HELP / Advice Re Groundwork

[Viking Bob]

Mick
I have just come across this post, I have used the Modelscene mats, they are springy and do not adhere to the base very well. I had to weigh it down, this then defeats the object, perhaps I used the wrong glue (5 minute epoxy) I also used the the grass tufts in the above photo. this helped bulk out the grass and gave it height.
Hope this helps

 

[mick3272]

Mick
I have just come across this post, I have used the Modelscene mats, they are springy and do not adhere to the base very well. I had to weigh it down, this then defeats the object, perhaps I used the wrong glue (5 minute epoxy) I also used the the grass tufts in the above photo. this helped bulk out the grass and gave it height.
Hope this helps

Thanks Bob,

What sort of area were you covering.

Mick

 

[Ray Stout]

Chris, if you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for the Applicator? Ray

 

[Tubby-Nuts2]

However, considering the size of this project, which is 'Mahooosive',

I was just wondering whether you would be better off using 'Plaster of Paris', bandage, from 'Hobby-Craft', for the initial covering of the base. With whatever material you wish underneath to give the rear some elevation.

http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/plaster-of-paris-bandages-3-m/577665-1000

Just a thought.

Mark.

 

[Viking Bob]

Hi Mick
It was for my take on the four figures from Hawk minis, Guards set in 75mm. If memory serves me right it was 100mm x100mm.
Regards

 

[mick3272]

Hi Mick
It was for my take on the four figures from Hawk minis, Guards set in 75mm. If memory serves me right it was 100mm x100mm.
Regards

Thanks Bob,
Will have to have a good look at this and find a very good glue,
Thanks Mick

 

[Ybrossculpts]

Chris, if you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for the Applicator? Ray

Hi Ray,
I'm in Australia, so everything seems expensive, but I picked up mine from China for $39+$2Aud postage. Just put into your search 'static grass applicator', it works well (I'm still alive)but suggest watching the Ytube vids around and obviously have a good old play when you get it.
Regards
Chris.

 

[Alex]

Look for noch.de or mininatur products if you need static grass, etc.
I am one of their dealer in Canada but you will find one near you
Cheers
alex

 

[Ray Stout]

I picked one up for £23 from the same company that makes the grass. I only asked because when they first came on the market for the Railway Modellers, they were priced at almost £100 here!!! Ray

 

[mick3272]

Hi
Has anyone used Mig products ie fine mud and heavy wet mud. I know its an expensive way to go about things on such a large area, but may be easier in the long run.
Can you use the pigments to change the colour of the earth.

Mick

 

[Ray Stout]

Mick, please think about this, your figures are dressed in Summer Uniforms, so they'll already need to have a certain amount of "Dust" on shoes, boots etc. To go from that, to mud, would make weathering them more difficult, and, if you're going to add more figures later, getting the exact shades the same could prove tricky. Stay relatively simple, you're capturing a Moment in time, a snapshot if you like. First ideas, are generally the best, because you've thought it through. Ray

 

[billyturnip]

I hope you don't mind me offering another suggestion Mick, I think it would be a nice idea to include a nameplate with something like "Queen Victoria's Army inspired by the art of Richard Simkin" or something like that.

 

[mick3272]

Mick, please think about this, your figures are dressed in Summer Uniforms, so they'll already need to have a certain amount of "Dust" on shoes, boots etc. To go from that, to mud, would make weathering them more difficult, and, if you're going to add more figures later, getting the exact shades the same could prove tricky. Stay relatively simple, you're capturing a Moment in time, a snapshot if you like. First ideas, are generally the best, because you've thought it through. Ray

Thanks Ray,

It does take some thinking about, as at the moment their are 5 figs wearing overcoats & Bunnie Coats. ( All Officers.) My initial thoughts where to have 5 small sections on the one base in small tableau's being Officers with coats, Officers Tunic Order , Other Ranks tunic, Cavalry , and action, with the two mounted at the rear. As for adding extra that is in the hands of the manufacturers if they produce any more and if and when they do is there room ???.

Although its called mud I thought you could add pigments to make it various earth/ sand types??? thats a thing I will have to look into.

I hope you don't mind me offering another suggestion Mick, I think it would be a nice idea to include a nameplate with something like "Queen Victoria's Army inspired by the art of Richard Simkin" or something like that.

Roger.
The name plate is already in hand " Queen Victoria's Army of the East.".
Are you going to Euro ? If so try and make a point of finding me, will do likewise
Thanks
Mick

 

[billyturnip]

Roger.
The name plate is already in hand " Queen Victoria's Army of the East.".
Are you going to Euro ? If so try and make a point of finding me, will do likewise
Thanks
Mick

We were thinking along along the same lines with the nameplate... almost.

Unfortunately I won't be going to Euro, I've spent all my money on drink, drugs and woman.... actually only part of that is correct, I've spent all my money.
Besides I'll probably be at work.

 

[mick3272]

We were thinking along along the same lines with the nameplate... almost.

Unfortunately I won't be going to Euro, I've spent all my money on drink, drugs and woman.... actually only part of that is correct, I've spent all my money.
Besides I'll probably be at work.

As long as you have enjoyed spending your cash that the main thing. All being well another time & place.
Mick.

 

[Ray Stout]

Sorry Mick, I based my answer on the illustration at the top of the Thread. Ray

 

[peedee]

I just bought a static grass applicator the other week, does a nice job and looking forward to using on my future projects.

Regards Chris.

Hey Chris this is the way to go, I made my own last year and mix up to 6 different sizes and colours of static grass together for amazingly lifelike variations in colours and length.

Paul.

 

[peedee]

My applicator, based in a fly zapper and a tea strainer cost a pound, and is great fun to use.

There are even sbs guides to making your own on youtube.

Paul.

 

[Ybrossculpts]

Hey Chris this is the way to go, I made my own last year and mix up to 6 different sizes and coulours of static grass together for amazingly lifelike variations in colours and length.

Paul.

Yeah Paul, the initial outlay is obviously more expensive but the sky's the limit after that, you can blob any size amount of glue on some grease proof baking paper drop the static grass on it and there you have it, your very own tufts of grass and whatever else may tickle your fancy.
Regards
Chris.
Chris.

 

[peedee]

Chris try this, once the tufts are created, and while the blobs of glue are still tacky sift some dirt over the top of a few and leave to dry.

They are so much more realistic then, and easier blend into the groundwork at the edge of a grass section.

Paul