Joined: 27/06/2012(UTC) Posts: 3,477 Location: Holland
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Hi All, The last months I wanted to purchase an 'electrostatic flocking device', but I'm shocked by the high cost. Some examples:- Faller 'Gras-Fix': € 99,=
- Heki 'Flockstar': € 150,=
- Heki 'Flockstar XL': € 210,=
- Noch 'Grasmaster': € 155,=
- Langmesser 'Profi-Flock' : € 859,=
Perhaps such flocking devices are worth buying if you have a MiLuWa layout in your train room, but for my smaller layouts I find those too expensive. And if you look on the many German MRR forums, most users aren't really satisfied with the devices. The Noch Grasmaster is already renamed as the 'Gras Desaster' and the Heki Heki Flockstar as the 'Flock Loser'. Many heart complaints are that the batteries are low quickly, the fibers are falling over the edge when shaking the Faller Gras-Fix device, the Noch Grass Desaster is awkwardly big, the high voltage too low, the results disappointing ... etcetera. Almost all users do some kind of modifications to their device to achieve better results. There was a good and affordable device, the XTEQ Tools "Grass-O-Mat" for only € 59, =, but it has mysteriously disappeared from the scene and is no longer sold. The only real good flocking device that remains is the Langmesser 'Profi Flock', but with € 859 a bit too expensive for me. Many modelers build their own electrostatic flocking device, the costs are no more than € 10 and the functionality is similar to the Langmesser 'Profi-Flock' device. I really enjoy reading the many home made construction reports on the internet, some home made flocking devices looks clumsy, some are real look alike clones of the Langmeser 'Profi Flock'. It seemed fun and useful to me, to start a Flocking device thread here too on the forum. I also want to make my own device and start with a simple one, and if I've gained some experience with it, build a profi one. For a start here some pictures of the more official 'electrostatic flocking devices': Marco FALLER GRAS-FIX NOCH GRASMASTER HEKI FLOCKSTAR HEKI FLOCKSTAR XL LANGMESSER PROFI FLOCK XTEQ TOOLS GRASS-O-MAT |
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 2 users liked this useful post by kweekalot
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Joined: 03/08/2011(UTC) Posts: 1,571
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Digital 11m2 layout / C (M&K) tracks / Era IV / CS3 60226 / Train Controller Gold 9 with 4D sound. Mainly Danish and German Locomotives. |
 1 user liked this useful post by Danlake
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Joined: 15/03/2011(UTC) Posts: 1,757 Location: Auckland NZ
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I have seen grass being applied in MiWuLa on a video somewhere. They use what looks like the Langmesser 'Profi-Flock' I have a Noch Grassmaster and with the small funnel attachment it is very versatile and works well |
Glen Auckland NZ
" Every Marklin layout needs a V200, a Railbus and a Banana car", not to mention a few Black and red Steamers, oh and the odd Elok !
CS1 Reloaded, Touch Cab, C Track Modules, K track layout all under construction. Currently Insider |
 1 user liked this useful post by NZMarklinist
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Joined: 27/06/2012(UTC) Posts: 3,477 Location: Holland
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Hi Lasse, Many thanks for your link !! I didn't know that Micromark device. Marco |
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Joined: 27/06/2012(UTC) Posts: 3,477 Location: Holland
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 3 users liked this useful post by kweekalot
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Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,273
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Originally Posted by: kweekalot  Hi All, The last months I wanted to purchase an 'electrostatic flocking device', but I'm shocked by the high cost. Some examples:- Faller 'Gras-Fix': € 99,=
- Heki 'Flockstar': € 150,=
- Heki 'Flockstar XL': € 210,=
- Noch 'Grasmaster': € 155,=
- Langmesser 'Profi-Flock' : € 859,=
Perhaps such flocking devices are worth buying if you have a MiLuWa layout in your train room, but for my smaller layouts I find those too expensive. And if you look on the many German MRR forums, most users aren't really satisfied with the devices. The Noch Grasmaster is already renamed as the 'Gras Desaster' and the Heki Heki Flockstar as the 'Flock Loser'. Many heart complaints are that the batteries are low quickly, the fibers are falling over the edge when shaking the Faller Gras-Fix device, the Noch Grass Desaster is awkwardly big, the high voltage too low, the results disappointing ... etcetera. Almost all users do some kind of modifications to their device to achieve better results. There was a good and affordable device, the XTEQ Tools "Grass-O-Mat" for only € 59, =, but it has mysteriously disappeared from the scene and is no longer sold. The only real good flocking device that remains is the Langmesser 'Profi Flock', but with € 859 a bit too expensive for me. Many modelers build their own electrostatic flocking device, the costs are no more than € 10 and the functionality is similar to the Langmesser 'Profi-Flock' device. I really enjoy reading the many home made construction reports on the internet, some home made flocking devices looks clumsy, some are real look alike clones of the Langmeser 'Profi Flock'. It seemed fun and useful to me, to start a Flocking device thread here too on the forum. I also want to make my own device and start with a simple one, and if I've gained some experience with it, build a profi one. For a start here some pictures of the more official 'electrostatic flocking devices': Marco I must tell to you that Noch grass master has been upgrade. Version is now 2.0 and itemnr is 60135. This grass master has now 20,000 volt while the old 60131 which i have now is about at 15,000 volt. My grass master is excellent up to 6 mm high grass. I can use 12 mm high grass too but not so good results than what 20,000 volt grass master can do. |
