Thanks Alan! You can watch more recent videos of my scenery attempts with "Making a mountain out of a molehill! " Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers Gregg.
Birdwood Sub is going to look outstanding, the scenery is going to compliment all of the fantastic track work that's been done. Not to mention the loco and rolling stock, they are going to look amazing passing through the landscape. And hey, once all the trackside work is done you may even be able to lift the temporary speed restrictions! Great work, Gregg, a pleasure to see the sub coming together so nicely.
Thanks very much Steve! I don't know about "outstanding", but I'll give it a go and see what we end up with?. So much to learn but with scenery it is the devil in the detail and not to overdo things. I will say the weathered rolling stock does look good passing the rocks I have done so far. Thanks for the support and I'm glad you like the videos, Gregg :-)
You are correct! It's not a race, the end result is what is sought and your patients show this. Thank you for this info, I'm putting it to use on my N Scale layout> I'm trying 1/2" and 3/4' cardboard strips. First time I've ever done this!
Nice followup to the paper video! It's making me reconsider using plaster cloth as opposed to steaming 1-ply wood. Looks a lot easier and less messy! Thanks!
Thank you ! If you take your time and use small pieces, it is very tidy and easy, and the cardboard strips are even easier...if I can do it , anyone can..LOL Cheers Gregg.
Very good. I have done quite a bit of plaster cloth, but the wet brush is something that never occurred to me! Bloody good idea! As far as being too fastidious - it's your railroad! Build your scenery neat or sloppy, that's the choice of the guy building the railroad. Although with your way there is a lot less plaster drippings to clean up.
Thanks Gary! A wet finger works too but the brush can carry more water so you get more done. I have to learn how to apply the plaster now and get some rocks going!! More on the way soon! Cheers Gregg.
Love it. I used to do hydrocal/paper towels and yes it was messy. Changes later were absolutely awful. I switched to XPS foam and love it ... easy to carve and remove/update later. I appreciate your approach to the plaster cloth. May try it too! Thanks for the update!
Thanks Paul! I would love to use foam my self , but the blue or pink stuff (extruded) stuff is quite dear down here and I don't like the expanded stuff as much. I like the effects you can get in the foam and you can shape it as you go and I will use it when I can get some at a good price? So far the cloth has surprised me with the results. Cheers Gregg.
Hey there Greg! Good start with your scenery. Rock molds? Well we might be seeing a lot more soon. Thanks for showing us your progress and your tips on the "how-to."
Thanks Allyn! I had to start it eventually..LOL . Yes , I will say the rocks are going better than expected and a video coming soon. I appreciate the comments and support. Cheers Gregg.
Great video, I am so happy that you are enjoying landscaping. Lol. Most of the time I used one layer of plaster cloth, like you said it harden. When adding plaster Over the cloth, I really get it wet, it stick well. The last layout I did had close to 200 rock molds on it. Great video, can’t wait to see your update. Cheers Terry. Hope it’s getting colder down there.
Thanks Terry! I thought I'd better make a start before you all give up on me..LOL. I'll take your advice on wetting it when I apply the plaster. I am trying the rock moulds and have made some beauties already after finding a few tips from other videos! Thanks for your ongoing support and the next video will be in a week or so. Getting nice down here now. Cheers Gregg
Nice job. I have never used it before. I was reminded this week how messy it can be dipping paper towels in plaster so I thought I'd give this method a try. I have large area to fill in on a mountain HO railroad. iI need to model steep hill areas (with minimal rock croppings). I want a method that will be good to glue ground foam and dirt to simulate steep hills (as opposed to more rocky cliff type areas). I will have to find a place to buy the plaster cloth that won;t cost me a fortune here in the U.S. Thanks and nice video.. Phil Jersey Shore Area (near NYC)...
Thank you Phil! I have thought about the paper towel method, and it does look messy, but it is cheap...LOL. If done carefully , this is very clean and gives a great foundation for covering with Sculpta mold , whic I think is a fantastic product! You can see me using it in my "Mountain out of a Molehill " videos. Cheers to the lovely Jersey Shores area. Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Thanks for the reply. The only other method i am considering is while glue on painters brown type paper for my hill areas. I tried this method on a small piece of brown paper that I happen to have here and it does work, but I think it may require a few layers to get the surface firm. I have many pounds of rock castings (I'd say at least 60-70 pounds worth....could be more) that I saved when I tore my mountain range out quite a few years ago. They're all stored in boxes under my layout. So when I get to the more rugged mountain scenery I will plaster them back together again in some random order where it is pleasing to the eye. Plaster scenery looks great, but can be messy, as I am sure you know. I will have to watch more of your videos as I always enjoy seeing other people's layouts and it is always a good way to learn other methods of layout building Thanks and all the best. Phil
Hi Greg....just catching up on some of your videos....and guess what....I’ve just tried plaster cloth for the first time. IMHO it’s a great product👍 cheers mate.
