I’ll be building my layout table soon and will be needing some “grass”. While I was at the hobby shop I saw a product that I was wondering if anyone had any experience with it. It was 4x8 sheet of paper with the grass it. Any opinions? Or should I use the shake on grass? Any other suggestions?
Thanks
Jim
I have a couple of sheets of that paper. I’ll use them since I have them–I’ve got one down on one of my tables, and the other is still bare plywood–but I wish I hadn’t bought them, to be honest. The look is fine for a toy train layout, but the “grass” (colored sawdust actually, I think) doesn’t stay on the paper very well so it can kind of make a mess.
Shake-on grass is more realistic, and if you make your own (I have two links to instructions on making your own on my web site at http://dfarq.homeip.net/article/20050310214627173 if you want it) it ends up being cheaper too.
I know a lot of people use green carpet for a toy train layout. That won’t cost too much more and will give a nice traditional look.
I’ve heard that Garden Ridge stores sell bags of dried moss for a couple of bucks. The nearest Garden Ridge is a 30 minute drive from me so I’ve never been; but if you have one nearby it might be worth a look. Real moss can’t help but look more natural than ground foam, I would think.
Here is a link to a thread I did on making a layout
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23263
Thanks for the input. I thik I’ll forget the paper grass. The blender foam looks like something I will experiment with. The green carpet idea is worth looking at also. I was looking at a short level loop indoor outdoor at Lowes. I think it would cut down on noise as well, wouldn’t it?
Jim
Dave and Tom, nice links. Both ideas are cool. When I graduate from grass mat, just put it down for Trevor’s train, to adding scenery to the big garage layout, I remember both links. I saved them for later. Thanks
Tim
There is a company that makes a grass fiber type stuff that you make stand up with static electricity…you put glue down first. looks really nice. I haven’t ever tried it though.
underworld
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Ok…it’s Woodland Scenics http://www.woodlandscenics.com/ check under
landscaping-ground cover-static grass flock
underworld
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No thanks, I’ve found that it’s best I not be under the influence of any recreational substances when working on the layout.
Another source of inexpensive grass is to use sheets of green felt from a craft store. Take a wire brush and "tease the nap of the felt to get tall grass, cut it in irregular pieces and glue it down. It covers uneven terrain well. You can also vary the color with brown and dark green markers. If you want a manicured lawn, just use as is. Felt comes in a variety of colors: dark green is good for regular grass. Tan and yellow works well for weeds or dry grass.
Good one DR. John!