Realistic Scenery Volume 2 - Modelling an old dirt road - Model railroad

A complete guide into recreating this scene of an old dirt road and dried up muddy puddle. Check out www.bouldercreekrailroad.com/ for more tutorials related to scenery and model railroading.
Follow along as I step you through a thorough how to style video on making this scene, from a piece of extruded foam to a photo real scene complete with cracked mud, dirt road, an outcropping of rocks, trees and realistic ground cover.
A lot of modelers see scenes like this and think they will never achieve this level of realism, however, as you will see making a realistic scene like this is nothing more than a few steps and the layering of scenery which eventually builds up into a great looking diorama.
Take your model railroad, war gaming terrain or dioramas for displaying your favorite models to the next level. This video demonstrates a small diorama built in HO scale and will show you some new innovative techniques for making your model railroad scenery look real. Real enough to make someone look twice at a photo you took!
Products and materials:
Foam Base -
Knauf insulation XPS multi use foam board 30mm (Bunnings Warehouse)
Cork -
AMRI 1-0401 HO Cork Underlay 3mm thickness (Orient Express Models)
Glue -
Gorilla Glue for foam (Masters Home Improvement)
Titebond II Wood Glue (Masters Home Improvement)
Mod Podge Matte (Spotlight)
Sculptamold -
AMACO Sculptamold modelling compound (Adelaide Moulding & Casting supplies)
Plaster of Paris -
Uni-Pro Plaster of Paris (Bunnings Warehouse)
Rock Molds -
Woodland Scenics Outcroppings Mold (Orient Express Models)
Paints & Dye -
Black Acrylic Paint
Burnt Sienna Acrylic Paint
Raw Umber Acrylic Paint
Red Acrylic Paint
Metallic Silver Acrylic Paint
White Acrylic Paint
Diorama base coat - Jo Sonjas “Vellum”
India ink
Citadel “Technical Paint” - Agrellan Earth (Military Hobbies Adelaide)
Dirt -
Collected from the great outdoors, nothing specific just regular dirt found near a river and sifted down into different grades, the finest of which was sifted through a stocking. 3 grades in total. Only fine and medium grades were used.
Grout -
Davco Sanitized Colorgrout Sandalwood (Bunnings Warehouse)
Wetting Agents -
Wet Water, 1% dish detergent mixed in water
Isopropyl Alcohol 99% (Adelaide Moulding & Casting Supplies)
Grasses -
MiniNatur - Late Autumn 6mm (Orient Express Models)
MiniNatur - Early Autumn 2mm (Orient Express Models)
Noch - Wildgras 6mm (Hobbyco Sydney)
Ground Foam -
Woodland Scenics Fine Turf Burnt Grass, Earth & Earth Blend
Woodland Scenics Course Turf Dark Green
Woodland Scenics Fine Ballast Buff
Woodland Scenics Clump Foliage Medium Green
Trees -
Woodland Scenics Fine Leaf Foliage, Olive Green & Medium Green
Noch Leaves Mid Green (Hobbyco Sydney)
DIY trees, made with natural plant stems and WS Course Turf
Dead Leaves, natural materials using real dried up dead leaves
Road Markers -
1.5mm square stripwood (Orient Express Models)
Weathering Pastel -
Art Spectrum, Raw Sienna
Car -
Cararama Peugeot 206, OO scale but in my opinion it feels closer to HO scale (Military Models Adelaide)
Intro Music:
Music by: Lino Rise
Title: “Channel Intro Alaska”
Source: www.free-intro-music.com & www.linorise.com

[@Procyon444]

I have no idea how I came to watch this video... I don't do dioramas nor do I own a model railroad - but this video and your work is absolutely awesome. Just spent quite some time watching your other vids. I hardly ever comment anything on youtube but here I just can't help doing it: You are a true genius! Wow!!

[@LukeTowan]

thanks so much :) It's great to see others not really involved in the hobby show so much appreciation :) Thanks again!

