This is a short but great tip for making your own super-realistic grass by modeller Stephen Fay.
The grass is always greener…
If you’re unhappy with the look of your ground cover and look enviously at the beautiful models of others or perhaps don’t want to spend a fortune on expensive static grass this tip is for you.
Over to Stephen:
The end result: handmade grass on Stephen’s layout.
“Teddy bear fur is available in many lengths and base colours, I sourced mine through eBay.
To dye the fur I use a mixture of poster paints both green and yellow. It’s best to test the green first to see how it dries on a piece of paper as you might want to darken it first.
The easiest way to apply the paint is with your hands wearing an old pair of washing-up gloves. Really work it into the fur, do the largest area you can for consistency.
If there is any clumping of the paint once dry, this can be brushed out with a scrubbing brush.
I bought my teddy bear fur at the length I wanted it but it’s easily cut using men’s hair clippers. Once you’re happy with the colour it’s a good idea to singe the fur using a blow torch – this should be done very quickly and with supervision if needed.
To finish off, add various other scenics depending on the ground cover you wish to represent.”
You can see further photos of Stephen’s work on his Facebook page.
Alternatively, here’s a guide on the best static grass applicator and some tips on laying static grass.
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Andy is a lifelong modeler, writer, and founder of modelrailwayengineer.com. He has been building model railways, dioramas, and miniatures for over 20 years. His passion for model making and railways began when he was a child, building his first layout at the age of seven.
Andy’s particular passion is making scenery and structures in 4mm scale, which he sells commercially. He is particularly interested in modelling the railways of South West England during the late Victorian/early Edwardian era, although he also enjoys making sci-fi and fantasy figures and dioramas. His website has won several awards, and he is a member of MERG (Model Railway Electronics Group) and the 009 Society.
When not making models, Andy lives in Surrey with his wife and teenage son. Other interests include history, science fiction, photography, and programming. Read more about Andy.
Thanks for the useful hints and tips, very grateful.
Glad it helped Bob. Best wishes, Andy
My dad has recently gotten back into model trains and I am helping him with his set up! This is great advice thank you!
Just wanted to say thank you and sharing. I dont do RR train modeling, but I use some of the techniques…when creating mixeed media artwork and surpisingly when planting Bonsai scenes. Be Well!!
Very very useful article … Thanks a lot
I was totally struggling with the grass , guess it really helps me
Awesome site. getting back into MRR after 50 years and soooo much has changed.
Old dog learning new tricks.
Thanks Jim. I’m working on a post about the things that have changed that you might find useful. Watch this space! (If you join my free newsletter you’ll get updates by email so you know when – you can join here). Andy
The facebook link to Stephens page appears to be broken
Thanks for the heads-up Craig. He’s set up a new page, I’ve updated the link now. Andy
Thanks for some useful ideas.
Hi,
That is s great Idea.
Alternatively we can use Party wigs which are pre painted and cut them to lengths i have used it on my layout and it works perfectly ok with the static grass applicator.
That’s an interesting idea Uzair. I’ll look into it, thanks.
Hello! Do you know if I can use spray paint instead?
Hi Timothy, I’ve tried that before (spay paint) and it can work but Stephen’s technique produces a better finish. Thanks. Andy
Would like to see more tips
Hi Tom, thanks commenting. What aspect of modelling would be most useful? Andy