Ladies and Gents, I'm in process of doing ground cover for my HO Shelf Switcher, and I'm at a point where I'm trying to figure out how to cover, mark, or reserve space for building foundations... In N scale, I normally just did the ground cover and plopped the building down, and no problem! Done!... HO doesn't seem quite so friendly and wants to leave large gaps, or in some cases, allow the building to slide or side slightly less than level... I've thought about cutting down a piece of cardboard and holding it along a hard line, but i don't want to leave any gaps, if possible. Any opinions are welcome!
Within the past year or two, I seem to recall someone posting photos of doing this task. They had a method which seemed to work well. Cannot think of a way to search for it. I don't believe it is in our "How To" section, but possibly.
I've read about the following method in a couple of places. Wrap the bottom part of the structure tightly in plastic wrap, such as Saran Wrap. Apply a thin layer of plaster where the structure will sit, then press the plastic-covered structure firmly into the wet plaster. Let the plaster cure, then remove the structure and plastic wrap. You'll be left with a depression that perfectly matches the outline of the structure. When the structure is placed in the depression it will look like it is sitting "in" the ground. This method can also be used by placing the plastic wrapped structure in its proper location, then building up around the foundation with scenery materials glued into place. In both examples, the plastic wrap prevents the structure from sticking to the plaster or scenery materials. - Jeff
Here is the thread that I did about 4 years ago. It worked very well for me. http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?posts/945190/
