How can you model water?

[justnotsure]

Quick question to you model making chaps, is it possible to have a boat actually sat in something that looks like water (don't say use water)but is actually solid.

I was thinking a clear resin poored in to a purpose built tray with the model sat in it and let the resin set, but I was worried the resin may melt the plastic model whilst it cures??

Any ideas or is it not possible?

Cheers

[Eric Mc]

Water looks very different depending on circumstances. Therefore what it looks like in a model diorama very much depends on what conditions are being replicated. A destroyer ploughing through a rough sea looks very different to a Cessna floatplane moored at lakeside jetty.

I saw examples of both these types of dioramas at Scale Modelworld last November and by far the favourite medium is resin. I have never used it but I would suggest getting onto some of the scale model message boards (sych as Modelingmadness.com) to see what people have to say about such modelling techniques.

[justnotsure]

Thanks Mr Mc, I was aiming for the (I presume) easier stationary and flat calm conditions so as not to get into the difficulties of a wake or waves etc.

Will search on other forums as suggested.

[Davi]

Crystal clear epoxy resin is what you need - and it's very easy, is very very unlikely to attack the model (though test on inconspicuous area if you are unsure).

I say crystal clear as there are hundreds of different brands available. Normal lay up and casting resin has a tint to it (often purple) so don't use basic stuff. You can get resin specifically to use for water scenes, or more commonly for setting artificial flower arrangements in (e.g. aquallusion )

Piece of pee to work with itself, it's the mould that is tricky and gives the all important result. Depends what you want to spend as to the best way forward.

[justnotsure]

Cheers Davi, that looks like the exact stuff I am looking for.

Thanks again.

JNS

[Dave Dax builder]

I've seen certain types of frosted/bathroom window glass used with very good effect.
Loads of style so lots of shopping around i'm afraid.
Good luck.
Depending on scale, something like this:-
www.advancedglassnj.com/images/framed/framed_004.jpg

Or this:-
www.marepleks.ee/random/klaasi_taga.jpg

Edited by Dave Dax builder on Thursday 10th May 18:14

Edited by Dave Dax builder on Thursday 10th May 18:17

[TheOriginalGT40]

Another little trick that really looks good if done correctly. Once you have moulded the water, and if it has been created to look a little choppy, use small amounts of white plasticine to mould small crests on the tops of the waves. I did this once with a ship in a bottle model. Placed blue plasticine in first, moulded some waves and then applied small amounts of white - looks really good if done right. Of course for you, the blue plasticine is your moulded resin, but have a go. If it doesn't look right you can simply remove without damaging the resin base you have created.

[JOSE RAMIREZ E.]

HI, I'M NOT A VERY EXPERIENCED MODELER, BUT THE WHITE GLUE ( USED FOR PAPER OR WOOD ) IS VERY ECONOMICAL AND DRIES TO A NEARLY TRANSPARENT FINISH.
I CAN ASSURE YOU IT WON'T HARM THE PLASTIC BECAUSE IT IS WATER BASED.