Building Landforms
Pt. 1 & 2 with Dave Frary

By Chris Lane

Wouldn’t is be great if you could study scenery techniques right at the elbow of a master scenery builder? Wouldn’t it even be better if he not only showed you multiple ways to do it and every step in the process, but also assured you the whole time how truly easy it was and you could get the same sort of results he was getting? Well, that is exactly what you get in Dave Frary’s new DVD, Building Landforms Part 1 & 2.

Dave Frary has been building scenery and explaining his techniques for over 50 years, and this new DVD is part of his "Trackside Modeler" series. In this presentation Dave demonstrates a variety of techniques. Anyone who has ever pondered how to create a believable tunnel entrance will appreciate the segment on installing a portal. He also has many methods and techniques for building up a mountain, including cardboard strips, two methods for applying plaster wrap, the use of foam to create hills and how to use two types of hot wire tools for shaping.

Dave also explores materials like the old standbys Sculptamold and Gypsolite. You'll see approachable methods for making rock faces in both plaster and foam, how to carve foam rocks, and finally how to color rock faces. There is also an interesting segment of a German model railroader who is basically carving his entire railroad out of foam! In all there are 80 minutes of video.

The production is well–lit and clear, the editing tight and logical and the minor audio problems that had been present in earlier productions are absent. The camera angles are well executed, and save for the occasional shot of Dave's broad, plaid-clad back as he adjusts a work piece, clearly show his techniques. I have always found Dave's "down east" accent very pleasant to listen to, and he talks you through what his is doing while he demonstrates it.

For me, the best part of the DVD is Dave's "you can do it" tone that permeates the entire DVD. While far too modest to come right out and say it, he knows these techniques will work for you because he has used them hundreds, if not thousands of times over many years, and you are getting the benefit of all that experience. This DVD, combined with the others in the Trackside Modeler series and his excellent book Scenery for Model Railroads (the generally accepted bible of scenery building) will almost assure the modeler of believable, well-executed scenery for their model railroad.

Available direct from Blue Ribbon Models for $29.95 + postage.