IMPROVING DRYSTONE WALLS
How can I improve the look of pre-cast sections of drystone walling, especially when fitted to undulating surfaces? Max Wardle, by e‑mail
George says: Hornby has produced a range of resin stone wall packs, helpfully packaged in short, interlocking sections that allow them to be laid onto rolling scenery. Alas, whether fitted to flat or contoured landscapes, gaps are inevitable between the sections, which ruin the overall appearance. Filling these gaps is a simple matter of applying plaster‑based decorator’s filler, either the pre‑mixed variety or the powdered form that must be combined with a little water. Don’t worry about clogging the recessed courses between the individual stones – a stiff‑bristled brush will clean away excess filler before it dries. If the relief has been obscured, or to add stone profiles to areas of filler, a sharp point (such as a nail) can be employed as a scribing tool. Again, the stiff brush will clear away any debris from the embossed surface, leaving the walls ready to paint. A few coats of suitable shades of enamel or, preferably, acrylic paints will achieve the basic stone colours to suit your layout’s location (honey‑coloured stone for the Cotswolds, dark grey for Pennine granite, for example). When these layers have fully dried, overall coats of a dark weathering wash can be applied with a flat brush. Dab the walls lightly with tissue to remove the excess pigment, leaving the dark wash within the recessed courses. Finally, mix a lighter shade of the wall’s base colour and gently dry‑brush the surfaces of the walls, using a soft‑bristled flat brush. This will introduce highlights to the surface for an ultra‑realistic effect.