Hobbies And Interests
Design the HO Scale Waterfall and Course
Design a model railroad waterfall, river or lake to look similar to real-life watercourses. If you are modeling after a real-life location, design will depend on the dimensions of the actual waterfall. For imaginary landscapes, start the waterfall in a higher elevation spot and create a large reservoir at the bottom. A fake lake or pond will do, although a wide river can also work. The path and size will depend on your layout. A higher waterfall will require a larger reservoir for the water to tumble into.
HO Waterfall Construction
Carve or shape the material used for the HO scale railroad land, such as plaster, solid foam or clay, into the shape of the waterfall, lake or river you intend to make. Make it slightly larger or deeper than intended, as it will be lined with sealant and small rocks or gravel to create a more realistic look. Bore a small hole in the top of the waterfall and another at the very end of the watercourse. These holes will hold the hoses to pump the water from the bottom to the top so the waterfall will run.
Cut two lengths of hoses that fit into the holes you drilled and the intake and outlet ports of a very small water pump. The pump must be supported under or to the side of the HO model railroad. Be sure it is accessible for maintenance and easy draining.
Cover the entire inside of the waterway with a layer of clear silicone sealant thick enough to give complete coverage to prevent leaks. Use a paintbrush or your finger. You may also use colored sealant if you prefer. While the silicone is still wet, press on gravel, sand or small rocks if desired, to make it look as natural as possible.
Hooking Up the HO Scale Waterfall
Reopen the drilled holes if they were covered with the silicone sealant from the last step. Insert the clean and dry ends of the hoses and seal them completely in place with more silicone. Attach the other ends of the hoses to the pump using threaded connectors or hose clamps.
Place the pump in a pan. If there are leaks, the water will run down into it. Also, this is helpful if you need to drain the model waterfall for maintenance or repairs. It is recommended that the waterfall be drained when not in use as well.
Fill the waterfall, lake and river carefully with tap water. Keep filling until the water fills the tubes going down to the pump. A few drops of food coloring can be added to the water to make it slightly blue or green. Then, turn on the pump. Watch carefully to see if the water flows as desired. If necessary, drain the water, dry the model and change the waterfall and course with silicone sealant and small rocks.