Working with Static Grass


Landscaping on your model railroad will really come alive when you use static grass as part of your ground cover. Not only is it easy to apply but it adds an additional layer of texture to the foreground. While static grass can be applied loose over a layer of scenic cement, superior results will be achieved by using an applicator tool. This tool sets up a static charge that causes the grass fibers to “stand up” adding another dimension of realism.


STEP 1


Step 2: Since the grass applicator works by generating a static charge to be effective it will need to be grounded to the layout. The easiest way to assure a positive ground is to drill a small hole at the edge of where the grass will be placed and insert a small screw to act as a grounding at- tachment. Once the glue has dried the screw is easily re- moved leaving a small unnoticeable hole that can easily be covered with a plant or other detail.


Step 1: Paint the area to be covered with an earth colored paint. Once dry, apply earth over the base by sifting loose material onto a coat of thinned scenic cement. Over spray the scenic material with water mixed with a cou- ple drops of dish washing detergent. This will allow the glue to spread through the earth to assure a complete bond. A mixture of 75% glue with 25% water and a few drops of dish detergent or other wetting agent applied over the scene will hold the earth in place.


STEP 2 STEP 3


Step 3: Spread the scenic cement mixture over the area that is to be covered with static grass. Mask off any areas that are not going to be covered with static grass. This will make cleaning up later much easier. Shake the ap- plicator to lightly sprinkle the grass material into the glue. Make several passes to build up the grass for the desired coverage. Once satisfied lightly wet the grass with a misting of water. Allow to completely dry.


Step 4: Vacuum up any loose grass from the area recently covered and lightly spray the area with an inexpensive pump hair spray (top). This is easy obtained at most dollar stores and does not need to be the top of the line product. Now... Who’s going to mow all this grass? 


SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN MAGAZINE • EASY SCENERY TIPS 2012 S7


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116