Since lichen seems to be a popular product to use on layouts, how do you keep it from drying out? I bought a cuckoo clock in the Black Forest a few years ago and the lichen on it has dried out quite bad (I've since replaced it). I'd hate to be replacing all the lichen on my layout. Mark _____________ Ratcals Red Ale "It's the Best!"
Although I no longer use lichen, I have used it on previous layouts. I found that the drying problem was product specific: some dried out, some never did. This tells me that the pickling process used to preserve the lichen varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, so be careful when buying. I must say that with the great products available from places like Woodland Scenics, I don't understand why lichen is still popular. Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
I have used lichen in the past, but never thought it looked very good. Since we now have Woodland Scenics ground foam, I see no need to use it anymore ------------------ Alan Curtis. Moderator. Member #12 The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
If I remember correctly (from 1960's mags) it can be redipped in glycerin to revive it. However, where to get it...? Steve ------------------
There is a whole description on how to make your own lichen in one of the older versions of "Realistic Model Railroad Scenery" put out by Kalmbach. The version I have was pronted in the mid-1980's. You can probably find copies on e-Bay or some of the used book places on the web. Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
I like lichen. Cheap, especially when you harvest yer own. I use a 50/50 water glycerin (available at pharmacy). I have read you can spray the mixture on stuff that is already in place rather than try to remove and dip. Haven't tried it yet. Makes good bushes and trees in combination with foam.
I'll resuscitate another ancient thread (this one 21 years old!) to ask how many of y'all have naturally growing lichen nearby? It's fairly easy to find in the forests of SC in areas of low light and dampness. Found this piece last week while out railfanning. I doubt I'll mess with producing my own, needing glycerine and dyes to make it usable.
There was an article, many years ago, by a guy who told how to harvest lichen in forests, complete with a warning of the creatures you may encounter when venturing into said forests. Doug
Like others, the synthetic materials available today, while they have a cost, are more stable over the long haul on a layout. In tighter fiscal times, I might try it, but the maintenance and care required to preserve it might not be worth the hassle.
