That was one of the articles from our old site… should bring that one back! Anyway I used real roots collected from different sources. A favorite is to pick deciduous tree seedlings. Around here (Long Island, NY) they sprout up like weeds in Spring.

Another good source are ivy roots. If you can find a bunch of ivy growing wild, just pluck it free and look towards the ends. The root systems are usually pretty fine.

I used to live in Boston but I don’t recall any nearby, wooded areas. These can be good for root hunting.

Once picked, washed and sorted I soak the roots in matte medium to seal them up.

I tend to drape these roots on top of soil embankments then cover the ends with soil and static grass… give the appearance of the exposed roots coming out of the soil.

It takes awhile to do but it is a pretty cool little technique and result!

John
Ztrains

I am interested in finding out how you make the very realistic looking root growth around your embankments that I see in your dioramas. I recall reading it in one of your previous articles but didn’t save it and now can’t find it. Thanks for your help. I await hearing from you. Take care.

Jim in Boston.