So I’m building this 3D model of a river/dam combination. And I can’t figure out a graceful way to end the river at the edge of the model.
Just have a glossy “side wall” from the river bed to the surface of the stream? Should you be able to see upstream through that wall?
I can’t picture this not looking silly, kind of like that ad for some TV that has the family pulling part of an aquarium out to take home.
So I seek ideas from the masses.
Thanks in advance.
Why not put a “wall” there with a picture of a river going off into the distance, like this:
For sheer points, you put a clear plastic end on the upstream side, (and downstream), accurately showing the soil/rock layers from ground to whatever depth is shown in the scale on the “end view”.
What’s the target audience? This might be a clue to a technique to use.
You really don’t want to know what I originally read this thread title as.
Wish I could, but both ends will be seen from the side by the viewers.
It’s going in a visitor center to show how/why they put the dam there and how it works generating power.
One of the techniques I really like is to use colored and poured sugar for water. It’s got a little bit of clarity, but not too much, and settles into all of the gaps in sand or whatever else the model is made of. You have a fair bit of time to flatten and even texture it while it cools so you could add waves, ripples, eddies, etc.
However, I’m not sure how appropriate it is for a visitor center where it will need to last for a long time. Sugar would suck up humidity in the air and then become a dust magnet.
It’s possible the same effect could be achieved with some kind of plastic, but I’m not familiar with that.
Just “chop” it off as if a gigantic knife cut out your diorama. You can “see” into the water on each end.
Most model railroads I’ve looked at simply have a piece of wood trim on the edge that comes up flush with the “ground”, and the river just sort of dead-ends. It’s not as distracting as you would think.
Build your model as if you actually sliced the earth away, and follow butler1850’s suggestions. Like this. I would use a translucnt (maybe blue) plastic to represent the water’s surface and for the “wall” of water at the edge of the model.
Another option is to give your model a frame, such that the entire model is enclosed by something, like this.
Thanks for the input everyone. Anybody experiment with modeling paste or acrylic medium?
They sell stuff at Michael’s Craft store. I forget the name, but it is used to fill up flower vases and such. Also, google Woodland Scenics, they have a pourable water I believe. There is another product out there called Instant Water. Sorry, no linkies.
So what, you just add… uh…??
That pourable plant stuff sounds promising. On the upstream side it’s going to end up about 6 inches deep.
What will you be using for water? I’ve done some model railroading and there are a number of techniques and products you can use.
Woodland Scenics makes a couple and can be found in hobby stores like Hobby Lobby or specialty modeling shops. You start by putting up a temporary barrier or dam at the edge of your diorama, and then poor the “water” in. After it hardens, you can remove your barrier and you will have a nice clean edge. There are samples shown in the link above.
ETA: Here are 10 Ways to Model Water with the advantages and disadvantes of each listed.
Sorry, here is the link. My bad, it is called Magic Water, not instant water. Duh. I had to log off yesterday because of my boss. :rolleyes:
I think in this case, showing the earth strata below the surface, in relationship to the dam construction & configuration would be highly appropriate. Especially if there are details on how the dam was constructed in the first place. Plexiglass all around the edges, perhaps with a cutaway into the dam it self, showing it’s construction relative to the water levels would be very impressive.
Can I ask which dam this is, and where it is?
Another point: My experience using a few of these products is that you can only pour a thin layer at a time, such as maybe a 1/4". Then you add layers as it cures. If you try to pour it too thick, it won’t cure and will be forever sticky.
You and I had the same reaction, I think. 
