Creating Lakes step by step with pictures

This is the 2nd article in our series. Enjoy!
Albert.

To see the pictures click here (its the bottom half of the page)



Creating a Lake

Model railroader Dave Caplan explains how to create realistic-looking lakes.

Materials:

Plaster cloth
Shoe-box-size container that will hold water
Water
Acrylic paints in dark greens and blues
Sand-colored spray paint
8 ounces clear liquid polyurethane epoxy
White glue
Modelers' grass
Modelers' earth
Foliage in various shapes and textures
Duct tape
Scrap piece of Styrofoam board
Hobby knife
1" paintbrush

1. The space for the lake was cut out when the bridge was installed. If you haven't yet removed it, use a hobby knife to cut into the insulation board along the lines drawn to mark the lake, and remove the Styrofoam down to the plywood. If the bridge is already in place, remove it and set it aside. Contour the edge of the lake with the hobby knife to create a shoreline. This will add realistic-looking detail (figure I).

2. Use leftover pieces of Styrofoam and a glue gun to create an island in the middle of the lake (figure J). Be as creative as you like (figure K).

3. Spread moistened plaster cloth, prepared as you did for the mountain, over the edge of the lake (figure L) to create a rugged shoreline. Place plaster cloth over the island, using a paintbrush dipped in water to smooth out the edges and eliminate air bubbles. Cover the bottom and sides of the lake, including the slopes up to the base of the track (figure M). Allow the lake to dry overnight.

4. Apply a light coat of sand-colored spray paint to the island and the shoreline of the lake (figure N).

5. Use a variety of blue and green acrylic paints to create realistic-looking water (figure O). Apply green tones to the shallow shoreline area of the lake and deeper blue tones in the deeper center of the lake (figure P). Use a paintbrush to blend the paints. Allow the colors to dry thoroughly.

6. Once the lake dries, add some landscaping. Use white glue to create a path along the lakeshore. Sprinkle modelers' earth on the path to cover the glue completely. Repeat the process with strips of grass created with white glue and modelers' grass sprinkled in place (figure Q). Decorate the island in the same manner. Using white glue, add clumps of shrubbery and trees.

7. Seal the opening at the edge of the lake -- the edge of the layout -- with duct tape and a scrap piece of Styrofoam (figure R) to prevent polyurethane (used in step 8) from running off the side of the layout.

8. Pour clear liquid polyurethane epoxy into the lakebed (figure S), and spread it around with a plastic spoon or knife to completely cover the area. The epoxy will dry clear so the colors previously painted will show through, creating a very realistic-looking lake (figure T).