The Signature Scene | The River Final - River Road - Vlog #66 

Just found your channel today and I've been binge watching a bit. I have always admired Troelskirk's layout and the similar way he approaches water. But the more RU-vid that got into my head I was leaning towards resin for my harbour. You've just dragged me back from the precipice! Thank you. Cheers

Boomer, have commented before that I have been model railroading for 70 years and built 9 complete layouts. Following you for the past year or so has raised my abilities and ENJOYMENT of the hobby to a level I would not have imagined. Am mesmerized by each new segment and afterward want to rush into the train room and try something new. Another big Thank You for bringing new pleasure to an old timer. Don't stop and don't change. You are on exactly the right track!

I will never consider woodland scenics water after seeing this mastery

Boomer, you are so right about resin creep when doing a water scene. Another thing you have to do when pouring resin is, you have to make sure your surface is perfectly level. I have first hand experience with resin. I found myself going around areas with dull coat and a paint brush. never again. I don't dislike resin, it just has its place and a river scene like this isn't a good candidate for it. I really enjoy your videos, we have alot in common as far as the way we think, and even though I've been a hobbiest building models and dioramas for over fifty years I still enjoy and learn from others like yourself. Keep up the great work.

Boomer, I've been model railroading for about 67 years starting off with Hornby Double O in England, then switching to HO when we came to Canada. Since then, I've dabbled in N scale, back to HO and HOn3 and now On30. I still have the desire to have a little HO especially HOn3 so I can put to use a largish collection of Blackstone. I love narrow gauge particularly because I have a very narrow mind. I'm slowly, very slowly, building my On30 railroad, working on structures with LED lighting on one structure, then adding more hand laid track and creating scenery. This is what I really enjoy doing. Just recently I started to watch your excellent videos, and got the desire to head down to my train room and shut the door before my 15 pound imitation of a Tiger beats me to it. I have that same problem as some of you. The way you have done superb water effects gives me ideas but I don't have a water scene on my layout. Darn you, now I have to add some kind of river or lake scene. Seriously though, after watching this video, your instructional ability absolutely gives me the confidence now to be able to create a water scene without losing my mind. That happens quite often. Thank you so much for all your help, and I'm sure Opus will be happy to get yet another big order from me. I use a lot of Rembrandt pastels from them. Cheers David

Hello Boomers. It is absolutely fantastic what you have conjured up there. I doff my hat. Really good. Greetings Detlef

I'm catching some past episodes, this was alot like painting my dinningroom wall with faux. Very relaxing. Sort of like sitting on my back deck, watching the wind off the pond with the trees rustling, then the power poles, with the road action and water tower looming in the sky. Water can crash and water can flow.......be water my friend.

So glad you have shared so many techniques with the modeling community. I just started using this technique for a friends bay scene and all I can say is WOW! GAC is so easy to use and forgiving. Thank you!

Oolichan,I can see the Oolichan your craftsmanship is that good. Thanks for sharing and guiding us on how to be better.

As soon as I saw the first glimpse of your water I thought He sponge painted it. Sure nuff, that's what you did and it looks good. I like the way you blended the colors on the shoreline too. I do Faux marble table tops with acrylics and that's exactly how I get that marble effect, flood it with water. I top that off with sprayed on Conversion Varnish but I know that isn't going to work in you home. LOL Boomer, I'm impressed.

It's absolutely mind blowing how realistic it is! Initially, I keep thinking the water is going to spill over the edge and mess his floor up...lol. The scene is extremely peaceful and serene, and the river is a showstopper for that end of the diorama! Awesome. Cheers👍

I am really happy RU-vid recommended your channel.

MUSEUM QUALITY... Like the Provincial Museum in Victoria when I was a kid. Come to think of it... I recall an amazing logging museum up in Nanaimo. I know I can scale down about 80% of your methods to N scale. I am binging a little every evening after work. Great instruction. Thank You.

Now I want to go watch Strange Brew listening to that Canadian accent!

Just finished using the techniques in your video to create a "practice harbor". I cannot believe how easy it was, how quickly things came together, and how good it looks. Took about 30 minutes a day over 4 days to create a 1 ft by 3 ft area that looks great. No smell, no fuss, and thanks again!

It's the joy of creating them got most people hooked.

Came up a treat, nicely executed. 👍👍👍

This is streets ahead of Resin pour. A fantastic result and so realistic. (To my UK eyeballs anyway). well done kiddo. All the best from the Brits.

