How To Use Static Grass - Model Railway Basics: Episode Seven

In episode seven of Model Railway Basics, I show you how to use static grass.
Hey everyone, well here we are at the final episode of Model Railway Basics and this is another big one. If you've ever wondered how to use static grass on your model railway well this the video for you. It can be a bit overwhelming at first but I've got a really simple technique I've been using for a while now that always gives me great results. As well as showing you the basics of how to use static grass, I'll also give you some tips on preparing the baseboard as well as showing you how to make little grass tufts too.
It's a big episode to finish off the series and one that really transforms the look of the layout so sit back and enjoy the last episode of Model Railway Basics!
Products Used: (affiliates)
Try out the WWS static grass for yourself: www.wwscenics.com?ref=3602
Create an account using the referral link above and you'll earn 100 loyalty points on Sign Up and an additional 500 after you place your first order!
Static Grass Applicator: ebay.us/tvknTP
2mm Summer Static Grass: amzn.to/3PpcQEV
4mm Spring Static Grass: amzn.to/3SFU1jl
6mm Autumn Static Grass: amzn.to/3BRuj5z
5mm Dead Static Grass: amzn.to/3SBcgXh
Layering Spray: amzn.to/3A8WATU
You can see the full series of Model Railway Basics here: • Model Railway Basics -...
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:17 - Painting The Ground
03:09 - Adding Dirt Scatter
06:12 - The Static Grass Applicator
07:07 - The First Layer Of Static Grass
09:44 - Grass Tufts
10:34 - Building Up Different Layers
13:01 - The End Result
Thanks for watching!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Try out the WWS static grass for yourself: www.wwscenics.com?ref=3602 Create an account using the referral link above and you'll earn 100 loyalty points on Sign Up and an additional 500 after you place your first order!

[@adam_fordham]

Really good tutorial, this is handy because I wanted to try static grass for my layout but didn't know how to do it and your tutorial makes it easier to understand so thank you 👍🏻

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Adam, that's so great to hear! My aim with these videos is to show how simple these techniques can be for anyone to have a go themselves. So glad you found it useful and thanks for watching 😃

[@1987TimeLord]

Great tutorial. Somebody once told me if I can't afford a static grass applicator, just put static grass into a small dry coca cola bottle, shake it vigorously for about thirty seconds then shake-pour it to the board through holes I make in the bottle cap. Not sure if that would generate enough static to do the job, but I might try it, for a laugh if nothing else.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Markus! Yes I'd heard that as well but I've never tried it myself so I can't say how well it works in practice. Considering that my budget applicator works really well though, it's been a good investment without the high price tag of the more expensive applicators. Thanks for watching 😃

[@michaeldavies9600]

It does work ive done it myself not as good as this though.

[@ravenhawk6910]

Thanks so much for posting this. I'm just now starting to learn about using static grass for my HO layout and this is really helpful. Thanks and happy railroading!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My pleasure, I'm so glad you found it useful. Best of luck with your own layout and thanks for watching 😃

[@kanumartin1195]

I could watch these videos all day there so informative and really relaxing 👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Amazing, glad you found them useful. Yes there is something nice and relaxing about modelling isn't there. Thanks for watching 😃

[@craigstrains]

I wish I seen this before I brought my wws static grass applicator. But again this is so good and even thought quick it's in depth and easy to follow/understand for us newbies

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, really glad you found it helpful! I'm still quite new to the hobby myself but I wanted to show you can get good results without needing to be an expert. Hopefully by keeping the videos easy to digest and free of unnecessary jargon it's encouraged others to give it a go themselves. Thanks for watching 😃

[@HarryC_640]

Great episode! This was really helpful, thank you!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it Harry and great that you found it useful! Thanks for watching 😃

[@astrosathya1984]

Amazing series mate! I absolutely loved it.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Really glad to hear you've enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 😃

[@longhunter1951]

Thanks, I always enjoy your well presented video's. Steve

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Really great to hear you're enjoying them Steve! Thanks for watching 😃

[@gerardbell5967]

Can't wait to do this to my layout when I get the chance to! Love the video!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Gerard, it certainly makes a huge difference to a layout when you do get round to this stage. For me this is always where it starts to feel like a proper model railway! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching 😃

[@shawnpowell5876]