This is great ! The plaster cloth work's great, for what you are doing. I don't think you could use any thing else and get to it work as well."whet stripper finger's" ok! Can't wait till your next vid. To see what you come up with next time. Cheer's Mate.
Thanks a lot Mitch! Id' like to try foam but you need to make a base for it and shaping it make a big mess and I'm happy with this method so far! Next video on rock casting in a week or so. Cheers Gregg
Yes John...hard to believe isn't it..LOL I should issue a warning in the future?? Thanks for checking it out buddy! I'm practising with plaster and rocks now....lots to learn. Cheers Gregg.
I think you have to be the neatest person putting plaster cloth on. You don't want to give us to much at once since the shock of scenery might be hard on our hearts. lol
Maybe Scott!! If it was a larger area I would be a little less fussy?? I don't my my viewers having heart failure ,so I'll take it easy ...plus I have no idea what I'm doing..LOL Gregg :-)
First brown paper, now plaster cloth! All this scenery your doing. I can't take it all in. When you get to putting ground cover on I think it may be all to much for me! 😁 Keith
I know , it's all getting a bit much , but ground cover may be going a tad too far..LOL Just between us Keith, I may have been looking at Static applicators recently?? Thank you for watching Sir. Cheers Gregg.
FishplateFilms If your going down that route Greg don't buy one, make one. I've made two, a standard size one and a small one for detail areas. Total cost about £10 for both. Keith
Mr Fishplate! Great work on the scenery. Can tell you're much more comfortable doing bench and track work! I would like to pick your brain about your helix. Is there an update on how it's fairing lately? I'm ever so slowly building one but slowly does it. It's going to be about 12 rings! (going up to the roof) So i've got many concerns. My main concern at the moment is dealing with track expansion. I've watched your clip in the 40c heat (i'm in Perth and have similar temp ranges in my train room) I have been screwing down my flexi-track in my helix. Looks like if i loosen the screws off a touch that should allow for expansion? Thanks for your time Gregg! and keep the clips coming. i'm learning heaps!
Thank you Sir! Just between you and me , I'm actually enjoying it and making and installing rocks is quite satisfying?? Thats a big helix, like in the video, let the track move just a little under the screws and you'll be right! I have mentioned it in various videos and it is going great. In summer the track moves out a little so the screws are closer to the inner rail, and opposite in winter! Keep the grade to 2% or under if you can and solder the joints keeping the track straight as you solder. Good luck with it and keep me up to date. Cheers Gregg.
Thanks for the quick response Gregg! Yep, soldering all the joints. That's why I want to get expansion sorted before I get too far in. I'm going very slowly with my monster helix. I haven't given myself a time frame. Just to do it properly and no headaches! Testing with all my big awkward locos. I'm thinking somewhere around 6 months. (I have too many hobbies) Helix is double track. My grade is just over 2% and inside track is just over 22 inch diameter. Would like it wider but limited space. Scenery is a nice change from the precision needed with bench work or track laying. The more random and messy you get the better the result.. Can't say I would have trains running while I'm putting down mountains! But you seem to have a consist running 24/7? the rock moulds from woodland scenics are great Gregg. seem like a stupid idea, why would you need to cast plaster rocks? But they are very handy. And INOX is a great mould release!
Thats the way, slow and steady and do it right. If I was doing a large area I wouldn't have trains running, but the small area is ok. I love casting the rocks and I'm using windex as a mould release, but Innox is a great idea!! I'll definitely give that a go. Cheers Gregg
Thanks Nathan! Yes I'm getting a small spray bottle for smoothing the plaster that goes over the cloth and around the rocks. Thanks for the tip. Cheers Gregg.
Thanks Christopher! I got it on Ebay from a seller in Brisbane South . Down near greenbank or Beaudesert if I remember right? Just check the size and length when you compare prices! Cheers Gregg.
I'm super impressed! I agree it's a lot less messy than wet plaster. I'm even more impressed with the static grass trial on your face! But tell me...where did you stick the earthing pin?
Thanks Richard! It is almost too easy, but the trick will be in the finishing ?? I was that engrossed with scenery I forgot to shave..LOL. Yes...the earthing pin??? Cheers Gregg.
Hi Terry, I got it from E-bay from a guy in Brisbane Southside and I will be ordering some more soon. You're more than welcome to come and visit, just send me a PM in the message section and I'll send you my details. Cheers Gregg.
FishplateFilms Hi Gregg, Are you able to tell the eBay name of the guy you order it from? Well I’ll be in Brisbane from the afternoon of the 15th May to the morning of 19th May. Hopefully your around and be great to check it out.
