Making an easy river

[Digits]

Something I’ve needed for a while, across a range of projects.   Most commercial river systems are either too narrow, looking more like a simple brook than a river, or are overly winding, something that on the scale I play, looks absurd.   Anyway, there are some beautiful examples out there of incredible rivers, but this is an attempt to simplify the build.

I’m going to concentrate on the first four foot of it (and a bend) but I intend to have at least seven feet eventually.   I am using up a bridge I’ve sat on for a while, built into one section, but I will need a replacement piece ( or alternate crossing ) so I can vary its use.

I am deliberately making it to match the hidden ditch I made for the Northern shenanigans thread.







Anyway, on with the build.

I am using 1.5mm plasticard as a base in order to keep the river flush with the table top.  I bought a pack of ten A4 sheets.   This will allow me to make 12” sections.   

I decided the simplest way to do this, was to cut sections always ensuring ends will match up with different sections, but trying to add a little shape variety without being daft.   Having a couple of inches spare to use on width means I can offset each end if necessary.

I bevelled the edges of the plates, then added a thin green stuff sausage along each bank.



Then I’ve sanded the banks.   I didn’t fancy messing with filler over the length of this.    The bridge section was glued to the plate and I used a few offcuts of plasticard to pop under the ends of the road.



Spray black then start painting.




Deciding against a complex way of painting the river itself, I’ve opted for a dull yellow green so added a couple of coats of that.



I want some reeds mixed in with the flora, so this is added to the top of the water with dabs of superglue.



Then the first layer of yacht varnish is added.






Next up, another layer of varnish…then adding flora to the banks…and maybe a few ducks…..
 

[gamer Mac]

Nice job on those

[Digits]

Cheers….a bit to go though yet…..

[snitcythedog]

Those are coming along nicely.  Cant wait to see the finished product.

[FifteensAway]

Nice.  So far.  Hope you vary the water color just a bit, maybe some brownish 'streaks' here and there.  The reeds are a nice touch.  If you still have left over egrets or can find some herons, those will go nice with the ducks.  Maybe a few carp here and there just under the surface (a very thin bit of card or plastic painted appropriately).  And in that last layer of varnish, a bit of glitter for added 'sparkle' - a little trick I use.  Look forward to seeing whatever you do.

[tomrommel1]

Very nice start on a very useful project. I would also ad some brownish streaks to the water

[carlos marighela]

Very nice start on a very useful project. I would also ad some brownish streaks to the water

Sensible suggestion. The added versatility would allow you to model contemporary British waterways. 

[.:Gunslinger:.]

I really like the look of these river section! I agree with your analysis of most commercial and DIY rivers: too narrow to many bends and/or very steep edges.

As others said, the reeds are a really nice touch!

[BZ]

Looking very nice! Is there a particular reason using yacht varnish?

[carlos marighela]

Looking very nice! Is there a particular reason using yacht varnish?

It produces a very high gloss. Used it myself for a whole board. Whilst it's  somewhat more expensive than standard gloss varnish (at least locally) It's a damn sight cheaper than using tinted resins and the like and the most practical water-like solution for flat pieces like these. Which, btw, are very nice.

[BZ]

Thanks for your answer!

[Digits]

Cheers all.  Unfortunately adding streaks is a no no as this gloss won’t take it…..I’m not that bothered to be honest….looks like a slow running river to me and the gloss will pick up shadows and reflections anyway.  I may modgepodge a few ripples following ducks yet…

Anyway, added flora and I’m happy enough with them…

[carlos marighela]

Superb!!

[Cubs]

Great effect and so simple. The water colour is spot on as well. I used yacht varnish for a river I did once but tried to hurry it and poured it on instead of using water effect liquid, after plugging up both ends. I didn't plug very well and it leaked everywhere whilst only drying on the surface - very messy lesson!

[Digits]

Cheers.  Yup I’m not brave enough to pour it on here….simple painted coats and no spillage off the ends.

Need to order more reeds if I can remember what I used!   Then another three pieces to make.