Martin Tärnrot

Creating Ivy with Martin Tärnrot

Martin Tärnrot
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Duration:   3  mins

In this video, modeler Martin Tärnrot will demonstrate how to create ivy for a scene. Martin creates the look of ivy climbing up a brick wall using twine. For this ivy, he uses kitchen twine, commonly used to tie up a roast before putting it in the oven. Holding it up to the wall to check, he cuts the twine to the length of the wall—three times for three pieces of twine. Then he unwraps the twine, trying to keep in mind what ivy might look like as he partially unravels it. Holding it up against the wall, he can visualize how it will look. To affix it onto the wall, Martin uses a glue for static grass because this type of glue dries matte and transparent. He applies a thin layer of glue onto the wall using a brush and gently presses the twine into the glue, making sure not to press too hard so that the ivy maintains some thickness.

The next piece of twine Martin fully unwinds. This piece will be the carrier for the foliage, which will be stuck on using spray glue. A small amount is sprayed to the twine and Martin adds a Noch product that looks like green foliage. Applying more glue to the ivy already affixed, he adds the leaves he just made.

For more information on creating model railroad scenery or creating trees from nature, visit the Model Railroad Academy archives.

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2 Responses to “Creating Ivy with Martin Tärnrot”

  1. CPinMI

    I love it! Hopefully, I will remember this when I get to the point of decorating my layout. (Currently in the planning stages)

  2. Rad Jones

    Great idea on wall ivy. Very realistic.

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