S1: E6: Starting Scenery

In this video I begin working on scenery starting with creating a hardshell base and making some rock castings. Scenery can be done in many ways and I am in no way inferring that what you see here is the only way or the best way (for you). Choose what works for you in any given situations. Sufficed to say, you will see many more scenic techniques performed as the layout construction progresses. Thanks for watching!
Follow me: / rcgrabbag
Items used in this video:
Aluminum window screen:
amzn.to/2ZfPbir
Electric Staple Gun - Fasten screen to benchwork:
amzn.to/2Zjs9XK
Plaster Cloth:
amzn.to/3b48ukn
amzn.to/3alyJDM
Ultracal 30:
amzn.to/3depo2i
Plaster Mixing Set (Rubber pots):
amzn.to/3rRkJat
Bragdon Rubber Rock Molds:
www.bragdonent...
Artist Knives - For blending castings:
amzn.to/37d5C3r
Wago Wire Connectors:
amzn.to/3dbUU0Q
Wire Management Clips:
amzn.to/37dvb4y

[@rcgrabbag]

Hang on folks, new video coming this week! Been away for a couple months, retreating from winter in warmer climate, but I'm back and will be producing content on a more regular basis going forward.

[@jeffreyunderwood7064]

Been chomping at the bit to see you building again. This layout is epic.

[@Channel-qn9le]

I keep checking your channel! Super pumped for this new video!!

[@BadRAM512]

the video disappeared when I was 9 minutes in :(

[@pawpawtheatreman]

If you don’t show us every second of this project I think I might cry. This is such an awesome project to watch.

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you are enjoying the series and very nice of you to say!

[@JediTim28]

I was thinking the same thing...just caught up. Absolutely amazing and I like all the links to the products you are using.

[@silkcustoms520]

I’m crying like a Pregnant Nun right now watching this.

[@scottthomas5999]

Wow! Casting looks great!!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks 👍

[@insertname383]

This is my type of relaxing ASMR video. its fantastic to see the progress from an empty room to this

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@elleryparsons2433]

👍Looking Good.

[@jaandebruer]

This guy is living my fantasy lottery life. Well done, sir.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@TheTruckDoesntRun]

You sir, are a true master of your hobby. My father turned me on to trains when I was four, back in 1973, and I still have two of the sets today (partial, unfortunately) in storage. I must say I'm a bit envious. Mad props man!

[@Wild-Dad]

Interesting and basic tools and techniques! Nothing fancy and easy to work with. I was doing the same for layouts I built back in the late 60's-mid 70's (although there wasn't all the fancy electronics as there is today). Back then I used plaster of paris soaked sheets of newspaper. It easily made the layout at least a half times heavier than the initial layout base - especially since I had to hinge my layouts so they could hang onto a box secured to the wall. I like the idea of using window cleaner as a release agent. I had never considered that use. I have only just carefully peeled back the vinyl. I figured what ever broken could always be moulded back into shape with the plaster. BTW, l like the northern scenes from Finland. Very much like where I'm originally from in N. Ontario. Not the Arctic Circle but very cold (-40°), lots of snow and lots of pine trees (but with more deciduous trees - LOL).

[@rcgrabbag]

Hi Bill, thanks for watching! You probably have some great modeling stories!

[@Wild-Dad]

@@rcgrabbag - I do but they are old. When I moved down to the GTA portion of Ontario in '79 from the Sudbury area (north part of Ontario), all the places I lived in were too small to rebuild a layout at HO scale. I should have sold it for N sxale but I had too many pieces of rolling stock to just dump (and that I honestly didn't want to divest myself of). I've since given it all away to people I know will give a good home to the stuff. I still want to get back into the hobby but I fear that N scale may be too small for my eyes at my age. I really enjoy watching your site and others and that is what keeps me wanting to get back. Time will tell - that and what I may have to spend after retirement. Take care and keep on producing these great vids!

[@kabato48]

I've been itching to build something in HO. These Ohio snow belt winters are the perfect time for that! If I had the room, I'd love to build something to allow for group operations.

[@alexanderpasnl]

That sand underneath the castings is the best idea ever.

[@mjtunstall1976]

oh flyscreen, that is one good trick!

[@asquithmainlines699]

I really like the fact that your layout has height rather than just size. It adds so much realism. This is going to be a fantastic display.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much!