[@stavrosgazis5824]

Lol... same... no intention to make one, but damn fascinating to watch!!! Well done!

[@MtwContent]

this is amazing. I don't even make dioramas but watching this was very interesting and informative.

[@user-se6vg2fz9n]

agree with you sir

[@lobotomizd]

Same here, I don't make them either. But really enjoying watching these, amazing work and very well done videos aswell !

[@flatearthreality8683]

it's relaxing to watch this

[@TrixTheDev]

Yeah me too

[@rickmills4801]

Aw, MAN, but this stuff is not only fun to do, it's easier to do than you can believe. I have gotten my start with the Woodland Scenics people, like he mentions once or twice. They have EXCELLENT quality and Customer Service to boot, and everything you could possibly need to get started, including learner kits to teach the techniques and a wide range of very cool and realistic scenery elements, and buildings, and tiny little details that you can quickly learn to make stuff just like this gentleman is doing. I'm working on a window shelf diorama of a cityscape 3 blocks wide that'll have skyscrapers, modern fast-food eateries, and a Biker bar. I absolutely MUST also mention that there's a whole neighborhood of KZbin that is given towards HO scale model railroads, but the one I have to recommend is a SHORT series titled The City Edge. Just look up that title. It will absolutely BLOW YOU AWAY. Anyway, try it, if you like this stuff. It's a lot of rewarding fun!

[@NicksCollectableCreations]

The dried puddle is something I have never seen anyone else do, and the dirt roads, I have never seen any body talk about how to really make one look so real. Definitely a great how to video.

[@LukeTowan]

+Nick's Train Hobby Channel Thanks Nick, the dried puddle was one of those Ah Ha moments. I was watching a wargaming channel and saw how they used it on the miniature bases. Dirt roads puzzled me for ages! It was hard to find good demonstrations online. Glad you liked the video. Cheers Luke

[@markedwards5106]

I first watched this video for the first about 4 years ago and have revisited it several timed but have never left a comment. I was blown away then and still am by the realism you have achieved in your dioramas and the hard effort you put into all your tutorials. I also appreciate the list of products and materials and where you can acquire them, this is also tremulous help for someone starting out in the hobby. You have inspire myself and many others judging by nearly all the comments and the high benchmark you have set is of museum quality. I can only finish by saying you are a true artist, Luke and I wish you all the best.

[@Kupkaik]

So far I've seen about 12 of your videos. In each video when there are still images taken, I cannot believe it! It truly looks as if it's real and it makes me think "This is the image he is working from."

[@Terranscapes]

Outstanding. The dusty road effect is great, and having the small dried puddle really adds to the composition. I appreciated your method for the base layer of soil. Very effective. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@LukeTowan]

***** Thanks Mike, it's often the small seemingly insignificant details that have the biggest effect. For example, the washed up seaweed on your ocean boards, it looks amazing! Congratulations on a job well done and thank you for your great feedback. Cheers Luke.

[@Terranscapes]

+Luke Towan I'm looking forward to your next project. :)

[@cerethpainting6606]

I love watching the experts talk to one another! So cool!

[@jessegd6306]

Using static electricity to make the grass stand straight up is pure brilliance! Just, the amount of work put into all these little details... Passion I tell ya. Pure passion for this.

[@TheArkDoc]

The dried-up puddle is fantastic. Like all of your scenes, this one is beautifully done, but the puddle is the element that brings it home.

[@temporarymomentary]

15:20 Insane realism. Great work.

[@adamm.1367]

Your techniques and eye for detail are incredible. Great videos!

[@andrewjditton]

I know this has probably been said many times Luke, but you, Sir, are a Scenic God! Thanks for this.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Judging by the comments, most of us watching are not model makers but simply enjoy watching the level of detail and realism that you create. Fantastic.

