Modular rock face backdrop part 1

It's winter here in Montreal and so if I'm to have 1/6 scale adventures set outdoors in New Mexico, I basically have to bring the outdoors inside.  To this end, I'm attempting to create a 4' x 2' b diorama with an 18" high background.  So....I've been working at creating a modular rock face background using plaster and paint over a frame of 1" thick pink insulation foam structure.  I probably gave it more depth than it requires but that gives it stability. If you have any questions about how I've built this, feel free to ask.  

BTW, this section is not yet complete. I have yet to add the water effects for the waterfall and pool at it's base. I hope to get that done over the weekend,

Building a Modular Backdrop part 1 by Gary  Menten, on Flickr

2 by Gary  Menten, on Flickr

3 by Gary  Menten, on Flickr

The shading in the waterfall crevice is quite convincing. It looks like damp rocks.

That has me wondering if you could perhaps press in a layer of plastic wrap before molding the water with epoxy or resin, to cast a water stream that could be removed and replaced at will to suggest different seasons or different locations.

Your rending of natural stone is impressively believable.

The modular approach appears to be working out well so far.

Thanks Dave. It's take a lot more plaster than I thought it would, mind-you

What will you use to represent water?

Woodland Scenics Realistic Water and Water Effects.

Yes I've seen that product. It's relatively new. Back in the days we had to make do with a two part epoxy pour, or painted plaster then lacquered.

Kimono Troop Command! This is so awesome!! I love it! I can't wait until the water is here!

Thanks Sarah. BTW, most people just call me either "kTC" or "Gary."

That looks excellent Gary . I am interested to see what the added water will do , are you going to add some small plants or moss ?

I intend to add some greenery, however all non-essential businesses are on lock-down here until Monday, so realistically, it won't be until next weekend that I can get into one of the few remaining hobby stores in Montreal.

Think the plant will add some realism , where there's water there normally other living things . I look forward to see how this progresses .

Water is the essence of life.

Looking great Gary. I've been looking at that Woodland Scenics Water Effects. Seems very impressive stuff. Looking forward to seeing how it looks on your dio.

yeah, they are pretty impressive, though I suspect a bit of a learning curve.

Kimono Troop Command wrote:

Water is the essence of life.

....and all this time I thought it was Scotch! Or maybe Tequila? 

No, those are the essence of pleasure. You can have life without alcohol, only it won't be as interesting.


"Alcohol is a very necessary article... It makes life bearable to millions of people who could not endure their existence if they were quite sober. It enables Parliament to do things at eleven at night that no sane person would do at eleven in the morning."

G.B. Shaw

Or as Dorothy Parker said" I'd rather have a bottle in front of me, than a frontal lobotomy...."