Matho Models 1/35 Plants & Weeds D

Create finely detailed vegetation for your 1/35 modelling projects with Plants & Weeds D from Matho Models. This photo-etch set contains one 3.8 x 8.5 cm sheet, etched from ultra-thin 0.10 mm brass to provide a realistic leaf thickness.

The fine etching includes leaf veins, adding extra definition to the finished plants. The plants can be used complete, or smaller branches can be cut from the main branches and used separately as ground cover or as foliage on your own tree armatures.

Fine Photo-Etched Plant Detail

For painting and weathering, leave the plants attached to the fret initially. Airbrush several layers of acrylic primer, allowing at least 24 hours to dry between coats. Then continue with your chosen acrylic or enamel colours and weathering products.

Seal the painted plants with several coats of varnish and allow the varnish to dry for at least 24 hours. This gives the finish time to harden before you remove and shape the delicate parts. Handle the plants gently during the following stages to minimise scratching.

Cutting and Shaping the Plants

Place the fret on a hard surface such as wood or glass and cut the plants free using a fresh knife. Clean any remaining fret attachment points with a micro file. A clean cut can reduce the amount of filing required along straight edges.

Use two pairs of tweezers to shape the plants into natural positions. Hold the plant with one pair while using the other to turn and position the leaves and branches. You can also carefully bend individual leaves to add variation and create a more natural look before glueing the plants into place.

After cutting, shaping and positioning, touch up any areas where handling has exposed the brass. Use a round brush with a very fine tip and your main colour to restore these areas while retaining the fine etched detail. Whether used as complete plants, ground cover, or foliage on tree armatures, the thin brass lets you carefully shape the leaves and branches for the finished 1/35 scene.