newbie

[Anonymous]

Im building my first layout a N scale. On my hills would it be best to use fine
our course turf. Or what combination ? Thanks for any imformation.

[Anonymous]

A year or so ago I was in the same position as you. I use a wide variety of "turf" of various colors. You probably don't want one texture over a wide area as it is boring and not too scenic. I use Woodland Scenic materials for much of the scenery as it's pretty easy to use. They have a selection of trees, brush, turf, grasses, etc. that is easy to use and looks good. Others manufacturers, I'm sure, have good stuff also.

[egmurphy]

I basically agree with Ken. I'd recommend first applying a coat of latex paint in a dirt color. Then I'd put on a layer of fine turf, with some color variation. I think the fine turf should cover most or all all the area you're trying to scenic (the paint is to provide color in areas where you don't get 100% coverage with ground cover). Then continue building it up as you see fit, maybe some more fine turf, but a different color, on top of the first. Next with some coarse turf, (doesn't have to be over all the area). Then apply some of the Woodland Scenics 'underbrush', and finally a bit of their 'bushes'. It's a gradual work in progress.


Regards

Ed

[Jetrock]

It all depends on what sort of hills you are modeling--are you trying to model hills covered with grass, or with low-lying scrub brush? Bare hills of dirt with occasional vegetation? Tree-covered hills? Rocky cliffs? Sand dunes?

[Anonymous]

Mainly hills with brush and trees

[Jetrock]

Trees become a whole separate issue--one common technique to model hillsides covered with trees is to use a "front row" of actual modeled trees, and then behind that put up a net of dark-colored material and drop large coarse clumps of foam or lichen to simulate the tops of trees.

For hills with scrubby brush and not really a lot of grass, coarse foam would work best--use a couple of different colors to create a scruffy look.

For grass-covered hills, fine foam is nice--deep greens for a lush look, or tan foam for high summer or dry climates. The hint about painting with latex paint and immediately applying foam can save some time, but makes it harder to cover over a mistake...