Water dilema.

[Anonymous]

I am attempting to do a Sherman off the beach of Saipan dio. I’ve built and weathered the 1/35 Sherman, and I’m actually quite satisfied with the results so far. Now, I want to try and submerge it atleast half way in the water. I bought some stuff called “Realistic Water” by Woodland Scenics at a model railroad shop. You can only pour this stuff 1/8" at a time. I got 5 pourings into it, when I realized that it was not coming out clear. It was almost solid white. So, now to my question… Does anybody have a suggestion for something I can use for atleast 1-1/2" of depth?

[Anonymous]

I’m by no means an expert, but I’ve heard of people using resin for water effects in dioramas, but it involves using heat and can be messy. You may want to look in that direction considering the scale you’re using this for. I’ve also seen articles when I’ve Googled topics such as “modelling water effects” or “diorama water effects” or something along those lines. Good luck.

[zokissima]

Scenic water is good or relistic water can sometimes look white, but should dry clear. However, you don’t want to use this stuff for any depth. I’d most definitely look into a two part resin that you can mix and use as water.

[Anonymous]

The woodland scenics most likely came out white because it did not have enough time to dry and cure between coats. (not that I’ve ever done anything like that…) It should eventually clear up as each layer drys. Yes, 12 layers is a pain but at least you won’t melt a model like with resin. (not that I’ve ever done that either…[8)])

[ps1scw]

The woodland scenics most likely came out white because it did not have enough time to dry and cure between coats. (not that I’ve ever done anything like that…) It should eventually clear up as each layer drys. Yes, 12 layers is a pain but at least you won’t melt a model like with resin. (not that I’ve ever done that either…[8)])

How thick can each pour be? .25, .50 inch?

[Anonymous]

With the Woodland Scenics you can build it up as deep as you want. I have pushed and poured it at 1/4 inch instead of the recommended 1/8. Just takes about 24 hours (with low humidity) to set good.

[Anonymous]

I tried several different depths with the Realistic Water, and everything turns white. Even just a drop on the work bench turns solid white. I believe it may have something to do with humidity, but it is hard to avoid humidity here in Florida. I don’t like messing with resign and fiberglass type stuff. I am actually testing out clear window/door caulk. so far it is staying clear. I just need to test how it might react to the model and paint. I’ll keep an update on here, if anyone cares…

[Anonymous]

Know what you mean about the humidity, I live in Pensacola.

[johncpo]

I agree about the clear caulk and I use it around my models as well and it does not seem to affect the paint or plastic. Acrylic gel also might work and it is available at HobbyLobby and other craft stores. The caulk is at just about any hardware store so it’s more readily available.

What’s humidity, I live in SW New Mexico, rain clouds always go the other way [:D]

johncpo

[Anonymous]

I’ve never had to use thick water, I’ve just used future pools to simulate small puddles and such…

I live in LA, so I got the sun and pollution, hooyah!

[Fish-Head_Aric]

Has anyone tried with ModgePodge? Am contemplating how to create clear water, too, and heard about use of that long ago.

[wing_nut]

Came across this link a while back…

http://www.unrealdetails.com/info.htm

[Anonymous]

I actually found this forum & thread whilst looking for tips on doing water effects. So as a sort of introduction, I’ll offer this link:

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/tnt1/001-100/TNT067_making-water_Geraths/tnt067.htm

I’m actually doing a diorama for a group type of project, and what I have in mind involves a minimal ammount of water. I’d like to try that product out, but dont know if I have a need for such a large jug of the stuff.

BTW, my name is Steve, married almost 7 years,have two sons, printer by profession,endeavoring to become an EMT and Volunteer fireman. I am hopelessly addicted to Cajun food, playing “Call of Duty” and the mass consumption of coffee, especially Community Coffee, have a great interest in almost everything WWII related (especially the Huertgen Forest and Stalingrad), astronomy, shortwave radio dx’ing, reading, fishing (mostly freshwater, but I love saltwater fishing and flyfishing too) and hunting, mostly deer and wild boar.

If I was ever to win the lottery, I’d have a house in the mountains of NC near Asheville, a hunting camp in Washington Parish Louisiana, and a Condo in Destin, Florida

[wing_nut]

Welocme to the forum Steve. Cajun food huh? I make a mean Shrimp Etouffe. Starts with a nice black roux… AKA, Cajun Napalm.

[Anonymous]

Pablo, I am beggining to think that you have just solved a long standing problem here, clear builders or plumers caulking would do it as you can manipulate it into any position you want and it does indeed dry clear!, thanks for the tip.

tommy atkins

[IanIsBored2000]

No suggestion for wate rother than resin, but heres a link to a page on Missing Lynx that has kind of the same idea as what you described, maybe this will help;

http://www.missing-lynx.com/gallery/usa/ddaysherman_cheehongahn.html

[results_may_vary]

A quote from rudedog in this forum on 11/15/07

HeavyArty has hit on my recently found product.The one that’s the cheapest & will meet your other criteria is found at The " Michaels " chain of arts & crafts in the Northeast.It’s called Everlasting elegance, Manufactured in KoKamo,IN 46901 by Syndicate Sales,inc.It comes in 12 ounce bottles,I don’t remember the price,just the anger In how much I was Paying for Woodland scenics scenic water.It was hugely cheaper. Semper fi, rudedog.I have yet to try the stuff Arty pointed out when I asked the same que, a couple months ago.But this I know from many uses.

you might try this stuff out. I also found this in the same string (about on page three as of today)

quote from veedubb67 11/16/07

I used to use Everlasting Elegance…you find it in the floral department of Michael’s. Much better than SW. Hardens to completely solid, doesn’t bubble, and is just generally easier to use. Only drawback is the $13 a pint. So, I recently went to my auto supply store…found a product call Everfix Epoxy (2 part) Resin (used for auto body work)…love it. It isn’t perfectly clear until after it’s mixed and poured. The price is much better…I’m saving $6 a quart. And instead of waiting 7 days for it to cure completely, it only takes 24 hours…and I pour it close to an inch deep in most of my ponds. It gels in just 30 minutes…which means that I can do a waterfall (some are almost 6" high) in less than an hour. It used to mean fussing and fussing over a single waterfall for 10 - 14 hours waiting for the resin to firm up enough to stick to well. The label even states that it is the only resin that can be poured over Styrofoam…haven’t tried that yet, I’m sure that eventually I will. LOL Also has about a 10 year shelf life. The only drawback I’ve found with this product over Everlasting Elegance is that is does bubble more…but the good far outweighs the bad. And while it smells, it isn’t any stronger than Everlasting Elegance, and less than other resins. I use ALOT of this stuff, so I feel like I have enough experience with it to know a really good product when I find one.

good luck!