Progressiveness doesn't equal forgetting older methods, just because they are older doesn't mean they are necessarily bad all the time. And this video shows it so well! :D As long as water doesn't NEED TO be clear and you have to see to the ground (carribean water or a clear mountain spring, etc.), I think this method here is much better than pouring Resin, actually. Not only do you not have to risk mistakes by leaks, you can also spare yourself time and money. And it seems more fun to do as well (which might be different for others, I like all the painting and similar processes VERY much, so I prefer this method tbh). I learned so much from this and it really makes me excited to try this myself. Our rivers are also quite murky in my little german town, so I might just try to replicate some of those pretty river corners we have here and there. Luckily I still got some money to spare, so I'll probably throw these Golden materials into my shopping basket later today. Thank you VERY much for making these videos and going so indepth with everything, it's always fun to learn more things. :)

I am with you on not pour rivers and lakes. like you I have found more epoxy on the floor than in the frame. Never again after watching your river painting. Thank you for making it sound easy.

Love it, the weekend came early for once...so happy, if only work would finish early too 🥳👍👍👍🍻

That is looking great. You do know your stuff.

Thanks again for another learning opportunity, looking forward to using these techniques in my wargaming minis and scenes

The faux technique is very effective, looks stunning. The tonal variations from different angles you look at it gives depth and shine that's very realistic looking. Great points on resin pours, most layouts I look at, not all, but some, have that 'creep' you talk about, as it sits unnaturally up a river bank, up a tree trunk, or debris placed in it. I am sure the faux technique will be the way I try to create water effects in future. Resin still has its place, seen it used very effectively. All the best Boomer, take care. Brian @The Angels

Stunning. Thank you for this highly anticipated tutorial. You continue to selflessly share your gifts. I watched every commercial and hope others will consider the same. Beyond using only the best materials, you are clearly investing significant time in providing these tutorials and it is truly appreciated. Bravo.

You are a Master Craftsman, I was planning my Bayou / harbour scene with pouring resin etc, but after watching this method I certainly will rethink my processes. Thank you again for a very professional presentation. As always you take it to a new level. Gary.

Posted the video to the HO RR FB page that I go to a lot for all to see. ... I'll watch it in the morning with coffee, while awaiting the wintry precip expected here in South Carolina.

That looks like the sun sparkles off the ripples

Your instructions/advice is so valuable. I've enjoyed, and learned so much from you. Your work is beautiful. Thank you so very much.

I’ve really enjoyed following along on this series. I wish I had half your skill.

I just love how you try to portray yourself as not being a confident, fearless, mythical, master painter! Ha! We all see right through that!!

you have motivated me to try painting some water great job thanks!

I found your channel as mentioned by McKerrow Siding. I, too have a dislike for the resin meniscus effect, and now I can try a way that avoids the issue. Excellent water tutorial and plenty of other awesome techniques and products I’ve found here in just a few days! I don’t do railroad (yet), but dollhouses and random scale dioramas. Your experience and ability to share skills is much appreciated. Thank you!

I knew this was gonna be fantastic... and of course, it was!

You and Dusty work well together! My furballs are a little more destructive on the train table. I wish I could nominate you for something because you are not only a master artist, but a great teacher.

Absolutely stunning work. I have been taking notes and can't wait to give your methods a try. Thank you for providing your knowledge and experience to all of us.

I always learn things after I do them. I have some water on my layout a small bulkhead area where there is two barges and a tug an a small fishing vessel. The other area is a swamp where a stream empties into. So I did it with resin . You made me laugh when you said you get up in the morning and your water is on floor. Half of my swamp is a hard clear puddle on the floor, thank God it's a painted floor not rugs. The " harbor" had a small leak and I caught that in time. Your method is a lot cleaner. However , I will use your method to get ripples and bow waves so all is not lost. I'm always fascinated with watching true artists work so you have given me that. As I've said before , thank you so very much!

Nice video thanks for the tips. You do a great job showing and telling what you do. Thanks for sharing David @ low country railroad

Stunning, probably the best representation of inland (as opposed to out to sea) water I've ever seen.

Boomer, the water scene is just absolutely incredible! It looks so real that you could dip your hands in the water and need to dry them off. Thanks for always including instruction and products! And, Dusty is such a mellow girl, my cat would be adding the texture for me. Just a fantastic beautiful creation! CHEERS

love this one too..its great to go back and see your progress..