The site is called 'Hobbylandscapes", have a look and see if he has any left? Let me know about a week out Terry and I'll check my roster. Cheers Gregg
Hi Carl , no I don't use any device like that, to me they are an excuse for poor track work or lack of maintenance. The only time I would consider one is on a short wheelbase loco that stalls over complex track work where both trucks are over insulated sections. like a crossing or Insulfrog turnouts. I have 3 Tsunami 2's and love them ! I have 2 videos on installs in a Kato AC4400. Cheers Gregg.
Nice video, thanks for posting it because I'm just getting to this phase on my layout, but I have to ask (and I did read all the comments to make sure it hadn't already been answered): how long is that train?!?!?!?!?
Thanks Greg! I have moved on a bit in the scenery world since this..but only a bit.LOL. That Intermodal train would of been about 35 -40 cars ? Those Atlas Dash8's are heavy and pull well. Cheers Gregg.
Hey Gregg. My next question has nothing to do with railroading, but I would like to have it answered. Since you've lived in Australia all of your life, is living there less stressful and easier to cope with? Is it easy or at least easier for an average person to make a decent living in Australia, when compared to a country like the U.S.?
Hi Joe, I guess the pressure of success is a bit different, but there are many opportunities in the US with such a large population. Wages are high here but so is the cost of living compared to the US, in some areas so I think it evens out?.We do have good health care and not every second person is having therapy..LOL. Cheers Gregg.
Looks great Gregg. How long does it take to set to a hard, rigid shell? Do you have to wet it again when you apply the next layer so that the first layer doesn’t take all of the moisture out of the new layer? Or just dipping the new layer is enough to adhere it? Looking forward to the next round of videos. Cheers.
Thanks Bob! It's dry in about and hour or so , but probably overnight if you wan't to work on it. You can apply the next layer straight away and you should wet it if dry when applying the next layer. You wet the dry ply and cardboard too before applying the first layer. Cheers Gregg.
FishplateFilms Good information for a future project. You have always had an educational, and perfect way of demonstrating different topics on your channel. Easy to understand and follow along. Thank you for sharing. Cheers.
You're too kind Bob! I watch a lot of other videos and take what I like and try it and see how it goes, and often put my own bit in as well. Thanks for the comments and support. Cheers Gregg.
Yes Terry, now it gets scary!! Lets hope I make an improvement and not devalue the ply LOL. I must admit the trains look much better going past white hills rather than ply! Cheers Gregg.
oh, I'm sure the value will increase. If you think the trains look good going by the white hills, wait until you get natural earth colors going, it'll even look better than the brown paper. Terry
Thanks Terry! Just on the QT, rumour has it trains are passing some rocks at present that have been coloured with washes?????...Only a rumour though! Cheers Gregg.
Do you find it sticks ok? I like to put a couple of ‘blobs’ of PVA glue (not too much) in the water and this seems to a) help it set and b) helps it stick.! By ‘reawakening’ it with the next layer and then the patching plaster it makes a good hard shell. Any road, thanks for sharing, all helps.
Hi Bobby, Iv'e had no trouble so far, but leaving it in the water a bit longer helps and I wet the ply first before I apply the cloth, but the PVA is a good idea. I'm putting the plaster layer on this week . Thanks for watching. Gregg.
Hello, Gregg. I was just curious, but what camera do you use when you travel to the U.S. and Canada to record footage of passing freight trains? Thank you.
Hi Joe! I used a Sony HXR-NX3 with a Sennheiser Shotgun microphone. It's a entry level Broadcast cam which is big but has all the manual features and nice big light sensors. The tripod is a Australian made Miller, which can be found on most pro shoots, expensive but ultra smooth and bullet proof. I still use the same gear and have since got a Audio Technica Stereo Shot gun Mic. Cheers Gregg.
Thank you. How much does a camera like cost? I bet it costs a very pretty penny. Will it last you at least a decade or longer if you take good care of it?
I paid around $5500.00, plus the mic and tripod so all up around 9 K !! A lot of money but it will last a long time and the tripod is a lifetime investment. Cheers Gregg.
I like what you are doing I live in salt lake city utah Ang I'm doing the mrl in HO . My lay out is 18' x 13' in the 1978 throw 2016. Again I like your visions.
Thank you Neil! I was in Salt Lake in 2015, passed through on the train ...can't remember which one, I caught so many! Lots of good railroads in Utah, seems like there is history everywhere in that State, apart from the Golden spike of course. MRL is a good road to model and you will have lots of mountains to build. Be sure to watch the next to videos in this series and see how the rocks turned out. Thanks again for the support. Cheers Gregg .
