What about pictures of the real thing? Are you wanting to model what you see in Nature, or recreate what others have done?

I know that before the last move, I lived next to Open Space that followed a stream. There are several bridges over the stream, and I would stand there in varying light, trying to figure out how I could get those colors, and the rocks, and all the other things that make it what it is.

If you can get your hands on a Great Model Railroads 2000 issue there are some examples of what I believe are the finest waterfalls I have ever seen modeled. Geoff Nott's Leigh Creek Lumber Company layout has spectacular scenery and some incredible waterfalls and streams. He has a step by step in the December 2000 issue of MR.

The location of your prototype stream will determine the look of the model.  I'll take a guess you're layout might look like the Sierra Nevada, so here's a glimpse of the Carson River along CA highway 88 taken last month:

Here's McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park taken during high runoff last year:

And Baring Falls, also in Glacier park:

I'll add some photos of model stream courses.  This one is a river bed on my previous layout that was finished and ready for adding epoxy resin water.  I like to add trees and such after the "water" is in.

Here's a creek on my buddy Bill Hughes' layout with epoxy resin water, rapids painted into place with acrylic craft paint and/or Testors hobby paint, and ripples from acrylic gloss medium:

Great looking photos Rob! Excellent work from both you and your buddy Bill. The rockwork is spot on!

You know what makes me grin? Scrolling through a series of prototype scenery photos... Then after a moment going back to a photo and finding out its a model and NOT the real thing!

Rob, your buddy Bill's creek photo made me grin! That's some great modeling, nice job!

Stan

Thank you all for your pictures and advice! I am having fun getting the stream bed ready...

Hi Gary: Here's a couple of shots of my attempt at modeling some Pa. streams. DJ.

Streams and water fall

Mon, 2012-05-28 16:59 — djherr

Hi Gary: Here's a couple of shots of my attempt at modeling some Pa. streams. DJ.

That's a great scene!  Nice water too.

My favorite model RR hobbyist is the BigE.  I love to watch his videos for step by step "how to".  Here's a URL (Utube) which he makes a creek along side a track.  This video session starts just before he starts to pour the liquid so you can find his next session on the menu on the right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaSUCAMvWGw&feature=relmfun

Sorry, my mistake, this is the video that he starts to pour the liquid.