Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: John Honeck Sr on December 02, 2009, 04:53:26 PM

Title: Snow
Post by: John Honeck Sr on December 02, 2009, 04:53:26 PM
I'm building a small HO layout for under the Christmas tree. I will have a small mountain, and I want to make it a winter scene. What is the easy way to make snow or what company has snow, or can I make my own snow.
Thanks for the help, John
Title: Re: Snow
Post by: ABC on December 02, 2009, 05:01:04 PM
I think woodland scenics makes snow...yep here's 3 links
http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/items.cfm/SoftFlakeSnow
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/woo/woosn140.htm
http://toys.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=snow+shaker&_sacat=479&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_sop=12&_dmpt=Model_RR_Trains&_dmd=1&_odkw=snow+shaker&_osacat=19128
Title: Re: Snow
Post by: full maxx on December 02, 2009, 05:12:23 PM
the guy at the hobby shop said he makes his own snow with sifted baking power or flour and just vacuums it up when he's done with it
Title: Re: Snow
Post by: ABC on December 02, 2009, 05:18:23 PM
Quote from: full maxx on December 02, 2009, 05:12:23 PM
the guy at the hobby shop said he makes his own snow with sifted baking power or flour and just vacuums it up when he's done with it
Small particles and fibers can be detrimental to HO engines.
Title: Re: Snow
Post by: Jim Banner on December 02, 2009, 05:41:31 PM
I suspect flour might attract vermin.  Baking soda has been used for years.  One of its advantages is that the particles are angular and tend to stick together.  Just be sure to keep it dry, which might be a problem if you are setting up under a real tree.  Wet baking soda can be corrosive, particularly around aluminum and aluminum alloys.

Backing soda can indeed cause operational problems but not not by abrasion (it is only 2.4 on the mohs scale - your finger nail is 2.5.)  The problem is that it can draw the oil out of bushings which are then too dry to work properly.  If you find you are having to set the speed controller higher than normal, relubricate the locomotive.

Jim
Title: Re: Snow
Post by: jerryl on December 02, 2009, 06:23:14 PM
Go with the Woodlands scenic.....Works well & won't bother anything.  Jerry
Title: Re: Snow
Post by: hunter2115 on December 02, 2009, 07:28:17 PM
I just finished a simple Christmas tree layout using foam insulation board and after experimenting with several "snow" materials, I simply carved the foam into shape and painted "snow" with flat white ceiling paint. I added a tunnel and a few Hawthorne Village Christmas lighted buildings bought on Ebay and it looks great!