Model Railroad Scenery - Ground Cover and Static Grass

In this video I show you how to build model railroad scenery - ground cover and static grass. I share model scenery techniques that will produce great, realistic results.
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Credits:
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[@shawnleih2916]

Good tips landscaping

[@aidenshobbies]

Great video!!!

[@alistairs3934]

Scenic cement is honestly a gift to modellers, it’s brilliant

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

It us not ideal for everything, but for light scenery material it is fantastic.

[@geoffreyknoll]

The idea to cover the track with wet paper towel is great!! Hate trying to clean up static grass off rails. Very nice detail video from start to finished.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment, Geoffrey, and thanks for watching.

[@DruSteel69]

Very nice, Ron.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you.

[@TJRohyans]

I watch a lot of scenery videos and they're all pretty much the same after a while, but every now and then you find a little tidbit that's different from the others. I liked your idea of using the ground foam prior to applying your static grass. That added a realistic element that I think may others miss. Peace and love.

[@davidmuse7004]

Ron, really like how you explain your steps and reasons why you do things that way. Your video has given me inspiration when I am ready to add scenery! Thanks for sharing. D. Muse

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, David. Let us know how it goes when you get to that step.

[@IMRROcom]

Bonus points for getting the trash under the trees. Out here we have almost a complete circle of dirt and trash under trees. Good catch on your part most people just stick rees into the green grass and call it good.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

My children taught me how to model trash. You should see how I model a messy bedroom.

[@schadowolf]

Great tutorial and tips/techniques! Thank you!

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Great scene, it's going to look great when done. Thanks for the tips

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, Peter. I look foreward to getting it complete as well.

[@austinyingst5902]

I've bookmarked this demo. You touch every part of the job and I know I'll be back when I get to this stage on my layout. Well done. Thanks. And, don't be too long getting to the next part.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@andyherring9719]

Excellent job

[@TheCloakedTiger]

This video really helped me out get started with the scenery on my layout. I’m doing a fall colors scene on my layout. :)

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Glad it was helpful!

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

The scenery looks great, Ron. It makes a big difference. ...Roy

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, Roy. Thanks for watching.

[@mitchrozelle269]

Hay Ron, that would be a good place for your camp fire and a hobo camp under the tree's. nice job on that scenery like how you did the rock. like always anther good video.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I'm planning the camp fire not far from here along a mountain stream under the trestle.

[@LegionOfWeirdos]

I'm envious. Nice looking layout!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks. Good to see you here.

[@PKWModelwerx]

Another nicely done and informative video. Thank you.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@dacuzzz]

hi Ron... great update... looks fantastic... i'll be doing the same here shortly.. thanks for sharing.. vinny

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks for watching, Vinny. I am enjoying this scene much more already.

[@JohnPW22]

Excellent tutorial - I have a lot of this kind of work to do sometime.... I'll be referring back often!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Awesome. Let me know how it goes.

[@rjl110919581]

THANK YOU FOR DETAIL VIDEO

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@patrickbashara2159]

Ron, I've been away from my layout for almost a year. Difficult to relocate time, and energy. But I'm getting there.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I totally get that. Good luck to you.

[@gregoryrapier3021]

Well done.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@alanhudson2986]

Nice work Ron. Well described. Cheers from the UK

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks.

[@ReidsTrainStuff]

Another awesome and helpful video Ron, given me a few different ways to do my scenery 👍Reid

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Great. Thanks for watching.

[@N-Scale]

Thanks for sharing the great video and the rock coloring tips. Mike

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks for watching, Mike.

[@N-Scale]

I really liked this one.

[@sohchx]

This is exactly why my layout is only 3x6 and in N scale. I kept it small on purpose because I knew that the bigger I built it, the more likely I would never finish it in a timely manner and it would take up space unused when I could be using the space for something else.. My decision from the very beginning was to start small and grow the layout from there module style. After the current 3x6 is finished I will start another the same exact size.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Different people have different goals, priorities, and tollerances. For me, my first goal was to get a full mainline operational as soon as possible, then work on structures and scenery after that.

[@garychestnut6380]

Nice video you do a great job explain your set.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks.

[@Kisthename928]

Looks great I'm in the middle of building a mountain range on my layout.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Sounds cool. How is the building going? Is there somewhere we can see photos?

[@HotRodRodney25]

Awsome I like it Rodney

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.

