Gerben KlapwijkHow to make your own sculptamold for model railroading... You can easily make your own Sculptamold for very cheap! This video is a tutorial showing you 5 different methods to make your own sculptamold. Sculptamold is a modelling compound that's mostly used to build up terrain on dioramas and model railroad layouts.
How To Make Your Own Sculptamold - The 5 Best Methods!Gerben Klapwijk2021-08-05 | How to make your own sculptamold for model railroading... You can easily make your own Sculptamold for very cheap! This video is a tutorial showing you 5 different methods to make your own sculptamold. Sculptamold is a modelling compound that's mostly used to build up terrain on dioramas and model railroad layouts.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Modeling & Painting a Combine Harvester From ScratchGerben Klapwijk2026-09-03 | Modelling a HO scale Combine Harvester from scratch. This was my first time modelling a vehicle specifically for resin 3D printing, so it was quite the challenge! I learned a lot in the process and in the video I share everything!
Thanks to DreamTrains for supplying the paint for this project: https://www.dreamtrains.co.za
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490I Cant Believe Moss Makes This Good of a Scenery Material (better than saw dust?)Gerben Klapwijk2026-06-16 | Create realistic miniature scenery using affordable florist moss. Learn the step-by-step process to make custom flocking material for your next project.
Disclaimer: The idea of using florist moss wasn't mine originally. It was suggested to me by the owner of DreamTrains, a local hobby shop here in South Africa. So thanks for that!
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Realistic Cherry Blossoms from Scrap Wire & Saw DustGerben Klapwijk2026-05-16 | Here's how I turned some scrap wire and sawdust into these awesome highly detailed cherry blossom trees. And I'll share some tips on how to make a realistic trunk with peeling bark texture, and how I use my airbrush to apply the flowers, to avoid them looking too dense. and it's also freaking durable.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Modeling a Tree That Can Actually Kill You | Araucaria bidwilliiGerben Klapwijk2026-05-13 | Modelling a Bunya Pine in 1:87 scale. These trees are famous for being lethal, but for a modeller, the real challenge is getting those unique branches right. This was a bit of an obsession for me, and here is how I went about recreating it from scratch.
Last year, I tried to design my first European-style house and long story short, it sucked because I tried to freestyle the design. Since I live in South Africa, I’m used to a completely different style of architecture, so I had to change my approach. I used Google Street View to virtually travel to Belgium to find a real "prototype" to recreate, and the result is the Wijnberg House.
In this video, I’m showing the full process of turning those screenshots into a hyper-detailed resin 3D printed model. It wasn't exactly a smooth ride, between accidentally ordering black resin, dealing with challenges airbrushing varnish, and painting individual bricks while I had the flu, I definitely put in the hours. I also share my workflow for assembly, painting with Tamiya acrylics, and how I handled the inevitable resin warping.
If you want to see the specific print settings and how I engineered the parts to avoid frustration, check out the technical video. Thanks for watching and supporting the journey!
Music: epidemicsound.com/referral/0aztzpHow I Airbrush White Glue Without Ruining My AirbrushGerben Klapwijk2026-04-28 | Most people are terrified of putting white glue in their expensive equipment, but in this video, I’ll show you why it’s actually the ultimate level-up for your scenery work. I’m breaking down the exact type of interior PVA you need, the best thinning ratios for a smooth spray, and my one-minute cleaning routine to keep your airbrush spotless. If you want a more durable, non-toxic, and incredibly cheap alternative to expensive spray adhesives for your model railroad or diorama, this guide will give you the confidence to spray without the clogs.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Did I Just Find the Perfect DIY Spray Glue?🤔 (1/10th the Cost)Gerben Klapwijk2026-04-23 | I’m tired of my model trees shedding leaves like it’s actually autumn! Most spray adhesives are too weak to hold foliage long-term or just way too expensive. I’ve spent hours testing different ways to spray white glue to see which tools can actually atomize the thick stuff without clogging. If you want to stop the shedding and build more durable, realistic trees for your model railroad or diorama at a fraction of the cost, this DIY scenery hack is for you.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Is Hairspray Actually Good for Model Scenery?Gerben Klapwijk2026-03-17 | Can level 5 hairspray actually replace expensive spray adhesive for model railroad scenery? I’m testing it out on tree foliage, to see if it works, and how the bond holds up over time.
