My "Oatmeal" Recipes

I’ve mentioned many times how I build scenery by using ”oatmeal” that I make.  Several people have asked me what that is.  I thought I might as well publish it.  There are several variations.

1. Paper-based blow-in insulation, water, Plaster of Paris, white glue.  The mix should be wet, but not dripping wet.
2. Sawdust, water, Plaster of Paris, white glue.  This recipe will yield a sharper or more rugged terrain.
3. A combination of 1 and 2 above.
4. Same as 1, 2 or 3 above, but with ready-mix joint compound added to make it creamier.

I think you will be surprised at how much water it needs to make a good mix!  This recipe needs about a month to cure fully.  But I paint it and apply ground covers after a day.

I apply one of the above mixes over a hard-shell base.  It can be used to create texture by leaving it very rough, or it can be used to make very rough places smoother.  I think of it as a “poor-man’s Scultamold”.

When I want rock faces, I either stick plaster casts on the terrain with big globs of “oatmeal” or just make rough rock-like shapes out of the “oatmeal” itself as I am working to cover an area.

02/15/2011:  Sorry folks; not too much going on right now that shows.  I just got done either throwing away or selling some residual items left over from building this RR.  I don't believe in keeping anything around that I'm not actually using or have no plans to use.  Look at everyone else's train layout.  Tons of boxes and crap under the table and stuffed everywhere.  Not this guy.  The only thing on my York list this April is a linker Hudson in excellent or better shape.  I should visit some toy stores and doll-house miniature places to get some whimsical stuff for the RR.