How To Make Your Own Clump Foliage for Train Layouts

[@drw6848]

At 3:39 you say it will come out a bit lighter than you may think. That is because the foam you are using is white... so I suggest that you add just a bit of black paint to the mix to darken the color if you want darker foliage.

[@raspberrypiploy771]

Needed a quick solution for a project and this idea is deceptively realistic and simple. At first I must admit it looked a mess but when finished the effect is brilliant. Thanks for sharing

[@cg7494]

Nifty idea DJ. I picked up a coffee grinder in a Thrift Store for like three bucks and use it to grind coal I find along the right of way. This foam chop may be another use for that grinder. Thanks for the idea.

[@bendickmann5460]

You have a perfect voice for a training video. In fact, major corporations do not have people as gifted as you in their marketing and promotions departments. Well done!

[@djstrains]

Thanks. Sometimes I hate the sound of my voice, lol.

[@normanrowe2831]

Maybe a suggestion for future useage. Make up a few different colored batches at the same time. Then as you are applying to your layout use a little from each batch. That way you have more color gradients. More natural. Just a suggestion. I love your videos. Thanks.

[@djstrains]

I 100% agree!!!

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

I have made foliage in this fashion as well. However I have not added the glue in like you did. I love this idea and look forward to trying this. Thank for sharing DJ. David

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

Hey DJ just letting you know that I did actually use this method recently. It came out great. Thanks for the info. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 my friend

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

That foliage came out looking great

[@bleeleroy]

Thanks for this idea it looks just as good as woodland scenics nice job

[@djstrains]

Glad you like it!

[@cbirailroad]

That DJ, is the greatest idea I've seen in a while - as good as sliced bread. And the timing of finding this is perfect. I am just getting ready to start doing scenery on my n scale garage layout and I'm really looking forward to trying this. I just have to find a used blender at a yard sale somewhere. 😎

[@cbirailroad]

DJ, I just found, in a box in my garage, 4 large (96oz) packages of Woodland Scenics clump foliage in 3 different shades. I plan to randomly mix these colors and apply them to my mountains the same way you applied your homemade, starting at the 4:00 minute mark of your video. I have also cut some upholstery foam in small 3/4x3/4 cubes and I'll mix them in a slightly different shade. I'm anxious to see how well these 2 products will work when mixed together. I'll post a photo when I'm done if I can ever figure out how. Ron

[@cbirailroad]

I finally tried your original recipe for the clump foliage, and the results are mixed (pardon the pun)... Maybe I squeezed out too much water, but when the foliage dried overnight it never really got hard, nor did I see a lot of drainage around the perimeter of my hill. After a couple more days I applied some cheap hairspray to keep everything in place and it is better, but still a tad soft on top. It looks pretty good though, and I've mixed in some puffball trees (I slice them in half and glue the flat side down) and some lichen (moss) also spray painted and dipped in ground cover (like the puff balls). I'd post a picture if I could figure out how. Ron

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

You can speed up the process of coloring your clump foliage by mixing the color into your mix while still in the process of grinding your foam. It is colored when it is finished being ground. I use cloth die instead of paint.

[@djstrains]

cloth die. I never thought of that. I wonder how the costs compare? Thanks for idea!!

[@PoorBoyPennyShow]

interesting ,,i make it that way except i dry before i apply ,,,i like the idea of applying it wet ,,makes sense too ,,,im building a 3x6 n scale ,on an old desk ,,i think i will try the wet technique ,,,good job and thanks 😎

[@conecuhvalleyttrak]

Nice work! Really looks nice on the layout. I have also tried this, but added the color in the blender and did not use the glue. I bought an $8 blender from Walmart that I use just for this.

[@sparky107107]

that was cool DJ. looks easy enough to do. and the spot that is already dried. well nice full bush area. overgrowth effect.

[@tripleheart2970]

Great video. I want to try making foam foliage myself in the near future, but I might not have thought to add water to the blender. Thanks for showing how you do it, it looks really nice.

[@djstrains]

wanna come over in May?

[@tripleheart2970]

Sounds great, I’d like that.

[@JPoulAndersson]

A great and cost effective technique for sure. Thank you for showing! Regards from Holland, Joachim

[@djstrains]

I am honored to have you as a viewer. Please check out all 125 of my videos, and if there is anything you'd like me to do one on, let me know.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Interesting. I may have to try that.

[@creolepritch9865]

Awesome tip DJ!! Thanks you gave me a some of the best money saving tips.

[@jolliemark6294]

Nice hint, don't need a lot as I'm modeling desert, but you do need some at times....thanks for sharing....Jack

[@samhane11]

Great Idea and Cost Saving. Thank you for sharing and making the video.

[@nscaleendeavor1267]

Thanks for the video! I am in the process of building my first layout. I have gotten so many good ideas and information from your videos. Of course, I am subscribed and watch all your videos so keep them coming! Your help and experience is appreciated.

[@clearegtower9468]

That's actually really awesome. Gonna have to try it!

[@corvusboreus2072]

Ever considered using beachcombed sea sponges rather than poly foam? They come undercoated in a variety of natural shades and cost a walk. Ps, Recommend sniffing before harvesting.

[@djstrains]

Will look into it, Thank You.