Hi Greg, yes, I thought you would get your plaster cloth from a craft shop, I saw it in, Art & Craft RIOT! today, quite cheap. The layout is looking good. I have to agree, working clean, not making a mess is better Thank you for another great video. Regards Gary
Hey there Greg. Thanks for a great instructional video. To date I've only been able to source 100mm wide cloth. I'm also Brissy based, so any chance of a name/link to the supplier of the 300mm (?) plaster cloth? Cheers mate
Thank you Robert! I actually got it from a guy on E-bay who is based down near Beaudesert. Look on E-Bay fro plaster cloth 6m rolls .I'm away at the moment so I can't go up the shed and look on the packet!! Let me know in a week if you haven't found it and I'll check the pack for the details. Cheers Gregg
"A wet finger is always good". Wow Gregg, I about laughed until I fell out of my chair. Looks like you've done this before. Have you just put it off on this layout? Admittingly, I have done the same. Cheers, Dan
LOL...I promise I haven't done this before, but I have done a lot of plasterboard/ drywall installs so maybe a bit of that has rubbed off?? The big surprise is how good the rocks are turning out......but you'll have to wait for that one !! Glad you got a laugh and thanks for watching! Cheers Gregg.
The one thing I have been learning about the landscape element is layers I am sure you must have seen Luke Towan but if not check out his videos and you will see what I mean 😀
Very true Neil, just like weathering, you have to know when to stop! I know Luke's channel and I have watched his videos on rocks and landscape many time times...he is a wizard for sure! He lives in Adelaide and I must see if I can catch up with him next time I visit Mt Lofty. Cheers Gregg.
FishplateFilms I can only imagine Lord Stan must have taken to the bottle at the shock of it all....he never knew he was harbouring a closet scenery-guy!
Excellent video! I’m working w plaster cloth on bridge pilings. Cheers from Florida!
Thanks Alan! You can watch more recent videos of my scenery attempts with "Making a mountain out of a molehill! " Glad you enjoyed the video.
Cheers Gregg.
Birdwood Sub is going to look outstanding, the scenery is going to compliment all of the fantastic track work that's been done. Not to mention the loco and rolling stock, they are going to look amazing passing through the landscape. And hey, once all the trackside work is done you may even be able to lift the temporary speed restrictions! Great work, Gregg, a pleasure to see the sub coming together so nicely.
Thanks very much Steve! I don't know about "outstanding", but I'll give it a go and see what we end up with?. So much to learn but with scenery it is the devil in the detail and not to overdo things. I will say the weathered rolling stock does look good passing the rocks I have done so far.
Thanks for the support and I'm glad you like the videos,
Gregg :-)
Lookin good Gregg. quick, easy and surprisingly cheap method
Thanks Neale! Quick , easy and cheap....just like me ..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
Well, I don't know about quick!!! lol
You are correct! It's not a race, the end result is what is sought and your patients show this. Thank you for this info, I'm putting it to use on my N Scale layout> I'm trying 1/2" and 3/4' cardboard strips. First time I've ever done this!
Thank you! I'm glad you like the video and got some tips from it. Good luck with the scenery!
Cheers Gregg.
Nice followup to the paper video! It's making me reconsider using plaster cloth as opposed to steaming 1-ply wood. Looks a lot easier and less messy! Thanks!
Thank you ! If you take your time and use small pieces, it is very tidy and easy, and the cardboard strips are even easier...if I can do it , anyone can..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
You've entered into new worlds Greg. Congratulations and look forward to your next update. Tim
Yes Tim, can't keep laying track forever I guess!! Thank you and it certainly brings the trains to life.
Thanks for watching.
Gregg.
Very good. I have done quite a bit of plaster cloth, but the wet brush is something that never occurred to me! Bloody good idea! As far as being too fastidious - it's your railroad! Build your scenery neat or sloppy, that's the choice of the guy building the railroad. Although with your way there is a lot less plaster drippings to clean up.
Thanks Gary! A wet finger works too but the brush can carry more water so you get more done. I have to learn how to apply the plaster now and get some rocks going!! More on the way soon!
Cheers Gregg.
Great tip about buying in bulk.
Looking good on the Cut.
Chuck
Thank you! You have to save where you can, so you can spend more on other stuff..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
Bloody hell Greg! Scenery! ;) Great to see more vids of the layout. Thanks matey.
I know!!!! Things are crazy man! Have to keep all you guys happy..LOL
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching.
Cheers Gregg.
Love it. I used to do hydrocal/paper towels and yes it was messy. Changes later were absolutely awful. I switched to XPS foam and love it ... easy to carve and remove/update later. I appreciate your approach to the plaster cloth. May try it too! Thanks for the update!
Thanks Paul! I would love to use foam my self , but the blue or pink stuff (extruded) stuff is quite dear down here and I don't like the expanded stuff as much. I like the effects you can get in the foam and you can shape it as you go and I will use it when I can get some at a good price? So far the cloth has surprised me with the results.
Cheers Gregg.
