Mountain rock colours
Hi there, We will soon start with the scenery on the club layout under construction. It is Era V Germany. What I need to know is what are the main colours of the rocks of the mountains and the hills in Germany. From what I could gather from pictures it would appear to be grey tones such as granite and dolomite colours. Looking forward to your replies. Thanks and regards. Johan

Hi Johan, I have used greys for my exposed rocks on my layout. Some tips that I have found. I use Artists Gouache for "painting" my rocks. Use the more expensive Gouache as it does not fade and gives better coverage. I use Jo Sonja's which is about EUR5 for 75ml. Start with a coat of Burnt Senna (or a dark brown of your choice) over the entire surface. Paint a coat of grey (mix black and white to get the grey) on the rock faces, but the crevices. Dry brush white on to the ridges on the rocks. Cheers John

Thanks for the replies. Maybe I should rephrase the question. The layout does not represent a specific region or area. Would we be correct in colouring the mountain rocks grey such as granite and dolomite? Thanks and regards. Johan

Granite is either pink or white weathering to grey depending upon whether it contains plagioclase or orthoclase feldspar, you will need to find out which type of granite occurs in the locality you had in mind. If you have a general location in mind then grey would do. I'm not that familiar with the local geology of Germany but have seen nothing to suggest pink granite. However for some countries, like Egypt and Scotland, pink would be a safer bet as this is the predominant form.

Germany, like the UK, has many different types of rock. It also has many different types of soil. The soil and rock colours vary over quite short distances from region to region. Colours can vary from a white chalk base, through sandstone and clay to rich red, brown and almost black soil. If your model is going to have an Alpine feel to it, the greys predominate in the rocks with a dark soil. Rocks mid grey, dry brushed with lighter grey and white highlights might give a realistic effect. Anyway, good luck with producing an effect that you are pleased with. David

Johan, give the rocks washes of burned sienna, burned umber. These washes are dirty water or dirty turpentine, pending the sort of paint you use. When the rocks have a hue of these colours, apply washes of black and very very little green. On some points you can enhance the burned sienna and/or burned umber with extra washes, followed by a final wash of black again. After that, apply earth / green covering and glue it down with thinned matt medium or a white glue mix ( 20% glue - 75% water - 5% washing liquid ) Correct with a brush the area's where the covering is showning running down marks. This way you can get results as seen on my layout, see postings about Jacq's layout. success Jacq

Hi guys, Thanks for your replies and all the tips - I am most certainly going to use it! Will let you know in due course about the progress. Thanks and regards. Johan