[@jso19801980]

ive been making cg environments on the computer and looking at this is great... you get to hold your creation for real

[@steamroller743]

This is so good I thought the thumbnail was real

[@doge6763]

Steamroller 7 OMG I just noticed that😲

[@jwconglomerate332]

I still think all of the thumbnails are real even though I know they're not.

[@YouOnlyIiveTwice]

The static grass technique to get it to stand up absolutely blows my mind. That worked fantastic!

[@albertbenz93]

Watching your videos is quite comforting. I love to make dioramas and find your techniques very useful.

[@Aquahands]

Tip you should also put some dirt on the tires and rim of the car because if you drive out in the country they always seem to get dirty

[@LukeTowan]

yeah that was one detail I overlooked :) You should see my car! It was white.... Now it's just brown!

[@mattyaqin7501]

Luke Towan oh so thats how you make small tree

[@Noodle_Train]

Agreed

[@Multiscan0001]

Amazing diorama! Very impressive work.

[@LukeTowan]

Multiscan0001 Thanks mate, taking the photos outside in natural sunlight makes a big difference. Cheers Luke.

[@LukeTowan]

+Grassy_Gaming Thanks again mate, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers Luke.

[@ernestpaul2484]

Back in my younger days I built mainly armored vehicle models along with some aircraft and commercial tractor/trailer ones. Every so often I would attempt, with "attempt" being the operative word, a diorama to show the model in its environment. I will admit none had ever come close to the level of quality and attention to detail as I have seen in your videos. Thanks for the work you do and as others have said the relaxing time your explaination of techniques and application gives. Excellent craftsmanship. I might try my hand at regaining some of my youth and jump back into it.

[@rasmushgh3212]

I think I have found my new hobby! This is so relaxing to to just see this man making such magnificent scenery. The calmness in the way he talks, the relaxing music and the editing is so nice and smooth... Love it!

[@csxmad]

Nice job well done cheers Robert

[@LukeTowan]

***** Thanks Robert, glad you liked it. Cheers Luke.

[@jukpulfer]

have you ever modeled a rainy scenery? would be highly interested in a wet ground tutorial.

[@pedrobergamaschi9512]

dirt road with water puddles on the tire tracks would be nice too

[@humanityguy9275]

fuckJuly

[@theboundless05]

I tried to make one. I just used drops of Woodland Scenics realistic water and tilted the diorama or brushed it around. Road and sidewalks are the only surfaces I've done.

[@AllisonRichardsonSquared]

I imagine instead of using modpodge matte you use gloss

[@swaggynator3879]

Even though I don't do modeling or dioramas I have to say watching you create such an awesome scenery is one of the most relaxing things. Greetings from Germany.

[@Ddigzdirt]

I must have watched this over ten times by now👍 you got all the basics in a 15 minute video, that's just perfect👊

[@kalloused]

God I wish I had this kind of talent

[@LukeTowan]

+kalloused It really is much easier than it looks, I used to say the same thing until I did some experimenting and eventually learnt how to get good results. Cheers Luke.

[@peterandben]

+Cmax Tell us how you really feel. Lol

[@Magpie4000]

+Cmax It's meant to be a compliment to Luke ya tool

[@chuckchristian2059]

kalloused yeah me too

[@jamdiversified9698]

Crapped myself as i looked away for a second at 6:28 and thought thought that escalated quickly!

[@subascosauce8288]

You are NOT an Amateur Model maker, you are a Master of your art! Please keep amazing us with your work.

[@ronaldarchibald2506]

This is artistic sculpture. As a former model roader i am fascinated by the realism in your work. The illusion is fantastic.

[@fuuuuIND]

i'm promising my self that this would be another one of my hobby in 2025

[@kissna-theog3394]

Is it now!?

[@starcluster2593]

@@kissna-theog3394 2025...

[@coffeebean_18]

Just around the corner buddy

[@Pyrografpl]

Hah Im watching those since beginning and now aftor those several years started as hobby.

[@73h73373r357]

Your diorama skills are ridiculous. But I think when I do mine, I will use slightly less of the pastels when weathering the road. It just seems too light to me, but it could be the lighting.

