create a clean, finished edge at
the front and back.
D.
Continue, adding the
rest of the full sheets in the
same manner, working from
left to right on the diorama.
Press each edge down firmly
on the hardboard. Leave a
shallow ditch along the entire
back edge of the sub-roadbed
piece (Fig. 12). Extend the last
full sheet over the right ridge
of the diorama (approximately
one inch) and fold back on
itself.
E.
Dip one of the sheets of
Plaster Cloth in water. Place it on the left side area, which only has a single coating area
on the right side of the diorama. Fold the edges back into themselves and press evenly and
firmly onto the hardboard edge.
F.
While the Plaster Cloth is still damp, check all the edges where the Plaster Cloth
meets the hardboard. Press the Plaster Cloth firmly and smoothly onto the top edge of the
outside frame of the diorama.
G.
Save any extra Plaster Cloth for later use around the Culvert or rock castings.
H.
Allow the Plaster Cloth to dry completely.
3. CULVERT ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION
A.
Remove any rough edges from the high density Hydrocal Culvert pieces with a
hobby knife, sandpaper, file, or emery board. Figure 13 shows how the Culvert pieces fit
together. Trial fit them as you smooth the pieces.
B.
Stain the Culvert pieces before assembly. Using a small paper cup or container, mix
1/8 teaspoon Black pigment and four teaspoons of water to create a wash. Mix thoroughly
with a craftstick. Spread the Culvert pieces on paper towels so all sides can be painted.
Dab several applications of Black wash on the Culvert pieces with the foam pad applicator
until an even color is achieved. Allow the pieces to dry. Save the rest of the Black wash
for later use. Wash the foam pad applicator.
C.
Glue Culvert together using Scenic Glue. Assemble as shown in Fig. 13. Hold
firmly in place until setting begins. Be careful to keep Scenic Glue off the finished
surfaces. Although it will dry clear, Scenic Glue will leave a shiny surface, which is not
desirable. If Scenic Glue does get on the finished surfaces, use a hobby knife to gently
scrape it off before it dries. Allow the
Culvert to dry completely.
D.
Hold the completed Culvert up to
the diorama area where it will be installed.
With a pencil, draw around the outside of
the Culvert (Fig. 14). Use a hobby knife to
slice out a small section of the Plaster Cloth
to accommodate placement of the Culvert
(Fig. 15). Remove enough newspaper wads
to allow the Culvert to fit snugly into the
7
Fig. 12
SHALLOW DITCH
Fig. 13
