Making a static grass gun?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Anybody know how to make a static grass gun? I recently read an old issue of MR where someone said they had made a static grass gun. This is probably a long shot, but does anyone know how to make one? The gun Noch sells is just too expensive.

Thanks, Smitty

2

http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/771252/ShowPost.aspx

Here’s an older thread on it. Someone said rubbing a balloon on their head created enough static to do a small area.

3

Scenic Express sells the Gras Master for $149.98:

http://www.sceneryexpress.com/products.asp?dept=1149

The old article you’re thinking about is discussed in this thread:

http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/771249/ShowPost.aspx

The article (9/1980) uses a Wimshurst machine, which is a static field generator. CHEAP ones go for $100. Add to that the money needed for everything else the home made version will use, and the inherent lack of safety that home made field generators involve (250kV anyone? Not sure about the amperage) makes the Noch applicator look like a bargain to me. (BTW: Scenic Express sometimes has them on sale for $99.98. Watch for sales)

4

Does the term, “Penny Wise and Pound Foolish” ring a bell? You’re likely to wind up paying more in the long run, and even run the risk of being electrocuted, trying to save money.

And no, I don’t own one of the Noch guns, nor have I ever used one; but with a background in electricity and electronics, I know the risks involved when playing around with high voltage static generation, even at very low amperages.

5

Alright, I get the hint. I wanted to see if it was possible to make one and save some money. Apparently, this is not so. I’m not going to spend all that time and money if it isn’t efficient. But you guys answered my question and now I know it is not economic.

Thanks,

Smitty

6

Here is one from online I have not tried to build it but its looks to have some promise.

http://www.racooke.com/images/HOW%20TO/Static/Making%20a%20Static%20Grass%20Applicator.pdf

GOOD LUCK!!

Be Wise Beware Be Safe

“Mountain Goat” Greg

7

I number of years ago, I bought a dusting tool that you rotated in front of a TV screen to generate static electricity that would cause dust to adhere to it. It worked reasonably well. I have a couple of them I wondered if it could be used in place of a static gun. I just haven’t gotten to those places on my layout where I might want long grass. I’m going to give it a shot.

8

The price of the Gras-Master has gone up quite a bit in the past few months. I’m assuming this is due to the decline of the US dollar vs the Euro.

9

Don’t get too hung up on an electrostatic grass gun. There are cheaper alternatives, if you already have an air compressor there is the compressed air applicator. The brand to look for here is DonJer applicator at $59.95 available on the internet. However don’t overlook the Noch squeeze bottle applicator, at around four bucks you can afford 3 or 4 of them for different colours. Many European modellers actually prefer this to the electrostatic gun as it gives finer control and results are as good as any other method. Sure it can get a bit tedious if you have a big area to do but it ain’t half as boring as ballasting.