Can you make Turf Green Grass and how?
Thanks
Do you mean “How do I model a turf grass surface?” or “How do I make the stuff in the Woodland Scenics ‘Turf’ bottle?”
Woodland Scenics and Scenic Express are 2 companies that make this stuff. There are others, too. I use “fine turf” in various shades to produce different ground-cover effects. The large-sized shaker container has enough in it to last a long, long time, and smaller packages are available.
Hey
If you want to make it on your own there are probably a few ways. Using a blender and foam form a Michael’s or other arts and crafts store probably found in the doll making sections.
What I have been doing which may not be the best idea is blending up styrofoam peanuts (free with deliveries) mixed with water. After a few minutes of blending I strain the mix put it in some aluminum foil lined baking pan to dry. (It does react to static as do unblended peanuts but I’m hoping when it is eventually glued down it won’t be a problem.) After it is dry I mix in some diluted acrylic paints but just enough so it is absorbed by the styrofoam. Mix it up and then let it dry again. I’ll send a pic when I get a chance. I realized I need to make it a little darker but for a first effort of trying to find out the bext “mix” I think it looks good. Regular foam found at Michael’s probably will absorb paint better than styrofoam peanuts.
Just to avoid possible confusion, peanuts are not “Styrofoam” which is the trade name for extruded polystyrene foam insulation.
Also, make sure the peanuts are foam, not the biodegradeable, edible corn starch ones. The corn starch ones will melt in water.
You might also be able to use RIT fabric dye.
Rotor
Rotor
http://www.geocities.com/thorshammer73/foam.html
http://dansresincasting.com/Ground%20foam.htm
Here’s a couple “how to” articles. I strongly recommend using a food processor instead of a blender.
The small packages of WS turf are $3.59. The big shaker is on sale right now for $8. The big one is probably enough for a decent-sized club layout.
There’s nothing wrong with making your own, of course, but think of how much effort you’re going to put into cutting and dying this stuff. Unlike scratchbuilding, “turf-making” is not likely to give you a product which will be as good as the store-bought stuff, no matter how much effort you put into it.
Seriously, you’re going to be better off spending your time installing bullet-proof trackwork or weathering your freight cars. For a fistful of dollars, you can get a bunch of small packages of turf in various shades, and produce realistic ground cover by putting down small patches of browns, yellows and greens. For a few dollars more, you can have enough to last for years of layout building.