Are you looking to add that extra something to your model train display and you just don't have a clue what to add? Why not add a beautiful fence? If you are building a modern scene based near farmlands then you could make a imitation barbed wire fence. If it is a rural scene you are after then a split rail fence would be perfect. No matter which type it is you choose to build it will make your model look totally different.

If you want to build a modern fence then a barbed wire one may be just the thing. While it is not safe or cost effective to use real barbed wire you can quickly make the next best thing. Choose wooden dowel rods to create your rounded fence posts and drill holes through them according to the number of strand you wish to run. After you do this you just have to place them at regular intervals down the fence line.

Once you have them in place you can use a roll of eighteen gauge craft wire (or larger depending on the scale of your model) and run it through the holes a row at a time. This will make it appear that your fencing is firmly attached. If possible keep your drill holes as tight as the wire you are using. This will help prevent sagging in your fence over time.

If you are looking at building a picket fence then you should consider using craft sticks (looks just like popsicle sticks) for your boards. Make your measurements as to how long and wide you will need them and cut them to suit. Next you will need to cut one of the ends in a flat cut. If you are looking for a true picket then you need to cut a pair of 45 degree cuts at the top of your fence posts. If you just want to create a standard board fence then you can do another flat cut. Once you have it all cut you can then paint your fence. After it has had time to dry properly you can then install your fence.

If you are looking to make a split rail fence then you could not have chosen a more historical one. Used by pioneers and presidents, split rail fences have been around for ages. When pioneers made the real thing they would use tree trunks that they would then split with a wedge and an ax. For the model train enthusiast it is a good deal easier. You need to first gather up several pieces of wood that are roughly the scale of your railroad. Twigs and branches should do just fine.

Now, take either a knife or another sharp cutting utensil and split each of the twigs or branches that you have gathered. Now break these pieces into smaller pieces. They should fit the scale of your model. Arrange these in a layer that is in a zig zag pattern with each branch ending on the top of the end of another. Once it is as long as you need it you can add more layers making sure to zig zag each one in the same manner. Make sure that you glue each layer as you add it so that your hard work will not just fall apart. Now you have a split rail fence you can be proud of.

A fence is not a hard feature to create yet it is so easy to do so. If your model train display is lacking one then maybe that should be the newest addition to your beloved hobby.