Author Topic: How would I model this in N?  (Read 153 times)

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Iain

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How would I model this in N?
« on: November 22, 2024, 12:36:44 PM »
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In the past, I've tried modeling eastern NC, and I didn't get past not liking the 'soil'.  If you look at the exposed dirt in the trail, it's a a grayish color, and the particles are very, very fine, and I've not been able to replicate it in a way to convince myself.

On top of the soil is the vegetation.  What would be a good way to make a nice looking longleaf pine?  How about the low ground cover? 
I like ducks

Dave V

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Re: How would I model this in N?
« Reply #1 on: November 22, 2024, 12:53:08 PM »
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If you solve the longleaf pine question, you will have earned double-plaid membership. Anyone modeling south of the James River would be your new best friend.

Chris333

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Re: How would I model this in N?
« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2024, 01:03:54 PM »
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Paint the dirt grey.

Scottl

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Re: How would I model this in N?
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2024, 01:05:24 PM »
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Looking at the image, the parent material is grayish, which is what is exposed on the trail.  The soil is browny with a reddish (oxide tone).  You won't see much of the former exposed, while the veg will be underlain by the latter.

The understory could be done with a scattering of coarse foam over a base fine foam cover.  If you want static grass, it looks very grassy with occasional bushes.  Supertrees fragments with leaf flock make decent low bushes with good texture.

The trees are more challenging, but with so many trunks you could install a lot of these with only a few with actual canopy to give the dense look.  These deciduous trees (and most trees) don't look like Super Trees stems, but they might do.  A mixed forest like this will have a lot of snags (dead trees).

The pines?  Looks like a white pine to me but all long needle pines kind of look similar.  I would start with a wire form to get the main branche shapes and flock it with appropriate coarse foam.  There was also a technique for these that goes back decades in MR using I *think* trimmed golden rod seed pod stems.  It looked great in the pictures, might be OK here as a background pine.

Just some suggestions.  Looks a lot like any sub-mature eastern mixed forest.

dem34

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Re: How would I model this in N?
« Reply #4 on: November 22, 2024, 01:32:48 PM »
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They make sanded grout in that color. Its been a popular dirt analogue for a while.

And as far as I know, the only good way to model Southern Pines is with the twisted wire method covered in modeling paste. Which is not conducive to quick tree creation. Unfortunately.
-Al

ridinshotgun

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Re: How would I model this in N?
« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2024, 04:28:01 PM »
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I've used the Ammo-Mig acrylic and enamel muds to replicate muddy wet areas before and it works pretty good.  I have yet to find a grout that can replicate that type of ground that is satisfactory.  You can also mix the ammo stuff to adjust colors and add paint or colored pigments to modify colors.

https://www.migjimenez.com/en/ammo-paints/577-heavy-mud-moist-ground-amig-1703.html

https://www.migjimenez.com/en/dioramas-vignettes/7115-vignettes-dark-mud-ground-amig-2154.html