My wife told me that we need some prickly pear cactus on the layout. This is Texas, after all...how in the heck would you make prickly pear cactus in HO scale? There's a guy who sells 3d printed cactus, but it costs $24 (+ tax and shipping) and it only covers a 2" X 2" area. Any ideas on how to make prickly pear cactus?
Prickly pear cactus looks like a bunch of fat flapjacks stuck together. At scale, like paper or light cardstock small round confetti. Sort of like what one would find in the collection tray of a hole punch for stacks of paper... likely smaller than that, depending on scale. In various sizes, maybe plastic or some other thin and easily glued and painted material. That should get the idea mill going.
I once got too close to real prickly pear cactus. Not in Texas! So I don't know how to nor understand why. But have fun and let us know how it turns out. And if it make the lady happy.
Try stopping into a craft store and look at their sequins or glitter. You might be able to find some that are 2-3mm or so, which is probably about the right size. I wonder if a static grass applicator would work to keep them upright? I'd say if the static grass tool can work, make small patches of them off layout, paint and install into your scenery.
I thought I saw a video of someone using Green Stuff, or Apoxie, or Tamiya epoxy putty to make a whole bunch of tiny balls, flatten them, and stick them together. Maybe that might work?
Shapeways is one company 3D printing them. May be others out there doing the same. https://www.shapeways.com/product/C...collection-01?optionId=4875927&li=marketplace