H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
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 2 users liked this useful post by Goofy
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Joined: 27/06/2012(UTC) Posts: 3,477 Location: Holland
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Originally Posted by: NZMarklinist  I have seen grass being applied in MiWuLa on a video somewhere. They use what looks like the Langmesser 'Profi-Flock' I have a Noch Grassmaster and with the small funnel attachment it is very versatile and works well Hi Glenn, It would be great if you can upload that Langmesser Profi Flock MiWuLa video here !! Marco |
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Joined: 27/06/2012(UTC) Posts: 3,477 Location: Holland
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Hi Anders, Thanks for this information ! The Faller device is only 5000 Volts. The Langmesser 'Profi-Flock' is doing 70.000 Volts. I think the shock of the Langmesser device is somewhat unpleasant.  But not fatal. Marco |
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Joined: 23/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,597 Location: Beverly, MA
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Hi Marco,all, Great topic! I have the Noch unit on loan from a friend to scenic his Z layout/module.Here are some tips I found in it's use: 1) There are 2 'filters' (plastic pieces with different size and number of holes)that can be fitted on the grass container,one for short grass(2mm) and longer grass(5mm+),They work well in that regard. 2) It is important to break up clumps of the static grass before you fill the container and to shake it during use. 3) Move the ground connection close to the area your applying the grass in(it will help it stand up better) 4) Make sure to shut the unit off when done,it will drain the battery! 5) Having a funnel at the end of the unit,let's you control where it goes.A general application on land or hillsides are ok with the broad based applicators. 6)If near tracks or structures,tape and cover them!Static grass will cling to them,glue or no,.... 7) Have fun! Dr D
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 2 users liked this useful post by kbvrod
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Joined: 22/01/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,047
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Originally Posted by: kweekalot  And if you look on the many German MRR forums, most users aren't really satisfied with the devices.
I am glad to see I wasn't the only one not liking them.
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 1 user liked this useful post by Iamnotthecrazyone
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Joined: 29/01/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,422 Location: Montreal, Canada
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Originally Posted by: kbvrod  [.....]
5) Having a funnel at the end of the unit,let's you control where it goes. A general application on land or hillsides are ok with the broad based applicators.
[.....]
Hi Kevin So how well does it work on curved hillsides and odd surfaces? I am guessing its the wetness of the glue that creates the conductivity. Also supposing that once dry, you can vacuum or somehow clean up the unglued excess. Agree with Marco that video links would be helpful here. Thanks for all the great info Gentlemen! - Mark |
DB DR FS NS SNCF c. 1950-65, fan of station architecture esp. from 1920-70. In single point perspective, where do track lines meet?
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 1 user liked this useful post by Mark5
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Joined: 23/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,597 Location: Beverly, MA
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Originally Posted by: Iamnotthecrazyone  Originally Posted by: kweekalot  And if you look on the many German MRR forums, most users aren't really satisfied with the devices. I am glad to see I wasn't the only one not liking them. Then all you have to do is buy 'tufs' or grass mats and cut them to fit. DR D
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Joined: 02/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 1,067 Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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I built a static grass applicator a while back, dead simple really. It consists of a electric flyswat, a emty jar of peanut butter and some odds and sods. I haven't had to grass anything in a while, but the applicator wasn't that powerful on 2 AA batteries. When I get on with grassing my next layout, I intend to stick a 9V battery into it and see how that goes. The thing I like about it not being too powerful is that not all the grass stands upright, which especially on a paddock is not the case. Attached is a photo of my device. Cheers, Rick kariosls37 attached the following image(s):
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 1 user liked this useful post by kariosls37
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Joined: 29/01/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,422 Location: Montreal, Canada
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Originally Posted by: kariosls37  The thing I like about it not being too powerful is that not all the grass stands upright, which especially on a paddock is not the case.
