An Idiot's Guide to Static Grass

After attempting to use static grass on our logging railroad we realized we were not getting it right! What went wrong????? Well, we figured that out...
After watching like 25 videos on static grass here on KZbin we felt we were ready to buy the Woodland Scenics static grass applicator and make great-looking grass on our layout. After a test, we felt good about making long grass on our 1:20.3 logging railroad. BUT the first attempt looked like a haystack!! Total fail! We tried adjusting everything.. BUT still no joy...
THEN the first clue, the grass needs to be made on a mostly flat level surface. As the static grass applicator needs to be close to the surface, and the static grill mostly level, so the rocky hilly terrain of the model railroad was not conducive to applying static grass directly on the rocks.. Trees were also a problem. As were structures. The grass needed to be applied on flat open areas. OR made on a sheet and cut and applied.
Long fibers were a problem. They want to fall over. How to keep them standing tall? Our friend and wonderful Sn3 scale modeler, Doug Jolly put us onto a clue... You can "pull" the grass up with the applicator after shaking some out into a THIN layer of glue. We also found that thin passes of grass were better than one big pass of a lot of grass. AND long fiber can be pulled up with a vaccume while the glue is still wet. Then stray fibers removed with the vaccume after the glue is completely set.
Applying long grass fibers over a layer of short fibers is a great way to get natural tall grass. BUT the same techniques need to be used when adding the tall grass. Except in this case, small "lumps" in the glue work best. So the tall grass is only in clumps between the areas of short grass....
ANYWAY, we now have a system and the skills to make reasonable, passable scale grass on our large-scale railroad.
• Building the logging r...

[@stephenrick6672]

I've seen static grass on other channels. They just shake and all done. You produced a tutorial in detail, showing the pros and cons. The best video I've seen yet on this subject. Thank you for this level of info. Much appreciated.

[@robertweldon7909]

Having seen numerous videos on using static grass, I can say this is the best tutorial. No body talks about just how to make it work, but you.

[@benhancock1408]

You two are sooooo much fun!!! This was a very informative video. I have a fairly sizeable portion of a G-scale modular layout that is almost ready for the scenery/landscape process. Some of our club members have toyed around with static grass. One made his own static doohickey from an electric fly-swatter.

[@garyacker7388]

There's so much more to building a layout than I or a lot of people have any idea. Thank you so much guys. I never miss a new episode.

[@billpihl1]

Another great video from pun central!!!! The two of you are such a great match that it is a pleasure to watch your vlog, it is like going over to a very good friends house for a visit. Keep up the great work and thank you !!!!!!!!

[@fredklein8896]

Great video. I've also been watching a lot of KZbin videos on static grass but yours is much more informative and easier to grasp. Thank you for a great channel.

[@crapsforlife3023]

thank you for this video, I have been fighting to get my grass to stand up. after watching this video, I finely got it. love your channel and hope ya have a great week.

[@felice12151]

I've been putting off trying static grass application forever on my small HOn3 layout fearing the worse. Thanks for the video and exposing the do's and don'ts of the process. Great layout. Alan

[@MTspeed_Crafts]

I was so close to never trying 12mm grass again for the life of me i couldn't get it to stand up but this video help a lot and I got some to come out great. Thank you!!

[@1800clyde]

Wow, this was not-so-much screwing around. Laying grass is serious stuff :-o Tks for the experimentation . . . everyone makes it look so easy.

[@Hadassah-KaquoliMReno]

I’m 69, I have a HO scale train set. I’m hoping to finally build a layout for it after we move onto the property my daughter and son-in-law are going to buy. But I’m learning that price’s have skyrocketed since I had bought my train. It’s nice to see people with a sense of humor on here! Thank you for your posts.

[@jimkuntz965]

Thank you sooo much for this tutorial. I am a beginner like you on this video. I watched a bunch of tutorials about static grass, but they never explained the basics. You revealed the secret!! Hold the shaker very close and keep it there as you move around. I wasn’t holding it close to start, and then raised even higher as I moved around

[@dannyshepherd9375]

Hi guys just found your channel and absolutely love it, you guys are awesome together. One thing I have to tell you I recently made a 20000v applicator for less than £30 and it works amazingly. Great work guys please keep it up.

[@rodwarren2508]

I too had great difficulty using my Woodlands Scenic Static Grass applicator. Changed two things, threw away the battery and used the Charger adapter pack, much better results. Then threw away the cast foot (its useless) and use T Pins into glue ( in lots of places) and make sure glue is all around the T Pins for good contact. Keep moving cable from one T Pin to the next as you move along. Sooo much better. I also have a poo bag and use it all the time for a great random grass look. Keep having fun. Rod.

[@gatesbisson1746]

you two are a real gem, entertaining, informative and lots of fun thank you

[@lovepets2781]

Lmao @ first martian rover , also I too was going to refer Luke Towans videos for static grass, I actually discover you guys by watching his videos cause your videos started showing up on my suggestions. That makes me thankful cause you guys are awesome.

[@maccustoms2295]

Great show and tips. Yes alot of discovery we learn static electricity shocks lol. Hope you guys have a great weekend.

[@cudathehawgjetfixer7520]

Try watching Luke Towan's channel on his techniques of static grass, I believe he uses Mod Podge Matt as his glue for static grass but cant recall which glue he uses but I also know he uses a inexpensive paint brush to apply the glue.

[@gregsmith1719]

I had the same problem with the same applicator as you, Dale. You're right, the vacuum helps a lot. In tight places it's really difficult. I'm still not happy with it. Thanks. Keep it up.

[@Mydadsshed]

Wow. Great channel. Right up my alley. (Even though the vid is years old, but Im always late anyway. I recently retired and it was Lawn Bowls or a Hobby - Here I am - Doing my first static grass app today - Thanks - You guys are awesome.😀