How many use static grass in their scenery?

I use it here and there. I made my own applicator following directions found on YouTube several years ago. Here's a photo that shows some static grass applied as an accent with other ground cover.

Bob

Grasmaster 2.0

Once you start using static grass , there is no subsitute.....Static grass on wet fusionfiber base, no additional glue was used.

wsdimenna posted:

Once you start using static grass , there is no subsitute.....Static grass on wet fusionfiber base, no additional glue was used.

 

 

 

WOW!!! These scenes look so realistic!  GREAT JOB!

Paul

wsdimenna posted:

Once you start using static grass , there is no subsitute.....Static grass on wet fusionfiber base, no additional glue was used.

 

 

 

I'd like more explanation of your process!

I also use static grass using a homemade applicator I also made a few years ago and like WSDIMENNA said, there really is no substitute.

Paul

They make mats of the stuff you can cut and glue into place, now.

I recently found some in a hobby shop and I fully intend to use them. I'm sure I used the applicator wrong somehow (though I followed the instructions exactly) but was never able to get my static grass to apply standing straight up, no matter what I did, so I gave up and got rid of all that and I'm going with mats, which are way easier to use.

I don't know about the fusionfiber product, but have used the common scenic adhesive made from Matte Medium mixed with water for all my scenic applications including Static grass, and it is economical.

Bob

Pretty expensive piece of equipment, but once used, there is no other way.  There was a thread on how you could build one.   Available from Scenic Express, one of our sponsors.

From the Scenic Express Catalog   Grass Tech 2

Noch Grass Master 2.0  pictured above.   There is an associated video with this link. 

Click on the underlined phrase to access Scenic Express web page items.

It would be great if I could rent one of these....to pay that much to only fill a few spots on my layout is not worth the expense...my layout is only 6x12....maybe I try the grass mat method mentioned above..if anyone has used these can you post some pictures.

It's definitely a pricey device and I would never have paid the price for one, but I ended up spending about $25 bux for the parts to build one from directions that were found on YouTube. I don't know if the same directions are still available, but plenty of others are still there for those who don't mind making their own. I didn't want to scenic my RR with fields of grass, but preferred just adding static grass as an accent here and there. The homemade static applicator works well enough for that.

Bob

Static grass is one of the best innovations to come out IMHO. It adds so much realism and texture. I'll never build a layout again without it.

Boilermaker1 posted:

Grasmaster 2.0

All the shots look great, but I have to say the guy cutting the grass takes the cake.  That was a great idea.  

I really liked the look of what I saw before this thread, but I have to think I am sold now.  I'll probably drop the $$ on the Noch Grassmaster 2.0 from Scenic Express and see how I could fair in taking a shot at this.  Great shots guys...

Good luck Bob....hope you post some pics when things are done....

Joeceleb posted:

It would be great if I could rent one of these....to pay that much to only fill a few spots on my layout is not worth the expense...my layout is only 6x12....maybe I try the grass mat method mentioned above..if anyone has used these can you post some pictures.

 

There is now a small capacity one that sells for about $45. It looks like a small kitchen strainer. I've seen it used and it works pretty well for the shorter grasses (<6mm). If you get into the 10+mm grass, you need a more powerful ion generator. I split the cost with a few people, we ordered it from amazon.de and even with "express" shipping it was about $50 less than what it costs in the US. I would say we've gotten our moneys worth out of it by this point, but I echo what everyone else says... once you use it, there's no going back. 

Looking at scenic express though.... if you just need small areas, Jim sells mats of stuff that you glue down, and there's also pre-made tufts and things that you could also just glue down to add some dimension to a groundfoamed scene. 

wsdimenna posted:

Once you start using static grass , there is no subsitute.....Static grass on wet fusionfiber base, no additional glue was used.

 

 

 

What are the colors (blends) of grass and sizes used, if you don't mind sharing?

 Thanks 

I am doing my research.  

What static grass manufacturer has the best product.  I watched a youtube vid that speaks highly of pecos scene static grass.  

