Abstract: A method of constructing a three dimensional decorative object from a foil sheet and a fabric overlay is the subject of the invention. The method includes shaping the foil sheet into a three dimensional configuration, providing the foil sheet with an adhesive coating and adhering a fabric overlay to the foil. In another aspect of the invention the foil sheet has a fabric overlay adhered to one side and is utilized to form a three dimensional decorative object by shaping the sheet into the desired three dimensional object and then providing a decorative finish to the fabric side of the sheet. The method may include applying a layer of plaster on top of the fabric overlay. An article useful in constructing a three dimensional object is also encompassed by the invention. The article comprises a foil sheet having a fabric overlay adhered to one side.

Abstract: A method of constructing a three dimensional decorative object from a foil sheet and a fabric overlay is the subject of the invention. The method includes shaping the foil sheet into a three dimensional configuration, providing the foil sheet with an adhesive coating and adhering a fabric overlay to the foil. In another aspect of the invention the foil sheet has a fabric overlay adhered to one side and is utilized to form a three dimensional decorative object by shaping the sheet into the desired three dimensional object and then providing a decorative finish to the fabric side of the sheet. The method may include applying a layer of plaster on top of the fabric overlay. An article useful in constructing a three dimensional object is also encompassed by the invention. The article comprises a foil sheet having a fabric overlay adhered to one side.

Abstract: A kit useful by hobbyist and students in constructing displays and dioramas. The kit comprises a base formed from integral sidewalls and a top which presents a planar surface. A channel is formed around the periphery of the planar surface. The kit further includes a backboard which is foldable into a generally planar configuration and has a width greater than the width of the channel. The backboard is wedged into the channel and will remain in place without the use of external fasteners. The backboard is received in the channel on at least three sides of the base. The backboard is formed from a material so that it can be cut to present a desired configuration. A method of constructing a display kit comprises placing the base on a flat surface, at least partially unfolding the backboard to conform on the configuration of the base on at least three sides and then securing the backboard to the base without the use of external fasteners.

Abstract: A structure is provided for creating an elevated subroadbed for an artificial landscape. The structure includes a flexible riser section of a given length that has a generally planar bottom. The riser section also has a generally planar top extending and supported parallel to the bottom so that the height of the section is consistent along its entire length. The riser is provided with first and second side walls, which each have a series of channels that extend into the riser in spaced apart relation. The channels allow the riser to be positioned in a radius. The top forms an elevated surface that enables low-lying areas to be more easily created on the artificial landscape below the elevated surface.

Abstract: A structure is provided for creating a roadbed for a model railroad. The structure includes an elongated and flexible section which has a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of inwardly angled side surfaces. The side surfaces are angled such that the bottom surface is wider that the top surface. The section is made from a foam material which deadens the sound of model trains passing thereover and which cushions vibrations of model trains passing thereover. The top surface is a closed cell surface that allows model train track to be adhesively secured thereto and the bottom surface is a closed cell surface that allows the roadbed to be adhesively secured to a supporting surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating an incline for a roadbed on an artificial landscape that involves coupling a flexible section to a base in a desired location. The section has a top that extends at an angle relative to its bottom so that it increases in elevation from one end to the other. The section has a series of channels formed therein which allows the section to flex so that it can conform to a curve. The method further involves placing a second section in abutting relationship with the first section to form a roadbed with a continuously increasing or decreasing grade. In one embodiment, the method further includes placing a number of flexible sections in abutting relationship to form an incline that rises from a base to a desired elevation. The present invention also provides a flexible section for creating a roadbed for an artificial landscape. The section has a top that extends at an angle relative to its bottom so that the section increases in elevation from one end to the other.

Abstract: A method of forming artificial vegetation, and products formed by the method. Foam particles are adhesively combined to form a cohesive mass. This mass may be placed in a mold cavity and dried to form a final product, such as an artificial bush, when removed from the mold. The cohesive mass may alternatively be dried and shredded to form members, each of which includes a plurality of the foam particles. These members may also be used as a final product, such as an artificial bush. The members may alternatively be fixed to the limbs of an artificial tree trunk to form an artificial tree. The artificial tree trunk may be molded of plastic into an intermediate form which is then bent to the final form. Solvent may be applied to the plastic tree trunk to make it tacky for application of the foam members.

Abstract: A simulated vegetation product and method of making same is the subject of this disclosure. The method includes the steps of providing a mass of ground rubber-like particles, preferably urethane foam, providing a quantity of an adhesive solution capable of binding the ground particles together followed by mixing of the adhesive and the ground particles to present a homogeneous mass. The mass is then spread into a uniform layer or formed into another desired shape and dried to present the finished product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of constructing simulated vegetation for models. The method encompasses the steps of providing a substrate of non-ferrous light-penetrable fibrous material having a light penetrability of at least 50% and applying an adhesive to this substrate. The substrate is then at least partially covered with a non-ferrous leaf simulating material of ground rubber-like foam particles. It is contemplated that a preferred form of covering the substrate with the particles is by spraying the particles onto the substrate after the adhesive is applied.

Abstract: A method of constructing a model tree structure and the article resulting therefrom constitute the present invention. First a full three-dimensional pattern is constructed from wire and tin-lead. The pattern is then partially flattened and placed in a rubber mold. The mold is filled in around the pattern with rubber and the entire mold with the pattern in place is heated to vulcanize the rubber and form a mold cavity conforming to the configuration of the pattern. A casting metal is provided which preferably is at least 98% lead. Up to 2% antimony may be added to increase flow characteristics. It is also permissible to include a quantity of tin. The part is cast in the mold using centrifugal casting techniques. After the part has solidified and been removed from the mold it is bent into full three-dimensional form corresponding generally to the initial shape of the pattern.

Abstract: A method of constructing a model tree structure and the article resulting therefrom constitute the present invention. First a full three-dimensional pattern is constructed from wire and tin-lead. The pattern is then partially flattened and placed in a rubber mold. The mold is filled in around the pattern with rubber and the entire mold with the pattern in place is heated to vulcanize the rubber and form a mold cavity conforming to the configuration of the pattern. A casting metal is provided which preferably is at least 98% lead. Up to 2% antimony may be added to increase flow characteristics. It is also permissible to include a quantity of tin. The part is cast in the mold using centrifugal casting techniques. After the part has solidified and been removed from the mold it is bent into full three-dimensional form corresponding generally to the initial shape of the pattern.