corn and other field crops in n scale....

[Flatrat]

My central Maryland layout in the 40's-50's will run through what was then very agricultural centered terrain. They grew lots of corn, grain and other field crops. Studying the cornfields there on a visit last week left me scratching my head as to how i could model cornfields in N scale.

Anyone done this succesfully or have any ideas for cornfields or should i take the easy way out and just model a dairy farm operation which was also a big industry in that region?

[DKS]

Depends on the season you're modeling. Alkem Scale Models (http://www.alkemscalemodels.com/) makes etched brass corn, which you can vary in height depending on how deeply you plant the rows. If modeling late in the year, you might want to take a look at SkibbeCorn: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=19053.msg255970#msg255970

If you go with the etched brass product, it can be a little tricky to "plant" in neat rows. I developed a different way of doing it: http://jamesriverbranch.net/project_25.htm It's Z scale, but the same process can be used in most any scale.

[Flatrat]

Wow! That's intense.

Pastures full of Holsteins and a Dairy barn and silos are looking more appealing compared to modeling n scale corn.

Thanks for the links!!

Scott

[rogergperkins]

   I took the easy way out and model the autumn after the crops have been harvested. Just do a plowed field which can be done nicely with fine wale corduroy.

I have seen some photos on one of the forum where the person modelled the corn field on the other side of the tracks, i.e. back of layout, so only a few rows were needed to create the illusion.

[rochsub]

Corn is nearly impossible to get right, especially modern corn with very close rows and stalks just inches apart.  David's corn may look good for corn planted in the 1930's but not modern corn, same for Skibbe's.  Modelling Northern Illinois, its difficult not to inlcude corn on Geneva Subdivision.  I've resigned myself to modelling wheat and soybeans on the layout and lots of corn on photo backdrops.

Daryl

[Sokramiketes]

Corn is nearly impossible to get right, especially modern corn with very close rows and stalks just inches apart.  David's corn may look good for corn planted in the 1930's but not modern corn, same for Skibbe's.  Modelling Northern Illinois, its difficult not to inlcude corn on Geneva Subdivision.  I've resigned myself to modelling wheat and soybeans on the layout and lots of corn on photo backdrops.

Daryl

With enough patience one could plant SkibbeCorn as dense as one wanted.  But for corn people expect to see rows, and that's the important feature to model... density from there is only a matter of how much time you really want to spend planting stalks of corn. 

[DKS]

Corn is nearly impossible to get right, especially modern corn with very close rows and stalks just inches apart.  David's corn may look good for corn planted in the 1930's but not modern corn, same for Skibbe's.  Modelling Northern Illinois, its difficult not to inlcude corn on Geneva Subdivision.  I've resigned myself to modelling wheat and soybeans on the layout and lots of corn on photo backdrops.

The image angle in my prior post is deceiving; this one may serve to make the point better:



You want closer spacing? Follow my technique, and just use thinner foam tape. Also, if you use Z scale etched corn, then the individual plants are closer together. There is an excellent source of Z scale corn from Germany, miniTec, that is etched stainless, with individual leaves (you'll spend a lot of time bending).

[kalbert]

I've been looking for some things to make corn out of too. There doesn't' seem to be a fast way to do it, but there is some good looking stuff being done. I'm thinking I may try the SkibbeCorn. Dig the late summer look of the natural straw and if it doesn't work out I can bust it all down and it will probably make convincing early fall corn. 

[DKS]

With enough patience one could plant SkibbeCorn as dense as one wanted.  But for corn people expect to see rows, and that's the important feature to model... density from there is only a matter of how much time you really want to spend planting stalks of corn.

I suspect SkibbeCorn might be plantable using the foam tape method, which might speed things up a bit and ensure nice, even rows... just a thought...

[Dave V]

Just be sure to drill plenty of cornholes before you plant your corn...

 

[wazzou]

Eeeewwwww!!

Just be sure to drill plenty of cornholes before you plant your corn...

 

[Flatrat]

I moved to the south a few years ago. Down here they think "cornhole" is a game played with bean bags.

I'm wondering if anybody has any ideas for modeling early season corn plants. I don't know, the tips of green painted toothpicks with a bit of green scenics foam stuck to them maybe? Maybe I'll experiment with that to see if the effect is believable.

[DKS]

Just be sure to drill plenty of cornholes before you plant your corn...

 

You've just ensured this thread is relegated to the Crew Lounge...

[Dave V]

My work here is done...

 

[rogergperkins]

The fine wale corduroy is a nice start for the field and can be purchased in a workable shade of brown or painted to match your area.  It can be glued to a Funky Foam and the holes created with a straigt pin instead of having to drill.
I have a couple of farm fields done this way, however after the crop was harvested.