landman Posted January 3, 2020 Posted January 3, 2020 I am planning another background using this photo of an old open faced shed. Obviously, just folding the image at the base of the shed won't look very realistic. So I'll have to build a base with grass and weeds and maybe a clump of bush ot two. I am open to suggestions and hints at suppliers.
ranma Posted January 4, 2020 Posted January 4, 2020 Most of that can be found in Model Rail roading supply's I know hobby lobby has some of the grass, weed's and such...
cobraman Posted January 4, 2020 Posted January 4, 2020 Static grass ( I think its called ) looks pretty good. Train hobby shop should have it. You can check the look on youtube I'm sure.
Can-Con Posted January 4, 2020 Posted January 4, 2020 Now that the government sells it, I think you could find out what you need to know to do it on their website Pat. ??
landman Posted January 4, 2020 Author Posted January 4, 2020 4 minutes ago, Can-Con said: Now that the government sells it, I think you could find out what you need to know to do it on their website Pat. ?? ?
Anglia105E Posted January 4, 2020 Posted January 4, 2020 I am pondering this very same question, Pat....... as the Hooper factory diorama will be the first one where I have needed to do grass. Not sure how the static grass works, and it is a bit expensive over here in England. David
89AKurt Posted January 4, 2020 Posted January 4, 2020 First off, define "grass". ? A golf course has different grades of grass. You want a natural random grass. It's the wrong time of year to look around outside, but I hit the jackpot one year at the right time and found an awesome selection. To be convincing, buying railroad grass will look fake. My 2 cents.
bill lanfear Posted January 4, 2020 Posted January 4, 2020 I have done some extensive research on this Pat and found the static grass method to be the most realistic for my taste and the scale we work with, however. to get everything together could require a good investment and a 1/25 diorama can use quite a bit of material. I always look for cheap alternatives to paying for expensive "hobby" stuff. Go online and find yourself a wig...yes a WIG. They are nylon and you can cut to whatever length you need, paint it, and it works great in a static charged applicator. You can find a long hair blond wig for about $10 - 15 bucks and it will supply you with A LOT of material. Next, make yourself an applicator....you can find how to videos all over the net but make sure to get a good negative ion generator. I use the "grassking" brand and have had great luck with it after using some cheaper ones that failed after a short period of time. Here is a pic of it. Here are some shots of what I managed using a wig (colored green) and my home made applicator. Bare in mind, the pictures are before I cleaned up the loose grass. Hope this helps!
Anglia105E Posted January 4, 2020 Posted January 4, 2020 Excellent information on the static grass, Bill...... and who would have thought of using a wig? Sounds like static grass is what I shall need for my project. David
bill lanfear Posted January 4, 2020 Posted January 4, 2020 20 minutes ago, Anglia105E said: Excellent information on the static grass, Bill...... and who would have thought of using a wig? Sounds like static grass is what I shall need for my project. David Forgot to mention David and Pat, I used pink foam insulation for my base ground...it might make a difference on how well the static charge works. If you use wood or something solid, the static charge may not be as strong...just something to consider. The foam works easy as you can place the nail (I used a paper clip) right into the foam and move it around easily as you lay the grass. Not sure how a hard surface would work...haven't tried it.
Shambles Posted January 4, 2020 Posted January 4, 2020 That's amazing, Bill. I'm curious and would like to try this on a diorama I'm doing. I'm not familiar with using a negative ion generator. How does that work, and does the "grass" stay upright and attached with some kind of glue or adhesive?
bill lanfear Posted January 4, 2020 Posted January 4, 2020 21 minutes ago, Shambles said: That's amazing, Bill. I'm curious and would like to try this on a diorama I'm doing. I'm not familiar with using a negative ion generator. How does that work, and does the "grass" stay upright and attached with some kind of glue or adhesive? Hi John, yes the grass stays upright after the glue dries...the pics I posted was actually done over a year ago and it is still a work in progress but the grass is still as I applied it. Basically mix some white glue with water and apply to surface (pretty thick) then use the applicator to sprinkle the grass. Here is a good link to show how the negative ion generator works and how to wire it up. In the video, he makes a real nice set up but the principle applies to any set up you come up with. https://steamtraininfo.com/for-modelers/using-static-grass/static-grass-applicators/static-grass-applicator
Ace-Garageguy Posted January 4, 2020 Posted January 4, 2020 (edited) YouTube has lotsa vids on "static grass". Go to the main YT page, type "static grass for model trains" in the YT search bar, and be amazed... Edited January 4, 2020 by Ace-Garageguy
dustym Posted January 5, 2020 Posted January 5, 2020 (edited) Need to find Luke Towan you tube video's. He does absolutely the most amazing dioramas out there. Edited January 5, 2020 by dustym
Belugawrx Posted January 5, 2020 Posted January 5, 2020 3 minutes ago, dustym said: Need to find Luke Towan you tube video's. He does absolutely the most amazing dioramas out there. I agree ..his Boulder Creek Rail Road series of videos are a nice background while at the bench..Great tips
dustym Posted January 5, 2020 Posted January 5, 2020 There is actually quite a few builders on you tube out there on static grass usage. I have watched a lot, but only have done 1 diorama so far with the products.
Anglia105E Posted January 5, 2020 Posted January 5, 2020 On 1/3/2020 at 11:31 PM, landman said: I am planning another background using this photo of an old open faced shed. Obviously, just folding the image at the base of the shed won't look very realistic. So I'll have to build a base with grass and weeds and maybe a clump of bush ot two. I am open to suggestions and hints at suppliers. Just a thought, Pat..... are you wanting to reproduce the biege parched grass that surrounds your old open faced shed, or would you be making the grass green? David
landman Posted January 5, 2020 Author Posted January 5, 2020 1 hour ago, Anglia105E said: Just a thought, Pat..... are you wanting to reproduce the biege parched grass that surrounds your old open faced shed, or would you be making the grass green? David I'd like it the same as in the picture.
Belugawrx Posted January 8, 2020 Posted January 8, 2020 On 1/5/2020 at 2:51 PM, landman said: I'd like it the same as in the picture. Old sisal twines and hemp ropes were the go to material back when my father was painting figures and putting them on bases
landman Posted January 19, 2020 Author Posted January 19, 2020 8 hours ago, NYLIBUD said: Idk,,,u roll it.? ?
Brian Austin Posted January 20, 2020 Posted January 20, 2020 As I posted in an earlier thread regarding grass, faux fur can be used (with a little work): http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/fur_grass/article/index.html http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/mink_grass/
Belugawrx Posted January 20, 2020 Posted January 20, 2020 Thanks for sharing those Brian, good tutorials , and it looks Great ?
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