STATIC GRASS APPLICATOR

[GRUSS444]

Starting scenery on my retirement layout.Any tips on applicator brand to buy and which flocks work best.Any other tips would be appreciated.

[C855B]

I need to refresh myself on this, too. There's a wealth of information on the forum about static grass, probably more than needs to bear repeating separately. So I just checked - use the search feature, enter "static", and there will be a list of relevant threads.

[wazzou]

Build your own.  I followed these instructions several years ago. http://www.shorttrackrr.org/static_grass_applicator.pdf

[dougnelson]

Ken Patterson had an ultra-cheap home made static grass applicator on one of his monthly videos:

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[Mstyle88]

Ive also seen a few different generic static grass applicators on eBay for less than $30. Below is a link to an example of one. I am planning on buying one in the near future and will report back when I have tested it out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Static-Grass-Flock-Applicator-for-O-HO-N-Scale-Train-Wargames-Modelling-Scenery-/380968762349?hash=item58b381fbed:g:Rq0AAOSwbqpT4cyj

[wazzou]

Please do.  That seems comparable to what I built in appearance and cost so I'll be curious to see the results.

[robert3985]

This static grass applicator, although more expensive than 30 bucks, has some accessories that may be hard to reproduce, but add to its versatility...still for less than 50 bucks.  It's not a Noch, but looks promising from the photos:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Electronic-Advanced-Static-Grass-Flock-Applicator-for-HO-N-Train-Scenery-DIY/262783511389?_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160323102634%26meid%3Db77edb5191dd4bf5b8db72de84cf303c%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D380968762349

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[narrowminded]

I have not used a static grass applicator but am planning to and have pondered it a bit.  One concern I have is that the unit may cover too broad of an area for a lot of smaller layouts or smaller areas on any layout.  Anybody have anything for this concern?

[robert3985]

I have not used a static grass applicator but am planning to and have pondered it a bit.  One concern I have is that the unit may cover too broad of an area for a lot of smaller layouts or smaller areas on any layout.  Anybody have anything for this concern?

The static fibers are attracted to wet adhesive, which has a nail or pin stuck in it, which then has the grounding clip attached to it.  This means that any excess static grass that goes other places which don't have any wet adhesive, can be simply vacuumed up.

My Noch Static Master has a pointed applicator accessory, which aids in directing the flow of static grass.  Follow the link in my previous post on this topic and look at the accessories included in that model of static grass applicator and you'll see a "funnel" cap that will also more accurately direct static grass, but the boundaries of wet adhesive is the most strictly controlled method of getting the fibers to go exactly where you want them.

Also, you have to apply scenery in layers and in a certain priority for best results.  On my layout, the static grass goes on before trees, bushes, and even in some places, the final soil/small rocks application.  Certainly it goes on before structures, if you permanently sock down buildings.  This allows you to easily vacuum up the non-attached leftover fibers.

Additionally, a small vacuum attachment makes this pretty easy, such as this:  http://www.micromark.com/Miniature-Vacuum-Kit

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[SP-Wolf]

I have not used a static grass applicator but am planning to and have pondered it a bit.  One concern I have is that the unit may cover too broad of an area for a lot of smaller layouts or smaller areas on any layout.  Anybody have anything for this concern?

The unit Bob showed has a smaller application head/adaptor (a separate attachment) - perhaps it would do what you're looking for. As am I. -- I think I will go for that unit myself. For just under $50.00 -- worth a try.

Thanks,
Wolf

[narrowminded]

The static fibers are attracted to wet adhesive, which has a nail or pin stuck in it, which then has the grounding clip attached to it.  This means that any excess static grass that goes other places which don't have any wet adhesive, can be simply vacuumed up.

... but the boundaries of wet adhesive is the most strictly controlled method of getting the fibers to go exactly where you want them.
Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

Thanks, Bob.  That makes perfect sense.  The funnel part might be good for keeping some control but the real control, as it should have been obvious,   is the area with applied glue.  Do you like to dilute and spray or feel better just applying with a brush.  At least for the tighter control areas I'll guess a brush apply would be the smart way. 

[narrowminded]

The unit Bob showed has a smaller application head/adaptor (a separate attachment) - perhaps it would do what you're looking for. As am I. -- I think I will go for that unit myself. For just under $50.00 -- worth a try.

Thanks,
Wolf

That may well be the best choice.  It's about $20 more than the simpler unit but seems to be better built as well as several different accessories.  There is a wall wart to run that way but also seems like it can be run with a 9v battery if the power cord seemed clumsy.  Also, the cheaper unit appears to have the one lead just hanging and to be pinched in the cover on assembly whereas the higher dollar one appears to have a brass inner rod that serves as that conductor.  I will guess that to be much more durable over time.  And then there's the assorted attachments, especially the smaller nozzle/ funnel affair.  And, of course, the 5 cent brush!  On closer scrutiny it seems like $20 that could be justified. 

Thanks, all.

[narrowminded]

I sold myself.  Ordered.  Will let folks know how bad it is.

[robert3985]

Thanks, Bob.  That makes perfect sense.  The funnel part might be good for keeping some control but the real control, as it should have been obvious,   is the area with applied glue.  Do you like to dilute and spray or feel better just applying with a brush.  At least for the tighter control areas I'll guess a brush apply would be the smart way.

I use a brush, and sometimes I flood an area with a large medicine dropper...depends on what topography the fibers are being applied on.  If I have some large rocks sticking up, and even some small ones, I don't want  the static grass on top of these, so, I carefully flood the area with just enough diluted matte medium to get the ground wet, but not the sides & tops of the rocks.  Works great!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[narrowminded]

I see you mention diluted matte medium, not diluted Elmers as mentioned by some.  Any embellishments on this?