Modeling The Miniature Bush | River Road - Vlog # 101

[@PeterTillman3]

Thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Peter! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@johnbutler8388]

Nice job. Thank you. Thank you for your time and appreciate it

[@boomerdiorama]

My pleasure!

[@rosasgiftsllc2219]

Thank you for the inspiration.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome!

[@taz2065]

Wow Boomer... Just Wow. Thank you so much for sharing your techniques. I cannot convey the heartfelt appreciation I have for you in just words. I just finished 100 of the sisal rope bushes, 50 evergreens, and 50 hardwoods. I've never done anything like those in my life. I owe it all to you. All my life I've hated the "plastic" look on model railroads. I literally waited 52 years for you, and now I'm off to the races. I hope you can get some sense of just what you mean to us. God Bless you Boomer, and again many heartfelt thanks. (Now I'm off to learn scratch building!)🎉

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you kindly for taking the time to write that. It sounds like you built up a nice little pallet of trees, bushes, etc. Now you get to have fun composing scenery. Should be awesome! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@stevenstorey1945]

Another great video Boomer! The little bushes look fantastic! You have no idea how much it helps to revisit previous videos, especially the way you break down each step. There is always something new to learn that I missed the first time, and, I'm encouraged to go back to the original video and review it as well. Thanks so much for your time and patience in teaching this craft to so many of us! I know for you it's repetitive, but for myself it's a first time learning experience. CHEERS

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad to help!

[@lclarke1959]

Steven, you are right on. I made some of these last summer but wanted to make some more and being able to get a refresher course was so helpful.

[@Conrail1731]

Thanks for the tutoring on making better bushes 👏👏

[@boomerdiorama]

My pleasure 😊

[@runswithwolf7498]

Definitely met your calling. Awesome 👌

[@boomerdiorama]

It feels the same as it did fifty years ago.😁

[@randytaylor1258]

@@boomerdiorama Your eye has matured with experience, and it is wonderful that you pass it down to us. Respect.

[@DougRoutley-s4w]

Love the pauses for the anthem (CN horn blasts)🤣

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . 😉

[@AndyWheat]

Really cool technique enthusiastically taught.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks. Scenery is time consuming and I find it good to change up things. ;-)

[@christiannavello1277]

Making bushes looks easy with this tutorial and you are such a fantastic teatcher Boomer. Thanks for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jpbassseniorbasssenior323]

Now I’m 👀 looking for rope 😊thx boomer 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. I have run out. Farming supplies should carry it - Sisal Rope.

[@jpbassseniorbasssenior323]

Dreams of retirement 👍

[@kenrogers5105]

If you’re in Canada, Canadian Tire has sisal twine $6.99

[@boomerdiorama]

@@kenrogers5105 Thank you for the heads up! I just ran out. ;-)😁

[@kenrogers5105]

@@boomerdiorama thank YOU for the great scenery videos!

[@NarbonneGauchoBoingo]

hi Boomer, I just tried this, they came out amazing! Borrowed some old fuzzy string from my neighbor that worked perfectly. Adding the static grass has a great effect. Such a fun little project. THANKS SO MUCH BOOMER!

[@boomerdiorama]

You can use these bushes for any scale easily as well.

[@martinhinsley6198]

so many tips in this video. Flocking brilliant. Thankyou from the UK

[@boomerdiorama]

You are so welcome!

[@charliewaite8559]

Congrats on 12k subs boomer! Well deserved!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks you!

[@lclarke1959]

I just stumbled upon a secondary use from these bushes. The 1-2" glued portion of the bush that you use for a handle once cut off and flipped over makes a really nice tree stump.

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes! Very observant of you. ;-)

[@folkertvanwijk5168]

Don't know if you also read te comments on older videos, but i just want to let you know that i am trying this method for N-scale bushes. Cutting shorter rope like 2cm then separating then into two strands gluewing and flocking them first with 6 mm gras.. I now sprays them dark brown and something like buff and a little flesh collor.

