Shoofly free-moN module - 16
I leave a slight dusting of static grass between tread tracks.
Slightly larger sections of stripwood were secured at 60 degree
angles at the end of each row, to bear the tension of the
“wire.” Using the same technique employed to create the cow
pasture fence, I strung two levels of E-Z Line down each row,
and Lush Vineyard was ready for planting. (23)
While a vineyard towards the rear of a layout could make do
with flocked twine to create an impression, Lush Vineyard is
right next to the edge
of the module, which
means that both oper-
ators and audience will
be up close, and thirsty
for detail.
So, 182 individually-
made vines it was! I
stripped 1”-long sec-
tions of small feeder
wire, evenly separated
the strands to cre-
ate a “T”, and then
painted/stippled them
with Liquitex Ceramic
Stucco Paste. (24)
At first I tried the same
white-glue-&-sawdust
mixture as the oaks,
but it took more appli-
cations and much
longer to dry, with
little improvement of
24
24: While not as textured as
fine-sawdust-&-white glue,
ceramic stucco paste is easier
to work with and dries faster,
which is important when you
have 182 individual grape vines
to make.
texture quality. Ceramic Stucco paste is easy, fast and looks
good enough. Spray paint Grimy Black, apply a thinned tuft
of polyfill, hair spray, and then sprinkle a healthy dose of light
green ground foam. I used AMSI ground foam: In addition to
having many colors and textures beyond those available in
the mass market, AMSI is also a Northern California company
based in the very region I’m modeling, so “Go local!”
Using a T-pin to punch holes at 8’ intervals, I used CA to plant
each vine plant, working the leaves around the support wires.
25
25: 182 individual grapevines?? Why? Because
“The 3-Foot Rule” is “The 3-Inch Rule” in Free-moN.
With a 50” layout height, viewers are literally inches
away, so those details have to be done well. Plus, the
grapevines really help set and sell the scene. Plus, the
vines look very cool.
MRH-Nov 2013
