Quick update on my ventures into the static grass arena.
So I recently purchased an entry level battery operated grass applicator. Upon taking it out of the box, putting in batteries and playing with it, I proceeded to shock myself which was unexpected. So that happened… and to make matters worse, it occurred in front of my three kids. I was shocked/yelled and they ran for cover! After realizing the coast was clear and watching my face, they started to ask if I was ok or if I was going to “make it”… Nice… You know you are getting older when you children start asking questions and wanting to protect you from yourself.
Moving on to the cave that does not allow an audience, I proceeded to start researching and reading up on these applicators and best practices. Clearly, my initial approach was in the wrong direction. Below are the initial screenshots of v1.0 and v1.1.
Im happy with them in the sense that it worked and that it will add a “ton” of variation, texture and line of sight issues for the game board. As opposed to the flat grass that has historically been used. Although, there is a place for that as well.
I am not happy with or want to do better with adding additional layers of grass to bring it to life while eliminating a repeating/unnatural look. I think I figured out what I did wrong on these two hexes and will correct it going forward. But they do not look too bad…
I laid down my initial base of dirt… Secondly, I added a thin layer of 2mm green grass to start the lower level. Third, I added a bit of “dead grass” to blend into the green grass to add variation. Fourth, I went ahead and added 6mm green grass with a tad more of dead grass. So it works… I just want to improve my internal process so I can start manufacturing these hexes. But it does require a bit more work with laying down “grass”.
Since the initial learning curve is on the downward slope, I bit the bullet and purchased a ton more of grass for my hexes. (so many jokes there) But this grass includes 2mm grass, 2mm dead grass, 4mm grass, 4mm dead grass and 6mm grass and 6mm dead grass. I purchased the 6mm grass from the UK (WWS). Apparently, they have the better product than what we have here in the US.
While biting the bullet, I have an impulse thought after sending off my recent GHQ order. Why not upgrade the static grass applicator? Sure, why not? So the Cadillac of grass applicators (WWS) is coming from the UK as well. I can’t wait for it to arrive so I can try it out.
The wife asked me, “You spent HOW much on that applicator?” “Come on Honey, its coming from England! Its cool!” “I cant believe you spent much on something like that!” I said, “If you want to justify it, I will go out in the backyard and start applying static grass to our lawn and cover any/all dead spots?”
No response back… just the roll of the eyes…
Which really means to me… mission accomplished! (check-check)
Anyway, enough rambling… pic time…