Make a static grass applicator with an electric fly swatter: Part 1

My Web Site: http://modelrr.oakviewresources.com/
This is part 1 of a 3 part series on how to make a "Poor Man's" static grass applicator out of an electronic fly swatter. I had read a forum post over at trains.com that this could be done and I had to try it myself. If you play your cards right, you'll spend less than 10 dollars to make this thing. Happy grassing on your model railroad!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Model
• Railroad
• Scenery
• Hobby
• Scale
• Train
• scenery
• weathering
• detailing
• arts
• crafts
• static
• grass
• applicator

[Goldberry2007]

What happens if you attach the wires "the wrong way round?" Not all fly swatters are laid out as clearly as yours. Is it safe to make that mistake and alter it afterwards?

[thebige61]

I don't know for sure if that would destroy the components on the fly swatter. I guess it depends on how well built the swatter is..

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[mecrazy5]

Thats how true men work! Hit it with a hammer!

[thebige61]

Amen!

[smidge146]

What is a static grass applicator?

[TheMrMechanic]

Hahahaha you got it all wrong... The bug completes the circuit from both plates, the middle one isnt 'hot.' One wire cant complete a circuit.

[gomcse]

This saved me $130 USD. Thanks you!

[fantom805]

What kind of grass do use for this?

[digitalmunky]

@planeshavings42

did you ever watch part 2?

[Alex1M6]

@Goldberry2007 Nothing, it would just attract the grass the other way around.

[TheRailbaron]

4:35 sounds of flies in hyperdrive...

[AlistairScooterMan]

a static grass applicator is an applicator that lays down "standing up grass" so it stands up on one end so it looks very realistic

[planeshavings42]

WHY DIDN'T YOU SHOW THE REST, JUST KINDA WASTED MY TIME, NOT KNOWING HOW TO FINISH THE THING

[joekrepps]

@thebige61 "In theory...", putting the wires on at the wrong places shouldn't matter. "Opposites attract" and the goal is to apply either a + or - charge to the grass and the opposite charge to the area to be grassed. The charge is only necessary so the grass is attracted to the screened cup, so it stands on end, while it's stuck to the glued area. This subject has struck a chord on the "TrainTools" Yahoo Group recently. Thanks for posting it!