Fast and dirty backdrop for this weekend..

[PhilP]

I have left things way to late, but am attempting to get a shuttle in a box working for this weekend..
Rather than a plain box, I would like to add a little relief behind the track and need 'something' to bind it all together which will set/dry pretty quickly.

Box in two sections. Length of track to front edge. Christmas/winter theme. Little lumpy ground/ minor hill behind then sky above. Box about 10" deep and 12" high. Nine foot long.

I am thinking gauze-like material stapled to strengtheners which run along top/ bottom joints of the back. scrunched up newspaper for ground relief, then sloppy plaster of paris (is there something like, but better on the market).
Poke a few holes in back for twinkley LED stars. Dark blue/black sky. perhaps a backlit moon? bottle brush pines if I can find any this close to deadline..

Anyone any quick-fix ideas please?

 

[ntpntpntp]

How about "Mod Rock" or similar: plaster bandage as used for broken arms etc. Art shop or model shop should have some. Quick and simple. To get a nice snow effect, springle loose plaster powder over the bandage as it dries, using a sieve.

I usually use expanded polystyrene as a base (packaging from a domestic appliance or similar), it's easy to glue with PVA and then carve.

 

[PhilP]

Probably what I was thinking of..
First 'half' of basic box nearly complete.. I am putting the shorter top on the longer base / back to stagger the joint. - It has to be transported in two parts to fit in the car!

Thinking if I staple dress-net to the back frame timbers, and coat with P-of-P / bandage it will give enough room to poke some twikley LED's through for 'stars'..
Might add a backlit moon for effect as well.

Will give the base, inside of ends, and inside of top, a coat of white primer/undercoat and that should do.

Might even have time to mount the string of Lemax lights on the tram a little more securely than with blu-tack! - Worked (just about) for Chasewater the other day, and ran the new motor in for a couple of hours.

Will try to post some pictures, but may not be until after the event. Depends on time..

 

[PhilP]

Boxes built.. Bit of paint as a token gesture..
Off to the shed for track..