Milw. Rd. - Mill Bluff State Park, Wis. 1950's

[thogan3]

Originally Posted by ak-milw

It's still bark Jim.
I didn't mean for you to bark Jim, I meant it is still bark,,,,,,,,,Jim

never mind!!!!!

It looks great......do you treat the bark with anything to preserve it?

[ak-milw]

Thogan,
I let it air dry out then slip itinto and old microwave I have for about 30 sec. to kill off any unwanted critters. I did seal it with a coat of dullcoat but it seems to soak right in.

[thogan3]

ah....great idea....I'm gonna have to try that...um, we only have 1 micro wave....I'll have to wait 'till the wifes' gone....she'll think I'm smoking more than decodes, down in the train room, if she catches me "cooking" tree bark!

[ak-milw]

Yep, it does give off a natural scent, if you know what I mean!!
I gathered the bark in slabs and after it dried I broke it into smaller pieces. I used a wood rasp on the back to knock off any loose parts.
The bark I used is from a Swamp Oak or Black oak, when it dries it is about as hard as the wood.

[ak-milw]

The Lp storage tank at home on the layout.

[Josh]

Wow, that's amazing! How much did it cost to build this section so far?

Joshua

[ak-milw]

Josh,
It would really be hard to say. The foam for the bluffs was free out of a dumpster, the bark for rocks were free, the LP tank was $8, the oil plant is pieces of an old Walthers kit left over fron a old layout. and the scratchbuilt shed is made from scraps of wood and corragated siding. I can't give you a definate answer. for me it is priceless!!

[Josh]

Okay, looks great, can't wait until the scenery and ballasting is done!

Joshua

[Sawdust]

Originally Posted by Josh

Okay, looks great, can't wait until the scenery and ballasting is done!

Joshua

Hey Josh If you have some construction mainly commercial at the foundation or roof stage they use the foam board in these area's along the foundation walls & roofing before the finished roof goes down. You can ask permission to have the scraps, I have never been turned down & a few times given whole sheets. If you are a minor you might want to take an adult with you so they aren't curious about your visit. They are a lot of ways to do this hobby without spending a lot of money. Improvise, be creative, & don't be afraid to mess up because then you can learn not only how to fix it but you'll learn what won't work.

[Josh]

Luckily, the town is currently expanding a few 35 acres of land for an addition of houses. I'll check in there with my dad if he lets me.

Joshua