Modelling Smoke?

[shandy]

Hi!

I've read somewhere that model railroaders have a special technique for modelling smoke coming out of the smoestacks of steam engines, but I can't find the reference. Anyway, I'm thinking about embellishing my new 1/600 ACW boats and add smoke - do you have any hints on how to do this?

Of course I could always glue on some cotton, but I don't want to commit to an easy option if there is a more complicated one  

Cheers,
Shandy

[OSHIROmodels]

Capoc might be an option, it's got a slightly wispier texture to cotton.

cheers

James

[Elk101]

I've used grey hamster bedding before as it has a nice texture and can be twisted and shaped.

[snitcythedog]

I do not know if this will help.  I wrote a tutorial on how to make pretty effective smoke and fire using yarn.  Here is the link.  http://snitchythedog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/smoke-no-not-that-kind.html  Basically I reverse engineered what the flames of war folks sell. Hope that helps.
Snitchy sends.

[Dr. Zombie]

Teddybear stuffing works really well.

You can see it in action here. this is just plain stuffing straight out of a teddy bear. But you can paint it to.

I have used it here to create burning markers out of flickering LED teacandles with this stuff glued on.
Video


Pic.

[shandy]

Thanks guys!

Snitchy, the wool smoke looks surprisingly good - this might be the solution, as it really looks the thing for steamboat smoke. The teddy bear stuffing doesn't look too bad either, maybe I'll try to mix both.

[snitcythedog]

Thanks guys!
Snitchy, the wool smoke looks surprisingly good - this might be the solution, as it really looks the thing for steamboat smoke. The teddy bear stuffing doesn't look too bad either, maybe I'll try to mix both.

Glad to have helped.  The trick is to use the type of dog brush that is shown.  It really separates the fibers and will do the mixing for you.  If you are "borrowing" the brush from a responsible dog owner be sure to clean out the fibers before you put it back.  My wife was none too pleased the next time she pulled this particular brush out.   
Snitchy sends.