In this video, we investigate if a level 5 extra hold spray glue can be a cost-effective solution for creating realistic model scenery, specifically for model trees. We demonstrate different methods for applying flock to miniature trees. The goal is to determine if this adhesive spray provides a high-quality solution for diorama and model building projects, including how to make trees.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Modelling the most realistic miniature corn field. #shortsGerben Klapwijk2026-03-13 | ...Texturing Model Walls: Cheap & Easy DIY Stucco MethodGerben Klapwijk2026-03-10 | In this video I experiment with various DIY methods to find the perfect, budget-friendly stucco texture for model buildings. Discover a durable, fast-drying technique inspired by old-school hobby magazines that works on any scale project.
I finally solved the struggle of masking 1/87 scale traffic cones! Instead of fighting with tape, I 3D printed a custom mask.Modelling The Most Realistic Corn Field In HO Scale With Resin 3D PrintingGerben Klapwijk2026-02-19 | I’ve seen plenty of people use standard injection-molded plastic kits for corn fields, but it got me thinking: could I design and 3D print my own corn plants? In this video, I’m showing you the process of creating a hyper-realistic corn field from scratch, utilizing the awesome technology we have available today.
Rather than just following a kit's instructions, I wanted to see if I could replicate the actual growth stages of real corn in 1/87 scale. It was a project full of firsts for me - from my first time using an airbrush and Tamiya paints to figuring out how to mass-produce over 1,000 delicate resin stalks. It was an impulsive, experimental build, and even though I ran into some "learning moments" with the scenery, the final result was definitely worth the effort.
In this session, I’m practicing scenery by creating a realistic grass field with a partially burnt-out section. Using my new airbrush and Tamiya acrylics, I experiment with static grass layering and handmade wire bushes. Making these small practice bases is a great, low-pressure way to sharpen skills and try new techniques—like this scorched earth effect—without the fear of messing up a permanent layout.
00:00:00 Intro 00:01:44 Base & Ground texture 00:02:12 Small bushes 00:04:33 Static grass 00:06:00 Airbrushing 00:09:00 Final result
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490How To Make Cracked Model Roads (Without Expensive Products)Gerben Klapwijk2026-01-05 | Inspired by professional techniques but working on a budget, I wanted to see if I could achieve realistic cracked roads without expensive acrylic effects. In this video, I demonstrate a simple method using plaster and cardboard to create durable, high-end results. I also walk through my entire painting and weathering process, building up layers for a professional finish. It’s an affordable way to get pro-level realism with everyday materials.
00:00:00 Intro 00:01:38 Making the road 00:04:39 Making cracks in the road 00:06:14 Curbstones & storm water drain 00:07:08 Painting the road 00:09:54 More layers & weathering 00:11:06 Dividing center line 00:13:14 Adding sand to the side of lanes 00:14:13 The road should be below ground level 00:15:08 Finished roadTesting 3 Foliage Methods For Model Trees (My Honest Thoughts)Gerben Klapwijk2025-11-25 | I test 3 different ways to build canopy volume on model trees before adding flocking. Using jute twine, polyester batting, and static grass, I compare how each method works for creating realistic tree foliage.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490My NEW Method for the BEST Realistic Model BushesGerben Klapwijk2025-11-18 | Stop buying expensive, plastic-looking bushes! I'll show you my NEW, simple method using jute twine and homemade materials to make hyper-realistic model bushes for your model railroad layout. It's cheap, fast, and the quality is amazing!
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Why Making Realistic Trees Is So Hard | Realistic Model Leopard TreeGerben Klapwijk2025-11-11 | In this video, I’m trying to make a model Leopard Tree (Brazilian Ironwood) for my model railroad, and it turned out to be a lot more challenging than I expected. While making it, I also talk about why making realistic trees is so difficult, what I’ve learned so far, and how we can actually get better at it.