[@paulbush7095]

All I know is I want to be rcgrabbag in my next life. Thank you for letting me have at least a vicarious experience via your great videos!

[@rcgrabbag]

Any time!

[@1BCamden]

the screen system is the only way to go, easily shaped, and self supporting. I find that crunching the screen first, then opening back up, adds a great scenery base.

[@toycarcollector]

There is so much to do on this layout. Seems like you could bring volunteers in to help in exchange for layout building lessons. If I were nearby I would be there! This layout is going to be amazing.

[@thomaswalla4210]

Thanks for this clinic! Its real nice to watch and to get some glues and hints and techniques how to do! welldone sir

[@wmjwell]

You are a fantastic crafter making it so easy to follow your steps with Awesome results! Thank you for sharing!

[@bigsparky65]

The dog sleds were nice, beautiful scenery. The ice hotel was cool, excellent workmanship on the layout

[@fishwithsj]

I love your videos. A lot of us are living vicariously through you.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@anthonycaporaletti9276]

Great class! Very knowledge

[@TitoQuintana1]

I've been doing model railroading for 40 years, though I use a few different techniques than in these video's, it is clear you have real skills and good advise for others. So many other model railroad videos teach really bad technique, but yours is spot on. Your video's are even better than so called "professional" made video's by model companies. I look forward to watching you progress.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed and appreciate the feedback from an experienced model railroader like yourself.

[@plto4ka]

congratulations, amazing layout

[@bigloulou4780]

My hat is off to you sir, everything I've ever dreamed of doing, may you enjoy it for many years to come! Your talent is reflected within all of your comment section.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! Appreciate your kind words :-)

[@davekreidenweis3126]

Amazing layout can't wait to see it finished. It is so big

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much!

[@andrileonardo]

Love the progress on your layout! Great work!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks a bunch!

[@markmclellan80]

Very good descriptions with decent video with the just the right amount of instruction. No lengthly rambling on like some videos.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!

[@THHF_Hobby_Time]

You are a wealth of knowledge and skills. Learning a lot just by watching your videos!

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad to hear that!

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Looking incredible.......

[@jjgalletta66]

Those rock molds are pretty freakin' cool. I knew guys who chiseled out their walls by hand. Insane amount of man hours. Good stuff!

[@ralphmiller2620]

Your patience and artistic eye are incredible! Great job!!

[@davidcurtis5398]

Made many of my own molds. Saved a lot of money. At a club I was a member of we used Hydrocal. I personally use plaster and get it from any place that is having a sale. I found the stuff you are using to hard for carving. Thankfully I am a retired photographer and have 11 X 14 and 16 X 20 metal trays that I use for the molds. I too use a substance in the tray to nest the molds. We have cats and I use some of the litter. I pre-wet the molds with "wet water" from Woodland Scenics. For a mixing tray I use either a gallon milk jug of a half gallon jug. They are free... To get a decent working time I use very cold water and a teaspoon of baking powder in every cup of plaster. This gives me about 40 minutes of working time before the plaster starts to get stiff. I sift the plaster into the water and mix with a small wisk that i swiped from the wife. I'll have to try your window cleaner as a mold release.

[@rcgrabbag]

My main constraint is time. I’ll pay extra for something if it means saving time and effort, within limits of course.

[@davidcurtis5398]

@@rcgrabbag Nice, if you have the money!!!

[@vettebecker1]

Definitely a lot of room for this project, wish I had a quarter of this area for our layout. Due to us not having a lot of room, my son and I decided to make our HO layout mostly just a place to run trains. We just started on a 7.5 layout in the yard, we have an acre to work with so a little more room. Can’t wait to see this layout finished, an awesome project

[@Glenn1962]

I did a 4x6 n scale layout 20 plus years ago that recently set it back up after 15 plus years in storage. I have it running again but I'm thinking either to start a new larger layout or add on to my current layout and your videos from the bench work to now are very informative and helpful with ideas and how to's that we can use on our own layouts. Thank you for these videos!!

[@mistac5050]

Super mellow and relaxing... I'm really enjoying following the progress of this project. Thanks for sharing.

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!