[@dianapengitore8002]

Being new to model railroad layouts, this is a fantastic tutorial and I love your resourcefulness. 👍

[@terrygauld1113]

thanks for this short video it has taught me more than I have seen in so many others, its refreshing to see someone keen to share their techniques to teach others rather than just showcase

[@roopcharlie6264]

let me know if you ever run workshops in Australia!

[@LukeTowan]

Roop Charlie lol, that's an idea... and a very good idea! I'll start thinking about it! Cheers Luke.

[@roopcharlie6264]

Mate, are you in Sydney?

[@LukeTowan]

Na, I'm in Adelaide at the moment. For how long I'm not sure!

[@artfx9]

Thats great, maybe it's not to your liking, but would be awesome to see a scene of a Japanese steet, with a few noodle shops, all those signs and wires. Cheers!

[@lonahansen4990]

There are KZbin videos from Japanese diorama makers who create Japanese scenes.

[@Laury79]

This is the 3rd video of Luke's my son and I have watched and we are engrossed! Great skills and knowledge on show. Thanks!

[@robertruder9716]

Awesome crafting of that scenery sample. Amazing!

[@MirkoRighi]

WHO PUT DISLIKE?!

[@LukeTowan]

lol, there's always one..... two...... TEN!!! oh well, not everyone likes model scenery! Cheers Luke

[@TOKOLOSE]

11 people with sad live :D dont stress it man you make same videos also helps LOAD when someone have smooth voice like you do :D When I try make HOW TO video it always sounds like mugging :D

[@diime02]

Luke Towan you are an Talented man,Your designs are incredible !

[@aarontimm]

I have a sad life but didn't dislike,

[@sirhendro]

Probably people who tried to recreate what they saw here and failed horribly :P

[@RomainGeantDart]

Peugeot 206 :)

[@LukeTowan]

yeah thats it :)

[@LoloE39]

Romain GeantDart yes Peugeot 206 i am french i love Peugeot 206

[@woodstoney]

Your attention to naturally occurring details is outstanding and your videos are amazing! Thanks for sharing your passion!

[@stavrosgazis5824]

This guy is insanely incredible! So relaxing to watch...!

[@productivv7370]

1:36 Harambe Glue #Dicksoutforharambe

[@LukeTowan]

lol :)

[@aarontimm]

sir, are you aware that you're going to hell?

[@the_chubby_jedi9189]

I love watching these, it just fun watching foam being turned into something beautiful

[@lololade9]

Das ist das Beste, was ich jemals über Fein-Detaillierung angesehen haben. Meisterhaft! Danke für diese umfassende Erklärung des einzelnen Vorgangs.

[@hongdongjji5361]

I am quite a terrible modeler but your videos give me new techniques to try. Your works are masterpieces to behold, and your explanations are simple and amazing to see. Many thanks for taking the time to post them, they just might help the helpless like me!

[@madnessbydesign1415]

Beautiful work, beautifully demonstrated, as always. Bravo!

[@randallhawkinson4727]

Luke, Once again, you have proven you can teach an old dog new tricks! I've been at this hobby now for 55 years. There are many fine modelers out there, but I believe you raise the bar for realism....with quite simple techniques. Thanks, many times over!

[@LukeTowan]

+Randall Hawkinson Thanks again Randall for such a fantastic comment, I still consider myself a complete novice, I have much to learn :) but scenery is probably my favorite aspect of the hobby so I put a lot of attention on it. Cheers Luke

[@simonoconor8149]

Man that dried mud puddle looks so realistic. Great video. I don't make models but it's absolutely fascinating watching a professional at work.

[@sarge27271]

Well my good man, you have a hawk eye for detail. Awesome touches. The pastel dusting, really good. Great work.

[@danb7601]

I'm honestly in shock, the amount of dedication this all takes is beyond me, well done

[@joemomma2629]

I love your chill music you post in the background. it really reminds me of the early 2000s.

