The huge tire stack casting is painted Grimy Black then glued in the corner. Add the
additional tires and rusty oil drums then the foliage growing up and around the tires as
shown. The clump foliage is used to blend the various elements together. It provides
for a natural transition between the dirt, castings, and building. Notice how the dirt
varies in texture and coloration. Keep these transitions natural. I use a light color chalk
powder to help blend and lighten specific areas of the dirt once it has dried. You can
also enhance foot paths and roadways in the same manner.

Use the clump foliage to cover the corner seams on the brick addition. Glue very small
bunches to the wall, one at a time, and create a natural appearing vine that branches
out and snakes its way up the corner of the wall. Notice the folded newspaper on the
trash can and the scraps of lumber. I generally color the different cans on the shelves
using Floquil Reefer Grey, Mud, Antique White, Old Silver, and a stray red or orange
mixed in. A general dusting with chalk powder will dull and blend the colors making
then appear natural. Use the smallest amount of rubbing alcohol as well.

The rusty old acetylene tank has its valve missing, I just cut it off. More clump foliage
is used in the corners and under the eaves of the roof to blend and transition. The
green color also adds a nice touch to the bland, weathered shades of brown and red.
Paint the various small crates on the shelves with various natural colors like earth,
grime, concrete, and mud. Then a light dusting of brown chalk will blend and weather
them up nicely.

Whenever I rust a casting up like the small pump between the windows I generally
add a final blotchy layer of grey chalk for highlights. Here I also added a bit of brown
since it is sitting in the dirt and would be a bit mud splattered at the bottom. The same
holds true for the stack of small oil drums at the left edge of the photo. When it comes
time to paint all the small bottles on shelves I use Floquil Depot Buff, Signal Red, and
Coach Green. A dot of silver on top is a nice touch.

Notice the ripped tarpaper siding and how the details blend together naturally. Layer
the castings with bits of trash, paper, wood, and weeds. Oil stains can be added by
dripping a few drops of Polly Oily Black on the wet scenery base then dripping a few
drops of rubbing alcohol to make it flow and spread out. Create footpaths in natural
places and lead them to the doorways and porches.

Glue the two small stair assemblies to the front porch now and be sure the bottom
sinks into the scenery base. Use clump foliage all along the porch as shown. Tuck it
under bracing and stairs so it appears as though it has been growing there all along.
Smooth out the dirt in front of the dry goods store and lighten it. As you study the
photographs and detail your scene be sure to add more signs to the walls and fences.
Many extra have been provided for you to customize your diorama.

Detail the side and rear adding the castings and lots of foliage and weeds. Notice the
two tires glued to the wall below the freight door acting as dock bumpers. As the dirt
begins to dry and hold shape, add some tire tracks (I use an old Matchbox car) around
and between the buildings, and near freight doors and docks. Also brush lighter dirt
or chalk powder along these paths with a soft brush. Weeds may be added along the
side to help differentiate the tire tracks. Even the rear of a structure can be interesting
if you place your details carefully. It is not the place you are going to concentrate your
efforts but don't ignore it.

The coal bin and pile of old drums is a natural for under the stairway. I scattered
commercially purchased HO scale coal in and around the bin then added a few drops
of the white glue and water mixture to hold it all down. The shovel is also sunk into
a pile of the coal. More of the clump foliage is used to transition and blend. Larger
pieces of lichen and moss is used under the landing.

The storage yard has the most concentrated area of details, junk, and clutter. Study
the photographs carefully and see where I placed the many individual metal castings.
Each one was blackened then rusted up with chalk and the dark rust paint. Random
blotches of brown and grey chalk simulates mud and plant growth. Intermixed is scraps
of wood and weeds. Notice how the largest details are generally in the back, closest
to the fence then they gradually get shorter and smaller as you work your way to the
front. Keep a pathway clear on each side for access to the yard shed and loading dock.
The pathways are however narrow and lined with all that junk!

Notice the taller weeds in the rear along with the much heavier brush. The rear of the
yard is a natural place for large brush to appear, especially inside and long the fence. I
also have a tendency to scatter coarser ground material in areas of low activity like the
rear since it would receive much less foot and vehicle traffic than the front… Scraps
of wood and weeds poking through and between the castings are blended together
without looking planned but it does takes thought and attention to detail to make it all
appear natural and without thought! The large group of discarded boilers are rusting
away in the sun. Apply a heavy layer of rusty chalk with the dark rust paint mixture
then blot some brown, black, and grey powder on. Notice how mottled and dirty they
appear. These boilers are just waiting their turn at the scrappers torch!