Layouts and layout building

Ok, so I'm building my layout on a shoe string budget, not because I'm cheap but because I want to run some trains but have to pay my bills first , down the road I will replace things as money dictates but for now I must use my imagination and use unconventional materials where I can.

After running out of loose grass and wanted to complete a section of my layout, not having the ability to make the trip to the Hobby shop I visit 3 towns over I was walking through the supermarket and as I was buying dog food in the pet isle I noticed bags of cheap cat nip, they had a nice natural green color with flecks of brown in it, a lot like my real lawn (no the grass is not greener on my side of the fence) it is more like 85% green and 15% brown because I can see the dirt between the grass blades and patches.

I bought 2 bags of the cat nip which sold for $3.00 each and this gave me about 18 dollars worth of layout grass....

Since I don't own cats I didn't see a risk of feline over dosing, the cat nip has a slight smell when it is first taken out and sprinkled but after a few minutes the smell dissapates, no problem.

When I have more to spend on my layout I'll add a covering of real model RR grass on top so there is no real hard over hauling of my layout.

I just wanted to share my strange alternative with those like myself who are trying to build a layout on a tight budget.

My town will not have any cats in it for reasons known only to the folks at P.E.T.A....LOL!

I also ran out of senic glue so I used wall paper paste that my wife had left over from the kitchen job, it brushed on nice and holds the cat nip very well, after cutting the past with some warm water I misted the top with a spray bottle to seal it down and it worked out pretty good.

Well thats it for now, when I get home from going too get some more cat nip to finish my layout I'll post some pics later today of my work.

Happy Rails too all my MRRing Friends.

I would be careful with anything organic.  Many creatures besides cats may find it attractive and organic material eventually rots.

Elmer's white glue diluted with water can often be used in place of scenic cement.

I'm sure that as soon as some of the more experienced members discover this post, you will be advised of many readily available items that can be used in your construction without going to the hobby sources.

You could also get free sawdust from a local Lowes or HD and buy some RIT fabric dye at your local Wallys and dye the saw dust.  After it's dried, you can sift through it all for different densities (Coarse-Fine etc).  You can make a TON of landscaping dirt, grass etc for "Dirt Cheap"  Plus... the more you use the dye, the lighter it gets as well, so you can get lighter shades. 

The only thing I would suggest is not to drive around with zip lock baggies of the coarse Kelly Green stuff, as it looks alot like some Mother Nature type of weeds if ya get my drift!  Cops might have fun with you... but you will have the last laugh for sure!

Rob2112 wrote:

The only thing I would suggest is not to drive around with zip lock baggies of the coarse Kelly Green stuff, as it looks alot like some Mother Nature type of weeds if ya get my drift!  Cops might have fun with you... but you will have the last laugh for sure!

Phoebe Vet wrote:

I would be careful with anything organic.  Many creatures besides cats may find it attractive and organic material eventually rots. Elmer's white glue diluted with water can often be used in place of scenic cement. I'm sure that as soon as some of the more experienced members discover this post, you will be advised of many readily available items that can be used in your construction without going to the hobby sources.

Wood is organic. Catnip should work fine for his purposes assuming he likes the way it looks. 

jeffrey-wimberly wrote:

Rob2112 wrote: The only thing I would suggest is not to drive around with zip lock baggies of the coarse Kelly Green stuff, as it looks alot like some Mother Nature type of weeds if ya get my drift!  Cops might have fun with you... but you will have the last laugh for sure! Been there and done that! The cops couldn't apologize enough.

I've mailed out a few batches of my home made ground foam in zip lock baggies to some members here. Sent some through customs up to Canada. I was nervous for a month afterwards waiting for the cops to pull down my driveway!

Been a cop.

While the appearance of green vegatable matter will most certainly result in a much closer look, it should not be enough for an arrest unless the officer is not properly trained.

Unfortunately, training is one place budget strained smaller departments sometimes cut.

Well you'll just have to be careful about who shows up for layout tours, that's all.

Dave Nelson

Greetings johncolley ,

I don't think I have to worry about cats around here, most of the coy dogs and Fisher Cats eat them in the woods here, I haven't seen a stray cat out here for 14 years now.

But you do bring up a good point, If I were to live near a town with cats my home would probably be soaked in cat "Purrrrfume"....LOL!