Matho Models 1/35 Plants & Weeds E

Create finely detailed vegetation for your 1/35 modelling projects with Plants & Weeds E from Matho Models. This photo-etch set contains one 4.7 x 8 cm sheet, etched from ultra-thin 0.10 mm brass to provide a realistic leaf thickness.

The very fine etching includes leaf veins, adding extra definition to the plants once painted, shaped and positioned. The thin brass also allows the leaves and branches to be carefully bent into natural positions rather than remaining completely flat.

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 apply 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 protects the painted finish while you remove and shape the delicate parts. Handle the plants gently throughout 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. Any remaining fret attachment points can be cleaned with a micro file, although a clean cut can minimise the need for filing along straight edges.

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

After cutting and shaping, inspect the painted surfaces for areas where the brass has become visible. Touch these up with the main colour using a round brush with a very fine tip. This final step restores the painted finish while retaining the fine etched leaf and vein detail of the 1/35 plants.