[@pabassfisherman]

Luke, Thanks for sharing your modeling techniques. They are super and are a huge help. It's guys like you that makes us all better modelers!

[@LukeTowan]

+Buddy Long Thanks mate, the way I see it, if we can all share our techniques it will not only make the viewers of the video better modelers but it will also force the more experienced modelers to step up the game and develop new techniques and materials. I glad you're enjoying my videos. Cheers Luke.

[@erroldawdy3637]

Absolutely amazing presentation. With all due respect to other contributors, I’ve never seen such a realistic replication of reality. Thanks so much for the inspiration.

[@Biasedturkey]

Thank you Luke for that outstanding tutorial.

[@withaminutetogo]

This is unbelievable! The dioramas, the calm way you talk it through, the process, fantastic! I'd love to buy you a beer if your ever in Melbourne.

[@swarlsnelson9713]

I'm glad to have videos like this. Getting into doing diorama stuff myself and these videos help so much.

[@peonyandwillow680]

Love that grass and crack...you do it soo well sir. Thumbs up for you 👍

[@Dimetropteryx]

Wow, this hobby has come a long way since I last was involved in it.

[@dexteradams3392]

Brilliant tree! This whole thing is brilliant. Now I have so many more ideas for my Runewars table. Thanks for this video.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Another great video. Thanks very much. I really love the cracked mud puddle. What realism!!!

[@LukeTowan]

Thanks :)

[@gregsmith1719]

This one is a home run, Luke! Absolutely great!

[@LukeTowan]

Thanks Greg :) Glad you liked it :)

[@jmkmini]

Love love love watching you create! Your work is fantastic!It’s relaxing but I can also use your methods on my larger scale.

[@user-xn7md2ic1h]

Amazing.....some people are really talented (and hard working). Great job mister!!!!

[@Lunatick666]

I know nothing of trains or anything being made in this video. I watch this to reset my day and calm my nervs. If I only had 1% of your patience my life would be 100% better. Love this

[@menphues]

I do not have the patients for this sort of thing but I do find it seriously entertaining and amazing. Seriously dude you are pure amazing and deserve to be recognised on a huge scale. My hat goes off to you and well done! I cannot stop watching your videos. I am going through them all because it's amazing to see! I want to see though one entire build you've put together everything you know... looking

[@mrmoran0077]

Modelling isn't really my thing but having stumbled upon your channel and watching several of your videos the level of work and skill on display is phenomenal, great work mate

[@paula8544]

I have no idea what lead me to watch this, but I did with avid interest, the level of detail, the skills built up over a period of time enabling you to produce such a fine example, it was a pleasure to watch. Superbly described materials needed and demonstrating how to make one if you so wished. The best of you tubes creativity side.

[@MrMCD191]

I have watched all your videos and this one is still my favorite... Well done. 🙂

[@mikdavies5027]

Your attention to detail is amazing!

[@staredsky]

masterwork: and the dio, and the technique, and the filming/editing

[@LukeTowan]

+staredsky thanks for the fantastic comment mate :) glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers Luke

[@contact.philipj]

This was great! really nice to have commentary going along with the techniques, to explain some bits. I will be trying to use these great techniques on my miniature 3d printed / painted models.

[@Andorz]

This is so inspiring! I found your channel recently and after not having done any model making for many years it sparked my interest once again. I just ordered a bunch of materials and tools and can't wait to get going.

[@LukeTowan]

+Andorz Excellent, I'm glad I've managed to inspire you to get back into modeling again. I'm sure you will pick it up again very fast. Cheers Luke.

[@ericrausch5122]

Blown away, I have to start practicing. Outstanding work thank you !

[@CallFor911]

Wonderful! High detailed videos with good explanations! Respect for the work and the video!

[@kumida]

Sooo good! And it's also very nice to just sit and watch the perfectness of your work

[@xcasmithx]

Your a Fantastic Artist!!! Love your work! Keep it up, Thanks!

