model trains

[kopend]

my friend has decided to build a model train set
but doesnt have much money - does anyone one have any tips / good ideas that he can use to make things . i.e green sponge and brown pipe cleaners to make trees etc???

[boxtops]

have a look at the Scenery section on the left here http://www.newrailway...ers.co.uk/scenery.htm

[EDDIE51]

I often see model trains ,track coaches etc in charity shops with the toys.
There was a really large set the other week , 3 engines a lot of coaches and track plus track side scenery all for £25.

[boxtops]

I wish I'd never let my Hornby train set get all rusty, 40-odd years ago....

[wildwood]

With paper mache and a bit of paint, you can make any rock formation for pennies. Lots of info in the Net.

[joko]

we used a load of cardboard boxes that we basically 'battered' with our fists into hilly shapes, then covered with newspaper and painted - sponge on for a more 'grassy effect' - or use a blend of green powderpaints sprinkled on.

use the rough green bit of kicthen sponges for bushes, trees etc

seasponges for bushes too
buy a bag of fish tank gravel and glue and use to make country wall and rocky areas.

and foam board for the buildings and stations etc.

expanding foam is also good for odd shapes, and you can carve it up too.

you can also put thing in the blender to create textured surface material - to be sprigs, twigs etc on the hills.

depending on your scale you can you rock salt for the gravel under the train - add a bit of dry soil to mixture and stir so its not too white.