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How to Build Model Railroad Rivers

Creating a water feature such as a river for your model railroad layout can add color and variety to the scenery. It also allows you to add other terrain features such as bridges, fords, docks and boats. Giving water a realistic appearance seems like a challenge, but with a little patience and practice, you'll find that it's simple to create life-like rivers for your model railroad. All you need are a few simple tools and supplies.

Things You'll Need

Craft knife
Filler or plaster cloth
Acrylic paints and brushes
Gloss acrylic medium
Ground cover

Instructions

- 1
  Plan the course of your river on the terrain board. Cut the outline out carefully using a craft knife. The depth of the river will vary depending on the scale of your models, but should probably be no more than 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch.
- 2
  Line the cut with plaster cloth or filler to give it texture. Allow the plaster time to dry, smoothing it or shaping it into features such as rocks as it sets.
- 3
  Paint the base and sides of the river with acrylic paints. Many rivers are mainly muddy or greenish. Faster flowing rivers tend to be clearer; in this case, you can paint the base primarily blue or green with some white highlights to help give the illusion of depth. Allow the paint time to dry.
- 4
  Paint a layer of high-gloss acrylic medium onto the base of the river. The gloss goes on a cloudy white color, but clears as it dries. While it is setting, you can move it with a brush to create ripples and waves. Allow the first layer to dry, then add another layer, repeating the process until your river is as deep as you need it.
- 5
  Add ground cover around the banks of your river to simulate vegetation. Reeds, bushes and rocks break up the outline of the river's edge and give it a more natural appearance.

Model Railroads