[@whitefordpipeshandmadebymi7238]

Wow that’s nice 🙂 looks very good! I leaned a lot ! Take care! Peace from Welland Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, and thanks for watching.

[@patterrana1581]

You just helped explain that the rock paint is already a wash, no wonder ithardly colored any rocks when I tried it and softened the plaster which led me to loose all the detail. Thanks goodness it was a practice diorama!

[@live2skide1]

Shared on DelMarVA Model Railroad Club facebook page. :)

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Awesome! Thanks.

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

2:40....i use those as a concentrate wash youre meant to dilute ....then i put it on and then let it dry a bit then wipe the excess off...not glob as giant dab and paint a 3mm thick shell of it on raw lol makes it last much longer and gets the same effect and much less waste

[@richardmattingly7000]

Kudos..most layouts need a bit of flotsam/jetsam otherwise they look quite unnatural and relics of human occupation aide in visual interest. Indeed tree stumps, a decaying remnants of a fence, and the sad debris of an abandoned enterprise are a delightful addition to a background. One bit of fun can be including places/names of things and people you've known in a layout on signs or a shop...

[@gotransitfannowdiscontinue7098]

Yo, Ron. Its me from Debashis and Megh corporation. That video wss helpful although I haven't started the scenery yet.

[@billvassar7473]

you can make your grass tuffts by putting a drop of white glue on a sheet of waxed paper then use static grass to cover them. cheap method .

[@captainmikie3499]

if you use a condiment bottle, like ketchup and mustard containers, you can place anything you want in a very small area.

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

oh man, its happening to me right now, I have a few box cars to paint and decal and nothing seems to be going right with them. So discouraging. I like your idea of the moistened towel for the static grass, and the odd numbers of trees. That makes a lot of sense.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Hey, Joe. Haven't seen any updates on that shed lately. How is it goin'?

[@paulturenne434]

Looks pretty darn nice Ron ,I like the colour of the dirt..that`s as real as you can get and looks great.I`ve always used ModPodge matte and mix it 1 Mod and 3 water with some dish soap,works great (got that from good ole` Luke Towan) I always get those 50%-55 % off coupons from Michaels and load up on ModPodge.I do however always soak my stuff with alcohol as yourself.I priced out that Woodland Scenics Scenic Cement at my local shop and was surprised at the cost compared to using mixed ModPodge. I do completely agree with you about planting trees in odd numbers ,that there is a good piece of info ! I love doing scenery on my layout ,sometimes getting totally absorbed in the project. Good job Ron !!!!!!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks Paul. Nothing looks more like dirt than dirt.

[@alistairbain6149]

A bit of grass or moss on the rock might have looked good - and added some realism? Great vid again Very helpful and inspiring! Thank you 😊

[@rexremedy1733]

this is very nice! unfortunately many people make very ugly scenery with the wrong materials, colors and textures because they are impatient. and then after a couple of months they realize the uglyness and try to remove and improve stuff and then realize they have to throw their stuff in the garbage and start anew. better start slowly and always try to achieve the best from the start. its cheaper also. and no endless trash... :-) and no waste of money... you have a good approach. you do it right once. in germany many layout builders make it it very ugly and petty and use all kinds of finished products which are expensive and make the layout very unrealistic and ugly. layouts need free space!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Well, I do think people need to practice techniques, but yes, doing it as right as you can the first time is better.

[@rexremedy1733]

Ron's Trains N Things it needs patience... i know that. i do struggle with that too... :-)

[@ZainesElectricTrainz]

Great video, im using your method to do my mountain module for my club layout. Have you tried the static king? I like the one you have from micro mark.

[@dthtaylor86]

Do you have a video explaining how you did the ground cover for the steep terrain in the background? Or is it just this same technique modified? It looks similar but maybe with less grass.

[@JoRoderick]

That looks fantastic. I'm always fascinated to watch you do the model building. Does the ground surface harden or does it stay 'furry' so to speak. It looks like it becomes a hard almost glazed-like surface from the cement.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

No, it stays furry to the touch as long as the grass stays standing.

[@jolliemark6294]

GOOD HINTS, LIKE THE IDEA OF COLORING THE ROCKS, thanks for sharing....😃

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks Jack.