Amazing what can be done with a small number of supplies and some knowledge and skills. That is an amazing looking muddy river. Thanks for sharing a great technique. Cheers - Larry.

Fantastic modeling and very instructive.

New to your u-tube, thank you for making it sounds like anybody can paint a river. Thank you.👍

I have been waiting for this episode for awhile. I used the Woodland Scenics water myself and it was a real mess for me. Another lesson in the books. Thanks for sharing. Dave

So great to see a Master at work doing a masterpiece.

Another incredibly helpful offering. I've not seen these products before and will definitely be trying them out. I've only very recently discovered your channel and am so thankful to have the resource as I am just beginning my own ho layout. Light, windblown surface chop is one of the more difficult replications for me and I havnt had satisfactory results with epoxies so far. I must add that in this scene you have more closely replicated a true class A limestone rip rap for the embankment stabilization than any other example I have witnessed anywhere. Thank you again for sharing your many years of experience, it is greatly appreciated. Cheers.

Sir, it has to be said, the quality of your workmanship is simply stunning. It’s a pleasure to watch you work, and even better that you choose to share it. Your attention to detail is inspiring, and it's fantastic to see this project taking shape. Keep up the great work! 👍

Like any body of water it's colour is directly affected by sunlight shade etc etc and or what is the state of the current flowing through it. I guess one major consideration would be what type of lighting on your model you are going to have (if any) ? Sometimes I find if your really unsure about a project on your layout it is best to go and find something that you are sure about and start on that, no point forcing yourself. Usually like most situations in life you do gain confidence through experience and hopefully learn from your mistakes and a little bit of thought and planning goes a long way. Fantastic work as always. Thanks so much for sharing this build.

Fantastic Boomer, loved this one! Never thought about using the sponge for the final texture. I'll be adding that to the repertoire when it comes time to get after the three lakes I have yet to do. Take care. -grant

Looks insanely good. Honestly the best water modelling I've ever seen. Also very much appreciate how you always explain your methods. Ive missed a lot of your episodes so I owe myself a good binge watch. Thanks, Boomer!

Excellent tutorial. Your river scene is very inspiring as to what you can achieve. Thanks for posting.-Tom

That looks damn nice !!! Some of THE best water feature representation I've seen 👍👍👍

Thanks for the amazing detail content I'm a decorator by trade so detail is number 1 on my layout trains just happen to be there . Your channel is provides great education for me thanks

Hey Boomer! Just found your channel....awesome!! Thanks for doing it. I have learned so much already. I am an old film guy (Set Dec) like you, and I love how you communicate what you are doing. I can hear you talking to some junior art director patiently explaining to them to not worry and please stay out of the paint department. We will call if we have any questions...!!! Haha! Love it.

Looks great.great work boomer..can't wait to do mine, joe

This is just what I was hoping for. Fairly low tech, no funky fumes, made with available materials and tools., and it looks great. Thanks and Cheers!

Boomer, When I saw your river scene for the first time in another one of your videos, I fell in love with your water ripples! I thought you had used a sheet of frosted/stippled glass that's commonly used in interior designs. After watching this installment, I'm now excited to try the faux painting method. I've always wanted to find a resource that has built dioramas for museums and such because I find them to be so realistic a representation. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, techniques, tools, and materials.

Boomer, In my Sign bus. I use MDO duraply. No fibers to deal with. Just one coat of variation does it. It has a smooth paper surface, and availability in all thicknesses. Great stuff. No more sanding between coats. P.j. signs, Santa Barbara.

Amazing work!!! Cheers Gottfried

Excellent tutorial. The water looks terrific.

This is just as I imagined my river scene would look like but had no hope of achieving anything close to these remarkable effects. I cannot adequately convey just how helpful this, and all your other videos have been in informing me of the possibilities in diorama / layout building and finishing. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and skills with us.

Wow!!! I have two water scenes on my layout and u just eased all my worries..Great Job!!!! Contrary to who ever!!! Great Job..

Boomer, very cool how you show your process of making the faux painted river. Already got a lot of your vids on my favorites list, this one may very well be my absolute favorite. And umm, totally convinced that resin isn’t my method for doing a water surface. Golden products are absolutely amazing.

Great, great, great video. So inspiring. Makes me want to start painting again. Can't wait for the next episode.

Boomer you are an inspiration to me and many others who enjoy the hobby.I learn something new each time I watch your program. Thank You so much

This one was worth the wait !! I have never seen results or techniques like you have presented here. Well done sir and thanks for sharing your knowledge and your progress with those of us in this hobby. Again , BRAVO !!!

