Static Grass Applicator

[bulleidboy]

I now need to buy some static grass. I hope it works!

IMG_0333 by Barry Clayton, on Flickr

[RogerB]

That looks the business Barry. I don't think I'd manage anything as neat as that. Let us know how it goes when you get the grass. R-

[Mr Bones]

As it mentions in the instructions this is by Luke Towan and his You Tube video can be seen here and helps explain it.

There is also another version which I tried and found easy and cheap which can be seen here. With this I used a plastic flour strainer with interchangeable metal mesh lids which allows me to vary the mesh size. So far it's worked well.

[Steve M]

Barry, I see from your post in ‘another place’ that you have completed the applicator.

To answer your questions rom there - you mentioned PVA, I had mixed results when I tried that type of glue and much prefer either Peco or WWS basing glue and layering spray (they’re made by the same people so just go by price).

I started with a nail in the glue as the ‘earth’ but found in the end that clipping the wire to the rails worked just as well. You will have to move the nail/clip around as the static field seems to diminish with distance.

Big word of warning though - take all your locos off the layout and disconnect your controllers as the static can play very expensive havoc with the electronics.

[Walkingthedog]

Is disconnecting the controller only necessary if clipping the earth to the rails?

[Brian]

Whether using a nail in wet glue or clipped onto the rails, on a DCC layout I would always recommend removing all locos to a safe place away from any possible static charge. As for the rest of the DCC items... Ensure the console is turned off at the mains and any Boosters too. Then apply a temporary earth to the rails or DCC bus pair. Ensuring its removed as soon as all static work is completed. While this may seem OTT, I value my accessory decoders and other DCC items too much!!

DC I would remove the Track feed wires from the rear of the controller(s) if using the rails!

[Steve M]

As my OO layout is modular and all scenic work takes place away from its home shed, it is disconnected from everything by default.

[Walkingthedog]

Thank you. I won’t be using one then, disconnecting the wires is not easy.

[Brian]

Thank you. I won’t be using one then, disconnecting the wires is not easy.

In that case i would unplug the mains power to all controllers and apply the temporary earth to the rails as described above. Once earthed no static should be able to cause issues to the controllers.

[Walkingthedog]

Blimey I think I’ll just stick my grass down as usual. It never moves about so it must be static.