Golden California grass

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I'm modeling California in the summer and need to have some hills covered with the long, golden, grass that grows there. In the past I have used golden fake fur but now I can't find any. Another modeler of the same scene is using "static flocking".
Questions:
Does anyone know of a source for the golden fake fur?
Does anyone have recommended reading that covers the "how to" of static flocking?
Does anyone have another method they think is preferable?

Thanks
Jim

[jrbarney]

Jpattison,
Don't have a different answer, but here's a thread from the "General Discussion" forum that discusses essentially the same question, and there's a second thread embedded in it:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12695
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[Anonymous]

California actually has grass? I thought that was only something the Mamas and Papas sang about.

[Anonymous]

I have found that laying the static flock grass to be simple, this is what I do. I have used a golden yellowish grass from woodland scenics, what I did was I spayed yellow paint down as a ground cover of the area to be flocked. Then I would imedietly pour the static flock over the paint. Following that, vaccum up the grass after about 30 seconds. The area should now be covered with that golden california grass look. Touch up any areas that are thin. Hope that helps!

[Jetrock]

Scottydog: That was the Beatles, actually, and yes, California has grass (and I'm not talking about the smokable kind), whether in the form of big open grasslands in the central valleys and foothills, or the manicured lawns of the ever-expanding suburban housing developments that devour those verdant grasslands. What did you think we had instead of grass growing out here??

Hmmm...where have you tried looking for fake fur, jpattison? Check your local phone book for craft stores and fabric stores--"fun fur" isn't too hard to find, and in a pinch you can use white fur and dye it the appropriate color.

[orsonroy]

Usually, fabric stores will have fake fur available. It's generally a seasonal item (Haloween) so they might be out. Any of the good ones will special order it for you (be nice and buy several yards), and will even whip out thir distributor catalogs so you can order exactly the sort of fake fur you need.

Generally, using fake fur is the best method of modeling large expanses of tall grass. Using "static grass" is using the same stuff fake fur is made of, but cut off the backing. It's a paint to apply standing upright, and won't look as good as fake fur. I'd hold out until you can lay in a supply of the good stuff.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to all for the advice. Guess I'll have to get hot looking for some of the fake fur.
Jim

[wp8thsub]

I recently modeled a Sierra foothills scene with late summer gold grass. I started with a base of real dirt onto which I sifted a mixture of Woodland Scenics' "Earth Blend" and "Yellow Grass" ground foam along with just a little "Green Blend" onto a coat of diluted yellow glue (1 part glue to 3 parts water). While the glue was still wet, I applied some WS "Harvest Gold" static flock along with a very small amount of a lighter color (I think it was called "Wheat"). Most of the color comes from the foam, but the flock adds texture that really looks like the real grass. It's also a lot easier than messing around with fake fur.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

Scottydog: That was the Beatles, actually, and yes, California has grass (and I'm not talking about the smokable kind)

If you are refering to the song "California Dreamin'," it was in fact originally sung by the Mamas and the Papas. As far as I know, it was never sung by the Beatles, but it was sung by the Beach Boys at some point, which one could mistake for the Beatles.

[Jetrock]

Actually I was referring to the Beatles song "Get Back", which includes the lines:

Jojo was a man who thought he was a loner
But he knew it wouldn't last.
Jojo left his home in Tucson, Arizona
For some California grass.

"California Dreamin'" doesn't mention grass, though it does mention leaves.

[Anonymous]

You are absolutely right. I made a mistake in assuming that you were referring to a different song, but it was pretty easy to do so, seeing as how he mentioned “The Mamas and the Papas” and California in the same post.