WOW that looks ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I'm going to be building my 1st h.o.scale layout here soon when we move into our new home. I'm getting antsy due to the wait time but I know it'll be here soon. The steps of using the shorter static grass 1st totally makes sense to then go to the taller grass. That device works amazing and seeing the results speaks volumes of what it can do! Thanks for sharing this video and I'm viewing it from the 1st state of DELAWARE.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Shawn, glad you found it helpful! Yeah layering up the different lengths and colours really does make a huge difference - gives it a bit more of a rural feel rather than everything looking like a perfectly mowed lawn. Best of luck with starting your own layout and thanks for watching 😃

[@peterjones7673]

At last an easy to follow vid on static grass and how to layer it, very well explained thanks

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Peter, that's really to great to hear! So glad you found it useful and thanks for watching 😃

[@arthouserailway4214]

Great tutorial, looking forward to using one of these.👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome, hope it goes well for you! Best of luck and thanks for watching 😃

[@james5productions198]

Absolutely fabulous! Thank you so much!! You have helped me learn so much!!!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My pleasure! Glad you found it helpful and thanks for watching 😃

[@vitale6633]

Very nice demonstration. I'll give this a go.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome, I've definitely found that static grass makes a whole world of difference on my own layouts. Thanks for watching 😃

[@markjames6669]

Excellent video ! I always did wonder how static grass worked and now I know ! The clear commentary on your videos means I use these as reference points for my own work. Thankyou !

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Really glad you found it helpful! That was certainly the aim of this entire series in particular so it's always great to know people find them useful. Thanks for watching 😃

[@joeallen9898]

These videos are so helpful, thank you! I'm researching to begin making my first ever layout and always wondered how this effect was created. I can try it myself now!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Amazing, so glad to hear you found the series helpful Joe! Best of luck with your own layout and thanks for watching 😃

[@redversb2347]

Great and informative video. Thanks!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, so glad you found it useful! I'm really quite pleased with how it all turned out in the end. Thanks for watching 😃

[@DartsideScenics]

Great channel and incredibly well presented.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, really glad to hear you think so. I'm still in awe of your scenics though 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@barra8771]

Great tutorial, every day is a school day 👏👏👏

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, really glad you enjoyed it. I wish school had been more like this, I would have been a lot more interested if it was 😆 Thanks for watching 👍

[@davidcutts2650]

Well presented. & I enjoyed the “lesson” 👍👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks David! Haha, yes I try to make them fairly causal but I do hope if any beginners were to stumble across it that they would be able to have a good go at it afterwards. Thanks for watching 😃

[@johnroberts7924]

Great series, thank you very much.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it John! Thanks for watching 😃

[@gerlandkent6377]

thank, you for sharing this video. I've. seen a lot of this static grass on layouts. I'm. thanking about installing some myself this winter time on my ho- scale model railroad.👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Amazing, I hope it goes well for you! I find static grass really transforms a layout and makes such a difference. Best of luck with your own layout and thanks for watching 😃

[@wayneaskey]

i am about to use the static grass and this video really helped, thanks

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome, glad to hear it was helpful! Best of luck and thanks for watching 🤩

[@oscarwilkinson2096]

Very good video quality! Really enjoyed that

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it Oscar! Thanks for watching 😃

[@Hyperbole77]

Very cool. Thx for posting

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching 😃

[@yvoheaton6402]

I have been ummming and arrrring about using static grass but this has convinced me this is the way forwards for my latest N gauge project. Thank you for your expert opinion and guidance. Can't wait to get started with it!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome, I'm really glad to hear you found this video helpful. For N Gauge I'd recommend using shorter grass fibres but the basic technique should be the same. Good luck and thanks for watching 😃

[@pipafumador]

Muchas gracias nuevamente por esta nueva serie de videos. Aprendí muchas cosas nuevas que aplicaré a mi maqueta. Gracias por tu buena voluntad. Saludos desde Chile 🇨🇱 Rafael

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

¡Me alegro mucho de que hayas disfrutado de la serie y la mejor de las suertes con tu propio proyecto! Gracias por ver 😃

[@bctw9004]

Thats awesome!!!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 😃

[@benskiproductions]

Hey Thanks for uploading this, I’ve not had much luck with static grass before and seeing this makes me want to have another go. I also enjoyed your series on building the modular layout. I’ve subscribe to your channel so I look forward to seeing your videos Thanks Ben

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hey Ben, really glad to hear it's inspired you to try it again - do let us know how you get on! Great to hear you've been enjoying the modular layout updates too, hopefully I'll have more progress on that to share very soon. Thanks for watching and Subscribing! 😃

[@jakemarch-jones2789]

This is soooo good!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! It's not bad for what is essentially quite a simple technique... even an idiot like me can manage it 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@thomasmcelroy3637]

hi. yes a very interesting video. easy to understand and clear to follow. this will be of great help for first timers.well done. cheers tom.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Tom, really glad to hear that. Yes the intention certainly is to help beginners and show that static grass can provide fantastic results and isn't really that complicated once you know how it works. Thanks for watching 😃

[@thomasmcelroy3637]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy like all things. cheers tom.

