Creating realistic landscapes is essential for bringing your model railway to life. Hornby grass and scenery materials are the gold standard for modellers seeking authentic, professional-looking results that transform layouts from basic to breathtaking.
Why Hornby Scenics Are Essential for Your Layout
Hornby has been the trusted name in model railways for generations, and their scenery range maintains the same commitment to quality. Their grass materials are specifically designed to work at OO and HO scales, ensuring realistic proportions that make your miniature world convincing.
The static grass fibres stand upright when applied correctly, mimicking real grass rather than lying flat like cheaper alternatives. This creates depth and texture that catches the light naturally, adding dimension to your landscape.
Popular Hornby Grass Options
Hornby offers several grass varieties to suit different landscape types:
- Wild Grass - Perfect for overgrown areas, embankments, and rural scenes
- Meadow Yellow/Green - Ideal for summer fields and pastoral settings
- Dark Green Foliage - Excellent for hedgerows and dense vegetation
- Light Green - Great for well-maintained lawns and spring scenes
Application Techniques for Best Results
Applying Hornby grass requires patience but delivers stunning results. Start by painting your baseboard in earth tones - this provides a realistic base if any gaps appear. Apply PVA glue to small sections at a time, then sprinkle or use a static grass applicator for the grass fibres.
For varied, natural-looking landscapes, blend different grass colours. Real countryside isn't uniform, so mixing shades creates authenticity. Use darker greens in shaded areas and lighter tones where sunlight would naturally fall.
Beyond Grass: Complete Your Scene
Hornby's scenery range extends beyond grass to include foliage, scatter materials, and texture sheets. Combining these elements creates layered, realistic environments. Add dark green foliage for bushes and trees, then finish with scatter material for ground texture.
Tips from Experienced Modellers
Seal your completed scenery with diluted PVA or specialist scenic cement to prevent fibres from shedding. Work in well-ventilated areas and protect surrounding areas from stray fibres. Build up layers gradually rather than applying thick coats - this creates more realistic depth.
Whether you're creating rolling countryside, urban parks, or wild moorland, Hornby grass and scenery materials provide the foundation for outstanding model railway landscapes.
