

[@Modeltrains]

Jeff, thanks for the nice compliment. I'm sure you can make yours look just as good as mine--if not better. Cheers, Kevin.

[@michaelarthur6271]

Thank you. Great techniques, super narration. Quick, practical and easy to follow.

[@Modeltrains]

Mike, thanks for the nice compliments. Cheers, Kevin

[@zamfirtoth6441]

I tried this...it worked incredibly, so easy and so little mess compared to traditional methods

[@Modeltrains]

Thank you for the feedback on my method. Glad to hear it worked out for you. Cheers, Kevin

[@feralshe-male6858]

I tried this technique, and it turned out amazing! Thanks for all the great tips!!

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad this technique worked out for you. Cheers, Kevin

[@rvninnorthcarolina3377]

Great technique...I like it. Getting ready to start my scenery and this is the method I will use. I hate plaster...used that in the 70's for my first layout and it was a mess ...used metal screen and plaster and it looked good when done but added a ton of weight to the layout required a lot more work to make it look natural like this technique does with a lot less work. Thank you for sharing!

[@Modeltrains]

You're welcome. Glad to hear you liked this technique. Hope it works out for you as well. Cheers, Kevin

[@IshFarid]

Awesome. I've been using plaster cloth, but your technique seems so much easier and effective. I am going to get some batting and try it out. Thank you for sharing.

[@Modeltrains]

Ismail, glad to hear you'll be trying this technique. Plaster cloth was my primary scenery method before switching to this. Let me know how it works out for you. Cheers, Kevin

[@IshFarid]

Scale Model Trains & Colorado's Joint Line You bet I will. I had been trying out N Scale trains but when it came to scratch building, my eyes had difficulty adjusting. Now I think I have found my niche. Currently working on slot cars, HO scale, but I love working and experimenting on sceneries.

[@shockprogramming]

Excellent technique. The best I have seen! Just starting out so this is the way I will go. Thanks so much!!

[@Modeltrains]

David, thank you for the nice compliment. Hopefully this will help you out some. Cheers, Kevin

[@bradbeining3341]

Very nice...I have been using the filter material out of furnace filters it's like the batting you are using but has that light gauge wire in it to help really hold a shape if you need it.

[@Modeltrains]

+Brad Beining Thanks for the feedback and compliment. Cheers, Kevin

[@JERRYSAUTOS]

wow that came out really good. I build 1:24, 25 scale car dioramas, im gonna give that a try. it really looks like grass. would a snow blanket for a nativity scene work?

[@nygguy6601]

Great technique! Could you spray paint the batting? Maybe before glueing it down??

[@Modeltrains]

Possibly, but I haven't tried that. It might take quite a bit of spray paint to ensure you get all of the white batting covered. Also, spray paint dries quicker than the brush on latex paint I use so you might want to use an additional adhesive (scenic cement) before adding the first layer of scenery. Cheers, Kevin.

[@domstrains3984]

I remember seeing this video a while back. I may recommend this for our layout. Thanks!

[@Modeltrains]

Let me know how it works out for you. Cheers, Kevin.

[@efitter7]

This is a great technique Kevin! I will have to give this a try for sure. Thanks so much for sharing, Ethan

[@Modeltrains]

+efitter7 Ethan, thanks for the compliment. Hope you get a chance to try it out on your layout. If you do, let me know how it turns. Cheers, Kevin

[@efitter7]

Will do! Cheers

[@lizzardlife]

Really like the look and texture of this!! Thanks for sharing.

[@Modeltrains]

You're welcome. Cheers, Kevin

[@dinaatjuh]

Beautiful quilt you made there Sir.

[@Modeltrains]

+dinaatjuh Why--thank you. Its not a plush as some others, but it does the job. Cheers, Kevin

[@joesaurina1402]

Great technique , we will have to try this. Thank you Mr. Smith.

[@Modeltrains]

+Joe Saurina Joe, thanks. Let me know how it works out for you. Cheers, Kevin

[@Gustavflyer]

Incredible results!!! Great idea

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks. Glad you like this idea. Cheers, Kevin

[@daveroberts5342]

Kevin, update on quilted batting - I wote before and the project turned out excellent., just a note - - I determined the area or setion to have the batting. I laid out the batting and pinned it down, and with a sharpie, connected the bots around the cirucmverence. Removed the batting and cut it out. Pinned the batting down on the FAR side to hold it into positin and so it would not move around. Working forward slowly, painted the glue on the land forms and slowl brought the battin forward and shaped into tall the nooks and valleys. At the leading edge, pinned that down too. checked the entire perimiter was in place pained it all with brown latex foam which soaked into the batting and mixed with the pva and boned it all down While wet - sprinkled on the first layer of brown ground foam as a base Next day installed the secnery, working with the element shortest in height and then the rest going up in height along the way. Absolutely excellent with many comments by seansoned modelers who had never done this. Shahved hundreds of pounds off the layout and cheap as chips too. Bob S - cleveland

