Sisal string

[martin goddard]

Sisal string is the very rough parcel type string that gamers used to use to make clumps of tall grass with.
There are probably better alternatives these days with the presence of specialist scenery  makers.
I am not inclined to update as I am happy with old stuff.

Is anyone else still using sisal string or what newer option are you using

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alibaba.com%2Fproduct-detail%2F100-natural-sisal-rope-hemp-rope_62014057109.html&psig=AOvVaw2ki4o9djrHaduaA0vJRSQQ&ust=1629653421076000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAgQjRxqFwoTCPjNjJzSwvICFQAAAAAdAAAAABAG

martin

[Sean Clark]

I've used this before now. Modern grass tufts seem to have replaced it, but I may add it to a few Mexican bases for old times sake!

[Leman (Andy)]

Used a lot in the past, but I also tend to use tufts these days.

[Leslie BT]

Us with limited budgets love this type of material and it usual comes for free and just need a bit of lateral things to keep it and use it.

[Colonel Kilgore]

I can never get the darned stuff to stand up straight, so had given up.

Maybe this thread will revive further efforts. The price is certainly right!

Simon

[Leslie BT]

Simon you need to soak it and then hold it straight and let it dry.

[Colonel Kilgore]

Simon you need to soak it and then hold it straight and let it dry.

Ah - thanks Les.

Soak it in water, and then glue with PVA?

Simon

[Smoking gun]

Simon,
Here's a technique I have used: drill a small hole in the base where you want your sisal tuft, thread a loop of thread through the hole, place a bundle of sisal fibres in the loop of thread with the middle of the bundle over the hole, pull thread down through the hole, your sisal fibres will now be standing up and can be trimmed to the required height, shape and cut off flush underneath and apply some PVA to the base of the tuft to hold it in place.

Best wishes,
Martin Buck

[Colonel Kilgore]

Martin,
That sounds like an excellent idea, thanks for the explanation.
I will have to give it a go when I return to my Vietnam scenery.
Simon

[sukhe_bator (Neil)]

I've found sisal too difficult to work with but had some success with plumbers hemp which is finer. Some railway modellers use it for thatch... good for those tall patches of elephant grass rebels love to use in ambush.
If you soak the grass in PVA/water and hang strips of it over a rod (like candle-makers do) it dries straighter and can then be modelled into tufts...

[Matías]

I'm planning to use some for Haystcks and thatch roofs, when I get around to do them.