[@lendusaquid]

I managed to get a electrostatic bug killer from Poundland and made a static grass applicator with it. And thanks for making this video, its just what i need.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Ah brilliant, yeah that's definitely a great way of getting one on a budget! Glad it went well and great to hear you found this video useful. Thanks for watching 😃

[@michaeldavies9600]

I liked this a lot mainly because you made a great job of it,made it easy to follow,and not only that you didnt pay £100 + on a static grass applicator !

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Michael, really glad to hear you found it useful. Absolutely, I'm always amazed when I see people paying high prices for static grass applicators. They may have more bells and whistles but as you can see you don't have to pay the world to get good results. Thanks for watching 😃

[@peterbrackenbury]

Nice video, just ordered my first static grass applicator which I’m looking forward to using now. One small point, when I paint over the white plaster bandage before applying flock/static grass, etc I always mix some pva glue with the paint. This helps seal the plaster bandage and helps whatever goes over next stick better.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome, hope it goes well. You can do it that way if you prefer but I've personally found I get much better results by letting the base layer of paint dry completely and then adding the neat PVA and static grass as their own separate step. Additionally the second coat of watered down paint is really important for creating a nice solid base colour if you don't want to have little white dots showing through the grass. Thanks for watching 😃

[@willbreckinridge8010]

Wow. I can't believe how easy this looks. And it makes such a difference too! When the camera was doing all of the closeups, this looked so real. I definitely have to do this on my layout.

[@willbreckinridge8010]

Also, how big are your modules? I'm considering doing a modular layout of my own because I don't have a ton of space and was wondering on what size I should be going for with the modules.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It really does transform a layout doesn’t it. I love that this little technique is so easy to do yet produces really great results without needing too much practice. My modules are all different sizes really but generally the straights are 120cm x 50cm and the curves are 80cm x 80cm. Looking back they’re probably a bit big so I would suggest maybe something a bit smaller if you want it to be more portable and easy to handle on your own. Thanks for watching 😃

[@willbreckinridge8010]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Ok thanks!

[@kristianlack9195]

About to embark on scenics so these videos really help! Purchased this budget static grass applicator as well. Could you mix brown paint with the PVA before applying the grass to save time?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome, glad to hear it! I think technically you could mix the two if you really wanted to save time but you wouldn't be able to do the step where I watered down the paint to cover up the the little white dots of plaster still showing through. Given that acrylic paint doesn't take long to dry, personally I'm of the opinion that it's better in the long run to take you time and do both as individual steps if you want the best results. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Maplevee1]

Hey, really curious if you will be covering rivers/lakeside and cliffs or rocky areas in future videos? If so I look farwards to seeing them.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi there, probably not in this series as this was just to cover the very basics of making a model railway. But they're all things I would like to include on my main layout so there's a good chance I'll do a standalone video on them at some point. Thanks for watching 😃

[@richardcarpenter4740]

Thanks

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My pleasure Richard! Glad you found the video useful and thank you so much for supporting the channel! It all goes back into making more videos 🤩

[@craiglayton6108]

Haven’t even got a train set yet and already loving the hobbit. Great videos mate

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome! Looking forward to seeing you build a Lord Of The Rings themed railway 😜 Thanks for watching 👍

[@craiglayton6108]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy oh lord !! That might be an idea though lol

[@madmanstrains]

Thanks for this whole series. My Nan is getting her loft sorted, and then me and my Dad and I are planning on building a model railway. I wouldn't have a clue if I hadn't watched this. Keep up the good work. Plus, does static grass always need the static wire touching al the time?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My pleasure, I'm glad it's given you an idea of where to start! The wire just needs to touch the surface of the baseboard as you're applying the grass, so once the fibres are sticking up out of the glue you're free to remove it. The viscosity of the PVA will usually hold the grass in place. Hope that helps and best of luck with your layout. Thanks for watching 😃

[@bernieroadshowberniesroads3872]

thank you just a helpful comment i find an old pop stocking on the end of a vacuum tube works very well an makes it easy to empty an keeps the static grass seperate and/or clean depending what else youre using like dirt. just a question how do you get the grass to work when you connect to the rail line? great tutorial

