Having found a new supplier of MiniNatur static grass whose prices, postage rates and more importantly service is second to none I've returned to using these excellent fibres. What makes them superior to other similar products is their colouring which to my eye is far more natural. But a word of caution for the actual colour shades are dependant on the type of layout lighting that is used, so a little experimentation certainly pays off.
![]()
As you know from a previous post I've been casting a critical eye over the scenery around the quarry. I felt there was far too much going on and the scene was overcrowded, so some of the hedges and bushes were removed to see if that helped. I also felt the area was too green for a railway embankment and disused quarry area so I decided to make a few simple changes, the photo below shows how things looked before I started work..............
.
![]()
The photo below shows the same area after carrying out a few simple tweaks, to my eye the scene has been opened up and looks more natural The static fibres that I used are listed as '4.5 mm winter grass' though the package reads 'late fall'. Rather than use longer fibres I find it best to slowly build up the height of the grass with shorter ones as you have more chance of them standing up and its easier to vary the height of the grass.
![]()
I'm much happier with the look of things now, the high ground where there is always less moisture looks dry whereas the lower areas which tend to retain moisture are greener. Its a small but important detail which I feel has improved to the scene.
![]()
The area in front of the allotments received the same treatment and now tall unkempt grass has sprouted up around the base of the hedgerow.
![]()
Whilst I still had the old puffer bottle handy I added some more of the same fibres between the main line and goods siding.
![]()
Another change that I'm pondering is a return to cassettes, whilst the sector plates have so far been reliable the bearings on which they pivot have developed a bit of wear, which isn't good for accurate alignment of the track resulting in some unacceptable lurches as the stock enters the scenic part of the layout, Though no derailments have yet occurred I reckon its only a matter of time, I must admit this has taken me by surprise and perhaps a simple pivot in the form of a bolt might have served me better? Cassettes worked well on Penhydd and with the benefit of hindsight I should have perhaps stuck with them as they are more or less fool proof and help keep the handling of stock down to a minimum, as they say, "if it ain't broke then don't fix it", on the other hand if you don't experiment then you learn nothing.
As for cutting back on stock, one loco which was going to be disposed of has been saved and you can thank a certain Mr.Robinson for that because he kindly sent me a couple of Bylines magazines which featured Ivatt 2-6-0 locos on the Mid-Wales line between Moat Lane Junction and Brecon.
![]()
So rather than head for Ebay 46521 found herself taken out of store and put in charge of a short goods train bound for Llanbister Road. Eventually she will be detailed and weathered but for now she's ex works. By the way, the S & T department has adjusted the signal wires and the arm now rests horizontally when on.
As you know from a previous post I've been casting a critical eye over the scenery around the quarry. I felt there was far too much going on and the scene was overcrowded, so some of the hedges and bushes were removed to see if that helped. I also felt the area was too green for a railway embankment and disused quarry area so I decided to make a few simple changes, the photo below shows how things looked before I started work..............
.
The photo below shows the same area after carrying out a few simple tweaks, to my eye the scene has been opened up and looks more natural The static fibres that I used are listed as '4.5 mm winter grass' though the package reads 'late fall'. Rather than use longer fibres I find it best to slowly build up the height of the grass with shorter ones as you have more chance of them standing up and its easier to vary the height of the grass.
I'm much happier with the look of things now, the high ground where there is always less moisture looks dry whereas the lower areas which tend to retain moisture are greener. Its a small but important detail which I feel has improved to the scene.
The area in front of the allotments received the same treatment and now tall unkempt grass has sprouted up around the base of the hedgerow.
Whilst I still had the old puffer bottle handy I added some more of the same fibres between the main line and goods siding.
Another change that I'm pondering is a return to cassettes, whilst the sector plates have so far been reliable the bearings on which they pivot have developed a bit of wear, which isn't good for accurate alignment of the track resulting in some unacceptable lurches as the stock enters the scenic part of the layout, Though no derailments have yet occurred I reckon its only a matter of time, I must admit this has taken me by surprise and perhaps a simple pivot in the form of a bolt might have served me better? Cassettes worked well on Penhydd and with the benefit of hindsight I should have perhaps stuck with them as they are more or less fool proof and help keep the handling of stock down to a minimum, as they say, "if it ain't broke then don't fix it", on the other hand if you don't experiment then you learn nothing.
As for cutting back on stock, one loco which was going to be disposed of has been saved and you can thank a certain Mr.Robinson for that because he kindly sent me a couple of Bylines magazines which featured Ivatt 2-6-0 locos on the Mid-Wales line between Moat Lane Junction and Brecon.
So rather than head for Ebay 46521 found herself taken out of store and put in charge of a short goods train bound for Llanbister Road. Eventually she will be detailed and weathered but for now she's ex works. By the way, the S & T department has adjusted the signal wires and the arm now rests horizontally when on.