Looks great Rick! I'd love to see the results of what you did with it... makes sense about the grass needing to look "organic" ... ... was wondering about exactly with a mega-charged unit. - Mark |
DB DR FS NS SNCF c. 1950-65, fan of station architecture esp. from 1920-70. In single point perspective, where do track lines meet?
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Joined: 22/01/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,047
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Originally Posted by: kbvrod  Originally Posted by: Iamnotthecrazyone  Originally Posted by: kweekalot  And if you look on the many German MRR forums, most users aren't really satisfied with the devices. I am glad to see I wasn't the only one not liking them. Then all you have to do is buy 'tufs' or grass mats and cut them to fit. DR D They are certainly my first choice. I had only limited experience with the Noch and I wasn't too convinced about, someone mentioned spraying the grass with water for better results but I've never got around to try that. Unfortunately, The device wasn't mine and I no longer have access to it, I wouldn't pay the price to give it a second chance.
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 1 user liked this useful post by Iamnotthecrazyone
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Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,771 Location: New Zealand
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Originally Posted by: kweekalot  The last months I wanted to purchase an 'electrostatic flocking device', but I'm shocked by the high cost. Some examples:- Noch 'Grasmaster': € 155,=
Originally Posted by: Goofy  I must tell to you that Noch grass master has been upgrade. Version is now 2.0 and itemnr is 60135. And the Gras Master 2.0 is also cheaper - 119.74 eur at Lokshop.
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 1 user liked this useful post by Bigdaddynz
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Joined: 02/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 1,067 Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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You ask, we produce... kariosls37 attached the following image(s):
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 2 users liked this useful post by kariosls37
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Joined: 23/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,597 Location: Beverly, MA
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I had only limited experience with the Noch and I wasn't too convinced about, someone mentioned spraying the grass with water for better results but I've never got around to try that.
That puzzled me too! Noch said to never add water and Scenic Express said to lightly mist it .This was in the chamber that holds the grass.
Dr D
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 1 user liked this useful post by kbvrod
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Joined: 23/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,597 Location: Beverly, MA
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[Hi Mark,all, >So how well does it work on curved hillsides and odd surfaces?< Fine,I usually use an earth colored acrylic paint(cut 1:1 w/water) as the 'glue'. Then, again it depends on what area is being scenic. >I am guessing its the wetness of the glue that creates the conductivity.< No,the applicator creates an electrical charge in the fibers + and - at each end so they will land straight up(sometimes  ) Even after the paint is dry,you can apply slightly thinned coat of matte medium over the area and then apply the grass. >Also supposing that once dry, you can vacuum or somehow clean up the unglued excess. < One would be surprised,this stuff clings to everthing(* see my tip on masking above) >Agree with Marco that video links would be helpful here. < I did a search on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?....0.0...1ac.1.K4yDAMFJlRoDr D
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 3 users liked this useful post by kbvrod
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Joined: 22/06/2009(UTC) Posts: 365
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Hi all, You might find these links useful. You can build a high power static grass applicator for little cost. http://model-trains-video.com/MTV-0011.phpIn the video it shows you how to do it, and you can buy the Ion generator for $25 USD http://secure.oatleyelec...02853d4867849a58f940a953This Ion generator only costs $14 AUD I use a electronic fly Zapper from Bunnings for my first static grass applicator, and works well. Plan to modify my existing one with an ion generator from above. Cheers, Brian. |
Brian Yaasan's Desktop Station/Railuino & Marklin MS2, DB Era III/IV Diesel & Steam, ESU Loksound/Lokpilot & Lokprogrammer, Marklin mSD, Tam Valley Depot Octopus III Servo Controller. |
 2 users liked this useful post by Lollo
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Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,771 Location: New Zealand
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 8 users liked this useful post by Bigdaddynz
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