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes that's one way of reclaiming the grass afterwards - I personally just tend to use a small hand vacuum which works very well as long as you remember to empty it first. The static grass applicator works fine when it's clipped onto the rail. Basically you need to be making contact with the layout in some way for the static charge to pass through but it doesn't have to be in exactly the area your adding the grass to as long as it's nearby. Thanks for watching 😃

[@387FanGatwick]

Nice job

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! 😃

[@387FanGatwick]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy your welcome

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Nice video

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 😃

[@Cross_Trainspotting]

Great Video! Just wondering, how long does it take to dry until extra layers can be added?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

If you don't want to reclaim the excess fibres you could do it straight away. Otherwise I give the PVA a few hours to dry and the layering spray 30mins or so. Thanks for watching 😃

[@paulbolton1071]

Hi ive just subscribed to your channel earlier today and have now watched the first 8 of your videos i always like to make notes as i do this , as being someone new to the hobby this can be very beneficial ? ive checked out the company WWS and noted they had static grass at spring summer autumn and winter but also lengths starting at 2mm , but having just watched your video and how you add longer grass each time but also vary the colour ie dead grass it looks so more real than just the one length and time of year i also think finishing of the edges in normal fine dirt at the edges does make it look a lot more natural so this is something i will certainly be doing when i start work on my first layout ? Paul

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi Paul, yes layering up the different lengths and colours is definitely the way to go to get a more natural looking grass. You don't have to stick religiously to the colours I use of course if you're looking to model a different season, but generally it is is better to start with the shorter grass first and then gradually add longer ones over the top. Thanks for watching 😃

[@thiruraj3866]

Nice

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 😃

[@chrissouthgate4554]

Could you do the 1st 2 layers by mixing the grass in the pot; so that they could be laid in one go?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I'm sure you probably could Chris, although it makes reclaiming the excess slightly more tricky for the future unless you always wanted to use the same mix. For me I consider the first layer an overall base covering with the second layer being a bit more sparse despite still covering most of the board. But as always these tips and tutorials are there to be adapted and improved by however you see fit. Thanks for watching 😃

[@vasantharanchigoda7729]

This really interesting & helpful.What about showing how it is done for N scale?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, really glad to hear that! The process should be exactly the same for N Gauge but you'd just use shorter grass fibres. So instead of using 2-6mm grass, you'd be better off starting with a 1mm base layer and then adding 2-3mm layers over the top. Thanks for watching 😃

[@vasantharanchigoda7729]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Thank you so much!(I'm from Sri Lanka)

[@chickenbites8877]

Your videos really are second to none, and you're really likeable too! :)

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks! I try hard not to be too much of a grumpy old man 😆 Thanks for watching 👍

[@chickenbites8877]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy can I just ask what brand did you use for the brown paint? thanks again

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

@@chickenbites8877 I didn't actually have any brown paint at the time so it's literally just a mix of all the cheap acrylics I did have 🤦‍♂️

[@chickenbites8877]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy oh I see lol! So any old acrylic brown paint will do then?

[@paulbrennan3760]

Very useful video thank you. A couple of questions if I may. Do you still use this type of applicator or have you moved on to something more expensive? I’ve seen reviews elsewhere which say this one isn’t that good but in your video it looks fine. Does it always produce results that reliably? 2 at sone points you were touching the glue with the clip and others the rail. Does that make a difference? Thanks

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi Paul, yep I still use this same applicator and it's still giving the same great results. I actually have a video coming out in a few weeks time where it gets used extensively. There's a link to it in the description if you want to check it out yourself. It doesn't really matter where the clip is as long as it's touch the layout somewhere. I sometimes clip it onto the track for convenience, other times I put it in the glue itself so that it's nice and close so where I'm laying the grass. Hope all that makes sense and thanks for watching 😃

[@paulbrennan3760]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy thanks 👍

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Nice how to video mate I find the price of static grass applicators can be quite expensive that is why I built my own.- Nicholas.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Nicholas, glad you enjoyed it. I agree they can get very expensive but great that you were able to build your own. As I said in the video, the one I use cost £20 and has worked incredibly well considering the price... plus it's much more trustworthy than anything I could personally make 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@peternewman9682]