Hey there Greg! Good start with your scenery. Rock molds? Well we might be seeing a lot more soon. Thanks for showing us your progress and your tips on the "how-to."
Thanks Allyn! I had to start it eventually..LOL . Yes , I will say the rocks are going better than expected and a video coming soon. I appreciate the comments and support.
Cheers Gregg.
Great video, I am so happy that you are enjoying landscaping. Lol. Most of the time I used one layer of plaster cloth, like you said it harden. When adding plaster Over the cloth, I really get it wet, it stick well. The last layout I did had close to 200 rock molds on it. Great video, can’t wait to see your update. Cheers Terry. Hope it’s getting colder down there.
Thanks Terry! I thought I'd better make a start before you all give up on me..LOL. I'll take your advice on wetting it when I apply the plaster. I am trying the rock moulds and have made some beauties already after finding a few tips from other videos! Thanks for your ongoing support and the next video will be in a week or so.
Getting nice down here now.
Cheers Gregg
Nice job. I have never used it before.
I was reminded this week how messy it can be dipping paper towels in plaster so I thought I'd give this method a try.
I have large area to fill in on a mountain HO railroad. iI need to model steep hill areas (with minimal rock croppings). I want a method that will be good to glue ground foam and dirt to simulate steep hills (as opposed to more rocky cliff type areas).
I will have to find a place to buy the plaster cloth that won;t cost me a fortune here in the U.S. Thanks and nice video..
Phil
Jersey Shore Area (near NYC)...
Thank you Phil! I have thought about the paper towel method, and it does look messy, but it is cheap...LOL.
If done carefully , this is very clean and gives a great foundation for covering with Sculpta mold , whic I think is a fantastic product! You can see me using it in my "Mountain out of a Molehill " videos.
Cheers to the lovely Jersey Shores area.
Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Thanks for the reply.
The only other method i am considering is while glue on painters brown type paper for my hill areas. I tried this method on a small piece of brown paper that I happen to have here and it does work, but I think it may require a few layers to get the surface firm.
I have many pounds of rock castings (I'd say at least 60-70 pounds worth....could be more) that I saved when I tore my mountain range out quite a few years ago. They're all stored in boxes under my layout. So when I get to the more rugged mountain scenery I will plaster them back together again in some random order where it is pleasing to the eye. Plaster scenery looks great, but can be messy, as I am sure you know.
I will have to watch more of your videos as I always enjoy seeing other people's layouts and it is always a good way to learn other methods of layout building Thanks and all the best.
Phil
Nice update and useful info. A lot of my space is in small areas; thanks for sharing.
Thank you ! Using smaller strips is easy to get into tight areas. Just work slow and keep the water tray close.
Cheers Gregg.
Hi Greg....just catching up on some of your videos....and guess what....I’ve just tried plaster cloth for the first time. IMHO it’s a great product👍 cheers mate.
Hi Ron, yes it's good to use and strangely relaxing for me?? I'm glad you like it and good luck with your scenery.
Cheers Gregg.
Well done. I'm in agreement with you, less (messy) is more (manageable). Keep up the good work and look forward to the next videos. Rob
Thank you Rob! Working in small ares is a bit tricky but slow and steady and less mess makes the job more enjoyable!
Cheers Gregg.
Gregg, it looks great. It will not be long before you are putting down the ground cover and planting some trees.
Thank you Jack! Don't know about ground cover yet..LOL but I do like the idea of static grass!! We'll see what happens?
Cheers Gregg.
as ever an inspiration - nice work Looking forward to seeing the next steps.
Thanks Trevor! I appreciate the support. The next one will be in a week or so.
Cheers Gregg.
This is great ! The plaster cloth work's great, for what you are doing. I don't think you could use any thing else and get to it work as well."whet stripper finger's" ok! Can't wait till your next vid. To see what you come up with next time. Cheer's Mate.
Thanks a lot Mitch! Id' like to try foam but you need to make a base for it and shaping it make a big mess and I'm happy with this method so far! Next video on rock casting in a week or so.
Cheers Gregg
Holy cow!!!!! Im about to have a hart a tack! I still cant belive your doing scenery. This is a great way of doing it. KUTGW Matey!
Yes John...hard to believe isn't it..LOL I should issue a warning in the future??
Thanks for checking it out buddy! I'm practising with plaster and rocks now....lots to learn.
Cheers Gregg.
Appreciate this video, the detail, etc. I’ve got an area similar I’ll be adding plaster cloth.
Thanks and you're welcome! With patience you can use it without hardly any mess .
Cheers Gregg.
Nice detailed presentation, - Thanks.
Thanks Arthur!
Gregg.
Looks good mate
Thanks Greg! Better than ply thats for sure!
Gregg:-)
a nice little how you do it video. will be helpful tip when it comes to doing scenery. thanks for the video.
