I have created a small portable layout as a Picture Postcard of the time my wife and I lived in Germany. It contains scenes and vignettes that recount places, friends, and favorite activities. Many of our cherished memories include small Christmas Markets; that determined the season of the year for the layout. But how to make snow?

I decided against Woodland Scenics snow powder because it appears a bit too course, and lacks the sparkle that I associate with freshly fallen snow. Then I discovered Powdery Snow by Noch (Art. # 08750); this product seemed fine enough and had just enough sparkle to be appropriate for Z scale. The instructions are simple enough -- sprinkle on with a fine sieve. Snow drifts can be created by blowing carefully. It goes on to say: "Do not worry, your layout will not be damaged. It can be restored to its original state in a few minutes. A vacuum cleaner will remove the powdery snow without any traces." A box came home with me to try.

Using the product as directed creates a wonderfully realistic effect with snow drifts in corners and an undulating surface on flat areas (See Picture 1). Even the act of falling is reminiscent of a quiet winter morning during a heavy snow fall. (And, yes, the product vacuums up very easily.)

Picture 1

But my layout is portable, so how to affix the snow? There is no guidance on the box, so I tried painting white glue on the building roofs and sprinkling on the product. To my dismay, I discovered white glue dissolves the product, leaving a crusty residue which -- if charitably described -- is a very poor representation of an icy buildup (See Picture 2). Luckily, the crust was fairly easy to remove. Rubber cement produced the same disappointing results.

Picture 2

I wrote to Noch to ask what adhesive they would suggest. They replied there was no suitable adhesive and included (in English) the memorable comment that this product is "intended for seasonal use only." Meaning it is to be used without glue so it can be removed when the winter season on the layout is finished. They also noted they would soon be introducing a more permanent snow product (by now available in Europe, I believe).

I could not wait, so I tried an alternative approach. Using clay modeling tools, I applied a thin coat of Woodland Scenics Flex Paste. While the paste is still fresh and wet, I sprinkled on Nochs Powdery Snow and allowed everything to dry overnight. I then vacuumed off the excess. The result of this combination is more than pleasing; it really captures the feeling of very recent snowfall (See Picture 3).

Picture 3

Flex Paste is thick enough so it can be sculpted to create surface undulations. Applied thinly, it adheres well to vertical surfaces, which allows for window sill "snow buildup", even on flat paper buildings (again see Picture 3). With a bit of practice, and a very thin tool, even icicles can be suggested. Wooden coffee stirrers, dental picks, small spatulas and toothpicks can all be used to great advantage in applying and sculpting Flex Paste prior to application of Powdery Snow.

For snow accumulation on tree branches, I tried hair spray and Powdery Snow with mixed success. When too wet, the hair spray dissolves the powder. When too dry, the powder does not adhere to the branches. With some experimentation, I found I could get halfway decent results. Then I lightly painted the outer edges and upper surfaces with Testors Arctic White paint. This combination worked very well.

So now I have a portable winter layout which has received favorable comments from many spectators and participants at train shows and visitors to our home. The snow effect is very good and I am well pleased with the results. The layout is certainly a wonderful souvenir of our time in Germany.

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