What did you guys use above to create your scenes?  Did you layer several lengths and colors of grasses.  

This is going to be my first attempt at doing this and I want to make sure I do it right the first time.  

Static grass is awesome. People always notice how much better it looks than just plain ground foam.

guys thanks.

tthe photos are from on scene about 12 sq ft total... Area in front of building was 6 mm. The first photos was 12mm wth some silfor tuffs mixed with it.  In the first photo, a foam base was covered with wet (paste like- sticks to a spoon consistency) fusion fiber that had been tinted. (There were two batches , one grey and one brown.)   Once spread I used a commercially available grass gun and static grass.  I have used all the commercially available grass guns and a few of the static grasses.    There is a bit of a technique with grass gun, and I thank Jim Elster of scenic express for sharing this with me at the timonium, md show a few yrs ago.   It took a about 4 hrs to spread the fusion fiber and add static grass.  The fusionfiber already has the glue in it. The technique is completely different then one used by the "scenery experts" in videos as I laid the fusion fiber over the full 12 sq ft and did it all at once.  didnt have to worry about the fusion fiberr dryiing too quickly. If if does i just mist it with water prior to adding static grass

The attachment show a closeup with 6 mm.  

When i do this i make sure all the deadfall, rocks, etc are already in place.  BTW the road is fine ballast on fusion fiber also.

wsdimenna posted:

Once you start using static grass , there is no subsitute.....Static grass on wet fusionfiber base, no additional glue was used.

 

 

 

Looking beyond the grass, that is some spectacular modeling!

Bob

wsdimenna posted:

guys thanks.

tthe photos are from on scene about 12 sq ft total... Area in front of building was 6 mm. The first photos was 12mm wth some silfor tuffs mixed with it.  In the first photo, a foam base was covered with wet (paste like- sticks to a spoon consistency) fusion fiber that had been tinted. (There were two batches , one grey and one brown.)   Once spread I used a commercially available grass gun and static grass.  I have used all the commercially available grass guns and a few of the static grasses.    There is a bit of a technique with grass gun, and I thank Jim Elster of scenic express for sharing this with me at the timonium, md show a few yrs ago.   It took a about 4 hrs to spread the fusion fiber and add static grass.  The fusionfiber already has the glue in it. The technique is completely different then one used by the "scenery experts" in videos as I laid the fusion fiber over the full 12 sq ft and did it all at once.  didnt have to worry about the fusion fiberr dryiing too quickly. If if does i just mist it with water prior to adding static grass

The attachment show a closeup with 6 mm.  

When i do this i make sure all the deadfall, rocks, etc are already in place.  BTW the road is fine ballast on fusion fiber also.

 

 

 

wsdimenna,

This is fantastic information.  I have never heard of fusion fiber.  For my own edification, you aren't applying any glue at all and relied only on the glue in the fusion fiber to hold the static grass?  Is that the only difference in your application vs the "scenery expert" videos?  

You mention the technique you learned from Jim Elster of Scenery Express.  Can you expand on that?  What is the technique?   

You and the attached video discuss the work time of this product.  Just wetting it re-activates the stickiness of the glue.  That's a big plus.  

I googled and found this youtube video if anyone else is interested in this product.    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSRImRqbZ7A

Here is the link for the manufacturer:

http://www.mcssl.com/store/031...keyword=fusion+fiber

I am really getting excited about detailing with the static grass.  I just ordered my Noch Grassmaster 2.0.  I am still working on which static grass I plan on using.  I also ordered some Fusionfiber.  

Thanks for the photos and thoughts on this thread everyone.  I really appreciate it.  

The glue is in fusionfiber, also adds texture to ground, and a dark background, not white. Dont have to worry about doing small areas.  its sold at York and timonium MD shows by Harrison trains.  Scenerysolutions  for western buyers.    A 1 lb bag covers 14-20 sq feet and saves a bunch of time and effort to get good rural scenery effects

Boo Man posted:

I really liked the look of what I saw before this thread, but I have to think I am sold now.  I'll probably drop the $$ on the Noch Grassmaster 2.0 from Scenic Express and see how I could fair in taking a shot at this.  Great shots guys...