[@boomerdiorama]

I do! Thanks for sharing. I also need to make another batch of these as well soon. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@beckyforbis4858]

This is so great I can’t wait to try it. Every time I watch your videos someone at Michaels Crafts is laughing 😂

[@boomerdiorama]

Have fun!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I need to make a lot of N scale Mesquite trees and this method may be just the ticket. Thanks. 👍🏼

[@boomerdiorama]

For sure. If I was an N Scaler I would be hard at production with these. They look super.😬

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

@@boomerdiorama For larger deciduous trees I really like sage brush armatures, but for smaller, scrubby trees these look perfect. Have you tried using jute with this process?

[@boomerdiorama]

@@RonsTrainsNThings Many years ago. I'm too lazy to try anything else right now except for what is on hand . . . lol. Sounds good though. Cheers.😁

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

@@boomerdiorama I'm going to give the jute a try. I'll let you...well, everyone...know how that goes. 👍🏼

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Wow enjoyed the video hope there more to come and like it DD,

[@boomerdiorama]

More to come!

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

@@boomerdiorama Great and thanks very much for replying to my comment. lt's nice to be in this great Community sharing ideas.Take care DD.

[@donsunden5906]

thanks again for your time to show us the details and not just jump to the finished product . Love the time you spend with us in the video keep up the Great work .

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching!

[@garryjohnson5310]

Sitting here watching your video and I heard the train horn then you mentioned the CN. About three minutes later I heard another locomotive horn sound. Again CN except this time one block from where I am currently living. Southwestern Michigan line Chicago to Port Huron former Grand Trunk Western. Ah the days of old GTW 50’s-70’s. I always enjoy your step by step explanation and encouragement to explore possibilities.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome. Cheers!

[@neilrogers1571]

Boomer I have been making sisal bushes for some time but you are again showing us how to put more detail in to them. I have also used 4 pieces of sisal to form a larger bush/ small tree 3 pieces of string the same length and 1 longer piece which goes in the middle then glue the base then tease out as normal trim if necessary. Paint as normal etc. I think this technique gives you a result as good as any! Available on the market. Thanks I find I learn something every time I watch your videos that helps to make me a better modeller 👍🚂🚂🚂🚂🌲🌳

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing! Cheers.

[@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304]

Another nice technique I'll file away until I need them. Thank you!

[@boomerdiorama]

I revisit my own videos when I forget stuff . . . lol.

[@johnschutt9187]

Man, you're good. THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@boomerdiorama]

I appreciate that!

[@harleynut1961]

Such a great idea, been watching all your videos and glad I found them.

[@boomerdiorama]

😁Glad to hear it and welcome aboard!

[@monsvillerailways5736]

Great video. I just shared a link to your video on my Monsville Railways Facebook page. As you say, the process is the main learning curve. Hopefully you get some more views 👍 Happy modelling. Mon

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, my KZbin made a recommendation on watching some of your earlier videos. Wow, what a great bush and small tree tutorial, so much to take away here, it is fantastic. I will need to get some sisal, and give it a try. Thank you for sharing, and cheers, stay safe, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Lancelot_Jago]

If only my school teachers had the same passion as you! You have taught me so much in so little time. Thank You! Lance 🇦🇺

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow, thank you!

[@craiglowrey9550]

Hey, those are really great bushes, eh 😉 Thanks.

[@boomerdiorama]

They do the job. ;-)

[@andysfishingandflytyingcha2310]

Hey Boomer! I don't model, l'd love to but due to an accident my hands just can't cut it, my career as a pro guitarist ended after the accident too. I just want to tell you that l get so much enjoyment from your videos, l get my modeling kicks out of your work, concepts and almost "zen" like approach when you "get in the zone" as you so eloquently put it. I could watch your videos for hours, they are so relaxing, informative and l just love how you want to share your knowledge with others while saying that you should experiment and find your own path. And your a great animal lover too!! I'm a labrador nut! On my third beautiful yellow boy called Benson. Cheers boomer. Andy

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing Andy!

[@ericp6612]

Another great technique and they turned out great! I was up in Vancouver last Sunday and wanted to go over to anacis island to see the real deal first hand but had other things to do!

[@boomerdiorama]

If you walk in beside the Brewery there is public access to the right-of-way along the river. It's a five minute walk down the tracks.

[@ericp6612]

I will have to get back up there. Gives me a good reason to get some Tim bits!

[@gigigoldie3668]

U truely are the "Grand Master" cheers Boomer 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@charlesmayer7097]

Great job! Thanks for the tips. What size rope is that. Seems everything I find at the hardware stores too large in diameter.? Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

It should all unravel regardless of the size.