[@shawnpowell5876]

Great video Ron and am excited to get layout started once we move into our new home. I've decided that I'll use foam to build up elevated areas but will paint the plywood top and use static grass to give it more realistic look. I'm just amazed at how well it works and which static gun device do you recommend? Thanks for sharing your videos and I'm viewing them from Delmar, Delaware.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Sounds like a good plan. Woodland Scenics Static King is my pick for best applicator hands down.

[@rolandlawrence2654]

In one of your previous videos, did you show a technique on how to make Aspen trees? I know you made pine and lodge pole pines but was unsure of the Aspens. Good video.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Not yet, but I am planning one in the near future.

[@MattMillican]

Great video and scene! Love how it turned out! I've been having trouble applying my static grass. I'm using a similar applicator to what you are, but my grass never appears to stand up. Not sure if the basket is too high above the surface or something. Any ideas?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

The closer the basket isto where the ground wire touches the wet surface the better. Also you need fresh batteries to produce the kind of voltage you need to make it work.

[@HugDeeznueces]

Very nice Ron! Do you have links to the sieves you used here? I'd like to know if you made a video on those aspens

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Not really, just kitchen seivs I bought at the grocery store.

[@mike1968442]

I just found your channel. You may have and I just havent found yet but could you do a video on how to make various types of trees. Just found the pines. Thanks

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I'm sorry for the delay in responding. Here is a playlist with several videos on making different kinds of trees. Hope you find it helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6jHhH6DhLtrmrs

[@H0bby_Adventure]

Looking Ron. I’ve bin wondering what size static grass I would use for N scale.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

2 mm is the smallest I have found, and really is about right for N scale tall grass. The 4 mm is really too tall if you were going to place figures or animals in it, but for the effect here deep in the woods I likes toe 2 tone, 2 length effect and I don't think anyone will notice.

[@user-on9ql6ji5f]

After you put down the static grass, you applied the tufts. But you didn't vacuum up the excess static grass? Why not?

[@gregoryrapier3021]

Great looking job Ron.Is there a way I can send you photos of My layout. The layout I have now is just totry to learn how to do Modeling. Thanks for posting this video.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

You can send the to my email. The address is in the description under the video.

[@budgetwebsiteservice]

The scene looks really good, but why are the trunks on your pine trees so light? The ones on the slope above the track almost look white in the first part of the video, or is it just the camera lighting...

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I think it is lighting. They are light gray with brown texture in the bark.

[@kevinterry722]

Ron, I'm having trouble locating the type of static grass applicator you used in this video. Micro Mark doesn't seem to have it. I'm working on the lower deck of my N scale railroad and looking for a small applicator. Any suggestions? Thanks, Kevin

[@30DayReviews]

so why do you buy grass tufts instead of making your own? turned out good nice job

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I do some of both, but I have yet to have my own turn out as nice as those I see some others make. I'm still perfecting the technique.

[@TheFrogfeeder]

Ok, this is what I’m looking for, how did you color the rubble,at the base of the cliffs? Was the plaster colored beforehand? My idea is to use a very very thin wash on a pile of the chips, because shaking them in a bag doesn’t work...

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

In this case you are looking at pre-colored tallus, but I have colored my own hydrocal chips with paint washes. It is easier to use a jar than a bag, and it takes several applications, drying them on waxed paper in between. For what is already glued down, I would say keep applying multiple coats of washes until you get what looks right to you.

[@duanesforkandspoonrr10]

Looks awesome...who makes that grass tufts?...

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

There are several companies that make them, but the ones I used here are made by Noch, part #7130.

[@duanesforkandspoonrr10]

Ron's Trains N Things thank you...i will look for them

[@TheOriginalBadger]

IMO, under the trees needs more detritus....fallen/dead leaves, the odd broken branch or two, and the grass looks too ... manicured ... for a mountain area.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I agree. That underbrush and other details will be the subject of my next scenery video in a week or two. 👍

[@dawnheart4884]

Ummm, just wondering, do you ever 'disinfect' your dirt? JW

[@dawnheart4884]

Nevermind, nevermind,

[@LordRusty5]

2 years? How about waiting to complete an idea after 47 years! Started working on a Jeepster Commando the end of last year, put it up, and I guess I'll get back to it after a few months. Need to get my real work done, THEN make time for my hobby project. This video is where I left it. Need to lengthen the body about a millimeter or two, then finish the project. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6DEnK2NedJjnpI

[@marioxerxescastelancastro8019]

All of that work when you could simply use a small real rock.