[@Modeltrains]

Dave, thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to hear this method worked out for you. Cheers, Kevin

[@csxmad]

Really turn out great well done and thanks for the tip cheers Robert

[@Modeltrains]

+csxmad Robert, thanks for the nice compliment. Stay tuned for my next video on taking the painted hills to a fully sceniced scene. Cheers, Kevin

[@onest3p976]

This is great. Thank you! Would this work with a sand color for sand dunes, or would you recommend a different technique?

[@davidburnell6889]

Damn! Very, very clever with a terrific outcome.

[@Modeltrains]

David, thanks. Glad you liked how this technique turned out. Cheers, Kevin

[@camauedd8042]

WOW...great looking rocks.

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks. Cheers, Kevin

[@babitarawat5530]

amazing. .....i am indian and nice to see ur this beautiful technique

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks for the nice compliment. Cheers, Kevin

[@TheMisterdan01]

Fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Dan

[@Modeltrains]

+TheMisterdan01 Thanks. Hopefully this technique will work out well for you too. Cheers, Kevin

[@swaminathannarayanamurthy3767]

Kevin this is a great video. I do a very small layout in HO scale in India where this hobby is not very popular. I usualy use stryrofoam, then apply plaster on top and then slowly spray real mud to get the earthy layer. Then i apply grass and things like that. But this quilt batting is cool and I think this gives a better texture to the grassy mountain. Will try in my new 8'x2' extension soon. Thank you

[@Modeltrains]

Thank you for the feedback and nice compliment on this technique. Cheers, Kevin

[@bobbynickerson7631]

amazing that looks fantastic way better than than Messy paper mache from years ago what a good upgrade. I love how marlar's upgrade things all the time too realistic looks,without the Big Damn mess. thanks for the great video

[@Modeltrains]

Bob, you're welcome and thanks for the nice compliments. Cheers, Kevin.

[@ricktrinkle3060]

Awesome! Innovative and inexpensive! I will definitely be using this when I build my final O Scale Joint line layout! Thank you very much for doing this video and explaining the process. Rick Trinkle, Trinkle-Trains.

[@Modeltrains]

+Rick Trinkle Thanks Rick. Glad you liked the video. Cheers, Kevin

[@555rzk]

Hi.. amazing job you did..i recently started to build a display platform for a castle i have... i glued the foam boards together and went with the shape i want.. then i applied white glue between my foam board and foam roll paper ... but after a few hours , i feel like the white glue is still very wet .. any tips on what should i do ? Does the glue take more than a day or 2 to dry ? Thank you

[@ag-lx6km]

its so realistic at the start i really thought it was a real train and real mountains :D

[@Modeltrains]

Thank you very much for the nice compliment. Cheers, Kevin

[@chrisrichards1714]

Wow, I need to try that method - looks fantastic..!!

[@Modeltrains]

Chris, thanks for the compliment. Yes, you should try it out too. Cheers, Kevin

[@robertschworm6036]

Kevin, I tried coloring the batting by dipping it in diluted brown paint. While it was fast, I think it is not the same as brushing on full strength paint. When held up, you can see thru the batting as it has thick and thin areas in the cloth. So I will try a hill and paint it, will let you know how it goes, Bob

[@Modeltrains]

Bob, thanks for the information. Cheers, Kevin

[@InterCity134]

Very cool approach ideal where mostly soil covered hillsides are in play. Using rock molds or plaster only where exposed rock is needed is a good idea. How much cost savings is there when one saves on aluminum screen and plaster costs but must use a bunch more latex paint to velvet the surface?

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks for the feedback on this technique. Batting and paint are very cheap compared with plaster cloth or screen wire. Cheers, Kevin

[@KU4PC]

Very nice info Kevin. Like that stuff, looks great. Mike

[@Modeltrains]

+KU4PC Mike, thanks for the compliment. Cheers, Kevin

[@dismaldog]

Wow-very nice method,looks great!

[@Modeltrains]

+dismaldog Thanks. Glad to hear you think it looks good. The follow up video on scenery techniques should be posted in a couple days. Cheers, Kevin

[@guaardsky4404]

Hi very nice work!. Why do you put the white cover over the xps. Havent you tried to just leave the xps uncovered and form the shape with a sharp cutter and then paint. It consumes less paint. But your job is very nice ad well!!

