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How to Build a HO Scale Styrofoam Layout

Hours of creative work goes into an HO model or handcrafted piece. Set up an entire scene for hand-built models or the train set that has been collected or built piece by piece. Landscaping adds a sense of dimension and reality to a model scene. Styrofoam produced by Dow Chemical company can be cut, sculpted and painted to create HO scale scenery for railroads, miniatures, car scenes and historical dioramas. Use Styrofoam sheets to design landscaping for your latest model or train project.

Things You'll Need

Styrofoam sheet foam
Hot wire foam cutter, X-acto knife or electric knife
Construction grade adhesive or white tacky craft glue
Foam sanding tool
Acrylic paint
Paint brushes
Moss
HO scale trees and components

Instructions

- 1
  
  Plan a scene that is to the scale of the model or train.
  
  Sketch the shape and design of the landscaping piece that is being planned for the project. Calculate the height and length needed for the layout. Jot down the measurements.
- 2
  
  Refer to photos to make a realistic landscape scene.
  
  Adhere two pieces of the foam sheets together with construction grade adhesive or craft glue for foam. Continue adhering additional layers until the foam is at the height needed for the project. Allow the foam to dry thoroughly if the adhesive is not a quick-set product. If the top of the landscaping form is tapered, use half the sheet when layering. This saves on carving and the project budget.
- 3
  Refer to the sketch while carving the top sides of the oversize foam block with the tool that works best for you. Take out small sections of the foam. Carve down the sides of the piece. Step back and look over the entire project before adding finishing touches. Smooth and round out areas of the Styrofoam landscape piece with a sanding tool or piece of Styrofoam.
- 4
  Paint the Styrofoam with acrylic paint using a paint brush. Refer to photos to get the proper shading and colors of the land forms.
- 5
  Attach moss or lichen with tacky white craft glue to add texture to the landscape. Add miniature HO scale trees to the landscape. Glue tiny stones to areas of the landscape to simulate rocks and boulders for finishing touches.

Model Railroads