The "Faux Fur Guy" builds a "Grassinator"

[hminky]

I have an "what I did" about making a static grass device from a Electric fly swatter and other thoughts at:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/grassinator/">http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/grassinator/</a><!-- m -->



Thank you if you visit
Harold

[e-paw]

That's really cool ... got more pics of finished scenery?

[Gary S]

I like the idea of the strainer... easy to add static grass, plus easier to see what you are doing when using the contraption. I'm going to rebuild my grassblaster into something similar to this. I'll make a little topless box out of screen wire and put it on the grassblaster instead of the container/top/screen combo that is currently on the unit.

[nachoman]

I've actually preferred the results of the faux fur grass better than what I see from static grass, at least for many of the long grass types I often see. Unfortunately, I haven't yet had the opportunity to experiment with either method, and I am still using ground foam, and short sections of twine stuck into holes in the scenery.

[hminky]

I've actually preferred the results of the faux fur grass better than what I see from static grass, at least for many of the long grass types I often see. Unfortunately, I haven't yet had the opportunity to experiment with either method, and I am still using ground foam, and short sections of twine stuck into holes in the scenery.

Thank you

The first time I presented my faux fur grass a whole bunch of "pundits" decried fur grass because what they had "seen" on some guys layout was too uniform. The same guys now love static grass which big detriment is it's uniformity, go figure. Most of what looks good on layouts isn't static grass but Silflor.

Harold

[nachoman]

Thank you

The first time I presented my faux fur grass a whole bunch of "pundits" decried fur grass because what they had "seen" on some guys layout was too uniform. The same guys now love static grass which big detriment is it's uniformity, go figure. Most of what looks good on layouts isn't static grass but Silflor.

Harold

Cost is also a big deterrent to me. I think most people apply static grass as they do ground foam, and spread an even layer over portions of their layout, not realizing natural grass is much less uniform. I've seen some techniques using the static grass that conquer that uniformity, and look great. Many of the other grass products now on the market also look great. But, I don't have hundreds of dollars to spend scenicking a small layout, and those specialty products add up.

[Gary S]

Rebuilt the grassblaster uisng a straining screen like hminky did:

The original:



The new one. I like it better because it is so easy to load new static grass in - changing to different colrs to create a less uniform look. Also, it is easier to see what is going on under the blaster, and easier to control where the stuff is going. I recommend the change.



As for uniformity of the finished static grass, that can be controlled in a couple of ways. First, instead of putting the grass over absolutely flat terrain, use some plaster or whatever to make little micro-humps in places. This will make the grass taller in some places. Using a combination of different colrs of grass helps. Also, a paint brush handle can be used to mash the still-wet grass down in places. And third, after the grass is dry, new glue can be placed in spots on top of the original grass, and new grass blasted on. All of these things will decrease the uniform look.

[nachoman]

Gary - very good results. That's the best I think I have seen anyone use static grass. I think, no matter what the technique, things always look best if we study how things work in nature, and try to emulate. Natural grass always has a clumpy and patchy appearance. I was recently walking across a golf course that had succumbed to bankruptcy, and the grass had not been maintained in about a year. In just a years time, the grass had already taken on a patchy, weedy appearance, with different species of grass dominating in different areas.

[Gary S]

Good thoughts, Kevin. With the static grass, the challenge is to overcome the uniformity and make the scene look like what exists in the real world as you mention. Multiple applications with the static grass is one way to make it look less uniform.