I have to apologize to those who have been waiting for the end result of this tutorial. Plainly put, I've hit one of those "hobby funks", where I needed a break from things.
I am beginning to get my mojo back and thought that I would let you know that I fully intend to complete this.
I've been trying to find a way to put into words, how I decide to customize my bases. Most times it's just trial and error. I test fit a piece onto a base and see how it blends in. Does it look natural or does it look out of place? Does it need a second piece to compliment it? This is where individual taste comes in. It's pretty much in the eye of the beholder. So before we get into all that let's just go through the tools and materials that you will need to begin.
Materials/ Tools Needed
Static Grass…I purchase mine in bulk from Scenic Express. I buy colors for 3 seasons, Spring, Summer and Fall. I also buy lengths of 3, 6, 10 and 12 mm. I tend to use the 10 and 12 mm length more than the others, simply because most battles in North America were fought in open fields, where the grass would be high. Height and color should be consistent with the battlefield.
If you're attempting this for the first time, or just want to give it a try, then perhaps buy small packets of several different colors and lengths. I believe that one of the makers offers a variety pack, which would be a good place to begin.
Static Grass Applicator……You need one of these. There is just no getting around it.
I bought mine on Ebay about 5 years ago and it still works a treat. Several vendors sell converted fly swatters that will do the trick.
This is what I use.The price should be around 25 bucks or so. Check the seller feedback to see what buyers have to say about the applicator.
Of course, you can spend a lot of money on a "name brand" applicator that are sold by model RR companies. It's your money!
Many hobbyists use "puffers" to get static grass to stand up. Puffers are small plastic tubes, that when squeezed, emit a rush of air causing the grass to stand up.
I guess that's fine, I've never tried it. It appears to me that it would take forever to get something finished using this method, but who am I to judge?
You can also rub a balloon on you shirt and hold it over the grass. The static will cause the grass to stand up.
There are all sorts of methods. Take my advice and invest the 25 bucks.
Static Grass Glue…..You can use Aileen's Tacky, Super Tacky, Fast Grab Tacky or any of the other tacky glue products made by Aileens. I find the plain, old regular, tacky glue to be acceptable. However, I have been using a product made by Noch called "Grass Slime" and have found it to be far superior to tacky glues. It's a latex, that doesn't form a "skin" over the surface of the glue. This allows the grass to adhere better while doing multiple passes with the applicator. An 8 ounce jar costs about 10 bucks.
Sticks and Twigs…..Take a container and walk around in your yard, a park, a forest or wherever else that you can pick up small sticks and twigs and fill the container. Look for small tree armatures, twigs that resemble downed trees or dead logs. Pick up anything that you can use and throw it in the carton. Small pieces are good for tree roots.
NOTE…..Anything that can house bacteria, mites or microscopic organisms should be sterilized before being brought into your home. I spread the pieces out on a paper plate and microwave them for 30 seconds or so. Enough to kill anything that may live inside the sticks and twigs.
After that, I soak them in diluted Matte Medium for 10 minutes or so. Then it's on to another paper plate and leave them to dry. The Matte Medium will seal them and keep them from decaying over time.
If your microwave is inside your home, it's best to do this when one's significant other is out of the house. And two, (MOST IMPORTANT) do not leave the microwave unattended. Wood is combustible and will burst into flames. Stand there and watch until you remove the sticks. Remember that the sticks will be hotter on the inside and can ignite AFTER being removed from the microwave. Keep the Matte Medium solution next to the micro and throw the sticks immediately into it, after removal. That will douse any fire.
Miscellaneous….I spend some time walking around craft stores, garden centers and the like, looking for interesting things that I can use on my bases. The fake flowers, wreaths and seasonal ornaments all can be useful. Try to look at something and think "what can I do to make use of this"? Can I add flowers or leaves to it? Can I cut it up and use it in sections? Can I paint it?
All I can add is that you have to use your imagination. There are dozens of products out there that you can use to improve your terrain. If your not up to scratchbuilding then browse the various scenery companies websites for products and ideas. You just have to visualize what you want to achieve in you mind's eye.
OPTIONAL…..Scenic Express Super Trees. I find these invaluable. Perfect for trees, bushes and small plants. If you are serious about terrain you MUST have these.
Sagebrush Tree Armatures…….Also invaluable for dead trees, branches and stumps. When combined with Super Tree material, they make spectacular looking trees.
Scenic Express sells a trial pack containing Super Trees and Tree Armatures. I found it well worth the money. Highly recommended.
Finally, check out YouTube videos done by Scenic Express, Woodlands Scenics and especially those done by expert Model RailRoaders. There are hundreds of terrain tutorials on YouTube that can show you how to achieve the effects that you want. I steal ideas from everyone and customize them for my own purposes. So should you.
In the next chapter, we will begin to customize the base.
I've no idea how long it will take me, but I will finish this. Thanks for your patience.
paints brigs for the British fleet.
