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How to Make a Model Railroad River

Some model railroaders aim to create a model railroad that is as realistic as possible. A realistic model features environments that can be found along real railroads, such as rivers, forests and grassy areas. Using real water is not a feasible option for use on a model railroad. Real water is likely to leak and can cause molding and other issues. Some companies make special products that can help you create a life-like river as part of your model railroad.

Things You'll Need

Fake-water product
Acrylic paint
Hobby knife
Paint brush
Model logs, rocks and brush

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a path for the river into the material you used for the base of your model railroad, such as foam board or particle board. The cut does not need to be deep, and the bottom does not have to be even.
- 2
  Mix in a couple drops of color into your liquid fake-water product. For blue water, add blue; for muddy water, add brown and maybe a little blue, green or gray. If you leave the water product clear, you may want to paint the area underneath the river gray or brown to represent the river's bottom.
- 3
  Paint the liquid water solution into the river bed you created. Use the end of the brush to create ripples and other disturbances in the water depending on the surrounding terrain.
- 4
  Place any rocks, logs, trees or bushes in or along the edge of your river while the liquid water product is still dry. Once the product dries, you will only be able to place these objects on top of the water. Placing them while the product is wet allows you to sink these objects into the water.

Model Railroads