I model Northcentral Montana and one of the key features is wheat fields. Since I model August, wheat has been cut. I want to use static grass to make the stubble fields, but I can’t figure out how to do the rows. I have thought of making a frame with string every 12 inches to lay down, apply the static grass and remove the frame/string. Have also thought about cutting painters tape into very small strips, applying static grass and then removing.
So, my question to the group, what have you done to apply static grass in narrow rows? I need to cover a fairly large area with wheat fields, so, the individual “plant” static grass option is cost prohibitive.
Do wheat rows really scale down to HO scale? When you look at field of wheat from a distance, you see a field of wheat. When you look at field of corn, you see rows.
You want stubble, that would show the rows more. How about pulling a razor saw length wise over the finished field to create rows?
I think I’d paint the surface dirt color. Then I’d spray some glue-stiff down, and sprinkle some static grass (without the static), so that you have the beaten down stuff on the ground.
Then go through with the stripes of glue I mentioned above.
I have this on my “to-do” list making my own tufts and grass strips. I’m planning to make strips and spots of clear sticky glue* on a metal cookie sheet with the ground clip attached to it. Then apply various grasses to make the clumps, etc.
I have used a few different commercial grass strips to make dirt roads and such. Handy stuff but can get costly for a large area. I simply made a bead of white glue here and covered it with the flock, then added the dirt after it dried:
I would also put down strips of glue. Then, I would put very little grass in the applicator and put it on thin. You’ll have to keep refilling the applicator, but you should get the thinned out look you want instead of rows of thick grass.
I would think that static grass would be too tall for stubble. Think I would go with a very fine line of glue and sprinkle on some yellowish/tan ground foam, then vacuum. The rows aren’t very far apart, then scale down, they will be very close on the layout.
Try some different methods on a test field to see what looks the most like what you want.
Given wheat in MT is planted on 12 & 14” rows, I do believe it will scale down And when you look at a stubble field after harvest, I think it would be best. I think I will try a few different things and maybe something will work.
