discussion Best material for diorama Ice?

[pjgtech]

For an upcoming little diorama I will be adding snow effects, but am also thinking about maybe adding some ice, either to small frozen puddles, small pools or maybe a small water section on the dio base.

What would be the best material to make ice from?

So far I have two possible methods in mind...
First, using clear epoxy resin, mixing and spreading a very thin layer, on something like cling film, then when it fully dries and hardens, cut it or crack it into small pieces.
Second option, maybe do the same but with clear mastic type sealant, eg: very thin layer on cling film, then when set cut into ice shaped / sized pieces.

Maybe hot glue would work too, eg: thin layer on clingfilm....

If anyone else has any other ideas I would be happy to hear them.
Cheers

 

[pjgtech]

No-one?

 

[Lee Drennen]

No-one?

Maybe this. I think your clear epoxy will work

 

[pjgtech]

Maybe this. I think your clear epoxy will work

Thanx, I've already seen that video, and a few others, but the effect I'm after is more actual pieces of sheet ice, which he does not cover in that video. I'm thinking the sort of thin sheet ice that forms on shallow puddles, or small streams, or similar, when it cracks you end up with small thin pieces of ice. Cheers

 

[Lee Drennen]

thinking the sort of thin sheet ice

Ah ok I was watching others too that was a little better than this one but this one was kinda simple. Hope you find something glad you post this because some day I might do a German soldiers in winter uniform dio now it’s got me thinking

 

[Tim Marlow]

I seem to remember a product that was like ice sheets that could be broken for this sort of effect but I can’t remember who made it. Perhaps one of the continental railway model companies, like Kibri or Faller might be worth a look?

 

[Lee Drennen]

I seem to remember a product that was like ice sheets that could be broken for this sort of effect but I can’t remember who made it. Perhaps one of the continental railway model companies, like Kibri or Faller might be worth a look?

I just watched a video on AK products how you make Ice Sheets was that it Tim.

 

[pjgtech]

Was also maybe considering using very thin clear plastic sheet, cut into small random shaped slithers/pieces, placed over the top of epoxy resin or clear mastic, might give the cracked ice look I'm after. Think I need to do a little experiment to see which works best....

 

[Tim Marlow]

I just watched a video on AK products how you make Ice Sheets was that it Tim.

Don’t think so Lee, this was a pre made sheet that broke like ice….I thought it was Deluxe materials, but it’s not on their web site.

 

[Jim R]

I think the company Tim is thinking of is called "Precision Ice and Snow". I have some of their stuff but sadly I think they are no longer in business.

 

[wotan]

Another method might be with UV resin. Spread a thin sheet on wax paper (or parchment paper) and set with a UV light. Then peel off and break up to taste.

John

 

[pjgtech]

Experiment started today.
Using clingfilm, epoxy resin, clear mastic sealant, clear no nails, and thin plastic sheet.
The resin takes a good few hours to harden, although this thin one should be quicker, but I think I'll leave it all 24 hours and see whats what tomoz.