What is the "hard shell" method for constructing model hills?

There are several ways to construct hills on your layout. The 'hard shell' method consists of making a hard, hollow, hill-shaped shell that can be decorated with grass scatter, trees and bushes. The resulting model will be both lightweight and removable if required, making it ideal if your layout is not going to be a permanent structure.

To build a hard shell model, create the hill's rough shape using whatever materials you have readily available, this could be scrunched newspaper, a selection of small boxes, a temporary structure fashioned from a stiff card or a mixture of all three, virtually anything will do to create the rough shape. Next, cover your profile with a hard-setting material, again it's up to you what to use for this, from a homemade papier-mache concoction to more rigid shop-bought plaster clothes.

How hard, supporting and durable your shell ends up being, will depend on how much time you spend creating its layers. A shell that has been built up with numerous layers will be less prone to cracks and holes and will be a more stable structure to support your top layer of scenery so you would be well advised to take your time and use plenty of layers.

In addition to a hard shell model's weight and mobile advantages, they are easier to work on too because they can be constructed away from the layout allowing better access and less mess. This makes the hard shell method an interesting option for modellers who have restricted access to their layouts and is well worth considering.