On Test: Which Static Grass is Best?

So which Static Grass is Best?
There are so many brands of static grass now. In this video I'm comparing two well known brands of grass with a relatively new brand that I've just discovered. The brands I'm looking at are:
Woodland Scenics
Noch
WWS/Peco
Conclusion
My favourite is the WWS range as it has different lengths and colours to suit the seasons and their layering spray. They gave a great range of dead grass colours. Noch is another great range with a variety of colours and lengths. They're not labelled in absolute lengths but if you buy a few packets or look online, you can work them out. My least favourite is Woodland Scenics because the colours are more muted and just look sludgy but that may suit your scene.
WWS did send me some trial products such as the layering spray but I have since gone out and bought more of their product because I was so impressed.
Index
00:18 Comparison
05:32 Conclusion
07:19 Mini Kathys
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[@davidmuse7004]

Kathy, this is great information and the comments from other modelers is worth it's weight. Always learn a lot from watching your videos. Thank you D. Muse

[@KathyMillatt]

+David Muse Thanks! I love seeing the comments and hearing other people's views.

[@rubber20021]

I absolutely agree. I still find and do meself as it is.

[@dantop1280]

Great videos Kathy!!! Long time plastic model builder, HO scale slot car layout builder, and train collector of G scale and O scale. I'm just 'diving' into static grass and I must say your videos greatly affected my first purchase of an applicator and brands of grass to use on my diorama's and future layouts. Great job and thank you from the U.S. !! Happy Holidayzz.......

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks a lot and good luck with your grass.

[@retrainrun]

Great video Kathy. I just happy we all this cool variety to choose from. I'm old enough to know when sawdust was our only choice. But thank you from bringing up the subject and thanks to all the manufacturers. RT

[@KathyMillatt]

+retrainrun We are so blessed now a days. I shudder at the thought of trying to name grass out of sawdust but guys still made great layouts with it.

[@giulius7176]

What a difference between choices, I would have never guessed...Thanks for sharing...and getting your feet wet!!

[@KathyMillatt]

+Giulius71 Glad to help. There are loads more brands out there too.

[@edgoz2war133]

Hi Kathy. Just discovered your channel and love it. I wish I'd known about it when we built our Devil's Bridge layout. Finding you inspirational and using your how to videos for my new layout.

[@KathyMillatt]

+Edward Field Thanks for the comment. Glad you find the videos useful.

[@edhansen7228]

Kathy Great info ,,,ThanksI see the great results your having with the layering spray but unfortunately it's not available in the US (at least I haven't found it here yet)What would you suggest as a good replacement for it that I can get here in the states ? ThanksEd Hansen

[@KathyMillatt]

+Ed Hansen it is now available as a pump action spray through anyone who stocks Peco products.

[@RogerPerkins1939]

Thank you for sharing your insights in this video. I agree the choice of a brand of static grass needs to include the season one models. I model autumn in central Illinois which is Midwestern US. I like to blend several colors either by mixing and then applying or doing in multiple application as you have demonstrated. I notice at least two of the Woodland Scenics static grasses you showed seem to have a very artificial color and thus not like any real grass I have seen.

[@KathyMillatt]

+Roger G. Perkins Woodland Scenic is my least favourite type but it's the oldest brand and it shows how much the market has moved on.

[@robertnelson432]

Three years later WS products are now offered in various lengths which can be mixed in the applicator.

[@KathyMillatt]

There are new products every year from all the manufacturers. It’s a great time to be modelling!

[@duckyswan9363]

great video! Thank you, the Wws static grass looks way more realistic to me and I am thinking of purchasing it. Do you know if you have to use the specific glue with Wws/Peco static grass or can you use PVA glue? I notice the the glue they sell online looks quite brand specific. Thanks again!

[@KathyMillatt]

Glue is glue so you can use whichever brand you like.

[@KathyMillatt]

I have regularly used PVA glue, slightly diluted. It skins quite quickly so I only do small patches at a time.

