Concrete Box - Take 2

This is take 2 on creating something that looks like concrete in O scale. Concrete can range from brand new, bright white, smooth to old and old concrete that is rotting as you watch. This is more like the latter.

The Problem - and the Solution

I had a small water feature on the edge of my On30 modules. The problem is that it crossed from one module to another leaving a highly visible joint. Oops. I realized that what I needed to do was create something, a wall for example, that would be the end of the left-hand module. That way the right-hand module could have the water feature stop dead at the joint between the modules. Cool.

A little Excavation

With a knife and other instruments of destruction and I have carved out a place for the wall, or something.

That’s NOT a Wall

No it isn’t. I had cut out the right-most piece from some Sintra (rigid PVC foam board) for the wall with the intention of using some Rusty Stumps concrete block sheet. I put it in place for mocking up and realized I needed to extend it horizontally along the edge of the fascia just a bit. I did that and, well - then .. needed to turn it back. It was at that point I realised I was making a box and not a wall.

So. That’s not a wall, that’s a Concrete Block Thing (CBT). At this point, I’m not quite sure what it is - but I can use one of Vector Cut’s O scale Manhole Covers. (and now, I don't have to make a new fascia!)

Some Texture

Too much texture actually. I got in a hurry and mixed up some Modge Podge and some sanded grout, which I proceeded to dab all over the block. This turned out to be premature but stuff happens. I should have waited until after the next step to proceed with the texture.

Body Putty, H​oles and Missing Chunks

I have puttied up the joints using body putty, sprayed the box with primer and sanded. I also carved chunks out of the end of the block and cut a hole in top for the manhole cover.

Paint and Texture in One Step!

I used my favorite paint for creating a fine cement like texture, Rust-Oleum Sandstone Fine Texture spray paint.

That heavy texture from the Modge Podge and grout was just too heavy. So I now sanded all of the sides just enough to reduce the heavy texture. Some areas I left the heavier texture to represent the spalled areas.

A​/I Wash

Now I brushed some Alcohol and India Ink washed over the surface which brings out the details. I added extra to the spalled area to really highlight the weathered and cracking cement.

Finishing up

I added the manhole cover, a coffee-stirrer vent pipe (I have no idea what it’s venting, gasses of some sort?) and a corrugated drain pipe that exits above where the water will be on the adjoining module. I’m not satisfied with the corrugated pipe after looking at the one Colby Smith did in “A Simple Corrugated Metal Drain”. I will go back and follow his directions for his excellent example! I’ll probably do that before installing the “box” on my module.