Assistance needed modelling tip wanted

[Madcaravanner]

Hi guys and Gals

Busy trying to make more property for my OO gauge layout and it has been suggested by a female (Daughter in Law) that I should build her a Thatched cottage to put on the hill (part of the layout over a tunnel area)

Now the question

HOW do you make thatch that looks authentic in 4mm to the foot ??

I have NO idea of what to use except maybe some sort of coloured thread of some description and that's a maybe as it tends to go bristly when you varnish it

I look forward to suggestions

[62440]

At the risk of upsetting the "Domestic Authorities" Gray, what you need are bristles from a sweeping brush. Looks best in my opinion when layered, like tiles. Oh, and stuck down onto a card roof. And fibre type bristles, by the way, NOT Nylon!

Regards, 62440.

[DSY011]

I built a thatched cottage many years ago and used teased out and stiffened sisal thread which worked quit well. It is easy to cut to size and layer.

[Madcaravanner]

Won't upset the Domestic Authorities cleaning up is my domain now I'm un-employed but she still has to actually do the work as I can't LOL

Thanks for the tips guys will investigate what we have in stock and what I can acquire

Did you paint them or leave them natural coloured BTW ???

[DSY011]

I did darken the sisal thread under the eves as it would have been in shadow. I used a dark water paint on the first two layers of thatch then the last three layers were left with their natural corn colour

[Madcaravanner]

Syd
Ta for that I have a very nice Hand brush we purchased in France a few years back when we got to the Med coast and found we had left ours in the garage and it's got loads of nice natural fibres and is surplus to requirements

when I get to the roof I think I'm going to have some fun

Already got the sides and floors in just doing the windows now

[merryhampton]

I believe they use plumbers hemp at Pendon.