Thanks Sparky! Nothing new but just a little variation on the usual.
Thanks for watching.
Gregg :-)
Very nice, Buddy! Be sure to issue Form B restrictions for trains passing the work site. Looking forward to seeing more progress.
Thanks Trav! Yes , speed restrictions apply and some closures on the way with rock work beginning!!
Thanks for watching!
Gregg.
Nice, informative video, Gregg!
Thank you sir!
I think you have to be the neatest person putting plaster cloth on. You don't want to give us to much at once since the shock of scenery might be hard on our hearts. lol
Maybe Scott!! If it was a larger area I would be a little less fussy?? I don't my my viewers having heart failure ,so I'll take it easy ...plus I have no idea what I'm doing..LOL
Gregg :-)
First brown paper, now plaster cloth! All this scenery your doing. I can't take it all in. When you get to putting ground cover on I think it may be all to much for me! 😁 Keith
I know , it's all getting a bit much , but ground cover may be going a tad too far..LOL Just between us Keith, I may have been looking at Static applicators recently??
Thank you for watching Sir.
Cheers Gregg.
FishplateFilms If your going down that route Greg don't buy one, make one. I've made two, a standard size one and a small one for detail areas. Total cost about £10 for both. Keith
I have seen the videos on making one Keith, so I'll look in to it when it's time!
Gregg.
Mr Fishplate! Great work on the scenery. Can tell you're much more comfortable doing bench and track work!
I would like to pick your brain about your helix. Is there an update on how it's fairing lately? I'm ever so slowly building one but slowly does it. It's going to be about 12 rings! (going up to the roof) So i've got many concerns. My main concern at the moment is dealing with track expansion. I've watched your clip in the 40c heat (i'm in Perth and have similar temp ranges in my train room) I have been screwing down my flexi-track in my helix. Looks like if i loosen the screws off a touch that should allow for expansion?
Thanks for your time Gregg! and keep the clips coming. i'm learning heaps!
Thank you Sir! Just between you and me , I'm actually enjoying it and making and installing rocks is quite satisfying?? Thats a big helix, like in the video, let the track move just a little under the screws and you'll be right! I have mentioned it in various videos and it is going great. In summer the track moves out a little so the screws are closer to the inner rail, and opposite in winter! Keep the grade to 2% or under if you can and solder the joints keeping the track straight as you solder.
Good luck with it and keep me up to date.
Cheers Gregg.
Thanks for the quick response Gregg! Yep, soldering all the joints. That's why I want to get expansion sorted before I get too far in.
I'm going very slowly with my monster helix. I haven't given myself a time frame. Just to do it properly and no headaches! Testing with all my big awkward locos.
I'm thinking somewhere around 6 months. (I have too many hobbies)
Helix is double track. My grade is just over 2% and inside track is just over 22 inch diameter. Would like it wider but limited space.
Scenery is a nice change from the precision needed with bench work or track laying. The more random and messy you get the better the result..
Can't say I would have trains running while I'm putting down mountains! But you seem to have a consist running 24/7?
the rock moulds from woodland scenics are great Gregg. seem like a stupid idea, why would you need to cast plaster rocks? But they are very handy. And INOX is a great mould release!
Thats the way, slow and steady and do it right. If I was doing a large area I wouldn't have trains running, but the small area is ok. I love casting the rocks and I'm using windex as a mould release, but Innox is a great idea!! I'll definitely give that a go.
Cheers Gregg
Aye, looks good there mate!!! You could use a spray bottle with water also
Thanks Nathan! Yes I'm getting a small spray bottle for smoothing the plaster that goes over the cloth and around the rocks. Thanks for the tip.
Cheers Gregg.
Thanks Christopher! I got it on Ebay from a seller in Brisbane South . Down near greenbank or Beaudesert if I remember right? Just check the size and length when you compare prices!
Cheers Gregg.
Great video Greg... Where did you but the plaster cloth in Brissy?
It's available cheaply on Ebay. Worth looking at the price.
Great update my friend
Thank you Chris! Certainly a new world for me..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
I'm super impressed! I agree it's a lot less messy than wet plaster. I'm even more impressed with the static grass trial on your face! But tell me...where did you stick the earthing pin?
Thanks Richard! It is almost too easy, but the trick will be in the finishing ?? I was that engrossed with scenery I forgot to shave..LOL. Yes...the earthing pin???
Cheers Gregg.
I have used bandage fixed first on the base and then brushed it over with thinned pva white glue. It worked out much cheaper.
Sarla Daga Great minds think alike, exactly what I intend to do. I’ve ordered gauze bandages, really cheap. I trust it worked really well for you.
Looking good, definitely easer wet brushing the plaster rather then applying it soping wet.
Agree with the plaster cloth, with craft store did you get that deal from? Also do you welcome visitors to come and check out your layout?