[@charlesmayer7097]

@@boomerdiorama ok. Thanks. I'll give it a try. 👍

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

Boomer, you never cease to amaze me! What an outstanding tutorial/technique for making bushes. Well done mate! Took notes! Will give it a go.

[@boomerdiorama]

They make for nice scenery.

[@4x7layout]

Awesome, Boomer. Thanks. I've been messing with lichens for bushes and small trees with mixed results. Lichen is perishable I think, though, and doesn't sand up well to liquids applied, and the branches are flat-ish and unrepresentative of reality. So, thanks again; scenery is still a new, experimental venture for me.

[@boomerdiorama]

I think scenery experimentation continues for everyone. I don't use Lichen. Only once and never again. Cheers.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Excellent tips on making trees and bushes for the layout, going to subscribe your channel

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the sub!

[@bretts7029]

This is exactly the vlog I was hoping for. Thanks, Boomer!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Happy to help!

[@Howie2025]

Love that you’re modelling the SRY. The past 2 years I’ve lived right next door to it in New Westminster BC. I have some SRY equipment on my N scale layout, mostly SW9 switchers for the N Vancouver grain elevator. I’ll be following your progress and watching your videos. 👍👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Cool. I grew up around the BC Hydro/SRY Railroad in Kitsilano during the sixties and seventies.

[@johnarthur6302]

Very cool technique - right down to intentionally airbrushing darker shadows underneath and highlights above. There’s that buff again! I’ve done similar with yellow florist spray cans for leaf highlights from above on super trees but never thought to do it to the armatures themselves. Thanks as always for sharing your knowledge!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad it was helpful!

[@seanspennywisemiserrr]

Another incredible tutorial Boomer. I'm going to give these trees a try for my n scale layout. I have down time when we are at the cottage, and what a great place to fill some of that time by creating these lakeside. Take care. Sean.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great Sean. Have fun!😁

[@vincenthuying98]

Awesome tutorial Boomer, some great bushes and undergrowth. Definitely agree on the use of matte medium whether diluted to add branches or full strength for the leaves. Leaves much more room for control compared to spray glue. Plus, in the end it’s just way more affordable. Not to mention, way less messy. Also, compared to both diluted or full strength pva, the grab of matte medium is just so much better. And try to add a second application when one used pva as the adhesive. It will just ruin the first run.

[@boomerdiorama]

I find Carp glue to be too brittle and it leaves a sheen.

[@albertofranchi6408]

Great work

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks

[@railfan1956]

Boomer, have you worked with Lichen on your layouts? Unless you pick it up in the wild, the store ones are already treated with glycerin to remove the sap and make them soft. Just wondering how you shaded them. Did you spray the bottom side the same way you did the bushes in this video? Thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

I know people use Lichen. I don't use it personally, although it can be quite effective. I do spray the bottom side darker to enhance the shadow effect, then I spray the top side for light effect.😁

[@tas7997]

Very cool! Learned a lot from this! I have some rope, but yet have to make any yet. I need 12mm static grass. Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

You can do it!

[@tas7997]

@@boomerdiorama Of coarse! 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

@@tas7997 😁

[@beckyforbis4858]

IPA? Isopropyl alcohol?

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. IPA - (Isopropyl Alcohol) - 50% - 99% percent. Dilute it as much as you want.

[@PostmoderneModelWorks]

I saw these on your layout and had to guess so I’ve been making theme from wire. Would’ve never guessed you used rope.

[@boomerdiorama]

You can make them with fine wire if you desire.

[@JoeyBPhotography]

Great tips! These look great. I have actually noticed a difference in thinning Tamiya paint... I find that the difference is: I stretch the paint further and spend less over time lol.

[@boomerdiorama]

When you thin Tamiya and learn to shoot it through the airbrush (applying thin layers to build up), it's the cheapest hobby paint there is with the best pigment in the world. Tamiya would have to go of business before I ever stopped using it. Been shooting it onto all my award winning models in the past for over twenty five years. ;-)

[@railfan1956]

I must have not had a 50/50 mix on the first flocking time. Most of the 12 mil grass came off. Will try the opposite direction and start with the matte medium mixing water with it instead the opposite direction. You are right. The rope is pretty stiff after submerging it in matte medium.

