| Layout
Construction
As I noted earlier, I decided to keep
this layout small - but very
detailed. I would use it to test methods
and materials. As such, I compared
many many different type of products
at each step along the way. As such
I have like 3 to 4 different types
of everything on the layout - turnouts,
switch machines, track, scenery methods,
you name it. Some things worked, some
hit the trash can or I ripped it out.
I have used the photos to capture the
winners and losers for future reference
on the next
layout. As such, from time to time
you will come across the notation "NTS"
in the caption - standing for "note
to self..."
Resin
Hardshell and Rock Castings
I get a lot of questions as to the comparative cost of using resin to Hydrocal...
Compared
to Hydrocal, it is about 3x as expensive,
but is 5x faster, cleaner, more durable,
a fraction of the weight and better looking
(I think).
To do my entire layout it cost about $220
in resins, screen, gesso, paints, mixing
supplies, premade cardboard strips, hot-glue
sticks, Sculptamold, latex sealant + the
cost of molds.
Hydrocal would have been about $70-$80
for about 2 bags of Hydrocal, paper towels,
cardboard
strips, sprayers, paints + the molds.
Now the Bragdon molds are also a lot more
expensive than the typical Woodland Scenics
of Blue Ribbon (Frary) mold, but if you
ever use one, you'll see why. The size
is 4-10x
the size of the others, which means you
only need 1 or 2 to do an entire layout
if you
so wanted. The detail is also spectacular.
I also have about 50x the castings as any
normal (non-Colorado) layout would. |