[@duckyswan9363]

Awesome.Thank you again!@@KathyMillatt

[@ghewitt94]

Nice one Kathy. The layered grass does look very nice but as you say 6mm fibres but that is waist deep in N. it is in reality all about compromise and what the individual likes.

[@KathyMillatt]

+George Hewitt Thanks! It is tall and although you can get tall grass, most of us tend to think if grass as somewhat shorter.

[@daviemaclean61]

Good comparison and handy to have a place where the three meet so you can see it without having to do a test diorama. I think, if you can keep them separate, you can use all of them and not consign any to the bin. Also good that we have the wide choice of manufacturers and colours to suit all tastes. Cheers

[@KathyMillatt]

+davie maclean We are certainly blessed with choice. I always think Woodland Scenics is good for distant grass as it's more muted and generally shorter. I do tend to mix a lot.

[@edhansen7228]

Thanks so much for the reply but unfortunately everybody I know or deal with here does not carry it,The reason the hobby shops give is that the spray doesn't sell well here and doesn't justify the customs charges they would pay.I don't think the charges have anything to do with it, just hasn't caught on here yet.So,,,,what would you recommend in the mean time.Thanks againEd Hansen

[@KathyMillatt]

Sorry Ed, this got stuck in spam for some reason. I haven't tried any other sprays to recommend them but it needs to be a dilute spray of perhaps something like white glue. I've tried rattle can spray glues but they leave little globs so are not ideal.

[@phil36310]

Thanks for this info. WWS indeed looks more realistic. I wonder: does the 'tool' or grass applicator make a difference?

[@KathyMillatt]

The applicator does make a difference as some will get the grass to stand up more vertical than others.

[@phil36310]

Bonjour Kathy, Thanks for your kind reply! What Grass Applicator would you recommend ? I'll have to create square meters of static grass. ( layout size is 6.75m x 5.65m around the walls + penninsula) Greetings,

[@KathyMillatt]

It’s a matter of where you are and how much you are willing to pay. Some people like making there own but I like my Noch Grassmaster for large areas and my Peco /WWS smaller one when space is tighter.

[@phil36310]

Noch is quite expesive. The Peco/WWS seems a good alternative. Thank you for the info Kathy ! All the best & succes!

[@BNRailNut]

Gday Kathy I have used woodland scenic & I agree with you 100% ,I also tried blending with other textures to compensate 4 thisbut still found it to be Dull . I learned some new techniques & brands (thx 2 you) & will try these on other areas of my layout .. Cheers great Vids kath ...Ps: mini Kathy's r nuts Lol

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks, Glad I could help!

[@andrewclegg244]

Thank You new to modelling and I find tips and know how invaluable

[@KathyMillatt]

+Andrew Clegg Glad I could help.

[@InterCity134]

So would the layering spray work on the Noch, especially if the static applicator was used with the electrical charge actually applied ?

[@KathyMillatt]

+Minok1217 Yes, it works on all grass. Next week's video shows that.

[@TonyFleetwood]

i like the noch grass, i bought woodland scenics in the 2 colors u have, and the noch blended grass, and made separate test pieces, and the noch grass has much more dimension. the woodland scenics grass has its place, but perhaps would be better blended with other lighter colors... i have to agree the wws stuff looks pretty nice though.

[@KathyMillatt]

Tony, I originally used the Woodland Scenics towards the back because it was more uniform and bland but it still looked just a bit dead. As my layout is not very deep, I think it would work better with more depth to force the illusion.

[@walterhoward2818]

I agree the WWF is a lot better looking for for me the problem is the layering spray which I haven't been able to find over in Canada or in the states yet I was wondering if you know have any product over here that would be similar to it thanks again awesome shows

[@KathyMillatt]

+Walter Howard Hi, I haven't found anything similar yet I'm afraid which is why I was so blown away by it.

