Moss for model railways: How to use nature to make a model ferns!

[@CastleHillLightRailway]

Thanks for the moss-hunting video George - you kept your promise!

[@GWilliamsonModels]

No worries!

[@MaxwellTheTrainFan]

Merry Christmas George ! Enjoy your modelling !

[@GWilliamsonModels]

Cheers

[@MaxwellTheTrainFan]

@@GWilliamsonModels ur welcome ! I got a bachmann N scale Percy … the dude came broken somehow . Used him for one hour and he stopped working … we’re sending him back for a replacement

[@davegillman6296]

I forgot it was Friday a nice little surprise,hope you and your family had a great Christmas.

[@FredWilbury]

bryology my favourite hobby for my railway layout 😊👌😎☕️ all the best for the new year CW

[@GWilliamsonModels]

You too

[@blairrobinson4760]

I’ve used it for some time - it grows in abundance in my garden on old stones and tree trunks.

[@GWilliamsonModels]

It’s a really nice formation, and much finer than a lot of commercially available ‘ferns’

[@nanderv]

You know, I keep wanting to subscribe to your channel, but I'm already subscribed.. Good explanations, great vibes as always :).

[@GWilliamsonModels]

That’s nice to say, cheers!

[@AxlToop]

The colours make you look like you're in twilight 🫡

[@GWilliamsonModels]

That’s the goal

[@nesnduma]

Hello, you can easily find mosses even in city centers. However I think it’s important to cultivate them by yourself from small samples to avoid destoying the environment. I put the samples on some soil (dead leaves dried in the oven or peat from the local gardening store) and under constant lighting in acrylic boxes. I spray water every two or three days. Some samples have grown a lot. Some tend to get thickness, some others tend more to spread. You can soak them in glycerine before using them so that they’ll keep some flexibility and structure.

[@GWilliamsonModels]

Yes, I’ve planted some in the garden that should hopefully grow so I don’t need to take any more from the wild

[@_RandomPea]

Hahahah 😂 can't just drink prosecco... Great video mate. Merry Christmas ⛄

[@GWilliamsonModels]

Cheers, you too

[@Steamshield]

Hope you had a nice Christmas. Looking forward to what comes next. I've seen that fourdees are starting to bring out the Talyllyn boggy coaches. Hope to see you around next year as well as the layout at some point in the future.

[@GWilliamsonModels]

Yes hopefully will see you around

[@RG-Models86]

Nice video, George. 👍 I would look at that waterfall and be immediately inspired to build a layout/diorama with that waterfall in it as the centre feature of the scene.

[@GWilliamsonModels]

Yes it’s a lovely little scene, the road bridge is on a curve going over it which is nice as well

[@TheHoveHeretic]

Non moss-related, but couldn't help noticing that particular post and rail metal fencing - with my modeller's head on, naturally. You mentioned a date of 188(something) .... my brother was at Christ's Hospital (Sussex), which dates from roughly the same time and features the same stuff. Thinking back, I've not seen it used earlier than the late 19th or later than about the end of WWI. Perhaps a useful dating cue for old images and on relaxing walks Happy New Year to you George. Looking forward to much more of your inspirational output.

[@GWilliamsonModels]

Very interesting comment, well spotted! Thanks, have a lovely new year

[@varus5596]

Hi George, I think it’s nice to use natural materials. I hardly think that the amount the few model railroaders would collect would impact anything. Anything in a city centre is probably “harvested” by the ton, and illegally. I live in Victoria, Australia, which is a place where both physically and psychologically you could imagine the end of the earth is happening ( in fact a U.S. movie was made about this). I collect a small bush in salt flat wastelands here. Between when the growth ends and the plant blows away in the wind, the skeletons of the very small plants are like miniature apocalyptic trees, and with a spray of adhesive and applying fine leaf product, I can make any imaginable type of tree. And no, I have never seen any other person collecting these … feel safe George …)

[@GWilliamsonModels]

Well it beats the pollution from commercially available products being produced, so I don’t think there’s an issue. I’ve got friends in Victoria, and they’ve sent photos of the local area, pretty different to what I’m used to!

[@bobharris5872]

Ok, so after the glesorine bath? Dry it paper towels?

[@GWilliamsonModels]

Yes, I didn’t get that far, but I leave it for a day or two, and then let them dry on paper towels

[@darreno9874]

I think the moss is common tamerisck, not sure of the spelling, and it is legal to forage wild plants as long as you don't up root or sell the material.

[@GWilliamsonModels]

Good to know, and yes, that was what I thought it was aswell!

[@ronnyskaar3737]

You are very dedicated. Going on a date, then leaving her alone and rather pluck moss for your toy-train... The fact that she later became your wife, must be a sign of true love. Gongrats.

[@GWilliamsonModels]

I am a catch