[@boomerdiorama]

Matte medium is very versatile for all things scenery. Once you work with it for awhile you will grow to love it. Great adhesive, mixes with acrylic paint, dries transparent and flat, you can thin it as much as you want for other ground cover, ballast, dirt, etc. Cheers.

[@Vman7757]

Wow! thanks. I can see how I can make these in N scale. Thank you for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

😁

[@PeterTillman3]

Hi Boomer - what pressure setting do you use on the compressor for these bushes?

[@boomerdiorama]

30 P.S.I.

[@westonoverland]

Awesome Video Boomer 🤘🏻

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you Weston! Cheers.😁

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Those leaves you still have from the museum days look a lot like finely shredded paper that was white but painted green on one side before it was shredded. My paper shredder generates a variety of shred sizes but I'm thinking it may be possible to filter the desired size and it would likely look like that. Just an idea. Thought I'd throw it out there.

[@boomerdiorama]

The desaturated color is cool. 😁

[@beckyforbis4858]

What brand is your highlight color?

[@boomerdiorama]

I use Tamiya for airbrush highlights.

[@donaldkormos5529]

Thanks for a great video!! Plan to try your technique and add some color to create some flowering bushes kinda like azalea bushes. Either use Woodland Scenics poly fiber or ground-up and dried colored cellulose sponge material (using a blender). Sponge idea from a KZbin video but don't remember whose video. Quick question: Sisal rope can be purchased in numerous diameters ... could you suggest a diameter to start with similar to what you used in the video? Thanks again ... All the best ...

[@boomerdiorama]

3/8" to 1/4" should work fine. I just break up the strands regardless.

[@donaldkormos5529]

@@boomerdiorama Many thanks!!

[@alank9674]

Hi Boomer - I enjoyed this video and plan to give this bush construction method a try. When your bush is finished, how do you attach it to the layout? I didn't see that covered in the video unless I missed it. Do you use a bamboo skewer like you do for the trees or something else? Thanks for this series on trees! Alan

[@boomerdiorama]

I drill a hole into the layout and stick the stem of the sisal bush into the hole with matte medium.

[@anthonygunter4064]

Great video Boomer! You are an asset to the train community! I am embarking on my tree and bush journey now and have a question. Are you using 3/16", 3/8" or 1/4" sisal rope?

[@boomerdiorama]

I used 3/8" for this, but either one you mentioned will work if you pull them apart.

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you! 😁

[@EL-nc1cs]

Another great how to vid.......Thx Mr. Boom!!, Hey whats your preferred IPA 91/70 or does it even matter for the Tami mix? - Alex

[@boomerdiorama]

I use 99%. 91/70 is fine as well. With 99% you get more peer volume for the money if you thin it with distilled water. Add 30% water to 99% and you get approx.. 70%. Distilled water is only a buck a gallon!

[@lclarke1959]

Another great tutorial. It probably doesn't matter but I was wondering about the thickness. Maybe you mentioned it and I missed seeing it. For example at Lowes I see they have a 0.06. 0.25 and 0.375 inch thicknesses.

[@boomerdiorama]

They all have place for scenery I am sure.

[@James-zf4lj]

I am. Want to model Sawgrass cheaply . 8:01 😊

[@boomerdiorama]

👍

[@johnscherer1922]

another great show, but i have a question that is a bit off topic. i've heard that using flat finish over ipa, or vice versa can screw up the finish. what are your thoughts on this. thank you.

[@boomerdiorama]

If you mean "Matte Medium" flat finish I am not sure what you mean. I can spray IPA based paint all day long over acrylic matte medium or acrylic based paint as long as I don't "agitate" it. It's no different than spraying multiple coats of IPA based paint over any flat coats. If you don't agitate with a brush it won't move. If you spray pure IPA then that is a different story. I wouldn't put oil paint over a lacquer flat coat but I would put the oil paint over an acrylic coat any day of the week. I hope that answers your question.

[@stevensvalleyrr]

Hi! Are you using the normal Liquitex Matte Medium (green labeled bottle)? not the "ultra matte medium"?

