| DWRR-210L Segment 1 -- Visit a Model Train Layout With Unique Water Features |
| Learn how to make your model railroad layout sparkle with water features. |
From "Workin' On the Railroad"
episode DWRR-210L |
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Host Chris Chianelli visits guest Ron Morse in Kansas City, Kan., who has created a unique model railroad layout that features unique water features. And he's done this while battling Lupus.
If you want to add sparkle to your model railroad layout, consider a beautiful water feature.
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Note this unique side-of-the-hill waterfall that's featured in Ron Morse's layout.
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Historically the railroad has had a love-hate relationship with water—the steam engines had to have it to run and lots of it, and it was common to see the tracks running in harmony with streams and rivers. But when the train had to get to the other side of the body of water, that's when the relationship became strained.Realistic Water Features Master Model Railroader Ron Morse has created a layout that features true to life water features that are beautifully highlighted in his model railroad layout. Check out some of them:
Ron's layout is HO scale and it's based on the area he grew up in—Central City, Colo. (figure A)—at Forks Creek and Central, also known at one time as the richest square mile on earth. He used to go panning for gold (figure B) in the region when he was younger. Ron's grandfather owned two gold mines in the Idaho Springs area. The fascination with trains began at age three, when Ron played with old wind-up toy models, and he rode the California Zephyr from Denver to San Francisco a number of times. Ron's layout is complemented by his artistic backgrounds (figure C). "I do enjoy painting and actually before I got into the trains real heavy, I did a lot of oil paintings of ghost towns and mountain scenery, especially living in Colorado."
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Figure D
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Figure E
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Figure F
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Figure G
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For this master model railroader it isn't just about running the trains. "I tend to be a builder versus an operator," he said. "I guess I would say scenery and structures (figure D) would be my strong areas."But another strong suit, and the topic of this Workin' On the Railroad episode, is the way Ron models water features, which involves an unconventional technique—the use of Future Floor Wax. He simple uses a paintbrush to move the wax around (figure E) to form the body of water. Simplicity is the key! Does Your Model Railroad Have a Purpose? Ron Morse wanted to give his railroad a reason for existing, so he copied a lot of the history of the Colorado Southern Railroad. And with a clever touch, he inserted the Morse name (figure F) into that history. It's easy to see that Ron has put a lot of love and time into his interesting and fun layout, but one more factor makes his accomplishments even more astounding—he has Lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. "They [the doctors] thought I had juvenile onset rheumatoid arthritis, and it may have been at that time [childhood], but by the time I was 16 I was almost in a wheelchair," Ron said. Ron has been on chemotherapy since 1992, and it has kept everything at bay along with various other medications. His wife, Vicki, has been by his side and a big supporter of his passion for model railroading. "[The model railroading] is part of him because he loves Colorado," she explains. Ron's Waterfall Tip In fact, Ron has scratch built 99 percent of his layout, and he has a wealth of knowledge where creating water features is concerned. For example, to create a waterfall, he suggests that you take some aquarium builder floss and stretch it out, put a touch of floor wax at the top and bottom to secure it—let it dry and you have an instant waterfall (figure G). Note: Want to add some stunning mountains to complement your model railroad layout's new water features? Check this out>>.
RESOURCES :
Magazines and Books on Railroading
Kalmbach Publishing Co.
Website: www.modelrailroaderbooks.com
Trains and Accessories (All Scales)
Bachmann Industries, Inc.
Website: www.bachmanntrains.com
G Scale Trains
Aristo Craft Trains
Website: www.aristocraft.com
Model Railroader magazine
Website: www.kalmbach.com
Lionel Trains in O and G
Website: www.lionel.com
National Model Railroad Association
Website: www.mnra.org
Scenic Supplies and Modules for all Scales
Woodland Scenics
Website: www.woodlandscenics.com
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