Being relatively new to the OGR Scenery and Structures Forum(usually I just follow the general mix Forum), forgive and go on if this topic has been previously discussed. This topic of using Nature's supplies is not original to me. I am only discovering other modeler's methods that I feel would be useful to me as I prepare to build my future layout.
After buying a bag or two of ground clutter and stumps in preparation for my future logging/mining layout, I had something to illustrate the scale size of materials to look for in my yard and surroundings. A quarter appears in each photo for scale purposes, unfortunately my yard is not filled with cold cash. The mulch that is spread around the shrubs yielded some nice sticks from the top of the dried mulch while finer pieces were sifted out from the mulch( several dry days prior help the separation).
Peeling bark from various trees gives a different collection (dead trees only). Different species of tree bark would give variety to your scene.
Small dead branches could be chiseled apart into nice looking deadfall to scatter on the mountainside.
I really like the broken ends of different diameter sticks, especially the realistic middle pieces that stick up as if the tree snapped after being cut part way though. A cleaner cut would give some tree rings to the stumps. The twig/branch could be embedded into your ground material and roots added.
While walking the dog, I saw some gravel that had been washed down the street and had collected into a nice pile. Various sizes of road debris rubble became readily available for my use. Be sure to wash the gravel to remove the finer dust, or just sift into graded sizes to use on your layout.
As with ALL NATURAL material, be sure to place in oven for several hours at a temperature hot enough to kill off bacteria and any bugs. Hint: Use tin foil on cookie sheet when your wife is away for several hours. Additional finishing touches can be done with chalks, spray paints, whatever works for you.
PaPaT
Attachments
Images (6)
Original Post