It’s not a tutorial with step-by-step instructions, more of an honest look at the learning process, what went right, what didn’t, and how to keep improving as a modeler.
If you’re working on your own model trees or just want to understand what makes them so tricky, I think you’ll find this one interesting!
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490DIY Foliage Material That Looks Better Than Store-BoughtGerben Klapwijk2025-11-04 | People have been making foliage or flocking material from sawdust for decades, and it still works great! But in this video, I want to show you a few simple tips to get nice vibrant colors in your DIY flocking using something I found that works even better than acrylic paint for coloring it.
I’m working on two different trees — a Leopard Tree and a Jacaranda — and both need their own unique type of foliage. So I’ll show you exactly how I make it.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490DIY static grass isn’t worth it… do this insteadGerben Klapwijk2025-10-28 | DIY static grass sounds like a great way to save money… until you actually try it. In this video, I talk about why DIY static grass usually isn’t worth the effort and share how to get realistic results without wasting time or money.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490The simple way to get better at model railroad scenery | Ground cover is fun!Gerben Klapwijk2025-10-21 | In this video, I share model railroad tips and techniques for making realistic ground cover using real dirt. Learn why observation is such an important skill in model railroading, and how practicing scenery on small bases can help you improve, gain confidence, and create more natural-looking model railroad scenery.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Don’t Paint Your Plaster Rocks Until You Try This...Gerben Klapwijk2025-10-14 | Painting plaster rocks can feel intimidating... one wrong move and there’s no undo button. In this video, I share how I practice painting rock castings to build confidence and experiment with different color combinations before tackling the real thing. It’s all about learning through doing, not just watching tutorials.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490I Made Rock Molds With Sculptamold… The Results Surprised Me!Gerben Klapwijk2025-10-07 | Plaster rock castings look great, but they can get heavy fast, especially if you’re building a portable model railroad layout. So I wanted to see if a Sculptamold could be a lighter alternative without losing detail. In this video, I test both materials using the same tunnel portal mold, compare the weight, durability, and how they take paint. The results honestly surprised me! If you’ve ever wondered whether Sculptamold could replace plaster of Paris for your rock castings, this is a test you’ll want to see.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Easy DIY Rock Molds for Realistic TerrainGerben Klapwijk2025-09-30 | Want realistic rock molds without spending a fortune? In this video I show you how I make my own affordable, detailed rock molds.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490DIY Sculptamold: The BEST Modeling Compound for TerrainGerben Klapwijk2025-09-30 | Make your own “Sculptamold”-style modeling compound for creating terrain on model railroads, dioramas, or any miniature base you want to add terrain to.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Challenging myself to try a new video formatGerben Klapwijk2025-09-30 | Making Model railroading more Affordable and Accessible with a new video series: “Quick Tips Tuesday” short, to-the-point videos.
I’m also challenging myself with a new video format. Instead of just showing how I make things, I want to document how I learn to make things for my model railroad - sharing more of the thought process, brainstorming, and even parts that don't go to plan, along with what I learned from them.
And as a overthinker/perfectionist, I’m challenging myself to post an "imperfect" video every week - still doing my best to make good content, but not falling into the traps of perfectionism...
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490The Real Reason Gen Z Isn’t Into Model RailroadingGerben Klapwijk2025-09-30 | Why aren’t young people into model railroading anymore? A lot of people blame the internet, phones, or video games… but I don’t think that’s the real reason. In this video I dig into why young people isn’t joining the model railroading hobby and what I think is actually holding it back.
In this video I share my own story, talk about what almost pushed me away from the hobby, and what I think needs to change if we want it to grow. Model railroading isn’t dying — it’s evolving. And there’s plenty of space for anyone who wants to build, create, and bring fresh ideas into it.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490I Found The Best DIY Sculptamold After 4 Years Of TestingGerben Klapwijk2025-08-06 | In this video, I revisit and update my old DIY Sculptamold tutorial with a much easier and more effective method. I also test some new ideas suggested in the comments of the original video and compare different plaster-to-paper ratios to help you find the best mix for your project. Whether you’re into model railroading, dioramas, or wargaming terrain, this updated recipe might be exactly what you need.
