Black River Section Scenery

[SAH]

This is kind of a scratchbuilding project . . . . .

I approach scenery as a layering exercise - of color and texture mostly.  I'm modeling mid-September in northern Ohio.  The weather usually dries up starting in August and continues that way through mid Sept.  Then winter begins.     My primary foliage colors are burnt grass and dull yellow.  Others added to add highlights as necessary.  Never light greens or bright yellows.  Study photos of the season you're modeling to point you on your way.

The base layer is WS soil and earth turf sprinkled over earth colored flat latex wall paint.  I painted a chip Polly S Earth and had the Home Depot paint lady color match it.  Make sure your chip is large enough for the color matching machine to see only the color you wish to match.


I did not mix a blend of static grass.  I put down one color but did not cover the entire surface.  Then change to another to fill in, creating a shadow or subtle patchwork effect.  After the initial application dries, add height to the grass by spraying hair spray over the initial application and apply more grass.  I used a pump applicator hair spray - maxi hold.  Cheaper the better.  My bottle was $1 at Wmart I think.

[SAH]

I created the next layer and texture with fake fur.  Green fake fur.  I sprayed the fur side with spray glue to apply it to the static grass.  Ironically most of the static grass on this section is covered with the fake fur layer.  Part of the learning process I suppose.  I've used the fake fur before, not applied over static grass though.  White glue works fine to affix it to a ground foam covered land form.  After the glue dries, chop away the backing with scissors.


Here's what it looks like with the backing gone.


Tease the fur with an old worn out toothbrush to thin it some.  Cut a little more away here and there to bring some vertical texture to the surface.


Color the fur with ground colored chalk, applied with the worn out toothbrush.  Scoop some color onto the brush and stipple it into the fur.  Pull and tease to work the color into the fur.


The fur represent the under growth below the tree and brush canopy.  The flowers (I'm shooting for goldenrod in this case) are created by applying hair spray to the fur and then LIGHTLY blowing the flower color (WS I think I used) into the spray droplets accumulated on the fur.  Use a folded piece of paper as a chute to guide the flower particles.


When combined with the tree and brush foliage it makes a convincing effect if you don't look too closely.


Trees next time.

[Zox]

This is looking very nice.

Perhaps an odd question, given that the focus is on the grass, but...what did you use for the culverts over at the left end?

[SAH]

Funny you should ask Zox.  I've had the material in my parts box for 30+ years.  It's a lipstick cover (case?) I fished out of the trash after my Mom tossed it.  It said "culvert" to me even back then.  I cut it into three sections with a tubing cutter.  It's not nearly a match for the Coon Creek culverts but close enough given how they're covered with foliage anyway.

[SAH]

Trees.  All the trees are assembled from multiple pieces of caspia basil, babies breath, hydrangia flower stalks or any other weed I find that can be made into something that resembles a tree.  I bind the pieces at the "trunk" with .005 copper wire.  Just wrap it around the stems multiple times 'til the pieces hold together.  You can see the wire in the photos below.  I don't bother to disguise it.  It's covered by scenery usually.  These are not stand alone ornamental trees.  There are better ways to make those.





I more-or-less follow the super tree instructions to paint and add foliage to the frame, except that I usually just drag the adhesive soaked frame through a tray of ground foam.  Fill in bare spots with scraps of super trees or other material.  After the tree has been planted, spritz it with hair spray and lightly sprinkle turf of a slightly lighter color than used for the primary foliage.  That's about all there is to it.  Experiment with different materials and techniques.  It moves quickly once you get going.

[sirenwerks]

Looking fantastic! Are you using straight sheers on that fur or layering sheers?

[DKS]

Great stuff, just wonderful. Where did you get your green fur? I got some decades ago but have the hardest time finding it these days.

[SAH]

Straight shears Bryan.  The cheap office variety works fine.  Some layering occurs as you pull the backing back to trim it away from fur.  Some interesting effects might be possible with a different cutting action though!

I bought the green fur at least 5 years ago.  Hancock Fabrics in ATL.  I too was told it's hard to find.  The first place I walked into had the stuff.  Go figure.  OTOH - how can I say this in a PC manner - fabric stores that cater to those living "alternative lifestyles" might increase the chance of finding the goods.  There were all kinds of faux furs at this particular store.  I caught the sideways glance the grandmotherly looking black woman gave me as I handed her the bolt.  I imagine she'd seen it all at this shop.  She didn't ask, and I didn't tell.   ;D

Steve

[SAH]

Last photos of the Black River section as I move toward getting the rest of the layout up and trains running again.

Here's an AC&Y eastbound with a light train crossing the Black River.





Steve

[Ian MacMillan]

Very nice Steve. What are you using for the under brush around the trees?

[SAH]

Thanks Ian.  Three levels of underbrush.  For close to the ground I use the same material I drag the adhesive soaked tree frame through.  Some of the pieces stick together so I just gather them up and drop them on top of a little bit of white glue.  For higher, spreading wild growing bushes I stretch the nylon netting WS (I think) sells for tree construction, dip it into the adhesive mixture and drag it though the foilage bin.  Then I'll use scrap super tree pieces (with foliage applied in the usual manner) to fill in gaps and add some more height as I see fit.  Add highlights with turf or flowers as i described earlier.  It goes very quickly once you get rolling. 
Steve

[MrKLUKE]

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