Mould/moss

[Guest]

I'm planning to build a dio with a tired and rusty Jag E Type, but I've no idea how to achieve the green moss/mould that seems to form over abandoned cars. I know it forms on all the top, leading edges of the body, but how do you get that look with model paints?

Any help greatly appreciated!

[Guest]

What scale will you be doing it in?

Assuming it will be larger than 1:76 scale, then you could use a bead of PVA glue sprinkled with turf, as used for model railways.

Smaller scales you could get away with matt green paint.

The glue can be applied with a cocktail stick and the turf/grass scatter sprinkled on.

I have found that the moss generally sits in the window frames and crevasses where dirt and moisture sit, or in dents where moisture can be trapped.

[Guest]

Ah sorry forgot to say, it's 1/18 scale. Hmm, never thought of using turf like that. I'm a relative newbie to the world of modelling so picking up tips all the time, thanks for that Terry.

[spanner570]

This might be of some help Gavin.....

I never buy grass, trees and the like for my dioramas but forage in my garden and out walking.

Apart from it being free, there is nothing made that comes close to what nature provides by the bucket full around your feet!!!

For moss on metal surfaces I use moss either from rocks or an old nest made from the same stuff. If it's from an old nest it should be dry enough to just crumple up to a fine dust or whatever consistancy is required.

From a rock, stone or footpath you will need to dry it in the microwave then crumple it.

Wherever it is sourced from, the moss needs to be devoid of even the slightest hint of moisture

Then, using well watered down PVA and a fine brush or as Terry mentions, a cocktail stick, paint a fine bead where you want the moss, quickly sprinkle the 'mixture' where the moss is required, don't be fussy where it goes!

Leave a few seconds, then upend the model and tap it a few times. The residue will come away leaving a perfect moss effect just where you want it.

I hope this has been of some use to you and I await your presentation of the knackered E-Type!

Ron

[Guest]

Hey thanks for that, I'm a keen mountain biker so I'm always blasting through woodland or rocky places. Next time I'm out I'll take a small bag with me and collect a few bits and start experimenting!

[Guest]

I completely agree that there is a wealth of diorama materials outside for the taking. Just bear in mind the scale and the factv that living plant matter will dry out and change it's appearance but there are plenty of opportunities.

Another possibility for your moss is a fine household sponge. Pick bits off it with a pair of tweezers and paint up in varying shades of green.

[Guest]

Gavin,

If i were looking for the kind of look you are after especially at 1/18th scale. I would run a beed of slow CA along the lines where you want the moss to be and then sprinkle some vey fine sawdust over the area and then paint it in a matt green and yellow color. You can add blobs of the CA to make the clumps in certain areas. Once dry after glueing blow off the residue, then just add more CA & sawdust to build up the areas where you need more moss. If you make a mistake, wait for the CA to completely dry and just sand it off with 240 grit sand paper, make sure you dont get carried away and sand through the model.

Andy