Hi Terry, I got it from E-bay from a guy in Brisbane Southside and I will be ordering some more soon. You're more than welcome to come and visit, just send me a PM in the message section and I'll send you my details.
Cheers Gregg.
FishplateFilms
Hi Gregg,
Are you able to tell the eBay name of the guy you order it from? Well I’ll be in Brisbane from the afternoon of the 15th May to the morning of 19th May. Hopefully your around and be great to check it out.
The site is called 'Hobbylandscapes", have a look and see if he has any left? Let me know about a week out Terry and I'll check my roster.
Cheers Gregg
FishplateFilms
Cool, will do and thanks
Gregg do you use keep alive in your locos and have you tried any of tsunami 2s yet
Hi Carl , no I don't use any device like that, to me they are an excuse for poor track work or lack of maintenance. The only time I would consider one is on a short wheelbase loco that stalls over complex track work where both trucks are over insulated sections. like a crossing or Insulfrog turnouts. I have 3 Tsunami 2's and love them ! I have 2 videos on installs in a Kato AC4400.
Cheers Gregg.
Hi super cool dude
Nice video, thanks for posting it because I'm just getting to this phase on my layout, but I have to ask (and I did read all the comments to make sure it hadn't already been answered): how long is that train?!?!?!?!?
Thanks Greg! I have moved on a bit in the scenery world since this..but only a bit.LOL. That Intermodal train would of been about 35 -40 cars ? Those Atlas Dash8's are heavy and pull well.
Cheers Gregg.
Hey Gregg. My next question has nothing to do with railroading, but I would like to have it answered. Since you've lived in Australia all of your life, is living there less stressful and easier to cope with? Is it easy or at least easier for an average person to make a decent living in Australia, when compared to a country like the U.S.?
Hi Joe,
I guess the pressure of success is a bit different, but there are many opportunities in the US with such a large population. Wages are high here but so is the cost of living compared to the US, in some areas so I think it evens out?.We do have good health care and not every second person is having therapy..LOL.
Cheers Gregg.
Lol. Thanks Greg.
Looks great Gregg. How long does it take to set to a hard, rigid shell? Do you have to wet it again when you apply the next layer so that the first layer doesn’t take all of the moisture out of the new layer? Or just dipping the new layer is enough to adhere it? Looking forward to the next round of videos. Cheers.
Thanks Bob! It's dry in about and hour or so , but probably overnight if you wan't to work on it. You can apply the next layer straight away and you should wet it if dry when applying the next layer. You wet the dry ply and cardboard too before applying the first layer.
Cheers Gregg.
FishplateFilms Good information for a future project. You have always had an educational, and perfect way of demonstrating different topics on your channel. Easy to understand and follow along. Thank you for sharing. Cheers.
You're too kind Bob! I watch a lot of other videos and take what I like and try it and see how it goes, and often put my own bit in as well.
Thanks for the comments and support.
Cheers Gregg.
OOP's i missed this one... you're doing good so far Gregg... vinny
Thanks Vinny! All a bit new to me , but it's good to see something other than ply..LOL
Gregg.
and you're off to the races! that whole area is going to look entirely different in a few days. Terry
Yes Terry, now it gets scary!! Lets hope I make an improvement and not devalue the ply LOL. I must admit the trains look much better going past white hills rather than ply!
Cheers Gregg.
oh, I'm sure the value will increase. If you think the trains look good going by the white hills, wait until you get natural earth colors going, it'll even look better than the brown paper. Terry
I must say my first attempts with the rocks are very surprising! Making the paper look old already..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
Thanks Terry! Just on the QT, rumour has it trains are passing some rocks at present that have been coloured with washes?????...Only a rumour though!
Cheers Gregg.
GASP! Alert the media and get the videos crews over there immediately, we need footage. This is almost as rare as a Sasquatch siting!
Do you find it sticks ok? I like to put a couple of ‘blobs’ of PVA glue (not too much) in the water and this seems to a) help it set and b) helps it stick.! By ‘reawakening’ it with the next layer and then the patching plaster it makes a good hard shell. Any road, thanks for sharing, all helps.
Hi Bobby,
Iv'e had no trouble so far, but leaving it in the water a bit longer helps and I wet the ply first before I apply the cloth, but the PVA is a good idea. I'm putting the plaster layer on this week .
Thanks for watching.
Gregg.
Hello, Gregg. I was just curious, but what camera do you use when you travel to the U.S. and Canada to record footage of passing freight trains? Thank you.
Hi Joe! I used a Sony HXR-NX3 with a Sennheiser Shotgun microphone. It's a entry level Broadcast cam which is big but has all the manual features and nice big light sensors. The tripod is a Australian made Miller, which can be found on most pro shoots, expensive but ultra smooth and bullet proof. I still use the same gear and have since got a Audio Technica Stereo Shot gun Mic.