[@walterhoward2818]

If you find anything like it could you let me know thanks

[@DerRontje]

You can order the none ´spray can´ version from them, its in a water spray bottle, but the same stuff. you could airbrush it.

[@walterhoward2818]

Thanks

[@ld1636]

Do you have a video on using woodland scenics straw? Its so hard to stand up.

[@KathyMillatt]

I did use something similar for reeds back in my early videos but I apply by hand, not a static applicator.

[@DonaldSimsProduction]

Very informative. Thank you. P.S. Is it legal for you to have that much fun?

[@KathyMillatt]

Just remember, Model railroading is fun!

[@laurenceweiler]

I've had success with using (getting rid of, lol) the woodland scenics static grass by using it as a base layer and adding 4 and 6mm Silflor static grass on top of it. I do model late summer, very early fall tho so the muted color of the woodland scenic grass may be more passable for in my case. Great video as always Kathy! I don't comment much but I watch all of your videos and have learned so much, thanks!

[@KathyMillatt]

+Laurence Weiler Thanks a lot! I did used to throw handfuls of Woodland Scenics in but do so less and less now. It is, as you say, a matter of when and where you model as to which brand suits you best. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@dannyholt105]

Ha ha! Nice booty shake Kathy! Thanks for the info. Could we use watered down PVA glue for adding additional layers of grass? I still haven't picked up a static applicator yet though. Thanks. Cheers, Dan

[@KathyMillatt]

+Danny Holt Hi Danny. I have used PVA smeared over the top of the existing grass with a finger. It works better for patches rather than huge areas.

[@KathyMillatt]

+Danny Holt You really can't beat a static grass applicator but I did use a puffer bottle back when I started. Not as good but better than nothing.

[@giacomopeters9988]

Noch comes in 2, 4 and 6 mm. I suggest layering to get better coverage she complaints about. I'm wondering if others come in different lengths. Ah..she just mentions..different lengths are not available. Anyone know how to make static grass out of regular flock for example? I love listening to her, but her areas are a bit too neat. Nature does not follow straight lines, but her layout still looks great! (hope that is not too harsh..just an observation).

[@KathyMillatt]

That’s not the final finish so if you look at later videos, it does get “messier”.

[@scottfw7169]

In all these years of model railroading this static grass is something I've not yet used. Planning to do a small section with it this year, so it is time to start collecting information.

[@KathyMillatt]

Hope this helps and it’s relatively easy once you’ve had a practice.

[@scottfw7169]

@@KathyMillatt Thanks! It looks like Woodland Scenics may here a couple years later have some more variation in their product & I am admittedly partial to them since they are located in the same state where I live. But, man, that WWS/Peco line sure makes a good result.

[@KathyMillatt]

Scott FW Peco/WWS is a nice line. It does depend on your local colours of grass a bit too.

[@DiggerEvans]

i think you've caused a rush on the layering spray glue! everywhere i tried has sold out and waiting for new stock

[@KathyMillatt]

+digger evans Sorry! It'll be back in soon I'm sure!

[@DiggerEvans]

ha ha nt your fault my friend im sure they wille pleased with the sales x

[@johnrettig1880]

Hi Kathy Do you have a video on how to scratch build a static tool I've seen you use both factory and home made . If you do could you re-post it Please and thanks for the great tips .

[@KathyMillatt]

Hi John, I don’t but Luke Towan has a video on making your own.

[@johnrettig1880]

Kathy Millatt Thanks

[@billrichardson6389]

@@KathyMillatt Hi Kathy, I have built one of Luke's grass applicator, and it works brilliantly. Love your videos, take care greetings from Victoria Australia

[@KathyMillatt]

Bill Richardson Excellent. Glad it works well for you.

[@paulsmith1899]

Kathy this is paul Smith. I want you to know I’m in the process of doing a how to video for disabled persons. I see so many at train shows and I can share how to build a layoutWish me luck in my endeavor Paul

[@KathyMillatt]

Good luck! That sounds like a wonderful idea.