We splurged for that one too... never looked back. It's a great tool, and the results are amazing. Can you build your own? Sure, but we have enough projects to do for the layout. We also got several colors and lengths of the grass to mix a variety of color. The different lengths help with depth perception as well. Ground foam has its place, but the static grass is so much more realistic looking. Also adds another layer of texture right on top of the ground foam. 

I have used Fusion Fiber from the getgo on my layout. I will continue until it is finished. Just having so much time to work with makes it well worth while. I can get larger areas ready and not have to worry about finishing it all that hour or even that day. Great product.

Has anyone used the ebay applicators that are about 25% of the cost of name brands?

How durable is this stuff? Thinking about module use...

Lehigh Valley Railroad posted:

How durable is this stuff? Thinking about module use...

Depends. You cant put stuff on it because once you bend the grass and crease it, it wont come back up. If you can take care of it, transport it covered, etc... then its decently durable stuff. 

we made modules for  FCTT,  using method above.   May want to contact them about durability.. I moved 3 yrs ago and left organization.  generally if you go over it with empty grass gun it will fluff up

These mats were made by Heki, found at a Portland hobby shop. I intend to order more, here: http://www.sceneryexpress.com/Heki/products/1053/

Hey Lee, maybe one day you can do a how to?

There are tons of videos on YouTube about static grass, making your own applicator, applying the grass, types of glue to use, etc.

I have looked at the EBay versions and watched many videos on the applicators. Personally decided it's worth the money to buy the name brand with accessories. Like anything else, to each tier own. 

p51 posted:

These mats were made by Heki, found at a Portland hobby shop. I intend to order more, here: http://www.sceneryexpress.com/Heki/products/1053/

I second the how to vid...  It is definitely working for you or I should say you are really making it work for you.  It looks great.  

I ordered my static grass and now have to sit back and wait for everything to come in to attempt it.  I'll just keep watching youtube vids until all the items are delivered.  

I sure hope I could achieve the look several of you guys have achieved.  This forum is great for ideas and information, but it can be intimidating seeing the work of some of the craftsmen that post here.  You don't know until you try and I'm all in on doing that.   

I liked the bloke cutting the grass on the mower. Roo.

mike g. posted:

Hey Lee, maybe one day you can do a how to?

Boo Man posted:

I second the how to vid...  It is definitely working for you or I should say you are really making it work for you.  It looks great.  

Easy;

• Open package
• Unroll the matt
• Cut in rough general shape with scissors
• Stretch the mat out to create open gaps and make the edges non-uniform
• Place where you want it, it'll stick to ground foam like Velcro for the most part, I didn't even need any glue

There's literally nothing to it. I'd never used them before and I got these results within less than 5 minutes.

Oh, one thing, when you stretch out the mat, alot of fibers fall out. I did this over my turntable, then vacuumed them up from the pit after I was done.

Lee, if you don't mind me asking, what types of grass did you use?

p51 posted:

mike g. posted:

Hey Lee, maybe one day you can do a how to?

Boo Man posted:

I second the how to vid...  It is definitely working for you or I should say you are really making it work for you.  It looks great.  

Easy;

• Open package
• Unroll the matt
• Cut in rough general shape with scissors
• Stretch the mat out to create open gaps and make the edges non-uniform
• Place where you want it, it'll stick to ground foam like Velcro for the most part, I didn't even need any glue

There's literally nothing to it. I'd never used them before and I got these results within less than 5 minutes.

Rocket Science. 

mike g. posted:

Lee, if you don't mind me asking, what types of grass did you use?

I'll have to go check the packages when I get home. They were Heki ones, but I don't recall which model #s I used. They only had one of each, and the small mats. I would have bought a lot more had they had any. It's the only time I've ever seen them for sale in any hobby shop.

Thanks Lee, no hurry just great information your sharing with us!