5 Ideas for Adding Greenery to Your Model Train Layout

No model train landscape is complete without some kind of greenery. This includes trees, bushes, shrubs, reeds, and grasses that make your layout come alive. Discover five ideas for adding greenery to your model train layout.

Get the Right Grass Texture

Unless you’re modeling a winter or desert scene, you’ll probably need to cover your layout in grass. To do that, you need flocking, which is a loose mixture of tiny fibers that resemble grass.

To apply flocking, texture and paint your dirt. Then, cover the designated area with watered-down PVA glue and sprinkle a thick layer of flocking everywhere. Turn the layout over, and tap off the excess. This will also make the flocking fibers stand up and look like grass!

Scale Your Model Trees

Model trees are essential for adding height and dimension to your layout. However, don’t worry too much about getting trees to scale with your train. Trees that are too tall can hide your train from view, which defeats the point of a model railroad. Choose trees with height variation between them.

Make Your Own Greenery

If you want to make your own trees, you can start with pre-made plastic trunks or make your own out of twisted wire and paint. You’ll need glue and some bush flocking from a hobby store to add bunches of leaves. You can also use reindeer moss or dried tea leaves as flocking. If you want to make your own bushes, just clump the flocking together with glue.

Create Depth With Different Tones

If you really want your trees and bushes to pop, use two colors of flocking. Use a medium green tone for the main greenery, then spritz the top with watered-down PVA glue. Now, you can sprinkle a lighter green or yellow-green on top to add a sunlight effect.

Don’t Forget Aquatic Plants

Don’t forget to add some aquatic greenery to your model train layout if you have a pond or river. Rushes, reeds, and lily pads are perfect for making your watery landscape come to life.

Check out Midwest Model Railroad if you’re looking for flocking and scenery kits to decorate your model railroad. We also carry a huge variety of HO scale rolling stock to help you fill out your train. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just ask us! We’d love to help you find the perfect piece.