How to Design a Beach for a Model Railroad

Choose the type of beach you want to create, such as an ocean or lake. If you choose to make an ocean beach, select an area of your layout that is close to the edge. A lake can be placed anywhere.

Draw out the area you want to cover with the water using a pencil. Paint the entire area blue to help color the water.

Spread liquid fake water over the painted area and allow it to dry. Insert any swimming model people while the fake water is still wet. Cut the legs off the people if necessary so they are not too tall. When the fake water is partially dried, use a craft stick to create ridges in the water surface near the shore to create break waves. Allow it to dry completely.

Spread watered-down white glue across the area on which you want to create the beach. Sprinkle the area with fine light-brown ground cover to create sand for the beach.

Paint a small amount of white along the tops of the ridges on the fake water that are close to the shore to create breaks on the waves.

Place drops of glue in the places where you want to add tufts of grass onto the beach. Sprinkle the drops of glue with static grass and hold the static grass applicator over the areas of grass to make the grass stand up. Use varying lengths and colors of grass for a realistic look.

Arrange additional figures on the beach. Model railroad companies often offer sunbathers and other figures that participate in beach activities, such as Frisbee tossing and flying kites.