[@Modeltrains]

Yes, carved foam was the technique I mostly used before this. Cheers, Kevin.

[@Pete1230]

Great video! Wish I'd found it before I built my last layout (was satisfied with it but I used WAY too much plaster and plaster cloth). Definitely using this approach next time. Liked and subbed!

[@paulfigas3829]

wow that's beautiful. I really like the texture of the cloth it looks real.

[@Modeltrains]

Paul, thanks for the nice compliment. Cheers, Kevin

[@barbarawetmore6355]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing. You mention that the paint takes quite a long time to dry... can you give a ballpark? 24- 48 hrs? Longer?

[@Modeltrains]

Barbara, if I remember correctly it took mine 1-2 days to completely dry. But I imagine it is somewhat dependent on humidity. However, you do want somewhat of a longer drying time to give you plenty of time to add the first layer of ground foam on top of the wet paint. Cheers, Kevin

[@johnnygearpin7596]

Nice technique! Have you tried to use it as a snow with a white paint? Thought that might be a nice look for a winter scene. Cheers

[@theonlyfaeronarr]

this sounds like an awesome idea, I will give it a shot on my layout and my 2 kids layouts too, and if you need a rock outcropping then you can use plaster to carve it, Im just loving the lightness of it though :)

[@Modeltrains]

+Jason Maxwell Jason, thanks for the feedback. Cheers, Kevin

[@theotherroad6654]

I’m not content with the mess plaster causes, so I’m going to give this a try. Went to Wally World today and picked up the wrong stuff. I got the batting that’s more like cotton than the fiber you recommend. Have you ever tried this type?

[@Modeltrains]

No, I haven't tried that type of batting so I can't say whether it would work as well, or even better, as the batting I've been using. Good luck with this technique. Cheers, Kevin.

[@deandanielson8074]

Great ideas and well executed in the video. Thanks!!

[@scarumanga]

Looks pretty good, I will have to try this for my first piece of scenery.

[@Mrpanda979]

Nicely done. I just started adding scenery to my layout, a 12x20 HO layout (using the Central Midland layout) and I'm using this great technique. I did use darker paint, as I live in Michigan and the earth color is a little darker than out in Colorado. One question I have is how did you get the batting to nicely lay down at the edges by the track? I am using your techniques and the edges look "scruffy" next to the track or other parts of the layout. Thanks for your great videos!

[@Modeltrains]

Glad to hear you're trying out this technique. I didn't do anything different to get the batting to lay down at the tracks edge. Maybe I used a bit more glue to ensure it stuck to the foam base. Cheers, Kevin

[@jdietrich9102]

Great idea and excellent video. Are you using cotton or polyester batting? I see it online available in both fibers. Thanks.

[@Modeltrains]

The batting I've used is polyester. Cheers, Kevin.

[@fredfadungy1925]

Great demo.. .. im just starting a new layout in my new home so all the Tips i can get are going to be used :D

[@Modeltrains]

+Fred Fadungy Fred, congrats on starting a new layout. I think starting a new layout is one of the most exciting points in the hobby. Glad you think this tips will help you out. I've got several other videos you might like too. Also in my "Layout Updates" series of videos I pass on some thoughts on what has either worked or not worked for me that you might find useful. Cheers, Kevin

[@jbmr1891]

Great new technique. Thanks! Two questions- 1- It sounds like this batting isn't particularly strong even after painting compared to solid foam or plaster-impregnated gauze. Did you have any problems installing trees, and what about telephone poles which need to be generally vertical? 2- I'm modeling a lot of areas that nearly flat- maybe 10' of height variation over a fairly large area, just gentle rises and dips. So there's not much exposed dirt unless people have made a path or road. Do you think it would make sense to simply skip the brown-painting step and go with a green that matches the general ground foam color I'm using? BTW, I'm in N scale so perhaps the texture of the batting would be too large for wild areas (ie, not farm fields, just vacant land) and need to be covered w/ ground foam, etc. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[@Modeltrains]

You're correct in that the batting itself doesn't have much rigidity even after being painted and adding ground foam. But they Styrofoam underneath provides enough to plant trees, poles, etc. Painting with green instead of brown should work fine for areas were there isn't any dirt showing through the grass. The texture might be a bit to course for N scale, but that would be mostly a personal call if you though it didn't look right. Hope this helps. Cheers, Kevin

[@chrisg8279]

Looks great. Nice video. have you thought of watering down the paint? Maybe that will help spread the paint.