[@paulsmith1899]

Hope you come to NMRA conventions to show off your fabulous book Although I know O scale will not be featured , a hobby is a hobby

[@KathyMillatt]

@@paulsmith1899 my next show will probably be Warley and of course O scale is featured!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Nice moves! 😃

[@KathyMillatt]

+PghTrainFanatic Thanks!

[@johnrettig1880]

Do you know why the little Kathie's are walking on water They don't know how to swim

[@KathyMillatt]

Oh yes they do!

[@CWModelling]

John Travolta's got nothing on N gauge Kathy, roflol :-D

[@KathyMillatt]

+CW Modelling She's got the grooves.

[@jackietrades7731]

Thanks for the info. I'd prefer to see your vids without the 'acting' bits on the end though. Some people are naturals, some get training but I don't think that's the case here. Stick firmly to your content and I think you'll do very well!

[@KathyMillatt]

Jackie, if you don't like them then just stop watching when it comes on! :)

[@jackietrades7731]

Actually, I was trying to communicate what I DID want to see more of AND it came with some "I can live without that"s. Overall, just because one person is having fun beyond the subject matter doesn't mean it's any fun for us to watch. It's your vid, 100%! You are always free to publish only what you see fit at this time and nothing (and nothing less in this case I suppose, lol) It is the internet after all and on KZbin I guess you get what you pay for. Definitely not why those companies send you free stuff to show/demo for us hoping we'll try their interesting new products when we shop with them - BUT I suspect if friendly crit is too intense for self assessment, I WILL move on and watch one of the other modellers online here. I'm not the one actually losing out in the end in terms of acting or modelling for that matter. Good luck in your future endeavors.

[@KathyMillatt]

Jackie, I wasn't offended but it is the end of the video so you're not missing anything stopping there. I enjoy doing the Mini Kathy's and if they are a bit hammy, that's kind if the point.

[@jackietrades7731]

Fair enough - I can live with literally just 'not watching' that part. Wow, an agreement from different viewpoints on the Internet! Do we get a prize for being the first?! Cheers then,

[@KathyMillatt]

Definitely! Over the years I have changed my videos because of comments made. I think that you have to assume that people have good intentions for commenting.

[@colnagocowboy]

biggest problem might be what to do with 20 kilos of unsed woodland scenics static grass

[@KathyMillatt]

+William Spears I share your pain. The static grass world has moved on and Woodland Scenics haven't yet. Thankfully I'm a little less than 20kg.

[@ocalicreek]

A light drybrushing with a brighter shade of paint could do wonders. Otherwise, time to get creative!

[@KathyMillatt]

+ocalicreek Oooh, I've a video on that in a couple of weeks time.

[@freightuk]

In the confines of a model railway's shed where forced perspective is necessary, the shorter WS grass is very useful after reducing from the longer layer WWS layered grass approach near to the operators, or you could use the WS grass as a base layer. After all nothing is that uniform when nature is left alone by man. I have used and mixed both from the start. I think the main advantages of the WWS system is the layering adhesive (but beware of the fumes from the aerosol sprays), the different lengths available, and the very cost effective applicator. So with 20kg of WS grass available, why not just buy 4mm+ from WWS and use the WS grass for the base layer. Jim

[@ronnyjonny8230]

i studyd tihs. couldnt explin it ani beter!!!!!11111!!^^^^1!!!11ölf

[@blameusa7082]

why always the crackhead moment at the end of such great videos?

[@formidable38]

Hi Kathy, good to see another U.S, UK based moddeller! Here's another useful website for all things grass related- www.antenocitisworkshop.com/scratchbuilders-paradise/grass-flock-scatter-clump/ I agree about the woodland scenics grass, I also have some that Ive had for years, never been entirely happy with it. It looks very flat and uninteresting.

[@KathyMillatt]

+Formidable38 Thanks for the link and comment.