I have noticed in your videos you use 2 different tecniques for laying a dirt scatter? Do you put down glue first or similar to your ballasting technique? Is the glue a 50 / 50 mix?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It depends on the situation - if I need the scatter to be more durable then adding the glue afterwards helps seal it. In this instance it's exactly the same 50/50 (+a drop a washing up liquid) mix as the ballast glue. Usually I do it at the same time in this case. If it's a more static layout that isn't going to be moved around, or it's a small area then most of the time I'll just put the neat PVA down first and drop the scatter into it. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃

[@dist0rted320]

Hey, great video! But instead of layering spray, can you also use normal spray adhesive?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hmm, that's a tricky one. Personally I wouldn't, the spray adhesives I've used in the past don't dry clear and tend to be more stringy which ruins the look. Some alternatives people use are cheap hairspray (though I've never managed to get a good effect with that) or spray varnish. The varnish tends to be about the same price as the layering spray though so I've always just opted to use the actual layering spray to be honest. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃

[@dist0rted320]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Cheers mate! Thanks for the tip.

[@TomTom-tm1nj]

Do i need this layering spray or can i just use the normal glue? I would like to have it on my layout, but i don‘t have much money.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Generally I've found normal spray glues to be very stringy/thick and they tend to dry a yellow colour so I wouldn't recommend them for static grass. If you're really on a budget, cheap hairspray can sometimes work although it doesn't hold as much in my experience. Generally I think if you're willing to spend money on an applicator then it's worth spending a bit extra and getting the layering spray too for the best results. It does go quite a long way too - I'm only on my 3rd can and I build a lot of layouts! Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃

[@rendered_donuts8375]

Hi, im from Australia. Is it still fine if i use the, Peco - Layering Spray 500Ml - PSG13 (layering spray adhesive). but ur video uses the PSG-11 layering spray for static grass. as your static grass spray is not available in Australia. and the Static applicator you use is also unavailable for my country so i have to find an alternative one. any suggestions?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Personally I only use the aerosol spray (PSG-11) as I haven’t heard great things about the squirt bottle (PSG-13). As an alternative you could try cheap hairspray instead which I believe works for some people. As for finding an alternative static grass applicator, I don’t really know what products are available worldwide so it’s probably best to head into a model shop and see what they can recommend. Thanks for watching 😃

[@caseyq594]

What is the material that is called bandage. The white stuff dipped before placing on project

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hiya, it's plaster bandage also known as mod roc. You might want to check out this video for more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqTad5SvgcuVd8ksi=5k80cqFWq-hvjQ8j Thanks for watching 😃

[@briandenbo9075]

Would a salt or pepper shaker work for spreading something like the dirt?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes potentially, it might take you a little longer to get a consistent base covering and you'd need to be careful to not spill over onto the ballast too much - but in theory it should work. Thanks for watching 😃

[@davescrivener8510]

Probably a silly question, but does the static grass stay charged, and sticking up, or does it need running over again to recharge it?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi Dave, no questions here. The grass is charged as I falls into the glue and that is usually enough to keep it upright. Once the glue is dried the fibres are locked in place. I sometimes go back over the grass with the applicator (usually when I'm adding longer fibres) immediately after adding it to see if I can get any loose excess to stand up a bit straighter but honestly I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃

[@paulhaynes1314]

Hi good tutorial, I’m starting again after more than tenth years away from the hobby, I don’t have an applicator but I am looking at the Green Stuff World applicator but it looks like it only has one mesh of 4x4 mm as some others come with 3 different size mesh caps, is this important?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi Paul, I don't have any experience with the Green Stuff World applicator myself but the applicator I use just has one fixed mesh too and I've never found that to be a problem. Thanks for watching 😃

[@paulhaynes1314]

Yes I bought one that is far cheaper and has only one mesh, I didn’t think it was a massive importance, thanks for the reply happy new year

[@jacgalla]

Could you make a video about wireing lights and things

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Like this one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJClgnhsiKqcmsU

[@bonzomcdrumcat4989]

Tried doing this yesterday, I dont know how but my one looks really shallow. Any tips?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hey there, when you say shallow do you mean the grass fibres are standing up but it doesn't look very long? Or that the fibres aren't standing up at all so there's no height? If the former then I would say try using longer grass. In this video I start with a base of 2mm then add layers of 4mm and 6mm over the top. These layer on top of each other too so the 6mm actually looks more like 8mm grass by the end. If it's not standing up at all then I'd say check the applicator. Remember you need to have the external wire touching the surface of the layout. You want the mesh of the applicator to be near to the surface too so the fibres are attracted to it. Sometimes I also run the applicator over the grass with the power on just to help the grass stand up a little more while it's drying too. Hope that helps and thanks for watching 😃

