Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Static Grass and N scale

4104 views
7 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
WPA
  • Member since
    April 2018
  • 140 posts
Static Grass and N scale
Posted by WPA on Sunday, April 18, 2021 8:01 PM

Thought I wanted to use static grass in some areas and saw many examples where it is used on N scale, but not so sure.  Messed around with it some, using a WWS wand, 2 and 4 mm grass, and not real happy with the look.  Maybe N scale is pushing it. I was able to replicate Luke Towan's video on making static clumps and I think that may be where I use it.  Anyone else underwhelmed? 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Sunday, April 18, 2021 10:30 PM

I model HO, and I'm underwhelmed with the Woodland Scenics 2mm flock.  It produces a field that looks fuzzy, not the amber waves of grain I like.  I switched to 4 and 6 mm Silflor and was happier, but those lengths might be too long for N scale.  If Silflor makes a 2mm flock, you might try that.  All grasses are not alike.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

WPA
  • Member since
    April 2018
  • 140 posts
Posted by WPA on Monday, April 19, 2021 6:16 AM

Yep, fuzzy and am using WS grass. I am happier with the assorted blends and sizes of ground cover from WS and Scenic Express.  Likely just going to make weed clumps with the static stuff.  

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Monday, April 19, 2021 9:37 AM

Two weeks ago I attended a free-mo event that had an N scale setup.

One of the modules had static grass.  I don't want to be critical, but it did not look good.  Maybe it was just poorly done, but it appeared to me to be too much detail for N scale.  The normal ground covers appeared much more realistic.

If you are able to get something that looks good in N scale, I hope you can share some pictures.  I'd be interested in something for my layout.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,667 posts
Posted by rrebell on Monday, April 19, 2021 9:51 AM

Making static grass look good is another skill to be learned. Check out videos by Martin Welberg for hints on how to do it. Most people who fail do not use their static grass applicator correctly or use the wrong material. Not all machines and product are the same and it is not a cost thing either as mine are fly swatter types. The most common mistakes are not having the machine close enough to the grass or the wrong glue. In N scale it is a bit harder because even 2mm is some pretty tall grass.

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Monday, April 19, 2021 11:05 AM

rrebell
In N scale it is a bit harder because even 2mm is some pretty tall grass.

I think that is what was wrong with the module I saw.  In scale size, it looked like the grass was probably eight feet tall.

York1 John       

WPA
  • Member since
    April 2018
  • 140 posts
Posted by WPA on Monday, April 19, 2021 7:32 PM

I bought a War World Scenic one.  The applicator/device is well made, I think in N scale it just looks like felt.  Watch some demos like RTNT, I used static grass glue, held it close, and used a small shop vac over the grass after it set a little to pull it up some which did give the grass a nicer look than previous attempts.  I was happy with making small weed clumps so sure I will get my use out of it. Just glad I did a small test area before I went wild with it.  I will upload a few pics soon.  I think it also gives me a reason to revisit old 1/35 Sherman tank diorama days. Sure it really adds to that scale, HO and other larger scale modeling. 

WPA
  • Member since
    April 2018
  • 140 posts
Posted by WPA on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 7:48 PM

I blended it in ok using some scenic express fine.  In small areas static with a 2 to 4 mm grass it may be fine.  The pic with the house has the 2/4 mm center patch of lighter.  The other pick is mostly 2 mm dark green middle right.  Too much of an area of 2 mm is just not as good as other ground cover methods.  Will say the Scenic Express Grass Green Fine flock is a nice size to blend it in with the base of WS fine turf and blended green turf.  

 02A3CD1C-5217-4053-B1A8-FD4BF60A91E0 

 

 9BDD98FF-EFD6-46D4-8F0E-F9B1B0E54BD7 

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!