An artist, philosopher, coach model railroader! Thank you!

This is about the best river bank/area and shoreline detailing I have ever seen. This makes me need to make a small river shoreline diarama with some trees and a fly fisherman. Thank you so much for sharing all of your wonderful works.

Stunning results and an excellent tutorial. Out of all your tutorials, I enjoy the painting sessions the most - not to undermine the importance of the others. You might be interested to know the ads are also becoming more relevant. Initially they were obviously being selected by the algorithm based on words in the titles. Now I’m seeing ads for big name hobby stores in the states, which I suspect relates to the growing footprint of the channel.

Finally got around to watching this because I’m going to do a little swamp or marsh south of Oak Hill and don’t want to use resin again. Thanks for the detailed explanation. Stay safe!

again, just beautiful work of art

Again a piece of art!

Once again, you nailed it! I can not think on anything that would improve that scene or water. Keep on Model'n.... and videoing!

Amazing mate. So inspirational thank you.

I like the way it changes colour depending on the angle of the light and tree shadows.

Really beautiful work on the water. Looks great.

Thanks for introducing me to another way to do water scenes Boomer! The results on your layout look brilliant. Looking forward to seeing the painted barge slip and warehouses in due course to complete the scene.

Really nice! I'm a painter and I do a lot of trompe l'oeil work, so I enjoyed seeing this approach

Wow just wow 🤩

Boomer, while this is probably one of the best segments, my favourite one is the old growth cedar along the shore line with the roots in the water. Thank you for sharing this series and all your videos!

Blown away. Well worth the wait! You sir are a true artist. My pouring days are over. Looking forward to the continuing progress.

Looks very realistic! Finally a way to make without the giant mess we usually get! Thanks for making these videos! Cheers from Sweden!

Absolutely amazing. So so much inspiration for us all. Thank you

WOW! Incredible work.

Yip it's all been said but I have to add to the list of praise, you are most definitely an inspiring artist of the highest caliber. Your ability to create a living scene out of essentially nothing is beyond comparison and you do it with modesty and humility, thank you so much for sharing you overwhelming talent with our community. Kindest regards tones1957 (New Zealand)

Using resins especially on a 45 degree angle with mountains and streams running down a 20 degree angle it is very difficult. I used a two part epoxie glue to achieve the look. And that was difficult. Using the same method would probably have been much better with an outstanding look!

not sure if you ever mentioned the artist Troels Kirk, but he was a big fan of the acrylics like yourself , hes got few good videos a good 8 12 years ago..I dont believe he is still on our side of the soil but he did great work on his On30 base in Maine ...the 2 of you got my courage up to give acrylic water a try..

That's stunning work.

EXcellent! You captured the essence of the river... I wish I'd tried your process on my river. ( I experienced a nice glossy patch on my floor the next morning too...) I guess that is how ya learn, eh? I really like how yours turned out, so realistic. Great workmanship Boomer.

Very well done. I can see where having a number of photos in different scenarios can help. It's a great tried & true method that avoids the foibles of the supposedly better modern methods. I don't have any large water features planned, but I'll have small rivulets & creeks around to test this out on.

Great work👍🏻

Exactly what I need, thanks for sharing your great technique.

That was well worth the wait. The variation of colour near the shoreline would surely not be achievable with resin. I've learnt so much about paints and mediums thanks to you over the last year. And as for depth of view - you're 100% right. Most river and lake water is pretty murky and turbid. Thanks Boomer. It's beautiful work and I value the lessons in paint and mediums.

This was mesmerizing, I watched ever minute of it, thanks for the tips!

A work of Art sir. I have pretty much watched all your episodes, this signature scene brings it all together, the background trees are superb, congratulations on an amazing river makes me want to find my fishing rod and drop a line into it! I have purchased several different water effects products but never had the nerve to pour, well it looks like they will be side lined/dumped for you amazing technique. Love your work.

Absolutely beautiful work. Looks like it should be in a museum. Thank You so much for sharing your methods. You make it look so easy.

Wow that is amazing! I am going to use this method for my N scale layout.

As wonderful as I expected it to be. Thanks so much for sharing this method, as with so many other things you have shared in such a short time, I can't wait to give it a try myself.

Would like right at home standing in as the Missouri or the Platte in the heat of the summer. Looking forward to seeing the barge slip on there.