COVERING THE GROUND

I continue to work on scenery, mostly one scene at a time.  The latest focus has been on the “Pryor” area between Oakridge and Tunnel 21, just before McCredie Springs.  Pryor is the name of the siding between Oakridge and McCredie Springs—a siding I chose not to model.  I dealt with one of the corners in this area, applying ground cover and then planting trees.  The current focus extends that corner scene in both directions—back toward Oakridge and up past Rooster Rock to Tunnel 21.  

 

I began the effort by applying my base “dirt” cover to the terrain base.  I used a blend of sanded grout colors for the “dirt.”  I applied a coating of white glue and then sifted the sanded grout onto that.  Initially I painted the full-strength glue on with a brush.  The current batch of white glue I have been using proved quite thick, so subsequent applications were thinned a bit (2:1, glue:water) which still provided the needed glue adhesion while also being easier to apply.  

 

First section of terrain with dirt applied.  Also note the advancing stretch of forest “jumble” at the edge of the three-dimensional terrain against the backdrop.

 

During this first step I also applied “forest jumble” to the joint between backdrop and three-dimensional terrain.  The “forest jumble” was composed of small cuttings from the “Green Branches” material I use for tree making.

 

After the initial dirt application set, I returned to the terrain applying Woodland Scenics fine ground foam in earth and earth blend shades.

 

 

Woodland Scenics fine ground foam applied.

 

After I worked up to and around Rooster Rock, I worked the other way from the previously scenicked corner around past Salmon Creek and into Oakridge.  I still need to complete the bridge and trestle on the Pope and Talbot mill spur that is in front of (aisle side) of the mainline, so the effort around Salmon Creek was only part of the future scene.  I also applied the basic “dirt” (sanded grout) to the Pope and Talbot mill area.  With this, I have at least basic ground cover for the stretch from Oakridge around to Tunnel 21.

 

Salmon Creek area with dirt and Woodland Scenics ground foam.

 

Completed stretch of ground cover leading up to Rooster Rock.

 

Note I still needed to remove the masking tape covering the track.  When I did so, I found I needed to chisel some of the tape at the edges as multiple white glue applications bound it into the terrain.  The residue is in areas that will be covered by ballast.

 

For now, I have another significant stretch of terrain with ground cover awaiting the future steps of ballast and trees.