Spring Grass Mats

A format for one diorama

The format of 31.7 x 35.8 cm corresponds roughly to a sheet from a larger drawing pad, and it is on precisely such an area that most small views are built: one figure with company, a single vehicle, a bus stop or the corner of a yard. The fresh spring tone of the grass gives a scene lightness without overpowering the main model.

The sheet is of vinyl, the flock holds on it firmly and it does not make dust. It is cut with ordinary scissors, so it adapts to a round as well as an oval base. The edge can be bent over the edge of a board and fixed underneath, by which the unsightly seam disappears that is otherwise visible from every angle with small views.

Against a spread surface, a sheet has the advantage of holding its shape and not crumbling when a base is picked up. With small views that decides: a scene with figures is carried about far more often than a layout module and every move marks a spread area.

A quick way to a finished base

The small format is rewarding for trying things out. It can be used to try how a footpath will look, how a pigment behaves or whether the trees chosen match the size of the figures, and that without the risk of spoiling a large area. The offcuts then serve as patches for places where a scene has to be repaired or a joint covered later.

Glue for this type of base or double-sided tape is enough for firm seating. Anyone who photographs models will appreciate that the sheet fits into a case as well as onto an ordinary table and that a scene can be changed according to the piece just finished. For a series of shots of one collection it pays off to have two sheets in different shades at hand.