[@bonzomcdrumcat4989]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy hey dude thanks for the advice! When I said shallow i meant that the grass is there but you can still see the undercoat. Unfortunately i dont have an applicator, but a balloon does the trick decently!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

@@bonzomcdrumcat4989 Ah right, in that case it might be something to do with the glue then. Make sure it's not watered down or being spread too thin on the surface. That can cause the undercoat to show through which sometimes is desired effect if you want patchy grass... but it sounds like don't in this case. That said, while using a ballon or puffer bottle does work, in my experience you get much more consistent results using an applicator, even a cheap one. That's not to say you should rush out and buy one but something to consider if you're still not getting the results you want.

[@ajknaup3530]

Is there an advantage to PVA glue over, say Arlene's tacky or Elmer's?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's cheaper usually. I don't know about Arlene's tacky or Elmer's specifically but I'd suspect they're brand names for PVA with perhaps a slightly different formula. I know some companies do specific glue for static grass but I've never bothered with it as I've always found cheap PVA to work just fine. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ajknaup3530]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy & thanks for answering.

[@Mafaldamou]

Does burnt umber work as the dirt?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes I tend to use burnt umber with a little black mixed in to darken it down. I would still use actual dirt for the verges though to get the best results but it is of course optional. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Mafaldamou]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy ok thanks!

[@Garryokee100]

Other base glues dont work better, its just that PVA has a sheen to it and will show through the grass. Modge Podge etc is flat matt.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Interesting, I have to admit I've never noticed the PVA sheen showing through the grass though (especially after the longer layers are added over the top) but good to know all the same. Thanks for watching 😃

[@parryhotter5575]

Hmm, how durable is the grass when using this method? I'm wondering if it could withstand a 24th scale rc crawler without instantly getting torn apart.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's certainly durable enough for model railway uses and to withstand mild handling but not having had any experience with RC Crawlers I can't be sure. I would suspect it wouldn't get torn apart so much but would come loose more easily. Hope that helps, thanks for watching 😃

[@parryhotter5575]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Thanks for the answear. It gives me a general idea of what to expect. Think I'll start with a basic test to see how much abuse it can take. Then maybe experiment with different glue solutions to see if it can be improved. Great video btw, short and simple.

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

Can I dilute the PVA 50/50 with water?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

You could try but personally I wouldn't. In my experience you need the viscosity of the glue to keep the fibres standing up as they dry. If you thin the glue down too much then they'll fall over flat once you move the applicator away. Thanks for watching 👍

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Thanks! 😀

[@paulbrennan3760]

Oh the other thing. I just seem to have wasted £15 on the woodland scenic static grass starter kit. That has the shaker in it. I presume these don’t actually work? I’ve tried everything I can think of and just can’t get anything to stand up using it.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I can't say I've ever tried the Woodland Scenics starter kit or any shaker bottle for that matter. I know you have to shake them quite a bit beforehand with the grass inside to build up the static charge but from what I've seen personally they don't seem to work as well as a powered applicator.

[@alih2611]

What about a balloon? Rub it on your hair and hover over the grass?

[@georgethomas7814]

Nice variation on the theme. Where is the next one ???

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi George, this is the final episode in the Model Railway Basics series I'm afraid. That said this little scenic board did end up being used as part of my modular model railway and that series definitely has a long way to go yet! Thanks for watching 😃

[@georgethomas7814]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy and how is the rest of the layout going

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

George Thomas Very well thanks! Currently doing a lot of work on the station modules at the moment which will be covered in some new videos fairly soon 😁

[@maxwellwynne-shepherd7852]

That doesn't look like Vanilla Ice cream...

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It is highly recommended that you eat all of your ice cream before starting so you have something to mix paint in 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@kenruble5292]

If anyone wants to use real dirt, it is a good idea to put it in the oven for an hour at 350 degrees F in order to kill all fungus and bacteria. This is especially important if you live in a humid climate.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yep, like I said in the video putting it in the oven is definitely a good idea and helps to dry it out while creating a much finer "dust" too. Thanks for watching 😃

[@thegamingperio4115]

Un your shunting layout You shoud put a turntable and a coal dispencer

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Nice suggestion but there's no way that would fit. Pickwick Yard is really quite small so if I put a turntable and coal dispenser on it I'd have to remove the rest of the track. Maybe one day for a future layout though! Thanks for watching 😃