Ztrains: Static Grass Application Tools

Article Note, March 2008
This article was originally written in 2004 and since then NOCH has introduced a newer version of their powered static grass applicator called the Grass Master. Still looking for better ways to apply static grass, we here at Ztrains now have our own static grass applicator called the Grassinator. You can build your own Grassinator by following our free online plans! Click here for the Ztrains Grassinator article.

Another Step Towards Realism
I recently tested the Noch Turbostat static grass application gun (Noch 50180) against the manual method of applying static grass by hand using a Noch flock applicator (Noch 08100). Both methods employ static electricity to get tiny synthetic fibers to stand on end, simulating grass. The Turbostat gun uses the AC output of a train transformer to generate an electrostatic charge, while the manual flock applicator relies on the friction of the grass fibers against each other inside the flexible plastic applicator to generate it's charge.

I built a test board and created two small hills of similar dimensions with a slightly rough surface. I also laid two very short sections of track, one on each hill, to help establish a better sense of perspective for these photos. On an actual layout I'd use techniques such an airbrush to enhance the color of the grass, but I was more concerned with the actual grass application, not necessarily the overall visual appeal of this test scene. The only digital additions to these photos is a lens flare and a seagull added to the main view shot, this was done to see how my static grass would interact with a few full scale (1:1) items. In these photos, the static grass has been applied in multiple layers both to add additional depth and to simulate the look of grass that has never met a mower. I generally prefer this multiple layer method to one single layer of grass... unless I'm going for a more well tended lawn look.

Planting Time

As you can see from these split screen photos, my final results were remarkably similar. I think the method used would depend on the type of area you're looking to cover with static grass. On an area this small, I found the Turbostat gun to be just a bit unwieldy, primarily due to it's relatively large output nozzle as well as the force at which the grass is expelled.

With the Turbostat gun, the static grass is placed in a holding cup, this cup is then inverted and attached to the top of the gun. I found that it required a bit of gentle tapping, or firm back and forth movement of my hand to have the grass feed into the output section at an even rate. Overall the application felt a bit less precise than I'd like. I believe the Turbostat gun would be better suited to covering a larger area than I used for this test.

Static grass, applicator top

The flock applicator, while decidedly a bit more low-tech, actually worked better for me on this particular piece. The top of the flock applicator looks a bit like the top of a salt shaker, this top screws off so you can fill the plastic bottle with grass. I found it best to only fill this bottle about halfway to maximize the amount of static electricity generated, also if the bottle is too full it makes for an uneven output. Using this flock applicator I was better able to control both the overall flow and placement of the grass, I was able to get the grass where I wanted it more easily. The total amount of grass used with the flock applicator was significantly less than the amount used with the Turbostat gun, again due to the flow control. Overall the flock applicator felt more like working with an airbrush.

Final Thoughts

All of the photos so far have shown the static grass applied in multiple layers to achieve a very overgrown look. You can alter this long grass effect, while still applying multiple layers for a very dense effect. The photo to the right illustrates this. Most of these photos were taken from a distance of approximately 6 inches, so grass that looks a bit wild from that distance tends to look a good deal more well ordered and not nearly as long from a conventional viewing distance, say 2 or 3 feet.

One last consideration in this test is the cost of these two methods. The Turbostat gun can be found at various online suppliers for as low as $90.00. The manual flock applicator costs right around $4.00, but don't let price be your only guide when deciding which of these Noch products to use. If you're working on larger layouts and modules you might lean towards the Turbostat gun as it can cover a large area fairly quickly and evenly... something to consider when your adhesive is rapidly drying.

As with many tools, I think this comes down to personal preference and the situation you'll be using these tools in. If you were modelling a large plains area, or an expansive valley in the mountains... the Turbostat gun could be the ideal tool as it will lay down a fairly even coat of grass (with a little practice) over a large area. If you're working on smaller layouts, or just want to add a few static grass accents, then the smaller flock applicator may be better suited to you project.

I'd like to thank Thomas Knapp for the use of his Noch Turbostat static grass application gun for this article.

July 7, 2008

Making Styrene Look Old

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Now learn one technique for making your styrene look like real aged wood. This tutorial is a keeper!

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