Idea's for grass scene's

There are some ideas about using sand for ballast on this post.

 

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...g-to-sand-before-use

Static grass looks really good. Sorry, I don't have any pics. Not at that stage yet.

 

You can use sand to fill in and use the Woodland Scenic ballast over to save $$$. Or take a look at roofing granules. Use as a base or just use them as your primary ballast. $25-30 for a 5gal bucket. Size is pretty close.

 

Bob

Static grass from Scenic Express. You need an applicator and special glue all available from S.E. Comes in various heights and colors, stands on end when applied. Looks great! Dennis Brennan, Millhouse River Studios has ballast available. Doug, (laidoffsick) and I are using both on our layout. 

     Gary I was just watching You Tube videos on making A electric fly swatter into A static grass applicator for around $10.00. I saw one for sale on the OGR sale forum for $100.00 I don't know if that is A good price or not I never priced one. Choo Choo Kenny

Careful buying! Not all fly swatters are created equal.

I've seen a "fail" video clip on a couple, but others worked great.

I think the "Indestructibles" site had one too.

 

Noch, Gras Master from Scenic Express.   Click to access Scenic Express page.   Pricey

There is a "How to" video link on this page.   I was very pleased with any results any time it was used.  

I am ballasting my track right now using chick grit. I like the appearance of it and it's much cheaper than regular ballast. You can darken it for color preference but I am happy with it's color as is.

In my experience static grass is only worth it if it will be with eighteen inches or two feet of the layout edge, where you can tell, and additional only if the grass is going to be long, as in not-freshly-mown.  

 

I am pleased with the results I get, blending slightly different shades together so the grass over any wide area is not exactly uniform in color.  Except for golf courses and other highly cultivated areas and such, grass is never uniform in color, but greener in low-lying areas where water drains to, etc., and browner where high and exposed to lots of sun, etc. Also, a few rocks and such, some bare spots, and small bushes, weeds and tiny tree growing (often where they are not wanted) makes it look more realistic and focusing on the grass itself, even if it is covered 95% of the areas.  To me that has more to do with how natural the look is. 

Thanks to all, never thought about sand. Definitely going to look into that. 

 

How does FREE ballast suit you?  I went out to my street in front of my house and swept it up.  Put all the granules in a 5 gallon pale.   I put a hose in the pale and let the water run for an hour or so.  This washed the stone and the dirt flowed to the top and spilled out.

 

I purchased 2 kitchen strainers from the dollar store (2 different sizes) and started sifting.  This essentially gave me three different sizes of ballast or stone to use around the layout.

 

I won't let my family throw away any food containers because I use them to store my ballast.  Coffee containers are the best.

 

Here are some pics...  Have Fun!

Ron