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Supermoss

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  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Vallejo, CA
Supermoss
Posted by didfaI on Friday, October 19, 2007 5:27 PM

I'm in the process of build a dio depicting an a/c ramp wash rack/phase hanger using discarded stereo plactic cases. They were the basic black and have slots for windows and hardstand wash troughs. I bought some Supermoss with various shades of grass to cover the borders.

I also have some green felt that I think I might want to use as a base for the above mentiond grass. 

My question is: Using white glue; what is the mixture and should I use a dull coat to tone it down?Banged Head [banghead] 

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Australia & Laos
Posted by Geomodeller on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 2:26 AM

Mate, I've never heard of "supermoss", but I imagine it's some form of natural lichen or moss.

Personally, I think lichen and moss usually look terrible in dioramas. They're OK for an architect's model because the whole thing is just a visualisation of a proposed design (in short, a fantasy) but in a diorama, or even a model railway layout it almost always just doesn't look convincing enough.

Not so sure about your plan to use green felt, either. Even if you can find a felt that's not too bright or not too dark, I think the colour will be too uniform to look realistic.

Visit the model railroading section of your local hobby store (or look online) to consider some of the Woodland Scenics products. The best product for grass is either static grass, flock, or prefab grass matting, which is available in sheets or rolls. Buy a selection of different colours and mix them to obtain a realistic look. There are plenty of products available to help you make convincing ground cover.

The most important tool to use is your own eyes - look at real grass and real trees and try to simulate them in scale. Same goes for rocks, soil & sand. Note the different textures, colours, shades & structure of the natural item.

As for the white glue; I generally thin it with water at about 50:50, but it depends what I'm trying to glue. Some things need a stickier solution than others.

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 10:41 AM

I agree; the only suggestion about improving moss/lichen would be to spray paint it a dark green with a standard rattle-can, and while the paint is still wet, sprinkle some static grass or grass powder over it, and then airbrush some lighter shades of greens and yellows over it for depth and texture (or rattle-can it if you don't have an airbrush),

You can greatly improve the look of a real "bush" by this method! I also agree about staying away from the green felt--WAAAAY too "green" in my opinion!

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Newport News VA
Posted by Buddho on Friday, November 2, 2007 2:45 AM

Check this site out...you might find what you are looking for:

http://www.sceneryexpress.com/departments.asp?dept=1040

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Vallejo, CA
Posted by didfaI on Friday, November 2, 2007 7:58 AM

Thaks for the info and suggestions.Bow [bow]

 

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