Cheers Gregg.
Thank you. How much does a camera like cost? I bet it costs a very pretty penny. Will it last you at least a decade or longer if you take good care of it?
I paid around $5500.00, plus the mic and tripod so all up around 9 K !!
A lot of money but it will last a long time and the tripod is a lifetime investment.
Cheers Gregg.
Cheers Joe.
thanks for the tips
"As the bishop said to the stripper"... I'm dying!
Ann oldie but a goodie Brian!
Gregg 🙂
I like what you are doing I live in salt lake city utah Ang I'm doing the mrl in HO . My lay out is 18' x 13' in the 1978 throw 2016. Again I like your visions.
Thank you Neil! I was in Salt Lake in 2015, passed through on the train ...can't remember which one, I caught so many! Lots of good railroads in Utah, seems like there is history everywhere in that State, apart from the Golden spike of course. MRL is a good road to model and you will have lots of mountains to build. Be sure to watch the next to videos in this series and see how the rocks turned out.
Thanks again for the support.
Cheers Gregg .
Hi Greg, yes, I thought you would get your plaster cloth from a craft shop, I saw it in, Art & Craft RIOT! today, quite cheap.
The layout is looking good. I have to agree, working clean, not making a mess is better
Thank you for another great video. Regards Gary
Hey there Greg. Thanks for a great instructional video. To date I've only been able to source 100mm wide cloth. I'm also Brissy based, so any chance of a name/link to the supplier of the 300mm (?) plaster cloth? Cheers mate
Thank you Robert! I actually got it from a guy on E-bay who is based down near Beaudesert.
Look on E-Bay fro plaster cloth 6m rolls .I'm away at the moment so I can't go up the shed and look on the packet!! Let me know in a week if you haven't found it and I'll check the pack for the details.
Cheers Gregg
FishplateFilms Thanks Greg. I’ll search for the source. Cheers
Thanks 👍 😊
My pleasure Shawn! Hope you got something from the video.
CHeers Gregg
Love ya work
Thanks Andrew! Love ya' watching!!
Cheers Gregg.
"A wet finger is always good". Wow Gregg, I about laughed until I fell out of my chair. Looks like you've done this before. Have you just put it off on this layout? Admittingly, I have done the same. Cheers, Dan
LOL...I promise I haven't done this before, but I have done a lot of plasterboard/ drywall installs so maybe a bit of that has rubbed off?? The big surprise is how good the rocks are turning out......but you'll have to wait for that one !! Glad you got a laugh and thanks for watching!
Cheers Gregg.
Nice video Gregg, What was the bishop doing with his finger??? Where do people send there complaints??? Cheers John.
Thanks John! Wetting his finger for communion!! Send all complaints to Lord Stan!!
Cheers Gregg.
You can buy plaster cloth from medical supply stores also.
As the bishop said to the stripper 😂 Hilarious
Still has holes in it. guess you cover that with more plaster.
With "Sculpt It " Fred, works great.
Cheers Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Am doing that. Thanks. great video.
Nice little update...
Thanks Jim! Appreciate the support.
Gregg :-)
THANK YOU...for sharing.
Thank you for watching!!
Gregg :-)
I use paper towel, the one that doesn't break up. Put it in place and using a paint brush with watered down PVA, easy.
NO" YOU ARE NOT" too fussy. I'm like you, I like to do things properly. Well done mate.
Sorry . These comments were mean't for Gregg
Thanks Sam, lets hope I get get the end result I'm happy with? The devils in the detail , as they say.
Gregg :-)
The one thing I have been learning about the landscape element is layers I am sure you must have seen Luke Towan but if not check out his videos and you will see what I mean 😀
Very true Neil, just like weathering, you have to know when to stop! I know Luke's channel and I have watched his videos on rocks and landscape many time times...he is a wizard for sure! He lives in Adelaide and I must see if I can catch up with him next time I visit Mt Lofty.
Cheers Gregg.
Getting serious now :~)
Just a little Neil..LOL. The devils in the detail ,so the hard part of getting it to look right is still ahead, but it is good fun .
Cheers Gregg.
I had to double-check I was on the right channel...scenery on the Birdwood Sub?!!!
I know Richard.....hard to believe! Wait till you see the next video!! It's all a bit much really :-)
Cheers Gregg.
FishplateFilms I can only imagine Lord Stan must have taken to the bottle at the shock of it all....he never knew he was harbouring a closet scenery-guy!
LOL...yes , he's been keeping quiet lately!!
this guy is hilarious
Glad you enjoyed it!
Gregg.
Nothing wrong with being fussy. I am fussy as well.
True, and I hate cleaning up so I try to avoid it as much as possible..LOL.
Thanks for watching.
Gregg.
volume is way too low