How to Make Model Railroad Water

In this video, narrow gauge modeler and creator of the Tuolumne Forks model railroad Bob Brown demonstrates how he creates model railroad water for his layout alongside Allen Keller. Brown uses Environtex for his water, which has a polymer coating and can be found in most arts and crafts stores.

Brown emphasizes the importance of following the directions exactly to mix the 50/50 solution. Buying paper cups that have measurements on them can be very helpful in mixing and pouring. It is also very important to mix the material thoroughly and for the proper amount of time; Brown’s instructions say to mix for two minutes.

To make a pond, the base must first be painted. Brown uses a grimy black paint with a lighter color around the edges to show increasing shallowness towards the rim of the pond. A green base color can be used to make a more scummy pond, but Brown prefers the depth of the black color.

Next, the Environtex is simply poured into the pond in one single pour. To rid the bubbles that rise to the top of the pond, Brown carefully passes a flame torch over the surface of the water to melt these bubbles away.

Need more ideas? Check out these tips for touching up your water scenery.