Monk Subdivision - First Scenery Work

While I have figured out a few issues with my tracks, rectified some pesky vertical track alignment at some turnout and found out a way to reducing noise over the spline built over plywood, I have decided to start working on scenery where wiring and track are alright, namely around the bridge and Langlois Station. I see it as a practice run, but also as a way make things more tangible and motivating. Looking at a wood frame benchwork is dreadful and makes you feel like it was all a mistake. Only when landforms start to appear does that uneasy feeling subdue.

Abenaki River with its cardboard profiles

For scenery, I wanted to try something else, having explored enough with foam and got fed up by the sheer amount of electrically charged static dust it creates. My first idea was to use a cardboard lattice covered with some kind of papier-mâché made from kraft paper recycled from mail parcels. However, when recently visiting BV Hobby, I discovered a large roll of plaster clothe sold at discount from some estate. The guy collected everything he needed for the dream layout, including basic materials, never dared to do it, then passed away. A nice reminder to take chances and not procrastinate.

A brand new MDF fascia board ready to be permanently fixed

I have never used that material on the past, but figured out if it was a mess, I would just remove the unwanted scenery and start again.

My first attempt at cardboard lattice was messy at best!

Second try was marginally more rational

All started by preparing some contoured MDF fascia board to get the land profile right. Then, I cut 1 inch wide cardboard strips from salvaged boxes. Using a few cardboard profiles glued in place, I started to build my lattice until I got the shape right. In some cases, I had to apply more lattice to correct landforms that didn't look right at all.

Once the plaster cloth is laid down, it all blends together

About three layers of plaster clothes were applied everywhere, making sure they overlapped for more strength. I was both surprised by the ease of working with this material, but also how it wasn't messy at all. The shell starts to harden a few minutes after application, which gives you a good idea if more cloth is needed here and there.

The third try at Langlois was much more controlled

The next morning, I found out the plaster cloth didn't bond well with the fascia or the roadbed, so I fastened it with with white glue. Later, when I continued scenery at Langlois, I made sure to apply glue to every edges and the lattice prior to applying the plaster cloth to create a true bond between the structure and hard shell.

The lattice was generously covered in white glue

I'm quite pleased with this methode. The landforms look very natural to me and any little glitches can easily be fixed with Sculptamold. It gives some freedom, it's fast, the results can be assessed very quick and you can work without fearing to turn the layout room into a dust nightmare. I really appreciate how all these discarded cardboard boxes laying around have also found a new life.

The plaster cloth bond strongly with the lattice

Third section done

For roads, I still have decided to use 1 inch insulation foam for their foundation since I need a nice regular slab to build upon them. But I am no longer required to shape them extensively. For the feed mill dirt road, I think I could have shaped the road a little bit to create the camber. This will need to be done with material such as Sculptamold later on which isn't that much of an ordeal. I'm also planning to use similar slabs under structures.

The road form inser in place

I'm really excited by that quick progress that I had planned. Scenery is truly one of the wonderful albeit stressful, part of this hobby. I already have started to work on the big concrete culvert, which is going to be quite the challenge if you ask me! Can't wait to build the fill over the river valley since it's probably the most iconic scene of the entire layout.

Open for business... almost!