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Here we see the Dumluk mine permanently "buttered" into place in the mountain with lightweight foam spackle (an amazing and very forgiving medium)
Just to recap, the small "grain of wheat" light bulbs that were originally planned to light the Dumluk Mine and other structures proved to be too unreliable as far as longevity and ease-of-replacement. So I decided to replace all lighting with modern high powered Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The switch out was relatively painless and the new LEDs do not get hot, draw very little power, and will last longer than I will on this planet.
The only shortcomings that I had to address with the new LEDs was color and diffusement. The so-called "warm white" LEDs that I purchased were more akin to an alien abduction green than a cozy yellow. Happily this was simply corrected by a dab or two of yellow craft paint directly on the LED. Now they are nicely "warm" and glowing like incandescent.
The next problem was diffusing the light. LEDs are designed to throw directional light from the top of the bulb, and the sides are dim. To correct this in a structure, I simply seated the LED low in the structure and covered it with a "lamp shade" made of white paper towel. The LED light hits the paper and bounces around, diffusing the light like a miniature paper lantern.
After the initial rough plastering of a mountain, I can address the details around the tunnel portals. Sculpting in the blasted rock with lightweight foam spackle as I see fit. I Like to imagine that the tunnel engineers dressed the portal to fit the contours of the rock. Thus, the portals look a little more "built-in" than slapped on afterthoughts. This helps the mountains look a little less toy-like.
Work begins on the right side mountain. The hardboard facia acts as a structural anchor, and the base vertical strips of card board are hot-glued to it, following the contour the facia established. (It helps to have some teenager cut a shopping bag full of cardboard strips ahead of time... for $5, its a bargain.) Note that the tunnel entrance wall linings and portals are already glued in place.
The cardboard strips are now woven and stapled at cross points. This makes for a surprisingly strong under-structure for the plaster cloth. Now is the time to plan a "hatch" area for access. Fortunately my tunnels are short enough not to require an access panel (he said.)
A WARNING: Plaster will get everywhere regardless of how careful you are. Therefor I cannot stress enough how important it is to protect your track work with low-tack painters tape or cling film; especially inside the mountains where it will drip. An ounce of prevention on the front end will prevent a world of frustration later.
Here is the freshly plastered mountain. Note that I don't try to make the plaster cloth into a finished work around the portals and other detailed areas. Plaster cloth must be worked fast and details should not be rushed. Give the plaster a few days to cure; remember, the cardboard underneath has absorbed a lot of moisture and needs to dry out.
The sides of my mountains are very steep, which is appropriate for the prototype I am modeling: the very bizarre and ever-present Nockamixon shale cliffs of the area.
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