Dear All,

I am at the planning stages for the creation of a large(ish) diorama depicting The Black Watch at the battle of Quatre Bras and was hoping that someone might have some suggestions as to what would be a suitable source for replicating the corn / wheat field grasses that the battle was fought in.

Many thanks in advance for your suggestions

James

You might do well to have a look at the stuff railway modellers use .... you'll find long stranded 'grasses/crops' dyed in
appropriate colours and of different scales that might form the basis of what you require. The key thing to remember
though is to add extra details like weeds and wild flowers here and there - crops were broadcast sown then so remember
to include ridges and bare areas which create a more natural look. Don't forget, wheat and rye were ' long-strawed' in those
times - the short stuff we see today is a recent variation. Hope this helps a bit....

Hi,

Many thanks for your response. I have had a look at the stuff from the railway modelling scene, but haven't seen anything that gives the look of the crops - especially the seed heads.

Thanks also for the reminder about the ridges... have got some of the stuff sorted for the grasses and wild flowers.

Kind regards,

James

Could try the dried flowers and grasses that florists use... some useful stuff amongst them?

I found this blog where there is a tutorial to making corn field, he used plastic plants like the ones used for aquariums. Just scroll down to get to the plant making part.

https://robhawkinshobby.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/halloween-terrain-cornfield.html

Cheers
Steve

Cut the bristles off an old broom?
Unravel a length of rope [sisal?], soak in water to straighten, then cut to length?
BR
Ian