Since I got back into the hobby a few years ago, I've made a deliberate effort to learn new skills and techniques, especially where scenery is concerned. The latest is static grass.
I bought a couple of different colors and sizes of static grass to make my pine trees, and had a lot of the stuff left over, so I figured I'd try using some of it for its intended purpose.
After much consideration (i.e. indecision) I ordered a $25 cheapo applicator from Amazon; it turns out it was shipped directly from China, so it took a couple of weeks to arrive. When it got here, I was in the middle of building the water tank, so it sat a while longer. I finally got around to experimenting with it the last couple of days. Here's a close up of a trial application on a scrap of foam.
A fair number of the fibers are standing more or less vertical, though not as much as I'd hope. But not too bad for wild grass. This is the grass material that came with the applicator, which is maybe 2 or 3 mm, and a somewhat unrealistic shade of green. Once I feel like I have the technique down, I'll try using the Woodland Scenics stuff in other sizes.
2/27/25: After practicing a lot on scrap foam, I applied some static grass on the layout. I put down some 4mm straw colored grass, let that dry, and then applied more adhesive is irregular patches and applied 7mm light green. This is not finished, but I'm posting the photo for the lessons it offers.
When I first applied it, it looked too uniform, but adding the trees and a few clumps of Woodland Scenics clump foliage breaks it up pretty well.
I will probably leave more areas of bare dirt within the grass area next time.
Vacuuming the area really helps. The static effect with the inexpensive applicator is not strong enough to get all, or really even most, of the grass fibers standing vertical, especially with the longer fibers. using the vacuum (a Dustbuster type handheld) removes loose fibers and also pulls some of the remaining fibers into a more vertical orientation.
I think it needs some longer grass. I'll try some 12mm straw, because I have it, but I might get some 12mm light or medium green as well.
In the photo, one of the foliage clumps is obviously sitting on top of the grass. This is an example of how photography can be a really helpful tool.
3/1/25: Here's another shot.
3/2/25: Over by Pine Flat Tank.
I think leaving some patches of bare dirt adds to the realism.
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