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The layout needs vegetation to look real. There are three major types of plant you will be modeling -
trees, shrubs, and grassy or weedy areas.
Since they will cover most of the layout, we’ll tackle the grass and weeds first. To model grass and
weeds successfully it’s best to use a product called ground foam. Ground foam is a powdery material
specially made for railroad layout and diorama work. Woodland Scenics is the most readily available
brand, and is found in many different colors and textures. Finer grades are used to simulate grass
while the coarser grades mimic weedy and other unkept areas. You can use a mixture of colors and
textures to create a more realistic look.
To apply ground foam you will want to assemble the following items: Scenic Cement, foam spreader,
Scenic Cement Mister, and a small, wide brush. Scenic cement is a specially formulated glue which
will spray through a mister. A foam spreader is a plastic jar which has several different size
applicater discs which are used for spreading the turf and ballast. The mister is used to spray the
Scenic Cement, and later on for spraying water on the ballast. The brush is used to move the foam
around on the layout once it is spread. It will also be used later for applying the ballast.
Before spreading the foam, make sure the masking tape is still covering the rails. Decide what areas
of layout get what types of foam. Spray a generous coating of Scenic Cement over a small area of
layout. It is usually best to work in sections, compleating one at a time. Using the foam spreader,
sprinkle a layer of foam over the still wet Scenic Cement. On hillsides and other areas which might
naturally erode, allow areas of the painted terrain to show through slightly. Cover other areas more
fully. When you are satisfied, overspray with more Scenic Cement. When overspraying it is helpful to
spray up above the newly spread foam at first, allowing gravity to pull the glue down. When the foam
has been dampened somewhat, you can spray directly on the foam. If you spray directly at first, the
ground foam will fly all over the place, ruining your work. Coat the ground foam generously with
Scenic Cement, and allow to dry overnight.
You have two choices regarding the trees used on your layout. You may buy ready-made trees, or you
can make your own. Kits with instructions are available, if you elect to make your own. If you are
using a lot of trees on the layout, this may be the most economical way. Ready made trees are
certainly easier to use, and are available in a variety of types. Woodland Scenics and Lifelike
trees are the most readily available, and will satisfy most needs.
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