[@jacobd7354]

Good day ! The sheer size of your layout impresses me greatly, the way you work is very professional , absolutely gorgeous!! The hotel in Finland was Kakslauten I guess, wondeful place to be , hope you had a chance to hit the tracks by snowscooter a real treat, preferred over the dogsled ride! Looking forward to your next vid!! Jacob - Netherlands

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much! Yes, we did a nighttime snowscooter ride. Very beautiful!

[@jacobd7354]

@@rcgrabbag you guys seen “ the light “ ?

[@thomasbrisbane7122]

I'm speechless.. amazing work.

[@jeffmorris6381]

"RC", what a professional set of production videos you have created. Thank you for your attention to detail, clearly-articulated processes, demonstrated use of sensible and cost-effective products and in maintaining the perfect camera location during the build. I will certainly use these videos, not only for inspiration, but also in effectively building my new layout. (cheers from Pottstown!)

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for the kind words and good luck with your layout!

[@jackel440]

Looking wonderful! Thank you for all the tips you've gave for applying the precast rocks and thier molds

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gucu]

Brilliant, favourite part of the series so far, thanks.

[@kenriches7403]

Love the R.R. room , extra content ( at the end ) is cool . N. Tx. looks like Finland this morning .

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!

[@acdii]

For those that use a mechanical mixer for the plaster and get air bubbles trapped, use a vibrator under the container for a few minutes. Brings the bubbles to the surface so they don't show up in the casting. I do that when mixing up epoxy for making molds and castings.

[@TheNorthwestWind]

I say this in awe and with the utmost respect - you are fookin nuts my man

[@rcgrabbag]

No argument there my friend!

[@TheNorthwestWind]

@@rcgrabbag

[@2railnation]

Great work!

[@Chris-BognorRegis]

That was truly worth waiting for, what an absolutely awesome layout you have. If I ever win big in the lottery over here in the UK I would do the same as you, three car garage with my enormous layout above. Just love the room you have to work with, bit different to my loft layout. Glad to see you using those wire connectors. I bought some boxes a couple of years ago, 2, 3 and 5 wire connecters and they are so easy to use and you are the first I have ever seen use them. Your woodwork frame is brilliant and loving the next section with regard to scenics. Don't normally watch the last part but really enjoyed your visit to Finland, hope to go visit Scandinavia one day as my ancestry shows my origins are from Norway. Glass roof hotel room looks amazing. Your video is so well shot and put together and shows you exactly how to do things, looking forward to the next. Regards Chris

[@rcgrabbag]

Wow, thank you for the kind words! Glad you liked it.

[@liamworth9706]

Wow I am early, but this is looking absolutely amazing and I can’t wait for the finished model!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much for checking in!

[@jimmyg3835]

same

[@Amayii]

You're videos are a joy to watch! Greetings from a childhood model train enthusiast from The Netherlands :)

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed!

[@nathanmiller8694]

Look forward to your videos. Thank you!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching!

[@JerryScullion]

This may be my favorite video so far. It's always fascinating to watch these old-school practices in effect, and see a vision come to fruition before your very eyes. Really looking forward to seeing the painting and weathering section. Looking fantastic. Another great video.

[@rcgrabbag]

Wow, thank you!

[@alpugliesetrains9753]

This is a fabulous layout. I know Don Reed and spotted his displays and bridges! What a great idea using sand with the molds. Great videos

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much!

[@CharlieKrampitz]

You need to find a medical supplier for your plaster cloth for a railroad of this size. That's what I did. It's a lot cheaper from a medical supplier than Woodland Scenics. It's the same stuff they use to make casting with in the medical field.

[@strangleholdoutdoors]

I am a drywall contractor by trade. I've used USG easy sand 90 before on my old railroad I had. Easy to work with and easy to work with even after its sets. Love the progress you're making!

[@strangleholdoutdoors]

If 90 is to fast setting for you. you can also use usg easy sand 210.

[@sparky107107]

next step is my favorite. painting the rocks. messy but fun if you use washes.

[@rcgrabbag]

Yes, looking forward to it! Thanks for watching!

[@carlosg1165]

Beautiful awesome 👏 💯💯💯💯

[@sutsko40]

2 things! Whats the cost of the whole thing? I mean just the tracks alone must be thousands of $$ And how do you have time for all this? It looks amazing already...cant wait to see the end result.

