In this class, we’ll take a close look at water out in the real world, to see what it actually looks like – so we can bring it back into our modeling environment.
We’ll identify a few key characteristics in each water scene, which we’ll then use to create realistic water effects on our model railroad.
The following type of waters will be covered by your class instructor, Martin Tarnrot:
Tropical ocean water
Dark water ocean
Lake water
Rivers
Small water streams
Water jets and waterfalls
You’ll also be introduced to the range of methods and materials currently available to create water effects. We will look at the pros and cons of each, and ultimately model two water scenes using those methods and materials.
In the first modeling scene, you’ll see how to create a realistic water scene with a canal boat thrusting forward in the water. We’ll create swell, foam, breaking waves, and the back wash as well.
In the second modeling scene, we’ll create a small water stream with waste water running from two rusty drain pipes. This includes water jets, water ripple, dirty water stream in the clean water, and visible objects under the water.
The goal with this class is to give you the knowledge to freely create any type of water effect you desire on your model railroad. The class should give you the shortcut to a state-of-the-art realistic result.
In addition to your video instruction, you’ll get a helpful Class Guide PDF that you can print out and use as a reference as you use the techniques in class to create great water effects on your layout.
Independent of what you’re modeling, if it’s a tree, building, a rock side or, as in this case, water, it’s essential to first have a good idea of what it looks like in real life. In this first session, we focus on the real-life prototype to get a good idea of what water actually looks like. How tropical ocean water differs from dark ocean waters and from there all the way to a highway ditch.
You’ll learn about the wide range of methods and materials which can be used to create water effects on a model railroad. Martin will share his experience about the pros & cons for each and why some are preferred due to simplicity, cost, and speed and others due to their special characteristics.
In this modeling session, you’ll see how to create a realistic water scene with a 120t canal boat thrusting forward in the water. We’ll create the water surface with waves and then add swell in the pulp from the boat moving forward.
This session will walk you through the process of painting and adding surface effects to the water scene with the canal boat – still working from the pulp method of creation. We are adding foam effects to the breaking waves and also creating a very realistic back wash behind the boat.
In this modeling session, we turn to the resin method and its different characteristics. We’ll prepare a small water stream ahead of pouring the resin in. And we’re adding and highlighting details, such as rocks and vegetation. We’re painting with different color shades to give an effect of different depth in the water stream.
In this final session, we are pouring the resin and exploring different ways to create both water jets and more slowly running water. We’re adding realistic water ripple, modeling the dirty water stream in the clean water so it’s clearly visible.
Martin Tärnrot
Martin Tärnrot is a lifelong model railroader born with a model railroad on his bedroom carpet. Model railroading has always been an important part of his life and he has, over the years, built numerous layouts on different themes, both U.S. and European style. Since 2016, Martin has been working full-time within the model railroad industry, as a content producer of how-to videos, both for publishers and manufacturers.
Class Guide PDF
Download and print this detailed supplement as a reference for the key aspects of creating great water features
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, Martin Tärnrot
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
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