How to make a lake

[darrellwinstonhill]

Has anyone created a lake on their layout?

I have the green grass mat over a plywood board and am looking to put a lake in the middle of my layout.

If you have done this, I'd appreciate any direction you can give.

Thanks, Darrell.

[WoundedBear]

May I suggest a couple of How-To videos from Woodland Scenics. Take the few minutes and watch these. Should give you a basic outline. There are numerous other scenery tutorials on the site as well.

Sid

http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/FlashVideos/PrepareWaterArea.html

http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/FlashVideos/PourWater.html

Sid

[darrellwinstonhill]

thanks much, the site has great how-to videos.

[Barney R]

Hi Darrell,
I made a lake on my layout by using my dremel with a round wood working tool. My plywood is 5/8", so I was able to route out 1/4" without a problem. I then painted the bottom as decribed in the video and I used Magic Water to fill in the lake. I am very pleased with how it came out.

Barney

[BIG BEAR]

   Hi Darrell,
   You stated you use a green grass mat. There is available a blue smooth mat for lake & streams. I have also used just a simple mirror for the lake effect. These may be old school or poor man's methods, but have worked effectively on layouts for decades.
   Enjoy,
    Barry   

[Bill Baker]

I've made a very wide river on my layout.  After preparing and painting the banks and bottom of the river not unlike the videos from Woodland Scenics, I poured thin layers of Min Wax clear varnish as a substitute for water.  It is quite a bit cheaper than the artificial waters now on the market.  You should wait at least two days before pours in order for each layer to dry and cure.  And above all, do it in a well ventilated area.  Also, make sure your seams are water tight and your river or lake is completely level, or you'll have pools of clear varnish on your floor.

Bill

[boomertom]

Bill,
Thanks for the minwax idea, it should be a great finish over the oils I have used.

Tom

[OkieRick]

If you have a Hobby Lobby store around you call and ask if they have any modeler's water - explain what you're trying to do.  My local Hobby shop has lakes and water falls / streams.  Check http://www.hobbylobby.com


Luck-
Rick

[grumpy]

Rick
For the water I use Dura Clear Varnish gloss Interior/Exterior. About three thick coats will give you a very good reflective lake surface. It is about 1/3 of the Woodlands stuff.
Don