Overall best method: 2 scoops cellulose fiber insulation 2 scoops plaster of paris 5ml (tea spoon) PVA glue 1.5 scoops of water
Light weight method: 3 scoops of cellulose fiber insulation 1 scoops plaster of paris 5ml (tea spoon) PVA glue 1.5 scoops of water
Extra strong method: 1 scoops of cellulose fiber insulation 3 scoops plaster of paris 5ml (tea spoon) PVA glue 1.5 scoops of water
Sawdust method: 2 scoops saw-dust 2 scoops plaster of paris 5ml (tea spoon) PVA glue 2 scoops of water
Egg cartons method: 2 scoops of blended egg cartons 2 scoops plaster of paris 5ml (tea spoon) PVA glue 1.5 scoops of water
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Struggling with making model trees? This video will helpGerben Klapwijk2025-07-19 | Making model railroad trees isn’t easy, so in this video I’m sharing the tips and techniques I’ve learned to make the process simpler and the results more realistic.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Learn to make super realistic model roads in 21 minutesGerben Klapwijk2025-07-08 | In this video, I’m repainting the road on my small HO scale model railroad layout, building a small parking lot next to the station platform, and sharing tips and techniques for achieving a highly realistic model road.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Quick and Easy Pothole Patches for Model RoadsGerben Klapwijk2025-06-10 | I damaged the road on my model railroad layout... So I decided to fix it by adding a pothole patch to cover it up. And in this quick video I share the method I use to add pothole patches on model roads.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490My model railroad scenery looked flat until I did this…Gerben Klapwijk2025-05-23 | In this video, I continue building the scenery on my small HO scale tabletop model railroad layout.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Your Static Grass Won’t Look Realistic Until You Do ThisGerben Klapwijk2025-05-09 | Adding greenery is super exciting! But it can also be a bit scary, what if you mess it up? In this video, I show you how I apply static grass on my small tabletop layout, step by step, from start to finish. Nothing fancy, just how I do it.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490HO Scale European Suburban Home For Resin 3D PrintingGerben Klapwijk2025-04-30 | This is a HO scale model of a late-1990s European-style suburban home that I designed specifically for resin 3D printing. The walls, roof sections, windows, and floors all print separately to make painting and assembly easier. It features clapboard siding, a curved bay window, dormer, and a slate-style roof.
All parts test-printed on Creality Halot One, Using Standard Resin.
Model dimintions: X 88.8 mm Y 87.8 mm Z 92.9 mmPainting This Abandoned/Ruined HO Scale StructureGerben Klapwijk2025-03-08 | In this video I show and talk about how I paint one of the structures I designed in Blender and 3D printed for my small model railroad layout. Painting can cause a lot of overthinking and procrastination so my focus while painting this one was to not get stuck overthinking and just try anything as soon as I start to overthink. hope you enjoy the video! cheers, Gerben. Btw sorry for my voice sounding like garbage in this video. hopefully my voice has recovered by the next video...
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Painting a resin 3D printed buildingGerben Klapwijk2025-02-24 | ...Making a 1/87 scale road on my small model train layoutGerben Klapwijk2025-02-24 | ...My Struggles with Going Full-Time as a Railroad Modeler/YouTuberGerben Klapwijk2025-01-27 | Perfectionism is something that's been holding me down since I started making model railroading videos in 2019 and I thought I was share some of my thoughts about it in my first video for 2025. in 2024 I took some time off and tried to learn and understand the reasons why I struggle with making videos consistently. I learned so much and am still learning a lot. I'm looking forward to making many "not perfect" videos and enjoying making videos every day! :)
Making such a personal video like this is something very new to me, but I decided to challenge myself to make it anyway, because it might help some of you who also struggle with perfectionism. And I just wanted to talk about it! :) I'm still gonna make my usual videos... I'm not planning on quitting. let me know if I should talk about the mantel struggles more often? Actually I'm gonna do it anyway because I want to. ;) Cheers, Gerben
Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:34 Why I try to stop being a perfectionist 3:58 Don’t let a lot of time pass when you get an idea 4:59 Why I started Making YouTube videos 6:52 Go for a run/walk more often when you don’t feel like it. 7:38 Celebrate the small victories.Learning to Paint 3D-Printed Buildings: My Progress and TipsGerben Klapwijk2024-07-30 | In this video I'm painting a 3D printed house kit that I designed some time ago. Hope you enjoy the video!
