Tehachapi, BC

[TLOC]

This ...

is MW stuff sold through Scenic Express

md

In the USA only at Scenic Express. IMO, Martin’s items blow away the competition.

TomO

[chuck geiger]

Gary - Spangler stuff here is real good. https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/2414?page=1
This is what I was looking for to send you, found it: http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/fur_grass/
https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/37719?page=1

[GaryHinshaw]

Thanks all.  The Wellburg stuff is fantastic but I think it's a bit too Euro (read lush) for the Mojave.  (A little pricey too, but not prohibitive.)

However, I think the steel wool has real promise!  I tried a bunch of trials and I think I have a process that might just work.  These shots show two new bushes (the right-most two).  They only took a few minutes each, are surprisingly durable, and decently random looking:





Next up is to make a larger batch, work on the colours, then plant them in a test patch and make sure they don't shed (foam or steel wool bits) after being hit with spray adhesive and hair spray.  So far they seem pretty stable, so I'm optimistic.

-gfh

P.S. Just saw your post Chuck.  I'll check out those links.  Thx!

[chuck geiger]

Nailed it with the new bushes.

[C855B]

Nailed it with the new bushes.

This! Great work, Gary. Amazingly effective! Do you take commissions? 

[Angus Shops]

The steel wool looks like a potential winner! I’m encouraged by the thought they are more durable than I’d anticipated. If you can tame the shedding potential you might have it nailed. Are you considering hitting the wool with some grey spray paint? That might tone down the steel look (although it doesn’t seem to be a problem in your test samples) and lessen the shedding problem...

[Chris333]

Will the steel wool get rusty when you wet it down?

[dem34]

Will the steel wool get rusty when you wet it down?

Yes, very quickly too if you don't dry it out and seal it fairly quickly. At least going by experience with a chunk left out near my slop sink.

[Cajonpassfan]

Man, the shrubs look good, but I’d be so nervous with rusting steel wool dust and small pieces anywhere near my motor magnets and commutators...and you need acres of it Gary.... Maybe it can be sealed and contained, but still, in the long term, I don’t know this is wise...😬
Just my gut talking,  I never actually tried this.
Otto

[mark dance]

Man, the shrubs look good, but I’d be so nervous with rusting steel wool dust and small pieces anywhere near my motor magnets and commutators...and you need acres of it Gary.... Maybe it can be sealed and contained, but still, in the long term, I don’t know this is wise...😬
Just my gut talking,  I never actually tried this.
Otto

my (parnoid) thoughts too

md

[C855B]

Copper wool exists: https://www.amazon.com/Copper-Wool-Roll-Fine-Grade/dp/B01CRJYYOE . Not cheap, tho'.

[CRL]

Copper wool or steel wool both present conductive contamination issues although only the steel wool would present a magnetic attraction issue.

Honestly, I’d find something else... maybe some kind of abrasive plastic pad material.

[Chris333]

Wonder if you just dip steel wool into matte medium if that will coat it?

[Wolf N Works]

Yes I was thinking just clear coat it or dip Matte Medium to seal it myself. I wonder...

I agree with others, the bushes look great. I have to remember this.

I like the idea of copper or brass wool, yes still a conductivity issue exists but will not rust.

[svedblen]

Yes I was thinking just clear coat it or dip Matte Medium to seal it myself. I wonder...

Yes, or hit them with some gray paint, as suggested.