Calgary Model Trainmen

Step One: Mixing Paints

We used tempura paints for our mountains. This type of paint is cheap and can be found at any paint supply shop. We used the following colors: blue, yellow, orange, brown, grey, black, and white. 

Using these paints we made the following mixes: Burnt sienna (1 part orange, 2 parts brown, 1/2 part yellow), grey, "bluey-green" (3 parts blue, 1 part yellow, 1/2 part white, 1/2 part black), burnt sienna mix (1 to 1 of burnt sienna to a grey-yellow mix), white, and brown. We then made an "everything mix" using little bit of each of the above mixes and then heavily watered down. We also used india ink mixed with alcohol.

When mixing the paints we used mostly water and very little paint. 

The Mountain Before Any Paint

Here is what the mountain looked like before any painting was done.

Step 2: Put on Initial Coats

Using the heavily diluted burnt sienna mix from step one, we painted the mountain in random horizontal patches. We put the paint on sparingly to avoid getting an unnatural wash that is not varied. 

Step 2 Repeated

We then repeated step two using the other colors ("bluey-green" mix, brown, light grey, black, and the "everything mix"). 

The "bluey-green" mix is very blue and dark in the container but looks natural once applied to the plaster. 

Step 2 Repeated

This process should be done slowly and you should be rotating through the various mixes you are using. 

Step 3: Blending

Using the technique outlined previously, we focused on the peak to make sure the colors would blend properly. In this picture you see one of our members using the "everything mix" to paint the entire peak in a wash. This is done four or five times. This step helps blend together all of the other colors and creates a varied natural look. Once this dried we then used india ink mixed with alcohol to highlight details in the plaster (this is step 4).

The Rest of the Mountain

Now that the peak was complete we then moved on to the rest of the mountain using the same techniques. We also added some straight white acrylic paint to the peak to simulate snow. 

At this point the mountain was about half way done. A key aspect of this technique is to use very thin mixes of paint. Although the process is much slower than painting the mountain with full strength paints, the final result is much more realistic and well worth it. 

The "Everything Mix"

This picture shows the mountain after one or two coats of the "everything mix" have been put on. This is a very important step as it pulls together all of the different colors you use.

We ultimately put on about four or five coats. The thin coats give you a lot of flexibility. 

Step 4: India Ink Wash

Once we were happy with the paint we then used india ink mixed with alcohol to highlight details. 

The Complete Mountain

Here is what the complete mountain looks like. Now details such as moss will be added. 

A Comparison

This side-by-side comparison shows how the washes really highlight all of the plaster work.