Hi all, in this video I'm sharing how I installed Fascia Boards on my model train layout. Putting some effort into things like installing nice looking facias can make a layout look so much better and more professional. And it doesn’t have to cost much! All the materials used in this video only cost me about 10 dollars.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Crafting an Incredibly Realistic 1/87 Scale Churchyard DioramaGerben Klapwijk2024-05-01 | Hello! It's been a while since I uploaded, But don't worry I'm not quitting YouTube... :) I'm excited to showcase my best diorama I've made so far... I've always wanted to make a graveyard diorama and in this video that becomes a reality! Hope you enjoy the video! :)
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Top 5 DIY Scenery Materials For Model RailroadingGerben Klapwijk2023-11-04 | 5 DIY model railroad scenery materials that you can make basically for free.
0:00 Intro 0:16 Material 1 0:43 Material 2 1:32 Material 3 2:06 Material 4 3:47 Material 5 4:36 Conclusion
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Painting & Weathering HO Scale Station Platform - Tips & TricksGerben Klapwijk2023-10-27 | In this video I'm sharing my experience of painting and weathering this small HO scale station platform that I printed using a resin 3D printer...
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Resin 3D Printing HO Scale Buildings: The Not-So-Secret SecretsGerben Klapwijk2023-10-20 | Hi everyone, in this video I talk about using Blender for modelling your own HO scale buildings. And I'm sharing some of the things I've learned about resin 3D printing in the last 2 months... Then in The second half of the video I paint the building using Humbrol enamel paints.
0:00 Intro 0:21 Why I use Blender and not CAD 2:06 Tips for printing 3:13 Modelling the station platform 4:10 Printing the station building 4:28 Painting the building 7:57 Adding window glazing
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Craft Your Own Model Trees without Breaking the BankGerben Klapwijk2023-08-16 | Crafting Stunning Model Wire Trees from Scratch on a budget for your model railroad. Following this tutorial. You’ll have a tree with foliage that doesn’t fall off over time, it’s durable, you can bend the branches to reshape the tree, and you don’t need spray adhesive like you see everyone use… Oh ye, and I’ll show you how to make your own foliage material for the leaves in any color you want…
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Mastering the Art of making Super Realistic Model Wire Trees (Time-lapse)Gerben Klapwijk2023-05-19 | Time-Lapse Wonders: Witness the Transformation of Wires into Realistic Model Trees!
In this video, I'm excited to announce the release of my newest paper kits: the 6 NEW HO-Scale African Suburb Houses!
This paper kit is a great way to get started with model building. It's perfect for beginner model builders and/or anyone looking for a fun and easy project.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Making a road using plaster: model railroad tutorialGerben Klapwijk2023-04-21 | In this video I'll show you how I build model roads that look great!
In this video, we're going to be building a fast and easy model railroad tunnel portal. This project is perfect for beginners, and it will only take you a few hours to complete.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Im Back! Another Set of HO Scale Paper Kits!Gerben Klapwijk2022-12-09 | Hello everyone! After not uploading for like 7 months I'm finally back! I didn't just want to start uploading again, so I made this video to explain the situation...😉 And I have some really cool videos planned.
The music I use: share.epidemicsound.com/9kb490Ground Cover Ideas and Inspiration | Model Railroad Scenery #shortsGerben Klapwijk2022-04-29 | Hey everyone! A quick lazy video for today... I'm working on a super exiting video for next week! I didn't have time to finish it this week so I thought I'd try another short... Hope you like this video!