ACHB 1-13. Creating a River Valley with Water and Railroad Bridges

A review of how I planned and created this scene on my HO scale model railroad, consisting of a small pond/lake, a river that “disappears” into a valley between two hills, with three different railroad bridges crossing the river. One bridge is a Micro Engineering structure, the other two were built from a single Walthers kit.
Includes how a create the landscape, the rocks/cliffs, and the type of paint I use for the basic landscape scenery construction.
I also discuss how I prepare the riverbed for pouring the water (a two part resin), and the use of an inexpensive mirror to create the illusion of depth at the back wall. Woodland Scenics deep pour “murky” water used over a two part marine epoxy.
Also includes a brief discussion of the electrical needs - a full video of the creation of a control panel will be coming soon (including how I deal with a reverse loop).
I am planning, designing, and building a new double deck, HO scale, layout wrapped around the room, with a helix.
This channel follows documents construction of a new HO scale model railway in a newly expanded room. Freelance modelling the 1970's, inspired by the Algoma Central Railway. Through this series I am hoping to show you how to plan and build a model train layout (or at least, how I do it).

[@schadowolf]

Great progress/update! Like the mirror concept!

[@achb-railway]

I saw the idea on another layout somewhere. Was hoping it would work - ended up working better than I expected!

[@Hawaii_HO]

Good progress. The mirror effect works very well

[@achb-railway]

It does. It actually worked out better than I expected at first!

[@SantaFeBob]

Another great update video. Excellent idea on the mirror concept. Scenery looks awesome.

[@achb-railway]

Thank you very much! And thanks for watching!

[@geobrower3069]

Great update, I like the mirror idea!
Geoff

[@achb-railway]

The mirror actually worked better than I first expected. Saw the idea on another layout somewhere, decided to try it out. Glad I did! Thanks for watching!

[@larrybaughman618]

That is amazing thank you

[@achb-railway]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@monkeymike8797]

Looks really good bud. Keep posting updates.

[@achb-railway]

I'll keep posting as much as I can!. Thanks for watching.

[@flakstruk-8481]

Your progress is amazing

[@achb-railway]

Thank you - and thanks for watching!

[@johnbanicki7232]

Another awesome update. Thanks for sharing.

[@achb-railway]

Thanks for watching!

[@alexmorgan2296]

The mirror effect is very clever and effective. Good progress too. Thanks for the update. Shall be interested in the next video about building control panels.

[@achb-railway]

Thanks for watching! The mirror worked better than I expected actually.

[@Yaakhaaks]

Great way to include a reverse/return loop. Excellent scenery!😎🚂🇺🇸

[@achb-railway]

Thanks 👍

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

Rayner, I think what you have done and accomplished looks fantastic. I can't wait to see trains running on this part of the layout. It has given me a few ideas for when I get onto my proper layout. Cheers, Tim.

[@achb-railway]

It was good to see a locomotive go into the tunnel - and come out the other end for the first time! Will be good to see what you do with yours...

[@seanspennywisemiserrr]

You are doing a great job. I live the mirror trick. Take care. Sean.

[@achb-railway]

Thank you!