A question.
I'm at the point of surfacing the platform (and road) on the Art of Compromise layout. It's card construction and I have in the past used all sorts of things to surface, but never get the finish that I see on other's layouts. This is a bit of a blind spot for me and after 40 years of doing this it still eludes me; any ideas for a rough tarmac finish?
I presume you've tried wet'n'dry or emery paper?
ReplyDeleteI used that on Rhiw which looked OK as it was representing newly laid stuff. I'm not sure it would work fro something more careworn.
ReplyDeleteCF
Have you tried coating your platform surface with Kleer and then applying talc onto it through a fine tea strainer, leave for a few hours and then touch a loaded brush of Kleer against the talc and watch it being drawn in by capillary action. A few hours later you should have a firm surface which can be lightly sanded to create worn spots if you so wish. That's how I did the unpaved section of platform on Llangunllo along with the road surfaces and parts of the goods yard.
ReplyDeleteWet and Dry paper drifted over with light grey primer,which was what I used on Hawkhurst
ReplyDeleteRichard
I used sand on Awngate, sieved with a tea strainer over PVA. It's less perfect than emery paper and can cover uneven ground. The stuff from Lancing at low tide works well for gravel, but for tarmac try play pit sand as it's finer. We have loads!
ReplyDeleteI used sand on Awngate, sieved with a tea strainer over PVA. It's less perfect than emery paper and can cover uneven ground. The stuff from Lancing at low tide works well for gravel, but for tarmac try play pit sand as it's finer. We have loads!
ReplyDeleteI used sand on Awngate, sieved with a tea strainer over PVA. It's less perfect than emery paper and can cover uneven ground. The stuff from Lancing at low tide works well for gravel, but for tarmac try play pit sand as it's finer. We have loads!
ReplyDeleteWas going to suggest trying talc onto wet grey paint? My platforms, when they eventually arrive, are supposed to be brick surfaces, but they could get the odd patch.
ReplyDeleteMC: If only I could get to Lancing!
ReplyDeleteGeoff: I presume this is Johnsons Kleer? Never tried it. Is it the current available stuff or an old formula that you're using? And... do you paint first. Your blog tend to gloss(!) over that bit quite quickly.
Richard: I dispensed with the paint on Rhiw and just rubbed the W&D with my fingers leaving a coat of skin as the colouring.
CF
Yep, its the Johnsons Kleer and whilst the new formula isn't as good as the old it still does the job. Painting with artist acrylic is carried out once everything has set.
DeleteGetting from Worthing to work at Shoreham Airport is rather difficult too right now. But other beaches are available...
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