Can anyone tell the best way to make snow? Thanks

Hi, If you have access to Armor Models Magazine #16 there is a feature called Modeling Lessons and it covers "A Snow Covered Terrain. " I have yet to do a snow scene Dio and will most likely try this approach if I can locate Prochima Microballons. I have heard they are great for portraying powdered snow. Hope that this info was helpful to you, KEEP ON MODELING !!!

I have had good luck using baking soda. I coat my groung work with dilluted white glue and then sift on the baking soda. Afterwards, sometimes I paint the "snow" but not always. Alot of other modelers have complained that they have had there baking soda "snow" turn yellow. It hasn't happened to me yet and one of my dio's is like 12 years old! I may have sprayed the snow with Dullcote to prevent the yellowing others have experienced but I can't be certain. Anyway, hope this helped you out more than it confused you.

I have used some of the Micro Balloons, they used to available from Verlinden but for the Dio below, Woodland Scenic's Snow, lightly shaken over a base sprayed with a coat of diluted White glue. Then a final LIGHT coat of Model Master Acrylic White to seal it. Hudson and Allen's slush and a small amount melted candle wax makes great ice...

Keith.

Dont forget to check with Model Railroaders (myself being one), as thier magizines and forums have a wealth of infomation. For instance,

Kalmbach publishing "The New Scenery Tips & Techniques" book has a 2 part article on making a very cold winter scene using paint, silicone caulk, gel medium, gloss medium, and comerical products by "vintage reproductions". The article covers everything from the backdrop to ice cicles, slush, winter water, winter vegitation, sleet, melting snow, and snow on vehicles (in this case, trains). The effects are amazing. If you have access to old back issues of Model Railroader magizine, the series was origionaly published in the Jan and Feb 1996 issues.

i would avoid the baking soda...it has some unpridictable effects over time. Mine has not only yellowed, but also flaked off (when used for texture, which was then painted over, so painting it does not negate the effects).

There is also some ground up snow stuff by Woodland Senics. Maybe using that in a slush of gloss medium and some marble dust would do the trick.

i havent done a snow scene in a while, so im sorry I cant be of more help
Andy

Hi Keith
You know maybe where i can find to order the Micro Balloons from the internet?Because here i cannot find.
In which shop they sell this material?

Baking soda works very well. Instead of white glue, however, I use dullcote as the adhesive: just as sticky but less messy and a lot faster to apply (airbrush or spray can.) If you want a "frosted" look, after you've sprinkled the snow (now THAT's the secret: use a fine sifter and build it up gradually: it will go on like real snow), just airbrush a couple of coats of future + tamiya flat base (you can thin it with rubbing alcohol. Change the future/flat base ratio for a shinier or duller finish.) This final layer doubles as a protective coat and it also prevents the baking soda from turning yellow. I have snow dioramas I built years ago and they're still white as...snow.

Here is a fine article about snow and snow application from ML.

HTH.

-YL

Question: is baking soda the same as the salt-like stuff used for cleaning? That's how I know 'soda' from Dutch shops.

Martin

Na, baking soda is fluffy-like, you should be able to get it in your local supermarket or if there is a baker near your home

Hello All

Some excellent tips from all of you and the baking soda is a good idea.

It is vital to seal it because baking soda is actually sodium bicarbonate, which has high absorption properties i.e it absorbs water. Over the years it will absorb moisture and any chemicals / odours from the surrounding air....hence the yellowing!

Just thought you might like to know that!

Cheers
Garth