[@Modeltrains]

+Chris G Chris, thanks for the compliment. I hadn't really considered watering down the paint--that might work. The paint doesn't really cost that much though. In fact this whole technique is pretty inexpensive especially compared to plaster cloth. Cheers, Kevin

[@raperez001]

Nice job on the hills. How does this compare to the Woodland's shaper sheet you used last ? Thanks for the tip and the sharing.

[@Modeltrains]

+Ralph Perez Ralph, you're welcome. I actually got the idea for this from using the shaper sheet around my bridge scene. You may recall from my video that I really liked the top painted surface which is why I didn't cover the shaper sheet in thinned plaster which is what Woodland Scenics says to do. The shaper sheet is a bit expensive for the amount of it you get so I went looking for a cheaper alternative. I didn't need the self supporting feature of the shaper sheet which is its big advantage in my opinion. I looked at medical cotton, felt, other cloth materials and batting. I the batting to be the best. Like I mentioned I tried the high loft batting around the Santa Fe bridge at Larkspur and found it work good, but was too "puffy". The low loft batting is great. I plan on using this technique for the rest of my layout. Again, glad you liked the video. Cheers, Kevin

[@JimBCameron]

Looks really good. Using static grass on top should give a great natural, uneven look to it.

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks for the feedback. Cheers, Kevin

[@12kmbm21]

Kevin, I'm blown away with this technique and your results! A basic question I have is how do you carve your foam for your layout and what type of foam do you use?

[@Modeltrains]

Thanks for the nice compliment. I use mostly extruded stryofoam insulation. It is available in 4x8 sheets from hardware stores in various thicknesses (usually in blue or pink). I've also got some regular white bean stryofaom on the layout that I've used for some of the hills (but not for the layout tops). Both work about the same for building up hills but the extruded stryofoam is a bit stronger. I use a hot wire cutting tool from Woodland Scenics to cut the foam to the shape I want. Cheers, Kevin

[@rvnmedic1968]

This was definitely a keeper - added it to my MRR folder. Very well done, clearly explained and like that you mentioned what supplies you were using. One thing I didn't catch was the brown paint in the gallon can. Just ordinary flat brown or something special? Cheers, Bob

[@Modeltrains]

Bob, the brown paint I used was "Cliff Rock" by Behr but any flat acrylic paint that looks like the right color to you should work fine. Cheers, Kevin.

[@rvnmedic1968]

@@Modeltrains Thanks, Kevin. Good stuff!

[@traviss3913]

Excellent! Thank you sir for the video!

[@corrhall1]

just found this video - great idea and thanks for sharing - a question - does the batting become very stable and hard when dry, like a shell, or does it always have some "give"? thank you!

[@Modeltrains]

Thank you for the nice compliment. The painted batting doesn't harden like plaster. It will still have some give to it and will need something supporting it so it can hold its shape. Cheers, Kevin

[@tedmax75]

How do you make the grass dust stuff to stick to the Quilt Batting?

[@SightCentralVideos]

I like the look of the batting, but I've always used plaster cloth. Which one should I choose for my next diorama?

[@Modeltrains]

Nothing wrong with trying a new technique and then if you don't like it go back to plaster cloth. I used to use plaster cloth but find this technique much better for most applications. Cheers, Kevin

[@brian102256]

Kevin, this is a great technique and one which I will use on the new layout! Thanks for sharing this! The scenery looks great and eliminates the need for static grass I would think. Is it easy to poke the tree trunks through once the paint has dried?

[@Modeltrains]

+brian102256 Brian, thanks and great to hear you're going to try out this technique. Make sure to let me know how it turns out for you. Yes, it is easy to get trees to stand up. One item though, you can only do that in an area where the batting is glued directly to the foam. If the batting is floating above the foam it will not hold a tree or other heavy scenery item that needs a stable support. This is why I mentioned that you want to press the bating down into the glue. Also, because the batting adds about 1/8 of an inch in thickness, you may need to use longer pins in the trunks of your trees to ensure the pin get down into the foam enough to be stable. I'm working on a video right now showing how I build up the scenery on top of the painted batting and will cover trees as part of that. Cheers, Kevin

[@brian102256]

+Scale Model Trains & Colorado's Joint Line Thanks for the additional info Kevin! My new layout won't have too many opportunities for scenery but there are a couple areas for hills and trees. I'll be watching for your next video.

[@Winston4b]

Awesome technical. What is the color of the brown pain you use.

[@Modeltrains]

+Fred Fourby 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. Cheers, Kevin

[@markhayes6407]

thanks for the post. I will try it as shaper sheet would be way too expensive and I like your technique better. Thumbs up

[@Modeltrains]

Mark, thanks for the feedback. Cheers, Kevin