[@foxye50]

I'm being presumptuous, but it seems this gentleman is independently wealthy and doesn't have a 40hr a week job. He's got the two things you need: time + resources.

[@sutsko40]

@@foxye50 I SOOOO wish it was me...:))))

[@johnmcgahern3946]

@@foxye50 No kidding. Nearly everything he's using is "off the shelf" expensive products. There are thousands of videos of ways to do things at a fraction of the cost of what it would have taken to do this.

[@raymondleggs5508]

Build yourself a small shelf layout to start out if you want to run 2 locos without DCC you can find how to wire 2 controllers to set up a "block" system

[@krehbein]

Why do I get the feeling that someday, when I’m near retirement and have plenty of time, model railroads may be a hobby.

[@bear1245]

Looks amazing

[@gianfrancocasadio]

Simply, a dream... very good job!|

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks a lot!

[@luvindemtrains]

Great progress and the rock work is already beginning to look wonderful. I too have used Joel's molds. Can't wait to see the progress. I think it's a great touch to include the content you do at the end of your videos. The way you do it is unique. Another testimony that model railroaders stay married...most of the time.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much!

[@GreenBarnWorkshop]

I tuned in to see the scenery segment because I am building a layout based on the Swedish Ore train which travels through Lapland to the ore mines at Kiruna, and the far north arctic port of Narvik Norway. (It will be with Marklin models of that train, 3 rail AC) I visited there to research a few years ago and rode the Night Train to Kiruna from Stockholm. I packed shorts because it was late May, awoke to snow and reindeer along the rail line the next morning - saw snow and glaciers up there for 3 days (!) I enjoyed both your scenery video and the Lappland (Sami) portion as well - nice work, quite inspirational.

[@garymurphy5133]

Never had a train set or want one BUT this series is great.

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you're enjoying it and for tuning in even tho' it's not really your thing!

[@DudeFrom1972]

Nice to watch your progress with that enormous railroad of yours and I look forward to watch how your scenery comes along. In regards to how you create your scenery then I would like to recommend videos from my favorite "master" sculptor mpeterll

[@MrCameronsterling]

This is amazing work on this layout, thanks for posting about your trip as well

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed!

[@kevinmorris4517]

nice music score for the end section, well done!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@MarkBreugelmans]

Awesome layout ... looking forward to see more of this and the progress

[@Meagain921]

One word……”awesome”. 🤗

[@computerjantje]

Thank you very much for this video.

[@SchuylkillRiverValley]

Great job and very nicely presented! Looking forward to the painting. Best, John

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you!

[@subiesubie]

Love the work! Keep the videos rolling in!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! Will do!

[@mrchoo76]

Great content. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@kestag2110]

Thanks for the video, very informative. I also loved the final part of the video, what a beautiful part of the world.

[@kennethljungberg642]

Wow great, thank you wery much.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@MLWQC]

That is a lot of work. Impressive. Very nice bridge

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@captvictor]

just a fantastic series. really enjoy every minute. (some of the bonus content is intriguing as well The Artic stuff is sweet)

[@dirtthunder1638]

I have used Bragdon's systems quit a few times. Really great stuff. Great video!

[@rcgrabbag]

Yes Bragdon has a great variety of molds. Thanks for the complement and watching!

[@dandiehm8414]

Subscribed. I would subscribe just to see the scenery build on this awesome railroad. Looking forward to future episodes!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@JF-lt5zc]

You have a talent. Thanks for sharing!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching!

[@soundofheartrelaxation652]

Wow ‼️amazing ❗ thanks for sharing this wonderful video 📹 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@chrisvanover5177]

Ah. Have been waiting for this. What a difference with just a little bit of plaster. Great work. Waiting for the next video.

[@Interceptor00X]

The more I watch these layout videos, the more I want to get started on my own layout. Sadly I currently don't have the space for it. But when I do start, I'll definitely be using your videos for reference material on how to do stuff. Keep up the great work man!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you!

