Hi Folks,
Have you used WS Static Grass? Does it require a static grass applicator? I saw the cost of an applicator and about fell off my chair.
I haven’t used the WS static grass, but there have been several do-it-yourself posts here over the past year or so on how to make your own static grass applicator for less than $10.
I made one out of a Harbor Freight electronic flyswatter and a tea strainer from a local dollar store that works well and cost less than $5 in parts.
I used the forum search engine but got little info. I will try “do it yourself”.
Question - is an electric applicator really needed? I know the term “static” implies the use of electricity. If an applicator is not used, does the static grass look poor?
You need the ‘applicator’ to make the static grass ‘stand up’. You can make one out that flyswatter or build one for about $25.
Jim
Jim,
I found a 3 part video on how to make the applicator out of a fly swatter on You Tube. The 3 part video is 20+ minutes long and is very informative.
Thanks for your help.
You really need an applicator. They use to make a squeeze bottle with a magnet on the throat that would work some what but was slow. You can build your own applicator from $5 for the fly swatter to about $25.00 for the "Knoch-Off". There are several websites that show how as well as several You Tube videos. Be sure to build the 12 v not the 120 volt one unless you are very comfortable with house current. Finding the 12v Ion generator can be hard to find these days.
I have built both and if you want to do more than tinker (whichis fine) or working larger layout than a 4 x 8, strongly consider the "Knoch Off". Having a cup with a lid and not having the tea strainer hanging down will make you happier.
Also look at Scenic Express for Static grass options
ratled
Here is my version $7.00 and 7 minutes. You definitely want a totally enclosed compartment for the grass or it flies all over the place. I have a strainer I clip on to the screen in the pic that I use for finer grass. The screen in the pic is the one that was on the swatter when I bought it.
The grass clumps go through the larger screen on the tub and then into the strainer and onto the layout. It works really well.
Brent
It does not require a static applicator. If you want to assemble one, though, it’s not a bad project.
Each of the manufacturers is profiting handsomely & in my opnion, excessively, from a relatively simple & cheap to manufacture electronic gadget. Since they will sell you the fibers anyway, don’t feel guilty about saving some money. You’ll probably spend it somewhere else in this hobby.
-Ed Kowal
There is an article in issue #6 of Model Railroad Hobbyist, that details building the 12V, 120V and a flyswatter applicator. IMO, the flyswatter applicator is marginal at best, so if you have much static grass to apply build one of the better applicators. Contrary to popular belief, static grass is best applied WITH a static applicator, but the commercial units are way overpriced for what they are.
The 12V Negative ION generator, that is the heart of the Static Grass Applicator is available from Model-Trains-Video.com at the link below.