Tutorial: Elephant Grass/ Bamboo Stalks

So I've had a fascination with the Vietnam War for a long time now, and I've always wanted to game it. But only recently have I begun to build and collect models and terrain for the conflict. One of the things I've been scratching my head at is the infamous Elephant grass. I've seen a lot of references to using grass mats for the grass, but upon looking into this, I've never liked the way it looks. It looks too fake for my tastes (even at tabletop distance). Thus I came up with a scatter terrain idea.


Supplies:

• A hand broom
• Washers (I used 50mm)
• Green stuff
• Super glue
• Scissors 
• X-acto knife

Step One: 

First off, you're going to get your scissors or x-acto knife and cut the bristles off of your broom. You can super glue the bristles first but I've found it doesn't make the nice splayed look that plants have.

Step Two:
Take a bundle of the bristles and wrap green stuff around one end. You can also wrap it around both ends to get more coverage for one bundle.

Step Three:

Now stick your green stuff onto the washers. I always place a tuft over the hole.  Then repeat steps two and three until you are satisfied with the base. You can also supplement the bristle tufts with long grass tufts, but wait until you've painted the bristles.

Step Four: 

Trim the top of your tufts with scissors to get the tops a fringed look.

 Step Five:
Paint your bristles with green paint. I like to mix the the colours in small amounts to create an interesting and realistic look. It looks strange if all your grass is the same colour. I also paint the base.

Step Six:

At this stage I would glue your long grass tufts onto the base. But, I would use them sparingly because they aren't the most sturdy. 

Step Seven: 

Now just flock your base in what ever manner suits you.

One thing i've noticed, that due to not priming the grass, light catches the bristles and give it that sort of translucent look that plants have. I've found that this method will work well with 28mm and 20mm. You could also paint them in different colours for alien planets!

Size comparison of my grass with a 28mm and a 20mm figure.

I just want to say that this is the coolest thing ever.

Tutorial/Painting Guide: Galen's US Infantry/Airborne

This is the painting guide I have developed for my United States Army forces. Is it completely historically accurate? No. But it's close enough! For those of you that have an issue with non-historical accuracy for miniatures I'd like to direct you to this article on Warlord Games's site.

All paints listed are Vallejo, unless otherwise noted. The base and highlight are divided with "//".

Uniform

• M41 Jacket: Rucksack Tan (P3)// Khaki 70988
• M41 Jacket Variation #1: Rucksack Tan (P3)// Khaki Grey 70880
• M41 Jacket Variation #2: Rucksack Tan (P3)// Highlight Japan Tkcr. 332
• M43 Jacket/Trousers: Gnarls Green (P3)// Brown Violet 70887
• HBT Uniform (Dark Shade): Olive Grey 70888// Brown Violet 70887
• HBT Uniform (Light Shade): Gnarls Green (P3)// Italian Tankcrew 327
• M1942 Paratrooper Uniform: Rucksack Tan (P3)// Khaki Grey 70880
• Service Shoe/Jump Boots/Buckle Combat Boots Lower: Walnut Brown (Reaper)// Ruddy Brown (Reaper)
• Buckle Combat Boots Upper: Walnut Brown (Reaper)// Oiled Leather (Reaper)

Field Gear

• Web Gear: Rucksack Tan (P3)// Highlight Afrika Korps 340
• Web Gear Variation #1: Rucksack Tan (P3)// Highlight Ge.II (Feldgrau) 339
• Web Gear Variation #2: Rucksack Tan (P3)// Khaki 70988
• Web Gear Transitional: Olive Grey 70888// Japanese Tankcrew 328
• Web Gear Transitional Variation: Olive Grey 70888// Brown Violet 70887
• Bayonet Scabbard: Gnarls Green (P3)// Traitor Green (P3)
• Bayonet Scabbard Variation #1: Rucksack Tan (P3)// Highlight Afrika Korps 340