[@sethgreninger2629]

I'm not sure how I found myself watching this tutorial, but excellent video! Props to you for making a topic I had no prior interest in super interesting!

[@sakeeler]

That dried up puddle just changed my life! I will definitely have some on the model railroad now.

[@LukeTowan]

yeah it's amazing stuff! I say it being used for war gaming. It is really effective once it dries :) Cheers Luke

[@Georges-MILLION]

Magnifique réalisation !!! Bravo ! Beautiful achievement !!! Bravo!

[@cmelft2463]

Mate I have to say I just found you channel and have not stopped binge watching them, your work is amazing. It's got me motivated to try making my own small dioramas for figurines I own. Thumbs up!

[@P.E.R.fishingadventures]

This guy is exeptionally skilled!Thanks luke! I now know what to do when i retire,learning to do this!

[@SonnySkye]

Watching your videos relaxes me. Thank you.

[@Pluvillion]

0:33 - *The diomara is realistic already, but the lighting just makes it MAJESTIC.*

[@michaelbrandt5416]

Wow !!! This is mindblowing. I could never do scenery like yours because i lack the patience. For road or desert diaramas I simply pick up ordinary soil and dump it on a wood board with a fake grass surface along with whatever vegetation I can find in a garden. Or simpler still, place whatever you want to use in a diorama, outside on real soil...take a photo, and then transfer the picture unto another picture that has the background you need. Works great if you only want to present your work via photos alone.

[@JonathanCastillo-wg7yk]

Mind blowing work Luke!!!!

[@NimishP]

Incredible passion for your work.

[@robertmitchell2181]

Awesome work Luke, as always. Thank you.

[@luisdardis5223]

incredible work, very accurate, very realistic, CONGRATS AND TY!!

[@patrickmartin8302]

Great stuff, very motivating... Thank you Luke.

[@michaelstitz3661]

By far one of the best videos so far, liked how it was simple easy to follow and fed into your other how too and showed how much time it saves. I'll hit you up for some more stuff later, well done!

[@LukeTowan]

Michael Stitz Thanks mate, let me know if you wanna chat! Over a beer of course!

[@jasonminier6782]

That is an incredible level of detail! Nice work.

[@telatappi]

Finally I found a channel that is about making miniature terrains! I just love these things, you got a new subscriber! :)

[@SS-cv6lq]

That is pretty clever. I enjoyed watching it come alive.

[@krytera3154]

I've never had anything to do with modeling but this is just so satisfying to watch!

[@MIKALINACTION]

Hey brother Luke, you're so talented...admiring your work, quite amazing...

[@fritzmueller3435]

I am in awe of your talent, Luke. And I enjoy your videos tremendously!

[@LukeTowan]

Fritz Mueller Thanks mate, I enjoy making them. Cheers Luke.

[@paulturenne434]

Just got into N scale model RR and of all the videos I`ve seen,and there are some good ones ,I find yours to be the most useful and entertaining,not to mention very relaxing.I bought and use the ModPodge according to your directions and am very very pleased with the results ,not to mention I get it at the local Michaels craft store using 50% off coupons.My layout is looking quite good thanks to your tutorials.....THANKS !

[@paulminiparachute2197]

Excellent video, amazing job Luke ! Thank you so much for posting all of these videos ! Paul

[@LukeTowan]

- FallNFly - No worries mate, I really enjoy making videos so it's no problem. I'm glad you're enjoying them. Cheers Luke.

[@Rob99552]

Phenominal work!!! That was mesmorising to watch.

[@meepmeep1909]

The first few shots made me think it’s real!You’re amazing!

[@Virginiamidlandrr]

Lots of new techniques for to try Luke! Definitely will be trying several of these! Thanks for posting.

[@LukeTowan]

S .Crabtree No worries, I'm sure you will enjoy using these techniques and hopefully you might be able to improve on mine and get some fantastic results. Have fun building. Cheers Luke.