1:16 Leaves of Tropical Plant

1:16 Leaves of Tropical Plant – foliage for large scales

A printed paper accessory for a diorama in 1:16 scale from ETA diorama. It is not a kit or a decal: it is a printed sheet with the leaves of a tropical plant, intended for scenes around large models and figures. The 1:16 scale is at home with large vehicle models and radio-controlled machines, where ordinary accessories for 1:35 cannot be used.

Why not scale a scene down from smaller scales

The most common mistake in large scales is using vegetation from 1:35 – the foliage is then small, the scene looks like a model within a model and the whole impression falls apart. A sheet in 1:16 scale solves that problem: the size of the leaf matches the size of the figure and the vehicle beside it. Keep to the same rule with the surrounding details as well; the coarseness of the scatter and the height of the grass have to match the size of the leaves.

Working and sealing

Cut with a scalpel on a hard surface, and on large leaves run a continuous stroke along the outline. Curve every leaf along the central vein and roll the edges slightly, so that it does not lie flat; on the longest leaves it pays to glue a thin wire in from the back. Glue with PVA or matte glue, not with super glue – that makes stains on a print. Darken the white cut edges with pastel, then spray the whole with matte clear coat from a distance in two thin coats; one heavy coat would soak the paper through.

Who the sheet is for

• builders of scenes for models and figures in the large 1:16 scale
• modelers of radio-controlled vehicles who build a setting for photography
• collectors who build a setting around a large model
• modelers working with paper and a wire armature for plants

The accessory is supplied as a printed sheet. Glue, wire, paints and clear coat are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.