9 replies to this topic

[Ember]

Continuing on from KarKraft's fantastic Fairmont Park.

The young genteman in question in his post mentioned a static grass applicator known as the Noch Gras Master. Which is an applicator for static grass (the sort that all stands on end like real grass). This little beastie retails at around $300 in this fair country. Given that, you just know that someone somewhere had to have a go at making one themselves. A short time searching the net came up with this. The Grassinator.

Since posting the original link, some have done some searching around for parts in Australia. The specific part in question is the Ion Generator, the bit that imparts the static charge and makes the grass fibre stand on end. Seem this little bit of electronic whizbangery is not readily available from your down town DSE, Tandy or Jaycar in Australia. However, the source quoted in the instructions, Electronic Goldmine, currently has this little gizmo on special for US$ 3.95 down from US$10.95. Alas there is a minimum overseas order of US$50, otherwise I would already have order one of these thinggies to try.

Solution, we get together those of us who'd like to try the Grassinator and place a bulk order for the 13 odd Ionizers that would be required to fulfil the US$50 requirement.

So. Hands up all those who are interested in trying to build a DIY static grass applicator and are willing to shell out a few bucks to give it a try. Note, the train guys all say the static grass is the closest thing to the growing green variety that there is.

If enough interest exists I'll place a bulk order, and you can have an ionizer for US$3.95 by whatever exchange rate they charge me, plus mininimum postage throughout Australia (approx $5). Sound fair?

PM with your email address if interested.

Cheers
Embs

[Johnnyfly41]

I just checked electronic gold mine and the device shows no longer available.

Do you know the manufacturer of the ion generator ?

I could help with the sourcing as I am in the states.

I am currently doing grass out of sawdust, using water based stains. This is producing not bad results, but is nothing like what the grassinator appears to do for the taller looking grasses.

More than happy to help out any way that I can. For small items, I may have a way to get them to Oz by only doing US mail to a PO box in Los Angeles. A airline pilot I know of can pick it up there, take back to Oz for further forwarding. Has to be something that can be sent US Mail to a PO box though.

My email address, johnamitchell@comcast.net

j

[Ember]

That little ionizer must have a mighty quick turnover. It's only 2 days ago that I checked it and it was available.

They didn't have a brand listed on it. Going to have to do a deeper search, cos we have more than a few wanting to give the grassinator a try.

Will update this problem soon.

Quote

More than happy to help out any way that I can. For small items, I may have a way to get them to Oz by only doing US mail to a PO box in Los Angeles. A airline pilot I know of can pick it up there, take back to Oz for further forwarding. Has to be something that can be sent US Mail to a PO box though.

Smuggling. I like the sound of that.

Cheers
Embs

[Ember]

This li'l blighter is proving more difficult to source than originally thought. Don't know if I managed to strike an old cached version of the Goldmine page that listed the 12v generator as available. If anyone's good mates with a sparky the Goldmine has 120v AC generators.

Trawling the net I've located these folks who seem to manufacture them. At least it gives a brand to search for.

Other than that I've discovered various kits that claim to be 12v -ve ion generators. Like this one or here.

Ugh. This could be like hard work.

[Johnnyfly41]

Hey Ember,

sorry I have not kept up with these posts, I will look in to these.

If I seem to disappear, my email address is johnamitchell@comcast.net

j

[Ember]

No probs John. Been trying to find other sources for the ion generator. Not an easy thing to find. Most references to it all link back to the Goldmine.

Still looking, but I think I'm developing mortar lines on my forehead.

Cheers
Embs

[gettomonkey69]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but couldn't help but chime in and mention these guys offer the negative ion units you are looking for here in Sydney;
Oately Electronics

I too am going to attempt a DIY flocking gizmo by replicating the GrassTech Static Grass System

I hope the 1st link helps.

Cheers Carl

[Ember]

I eventually gave in and converted an electronic fly swat. Works a treat.

Embs

[KarKraft]

Hey I thought this was dead and buried! And now the truth comes out about Embs grass - puffer bottle my arse!

[Ember]

No KK. That was done with a puffer bottle. I've only made up the fly swat since doing the base of that diorama, because I don't fancy doing large slabs of the track with the puffer bottle.