[@thomream1888]

Hi Stein - I share your issue. Great big house and not a square foot for model RR. But look on the bright side - do you realize how much money you're saving on these astronomical lumber prices! Seriously, I have a suggestion for you. Get a small sheet of plywood (2 x 4' maybe), and make that your temporary practice layout. You can use 1 or 2 sections of flex track, maybe a switch or two, and plan on wiring it. Add a building or two, a short road, some rocks/trees/scenery etc. And now you can practice all these fantastic techniques we're watching here, as well as a host of other skills. Your costs will be low, and no you won't have a dream layout. But you WILL have something play play with, to work on, to hone those new skills - and NOT break the bank. And someday, you may have room for a layout and maybe can incorporate this temp setup somewhere. But worse comes to worse and you have to throw it away...well, you're not out half of Bill Gates's alimony. But if you do this you gotta start your own channel, OK? We want to see you make progress and have fun. After all that's the reason we do this - to have fun, right? Good Luck! Ghost of SP

[@Interceptor00X]

@@thomream1888 I don't even have enough room for a 1m x 2m layout in my home at the moment. I am a member of a model railway group and I periodically work on that layout.

[@thomream1888]

@@Interceptor00X Cool - at least you have an outlet!

[@sharonfieber8716]

Waiting next update video. Background like bottle of wine gets better with time. Really good presentation style.

[@modellrebellen]

Always great to watch your videos and you "perfect" you are working with the new layout :-) Greetings from Germany

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks very much!

[@DJExcal]

Here also a fan of your video’s from The Netherlands! Its so relaxing watching your incredible video’s 👌🏻

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@brainsironically]

Very cool. Really enjoying watching this come together.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@timeflysintheshop]

To fill the gaps and areas smaller than the large castings, I expected you to make some castings and leave them flat. Then give them a good whack with a hammer to break them into random sized pieces which you could the fit into place and adhere them with the casting material. That way there is less fiddling with shaping to look like the rocks since it is still mostly molded surface.

[@rcgrabbag]

Whatever works for you. Just a different kind of fiddling. You’re not going to get pieces that fit perfectly so you’re still going to be blending.

[@Drennan1]

Wow, this is an awesome update, thank you for sharing

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow! . . . Nice to see the old traditional method being applied. Bravo! - Boomer.

[@rcgrabbag]

'Old skool' for sure!

[@jasonh8470]

This is an absolutely amazing KZbin series. Extremely informative. I’m not a train enthusiast either. However I do like to watch trains and enjoy watching videos of them. Your voice is soothing and calming. I really like how you explain what you are doing and that you leave links for everything you use. My only complaint is you don’t post often enough but I can live with that. Keep up with the excellent content. Thank you

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you for the kind words and I’m glad you’re enjoying the series!

[@NQY-flyer]

Fantastic! Huge landscape you have there Impressive layout too👏

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@AlexScheidmann]

Very nice, Amazing.. I love the details... I love modelling Landscape.. Sorry my Englisch I am from Switzerland... I have subscribe your Chanel.. Grettings from Switzerland. Alex 😊😊👍👍🇨🇭

[@Lithonion1]

It's amazing how fast your moving along. Been following since your first video and am always impressed each update. I know a couple guys that have been working on their layouts over 10 years and have no scenery. They keep changing up the layout and rebuilding the benchwork. lol

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you so much!

[@jimmyg3835]

i am so going to use this seris for inprashing for my lay out

[@MrJerobona]

Great video! Thank for sharing your amazing work!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching!

[@exehavenharbour]

Excellent progress, the rock moulds are really good too, I saw on another channel someone using them with great results. Yours will look stunning in such a large setting. I’m really looking forward to your detailing. It’s a fantastic project which I look forward to watching as you progress, cheers for now John

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for the kind words and hope I don’t disappoint!

[@Jayreganmusic]

Really enjoyed the videos, my wife did too, she says you have a soothing voice, better stay away from my women! All kidding aside, real professional videos and very informative. Your attention to detail is inspiring and I hope to see it in person at some point. I'm keeping your anonymity but I know you know who I am. Talk to you soon,

[@joeraderblackrockcentralrr]

Very impressive. lots of tips in this videos

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Fantastic job. I can't wait for the next video.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@buffalomafia6587]

Always a good day when you upload

[@phillipdawson8607]

Once again great job .

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much!

[@wabenschilderwels9549]

Das wird bestimmt eine tolle Anlage bin gespannt... Klasse 👍

[@michaeltrufitt5477]

The layout is looking good keep up the good work 😀👍

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks, will do!