[@normanmaletta8618]

Hey this is a great idea DJ I'm in the process of doing my back drops as we speak and I bought a bag of lichen for $15. But I'm not going to continue to go that route. This route is a lot cheaper cuz I have a large layout are the effects looks great it really looks great the color is rich dark green I love it I'm originally from clairton Pennsylvania and I watch your videos from turtle Creek edgar Thompson mill. Duquesne classification yard. I love your videos DJ keep up the good work

[@djstrains]

Thanks Norman!

[@nathandelay]

Cool technique I would have to try that out.

[@hoscalecsxgrandrapidssubdi3437]

Nicely done I will try this thanks

[@HenrikSweden1]

That looks nice. Would it be possible to start with dying the piece you are going to cut up and when it has dried put it in the mixer. Less fuss ? By the way be careful when putting your hands in the blender, always pull out the cord...take care ! Thanks for the video!

[@djstrains]

I still use my mixer and don't want a green milkshake :)

[@paulknappcollections]

Hey brother, I understand the fact that you never ballast around a steel yard but what do I do if I use the Bachmann EZ n scale track. I've invested a ton of money on track over the years and I like it cause I can put it up and take it down easily cause I only set mine up at Christmas. How would you suggested going around this problem? Just raise all the buildings? Thanks

[@djstrains]

Since it is only for temporary layouts, personally I wouldn't bother doing anything and just enjoy it as is.

[@jimbos3421]

That is an excellent tip! Seems like everything is priced so just the well-to-do can afford things. If the foam was frozen first then ground up, do you think it would end up finer like whats in the shaker bottles?

[@djstrains]

I don't know.

[@RWSBaden]

DJ, Great modeling tip, thanks for the video. Yes I agree, the hillside looks fantastic. Question, was all the clump foliage on the hillside made using the same color of acrylic paint? or was multiple colors used? Some patches look darker? Rich S.

[@djstrains]

all different colors of the acrylics. trial and error, but over all came out good.

[@djstrains]

probably 6 different batches

[@brianw8433]

Dj nice to see some more videos ! This one was great - just in time as I have a similar section that needs this treatment :) keep up the great work thanks !!!

[@djstrains]

still averaging 1 or 2 a month. Check my channel for any you missed. :)

[@michaelpison9520]

I'm an Uber driver in the burgh, and picked up a guy who said he was an engineer. I said I love trains, and watch train videos on the internet all the time. You should have seen his face when I said I watch DJSTRAINS!!! His jaw hit the floor. The admiral says hi.

[@djstrains]

He texted me later that day. That put a smile on my face the whole day! I love Uber. We took it all week in Savannah, Georgia recently. I will be at the November 10, 11 train show in Monroeville, with a table if you get a chance to stop by!

[@randallbyrd1973]

Awesome I wanted to try this know after I seen this . I know it will be great thank you.

[@stavio12]

thanks DJ, looks great

[@GoViaorgohome]

That looks real good and it is definitely worth a try. This is not scale specific is it? Looks great with N but I wonder about Ho.

[@djstrains]

Maybe just forced perspective. Make bigger clumps for up close and smaller for distant areas. Let me know how yours turns out.

[@dewanes3180]

Would it work the same if you add the paint in the blender?

[@djstrains]

yes

[@gerlandkent6377]

thank, you for you're video.👍

[@djstrains]

Welcome 😊

[@playingwithtrains7764]

Good idea and good execution!

[@cdracing]

Over n out...ty.

[@normanrowe2831]

Very, very nice. Thanks. Sorta looks like broccoli.

[@djstrains]

you are giving me ideas for April fools 2019.

[@revealingfacts4all]

GENIUS!

[@djstrains]

not my idea, but it works!!

[@MrEndoftheRoadRC]

looking good, great idea.

[@opeyshop]

you might try ice cube i use 3 and grind for 3 minutes

[@jdtII]

How is the Ground form holding up

[@djstrains]

That layout got taken down but the foam held up as same as new a year later.

[@IMRROcom]

Do you like pina coladas

[@djstrains]

I don't like getting caught in the rain.

[@robertschworm6036]

I used ground saw dust, great for tree armatures, and yard ground base. But a better way for ground form is to use jumbo car sponges. Grind up with a wire wheel and drill. Wet to moist and then make a color batch of 1 royal blue to 5 bright yellow to get a very nice soft green. Add water to make a slurry and mix, Work ground foam thru this mix until completely colored. Dry in oven at low temp. Then put this ground foam thru a food GRINDER. A blender will not work. Then sift into 3 grades. Just like woodland scenics. Bob

[@corvusboreus2072]

I reckon the best foam for foliage is natural sea sponge. Comes in a variety of shades and textures, and costs a walk on the beach. Just avoid the smelly ones.

[@waltersobchek2465]

👍

[@tampabayrails]

Heres another way to make a similar foliage. Get some cheap insulation, dye it green, let it dry, and there

[@djstrains]

fiberglass insulation makes me itch.

[@wolfgang548]

Sawdust can also be used. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKKxY4ujfbiifZI

[@justafrenchkidtryingtospea9462]

me * puts foam in my blender* My family: Wait what the..?

[@djstrains]

hahaha