How to Create a mountain with a tunnel for a model railroad layout

The completed mountain and tunnel.

Here's a fun project that won't leave you feeling flat! You have the model train table built and a plan for what you want to see on your layout but you need to add some 3 dimensional details so it looks as realistic as possible. Here's how to add a life-like "mountain" with a tunnel for your model trains to pass through.

Things You'll Need

• 3/8" or 1/2" plywood
• 1" X 2" wood for bracing
• chicken wire
• plaster cloth & plaster
• construction adhesive
• paint
• scroll saw
• staple gun
• hammer
• scenery details-grass, trees, rocks, etc.
• nails or screws

Instructions

1. 

   Decide where you want the mountain and tunnel to be placed on your model railroad layout and make sure there is room for it. Construct a frame using plywood and 1" X 2" wood to form the foundation for the mountain. Add plywood at each end with a cutout for the entrance and exit of the tunnel.

2. 

   Use a pencil to draw the contour of your mountain on the plywood and cut the desired contour with a scroll saw. Paint the inside of the tunnel with flat black paint to make it more realistic when you look in the tunnel portal.

3. 

   Attach chicken wire to the frame using a staple gun and shape the wire to the contour you like best. For added realism, store bought tunnel portals can be attached to the tunnel entrance and exit at this time using construction adhesive.

4. 

   Cover the entire mountain with plaster cloth and allow it to harden for 24 hours.

5. 

   Add more plaster over the plaster cloth the next day. Use your hands to apply, shape, and smooth the plaster to give it any details you like. I added a road going up the side of the mountain on this one. Allow to dry and harden for 24 hours.

6. 

   Paint the mountain using dark gray paint and when that dries, apply highlights to the mountain with light gray paint using a dry brush technique.*

7. 

   Finally, add landscaping details to the mountain such as grass, bushes, trees, boulders*, houses, animals, and people.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry brushing is accomplished by using a small amount of paint on a dry brush and lightly going over the high places on the mountain.

• Use real rocks from your yard and garden and glue them to the mountain to serve as boulders.

• Only mix as much plaster as you can use in 15 or 20 minutes. If the plaster gets too thick to work, try adding a little more water to it.

• Wear safety goggles whenever working with power tools.

• Use caution when cutting and handling chicken wire because the sharp wire can scratch and pierce your skin.