How to Model Steam

Replicate steam for your model with dry ice.

Create the appearance of steam in models that contain no heating element. You may be able to use specialized pellets or liquid to create steam for railroad models provided your model has the heating coil or light bulb that heats the pellets or liquid. If you don't have a heating element, use dry ice to create the appearance of steam. Dry ice will not harm your model as long as the ice is contained and not allowed to liquify inside the model.

Things You'll Need

• Dry ice
• Knife
• Aluminum foil
• Tongs
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Cut a sliver of dry ice. You can get dry ice at many ice retailers, grocery stores and ice cream stores. Use a sharp knife and cut a sliver of dry ice.

2. Cut the dry ice into small pieces and place it inside aluminum foil shaped into a small bowl. Size the bowl to fit your model.

3. Set the aluminum foil inside the model. Push the dry ice into the center of the aluminum foil bowl. Use tongs to move the dry ice slivers. As the dry ice melts, it creates the appearance of steam.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gardening gloves when handling dry ice.

• Store dry ice in a cooler and keep it well out of the reach of children and pets.

• Dry ice is safe to use in any model. Note that it only gives the appearance of steam. It will not power steam engine model trains.

• Never touch dry ice with bare skin. Touching dry ice with bare skin will likely result in serious burns.