Cheap flocker

I'm with you, Norm, re not overspending for a static grass applicator.

 

In 2010 I found an article on the Ztrains Newsletter website re building a "Grassinator".  True to their tenet, it cost me less than $35 and does a great job!  The 'heart' of the device is the 12vDC negative ion generator.  At that time they advocated purchase from an Australian electronics supplier, which I did...a speedy/efficient experience.

 

That source is no longer available, apparently, and the Ztrains article itself went offline when they pulled the original website for 'reworking'.  To the best of my knowledge, it's yet offline.

 

However, MicroMark now sells a very inexpensive ($39.95) version...

 

Static Grass Applicator Link

 

The effect is great....just as your photos show.  I've seen photos of well done second applications applied to the first (after it has dried) to create longer blades, or bud/flower-like tops.  Not a priority for me, but it sounds like a fun way to learn about the full capability of the device/technique....experimenting with materials, multiple applications, other complementary techniques.

 

Look forward to seeing more of your progress!

 

KD

 

 

Nice Norm.....I am going to have to get one of those!

 

Alan

 

Ditto!  

 

- Mike

Norm, which site did you order from? I made one from a bug zapper with poor results too.

 

Thanks,

 

Bob

Norm your mainline is looking most excellent ! conrail john

Looking good Norm

Hmmm- thanks for the tips because I need one as well.
It sure adds to the scene!

Ditto on that!

Guys, these are all over eBay. For a while they were all from China via epacket but some sellers now have them available in the U.S. 

 

KD, thanks for the tip, I will try to build up the height with repeated applications. I wonder if cheap hair spray would work. I am using 3M spray adhesive.

Norm,

 

The cheap hairspray works great.  I also mix tan and green when I stack it.

 

Dave

 

Norm

Would like to see an instructional video. Any Chance?

Steve

 

Norm that looks great!  I'm wanting to dabble with static grass on my layout.

There are a number of videos on Youtube.  Here's one.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2sse5VTzaM

There are tons of cheap flockers that come into my hobby shop, most of them wont even buy the magazines, they read then in the store

 

Our shop, too! 

 

KD

hmm, I need some help getting my modules all flocked up.

 

Call my little brother, he's really good at flocking things up

The results look great and justify spending a little time and money.  It looks a lot better than if done without the electrostatic charge.

How would you get the grass to stand up if you don't use a electrostatic unit?

John, I was using my Harbor Freight bug zapper racket with one of the grids connected to an alligator clip and a nail in the scenery. It worked OK with the shorter flocking, but didn't do much for the longer (6mm) stuff that I have now from Scenic Express.

Thanks for the info Norm.  BTW, missed seeing you at the Traverse City Festival of Trains this year.  Always nice to chat with you.

Is it still going on? We have reservations at Park Place but we're trying to decide if we are going to go up or not.

Friday & Saturday are the last days, open 10-6. It finally snowed here!

Norm does it have to be on foam to work or can you just use painted wood base with glue thanks.

I've had good luck on plywood so far. I don't even bother trying to stick the alligator clip/nail into anything since the flocking has enough charge to stand up.

 

I see people selling baker's cooling racks to attach the alligator clip to. I assume that's to help create a stronger field but I haven't had to do that yet...