Try this Laurie:-
As it's 1/48 plywood you're simulating, it won't have big knots, if any, so this method is easy, simple and works a treat....
Get some plastic card (A4) I use the 0.75mm. John has some in the
Scale Model Shop, but there are different thicknesses.
Cut the card to size, then with a small wire brush ( you could use fine sandpaper but the brush gives a far better effect) stroke the plastic card in one direction, with the grain of the wood, not across. This produces just the right amount of grain on the card.
If knots are required, before painting, just very gently scribe little circles in the grain with a safety pin.
Then with the colour you want, paint a thinned coat of black or Dk. Grey acrylic onto the card, then wipe off the excess. Rather like a pin wash. This shows up the 'Grain' of the ply to the right scale....If you try and scratch it on with a modelling knife, the grain of the wood will be too deep.
Let it dry then you can do what you like with it...Different shades and colours for instance. I have made this to look like it's made with wide boards simply by marking the boards a bit deep with my modelling knife.
I used this method on the barn door in my 'Flush 'im out' dio. for the Sniper G.B.
Below is a piece of card I have just done for you to illustrate the above....It took about 10mins. in total.
It's a bit rough and ready and I see it includes a small hair too, but it shows the method reasonably well.
I hope this is of some use to you, and I hope you don't mind me posting these pictures on your thread....
Cheers,
Ron
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