solutions produces a model that is super-realistic, reflecting the effects of Mother Nature.   An artist can create the degree to which he or she wants to age the model.  In Model Railroader magazine, several times a year prizes are offered for the best photographs of various models that have been created and designed around a certain period in history.  A division of the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) sponsors conventions and special events during the year.  On the Internet is a site called Gateway 2001, which provides links to some Model and Photo contest winners of the past.  This can be found at This site provides diverse links to other aspects within the hobby of Model Railroading, as well.

Scenery

There are no limits to the amount of scenery for a layout.  In the early years of Model Railroading, scenery was made after one built the layout.  If there were scenery, it was built up over ¼"-square metal mesh or chicken wire, then covered with cloth or linen dipped in plaster of Paris.  Today, scenery is designed as the layout is being envisioned or as stated by Model Railroad Scenery, 2001:  "You need to plan the layout before you add the scenery."  More eloquently expressed is the quote..."To me, scenery is as important as the motive power, rolling stock, and rails as a part of a model railroad.  The basic techniques are not hard, can be mastered by most everyone, and bring a model railroad to life" (Model Railroad Scenery, 2001).  Scenery reflects the purpose of the layout, the reasons for factories, plants, stations, houses, and communities.

The topic of materials and methods of creating scenery can cover an enormous amount of territory from mountains and rocks sculpted from paper mache, plaster of Paris, Hydrocal, rubber molds and asbestos, to running waterfalls and live sound and laser lightning.  Even model railroaders who have an interest in military models and trains have combined tanks and trains together to produce a very interesting panorama of these two elements in our history (Military Scenery, 2001).  What used to be considered a long and tedious endeavor can now be done very quickly with little planning or effort. If you run into any kind of problem, there is always someone who has been there before.  An example can be found from the

One inexpensive material used to create scenery is styrofoam, along with an electrical hot wire that cuts styrofoam into any shape desired. This type of scenery construction can build a mountain in less than a half an hour and for almost pennies in cost.  Examples of this creative artistry can be seen in the book "303 Tips for Detailing Model Railroad Scenery and Structures," by Dave Frary and Bob Hayden.  Once the basic superstructure of the mountain has been cut from the styrofoam, further additions of trees and rock formations can be added on top of the styrofoam.  Since the foam is solid, it becomes easy to locate and fasten anything to the foam base.

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copyright©2001 Jan M. Willard, Mt. Airy, Md.