[@boomerdiorama]

I use the normal Liquitex (Professional) Matte Medium with the green label. Not the "Ultra" matte medium. 😁

[@stevensvalleyrr]

@@boomerdiorama thanks a lot, i just ordered the second largest (1L) sized bottle from amazon, and will start making the "elastic" soil patches very soon :)) i tried the normal PVA glue, but that just sharttered after taking it off the baking paper :) your channel is a really good inspiration to me, and I always look forward for your videos!

[@bobainsworth5057]

When I made my trees, I spent about 8 hrs. Making roughly 400 trees. So if I spend another 12 hours, I could have a remarkable tree cover on a rather large layout. While I'm at it maybe 800 busches and no one would notice my track work. HA!HA!

[@boomerdiorama]

When you run your train through the beautiful scenery you will notice the track! ;-)

[@randytaylor1258]

@@boomerdiorama Emphasized by your ultr-slow locomotive use.

[@randytaylor1258]

What do you mean by "matte medium"? Is that the stuff Tamiya makes to turn gloss paint into flat?

[@boomerdiorama]

No. "Matte Medium" is an acrylic product you pick up at Artist supply store.

[@randytaylor1258]

@@boomerdiorama Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@randytaylor1258 It's an artist's medium similar to Mod Podge but better quality. I use it full strength for flocking leaves and also mix it with water for ballast, scenery, etc. It dries completely transparent and flat. Try and get the Liquitex brand if you can. Cheers.

[@bobainsworth5057]

Looks like my layout is going to be getting greener. We'll redder, ' cause my layout is experiencing the fall at this time

[@boomerdiorama]

I could change my whole layout to a different season with the airbrush in short order . . . lol.

[@randytaylor1258]

@@boomerdiorama You're the Bob Ross of model scenery. It's not about creating tiny details as it creating thr impression of miniature detail. Lighter colors on top with darker undersides -- you've got me completely rethinking the technique. Cheers!

[@bobainsworth5057]

@@boomerdiorama I'm beginning to see the advantage of an air brush in capable hands. I only have to train my hands. LOL

[@boomerdiorama]

@@bobainsworth5057 Keep practicing when you can and it will come.😁

[@stevenstorey1945]

Hi Boomer, Could you answer a quick question for me (when you get the time)? It would be much appreciated! Concerning the Polystyrene sheet siding you use to cover the plywood surface on your warehouses on River Road, what is the thickness of the sheets that you use? I have found a number of thicknesses offered by Evergreen Scale Models. Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

.040" 😁I use .040" for most siding.

[@stevenstorey1945]

Thank You Boomer!!!

[@arnaud3299]

👍👍👍

[@boomerdiorama]

😁👍

[@grahamfrench9874]

Boomer. Thanks for another very informative tutorial.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome!

[@normtaylor3240]

What is the ISBN number of the tree book so that I can order it?

[@boomerdiorama]

ISBN 0-7726-2159-4

[@kimknowles3681]

Since you mentioned it that book has become very expensive.

[@boomerdiorama]

That sucks. I better take care of mine then.

[@anthonybradford1041]

do you mine P.V.A glue

[@boomerdiorama]

P.V.A. works but I don't use it.

[@anthonybradford1041]

@@boomerdiorama the glue I use is evo-stik wood glue fast setting formula interior

[@Jjw114]

Hi boomer. you might want to check out Green Stuff World Micro Leaves. love the videos and all the knowledge you share.

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Thanks for the tip! Cheers.😁

[@DisVietVetUSA]

Just do not sneeze OK, cause it goes everywhere, eventually you find itty bitty mills working themselvesm out all over you layout

[@boomerdiorama]

I vacuum my layout on a regular basis. The "hard shell" nature makes it easy to keep clean.

[@railfan1956]

Boomer, have you checked MP scenery products for the two color leaves you do not have much of? There dark green leaves look like those.

[@boomerdiorama]

I like to paint them Ron. When you paint them it puts your personal signature on things and they look different than the default "mainstream" colors. 😁

[@bradleyogden5688]

Boomer, or anyone else, how could I model HO scale tumble weeds?

[@boomerdiorama]

Try "Lichen" and spray bomb them brown. ;-)

[@bradleyogden5688]

Thank you Boomer!

[@johnschutt9187]

Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

Whoa! . . . thank you! You are very gracious! Cheers ~ Boomer.