Hi
Just bought a Noch Grass Master for applying static grass. Turned the end the tiny black lug that secures the top and busted it off. Does anyone knows if this matters? Seems like a naff design to me, but hey, as long as it still works. Thanks.
Hi there B Steel,
I did the same thing when we got ours. The little black nob can be replaced with any metal screw that will fit. It works great! Have fun!
It should “work great” considering the ridiculous price they charge for it. [|(]
Dennis
Hi guys
Thanks for the responses. Yeah it’s SO expensive. And having busted the black plastic pin, I opened it up. Not a lot there in there for your money!!!
But I am hoping for great results. (Does the grass come out gold plated? [:D] )
Thanks again
Barry
I just have to ask the obvious question - are we talking about an HO scale layout?
And grass is how tall in HO? The cut height on my lawn mower is set at 3-1/2" - pretty small in 1:87?
Even an unmowed field of wild stuff is likely only a foot or two.
What specific effects do you plan to use this for?
I have often thought even many of the ground foam products out there are too course for HO scale grass.
Except for really wild “brush”, I like the old zip texturing method using powered tempra paint for grass, bare earth, etc.
Just my thoughts.
Sheldon
Sheldon,
there is no comparison to a well done static grass scene and the one you describe. Static grass is available in many sizes and colors, and for realistic rural areas its a must have. Trains don’t go just through surburbia.
Bill D
In O scale I would agree.
I’ve been at this hobby for 43 years, worked in this business and seen a lot of layouts.
That’s why I asked what sort of scene the OP wants to replicate - a corn field is one thing, general wild vegitation in HO is quite another, and a lawn is quite another. And again, different folks are modeling different parts of the country - I model the Mid Atlantic.
I have said this about sound and will say it about some scenic effects - remember that in HO, at 3 actual feet viewing distance, you are 271 scale feet away - what does the scene in real life look like from that distance?
And I have a new question, how durable/long lasting is this stuff?
Again, just my thoughts.
Sheldon
Take a look at some of the grass fields by McFunkyMonkey on his Free-Mo N scale threads. N Scale. That’s what prompted me to try static grass. I bought one of the cheapo applicators, and it works fine for me. His pictures and modeling, though, are much better than mine so take a look at his photos to get an idea of how nice static grass can be when applied by a master.
Static grass is another technique for your scenic toolbox. It will work well in some places, and not so well in others. I’m reasonably happy with the results of my early attempts, so don’t be afraid of trying something new like this. This is one old dog who likes learning new tricks, and this hobby has given me plenty of opportunity for that.
There is still a place for zip texturing. Indeed I have visited layouts that used the time honored, now seemingly “retired,” dyed sawdust method, and looked darn good. When I was a kid you could go to a lumber yard and they’d be happy to give you a bag of sawdust for free. I don’t even know where to ask in a big box store for such a thing and if they can’t put a scanner code on it, they don’t know what to do with it.
Most static grass “lawns” are indeed rather too tall compared to even a rather negligently maintained (I name no names) suburban lawn, but the impression static grass can give is not readily duplicated by other methods, including zip texturing. Put a model figure on that lawn and yeah the grass is up to their shins, but again it has a certain look that is impressive in real life and photographs rather well. The latest NMRA magazine has an article by David Leider MMR on static grass, with good photos, and Dave is one of many folks who makes and sells their own static grass applicator for far far less than Noch charges. He is a regular fixture at Illinois and Wisconsin train shots and swap meets. A buddy made mine using a yogurt container and part of a PVC tube. He charged me $20 and I think he made a little money on it.
Dave Nelson
The static grass device is essential if you want realistic looking grass in any scale… As for viewing distance… Have you actually visited layouts with well done static grass??? The effect is quite stunning. As for longevity…Mine has been in for around five years and it holds up fine…
Getting realistic grass and trees has been one of the more vexing scenery areas in modeling. Static grass techniques and super trees are two advances that are pushing scenery towards new levels of realism. There are a plethora of new products out there helping revitalize old techniques to make them look better. Take a look at the scenic express catalog at the Hekki and silflor grasses and all the other stuff they carry
Modelers such as Lance Mindheim, Mike Schwab, Mike Conalfone, Joe Fugate, Charlie Comstock, Rob Spangler, MC Furijikawa and others are pushing the bounds of older scernery styles and techniques to create compelling, realistic scenes using these new products combined with more traditional techniques…
I found the Noch gun to be too expensive, so I built my own static grass gun. Works great. If you are modeling CA foothills or mountains, the silflor static grass is a must have…
To the OP…Check out the scenic express catalog…Order some different grasses other than just WS. Have some fun…I think you will end up with a big smile on your face. Let me know if you have any questions about application techniques, grasses etc…
Guy
“how durable/long lasting is this stuff?”- I have used this technique on portable modules for a train club. To answer your question, it works fine and has held up very well with no issues. Its is literally transported on its side.
There are a number of locations onlline showing static grass in both HO and N with excellent results.
Dave, the original died saw dust ground cover products started right here in Baltimore at Life Like - interestingly enough, Life Like was located right in the heart of the mill work district along the Jones Falls. I would not be surprised to find out Life Like received their “raw material” simply by asking if they could haul it away.
I learned scenery from the old timers who built this layout, and I helped complete and maintain this scenery years ago as a young adult: