Introduction

Juweela is based in Germany and is a modelling accessory maker. Originating in 2007, Juweela has aligned themselves with the thought of taking the 1:1 real world and scaling it down with hobbyist and modeler’s needs in mind offering a large selection of accessories in several scales to help enhance any project.

Review

Recently I had the opportunity to take a close look at one of the many products offered up by Juweela; Maze (Corn) Plants in 1/32 – 1/35 Scale. These are soft styrene simulated corn stalks used to add a cornfield effect a diorama.

The Cornstalks are sold in a clear plastic container; there are 50 pieces per container. Each stalk is mold injected and made from a dark green soft styrene. 3.94 inches tall and measure approximately 2.8 inches across. From a scaling prospective these Cornstalks are pretty much true to scale. Most cornstalks typically average around 8 feet tall which would make a 1/35 conversion around 2 ¾ inches. The almost 4 inch (100mm) height of the Juweela Corn Plants would be slightly over 10 feet in height and is still in the cornstalk “ballpark” depending on the time of year and weather conditions in that geographical area.

The fact that these cornstalks are mold injected gives them a flat appearance which when places together in rows should give the effect of a full growth corn crop. Placing the cornstalks into a cup of hot water will soften them enough to twist from the base, allowing the leaves of the stalk not to be so aligned in a flattened appearance. With a paint brush, lightly dry brushing, or even an airbrush some light yellows and browns can be added to shade the stalks for a more realistic appearance.

Conclusion

I feel that the Juweela is a decently made accessory for use in any diorama; however, I do feel that these are more geared to the train enthusiast whereas the detailing effect seems a bit plain for the hyperrealism needed for most modelling projects within let’s say the armor realm of modelling. I feel that modifications can be made to spruce up the plants for use in Scale modelling not of the train and rail community but there will be some work involved if you plan on using all fifty stalks or more as each plant will need these alterations. If you planned on using only a few plants to offset a corner or so of a diorama or vignette, then these Corn Plants from Juweela might be the way to go for the visual effect.

The price of these Corn Plants seems a bit steep at £10.75 ($17.66); however the consumer does get 50 plants in each package so if you were to only use a few on a small piece you are working on, there would be leftovers for more projects down the road which would make for not a bad deal.