Brennan’s Model Railroading Street Schmutz

When I saw this product listed on Brennan’s Model Railroading website, I requested a review sample. Street Schmutz is a gray powder meant to add dirt/debris to your layout. It comes in a 2-ounce bag.

I’m not new to scenery products, but this powder is so fine that I wasn’t sure how to apply it. I reached out to owner Dennis Brennan, and he said he usually sprinkles a small amount directly on the intended surface. He also sometimes applies a bit of hairspray with a paintbrush before applying for better adherence.

You might wish to look at photographs of streets, sidewalks, and curbs to better visualize how and where dirt collects before starting this project. It will give you ideas of how to best replicate it on your layout.

I started with a scene near the Menards hobby shop on our staff layout, the City Transfer & Terminal. I first sprayed the area with a small amount of Testor’s Dullcote (we didn’t have hairspray in the workshop). Initially, I used a plastic spoon to scoop the material out of the bag and sprinkle it directly into the gutter. However, I didn’t care for the look; the effect was too heavy.

hand holding can next to train layout — Rene applied a small amount of Testor’s Dullcote to the area before applying the Schmutz. Rene Schweitzer photo

Instead, I used a superfine Microbrush to pick up small amounts of the Schmutz from the spoon and added it to the gutter. I worked the Schmutz around with the brush end until it looked right. This worked well, and I liked the look (see the photo for a comparison of the sprinkle and Microbrush applications). You could also try a cotton swab or small paint brush, but the results wouldn’t be as precise.

hand holding small brush and spoon in front on train layout — Rene picked up small amounts of the Schmutz with a Microbrush and added it to the gutter. Rene Schweitzer photo

Next, I selected a location near a set of stairs on the Pepsi plant (Menards). Again, I sprayed a very light coat of Dullcote. Because the stairs are heavily used, I added small piles of Street Schmutz both around and under the staircase legs. The stair treads needed dirt too, so I applied the Schmutz to the middle areas of the tread, where feet would track the most dirt. The Dullcote worked great to secure the grit in place on the treads. I really like how the Schmutz looked in this area!

closeup of model stairs on toy train layout — Rene used Street Schmutz at the base of the stairs on the Pepsi plant and on the stair treads to simulate heavy use. Rene Schweitzer photo

As I gained confidence using the material, I added debris in sidewalk cracks and near building foundations. Sometimes I’d use a bit of Dullcote and sometimes not. You could opt to use Dullcote after application to secure the Schmutz or omit it entirely.

closeup of gutters on toy train layout — Note the difference in appearance between using the Microbrush (left side) and pouring the Schmutz on directly using a plastic spoon. Neither method is wrong; choose the method that gives you the best results for your scene! Rene Schweitzer photo

Once you get used to handling the product, it’s easy to add Street Schmutz anywhere. Given how little you use, a bag will last a long time (or you can split one with a friend). I highly recommend this product. It will elevate your layout to the next level.