Review- Grass Tech Flocking Applicator

http://www.grasstechusa.com/

Wargamers rejoice! Grass Tech USA’s flocking applicator will make our jobs much easier.

To add static grass to your scenery pieces, simply apply glue to the surface and then sprinkle static grass over it.
Then blow gently to get some of the fibres to stand up and turn it over to tap off the excess.

This procedure will work for small projects, but for anything larger the results are Okay at best.
The problems lie in doing larger surfaces like gaming boards.
When we flock a whole gaming board some of the grass will be standing up and most of it will be laying flat or matted.

There are products out there that help to get static grass to stand up.
Noch’s applicator works very well but due to the high cost it could be prohibitive for most players.
The Grass Tech by Grass Tech USA is very affordable and can produce similar results.

The Grass Tech works by creating an electrostatic field which charges the poly fibre static grass enabling it to stand up.

The Grass Tech runs off two AA batteries. To use it, apply glue to the surface you want to add static grass to.

Fill the sieve with static grass.

Stick a nail or any piece of metal into the center of the glued area.
Attach the alligator clip to the nail.

Hold down the red button (turning on the Grass Tech), and gently shake it 3″-5″ over and around the nail. A soft high pitch sound will emanate letting you know it’s working.
As the grass falls through the sieve, it will land in the upright position.

Allow the glue to dry and vacuum up the rest.

The electrostatic field is the strongest in between the alligator clip and the sieve.
For best results, work in small 6″ sections at a time. Be careful not to touch the sieve to the alligator clip.
Doing so will produce a spark or popping sound.

If your first coating of static grass comes out light, apply a second coat.
Simply mist some watered down glue onto the grass, or Woodland Scenics Scenic Cement and reapply more static grass.

This comparison picture shows standard flocking method (on the left) and Grass Tech (on the right). The Grass Tech clearly makes a huge difference in density and height of
the grass.

Static grass will look different depending on the base colour it is applied to.

Here are pictures of the same coloured static grass applied to a brown and green back ground.

The standard static grass we use comes in 4mm blade size. For a more realistic look, Grass Tech USA offers 6mm fibres.
Adding this to your mix will prevent the grass from looking like a well manicured lawn.

To test out the Grass Tech I made a simple display board. I was able to finish flocking the entire board in under 10 minutes.

The Grass Tech is very simple in design but very effective.
Some people have tried to make their own static grass applicators. This can be a little tricky to do and if not made right will shock you while you are using it.

The Grass Tech really is a must have for any hobbyist. I am glad to have one in my arsenal now.

It is with great regret that we inform you of the fire at the Woodland Scenics factory. As a scenery maker for wargames I was bummed to learn of this disaster. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those at Woodland Scenics and hope they can rebuild.

For more information on what happened click here.

Review- Ratgard Miniatures Design Bureau Hedgehog Anti-Aircraft Weapon System

http://www.mycnc.org/ratgard/

Ratgard Miniatures Design Bureau is one of many companies that are designing after market parts for popular GW kits.

Continuing with the rodent theme, their second kit from is called the Hedgehog Anti-Aircraft Weapon System. This 30 piece kit will make you a Hydra AA alternative. It will fit on both the old and new Chimera’s. The pieces are beautifully cast and are clean and air bubble free.

The Hedgehog takes many of it’s design cues from the Soviet Tunguska M-1. These aftermarket kits really help to give your army a different look, and show the differences between Imperial Planetary Defense Forces.

The kit is very easy to assemble. Just build the Chimera’s tracks and add the bottom plate. Then add the Ratgard top hull and the Chimera’s rear door.

The main body of the turret is comprised of 3 parts. Start by gluing together both halves of the turret and then the targeting system.

A optional nose cone can be placed over the targeting system. This piece is held in place by brackets.

Glue together the radar dish and attach it to the turret.

There are several steps to assembling the guns, but they are all easy to do. Start by gluing the recoil brake to the recoil seat ring.

Glue the gun seat sing to the recoil mechanism.

Glue the two parts together and add the barrels.

With the gun complete, you can now glue it to the turret. The guns can be glued at several different angels . Just choose which anchor point you want to use.

To finish the tank, glue the hull accessory to the body of the Chimera, and add hatch covers.

The Hedgehog is a very nice kit to have and easy to do. Ratgard also has a armour upgrade kit which will fit on the Hedgehog. I have been happy with all of the Ratgard kits released so far and I’m hoping they continue to release more.
If you are looking for a Hydra alternative I would highly recommend picking up one of these.

Below are painted pictures of the tank. Scenery elements courtesy of Quantum Gothic.

Comparison pictures of the Forgeworld Hydra and the Ratgard Hedgehog Anti Aircraft Weapon System

Review- Ratgard Sciuridae Infantry Fight Vehicle & IFV Hull Extra Armor Upgrade

Set

http://www.mycnc.org/ratgard/

Ratgard Miniatures Design Bureau is one of many companies that are designing after

market parts for popular GW kits.

The first kit Ratgard has released is the Sciuridae Infantry Fighting Vehicle. This

8 piece resin conversion set modernizes the GW Imperial Guard Chimera by it’s smooth

and rivetless surfaces. It will fit on both the old and new Chimera’s. The pieces

are beatifully cast and are clean and air bubble free.

The Sciuridae takes many of it’s design cues from the Soviet BMP-1. The low profile

turret, the top hatch and rear doors are obvious examples.

The kit is very easy to assemble. Just build the Chimera’s tracks and add the

bottom plate. Then add the Ratgard top hull and back door.

The turret is comprised of 6 pieces and is also easy to assemble.

The completed kit.

The Sciuridae Infantry Fighting Vehicle kit is simple and is fast to do. I love

the look of this kit and with the extra armour set it will make my command Chimera

stand out from the stock versions.

Ratgard IFV Hull Extra Armor Upgrade Set

The extra armour set is comprised of 12 parts. The casts are clean and air bubble

free. The set is very easy to add on to any Chimera chasis.

The oval shaped exhaust ports look a lot better than the stock version.

The armour panels fit nicely over the side of the Chimera and cover the cargo

compartment. They look like modern reactive armour plates and would be a good way

to help your command vehicle to stand out.

The kit comes with a optional driver window cover.

The blast plate is the final piece for the extra armour set.

Below are painted pictures of the tank. Scenery elements courtesy of Quantum

Gothic.

I am really impressed with the kits from Ratgard. All of the casts are clean and

free of flaws. They are also very easy to assemble. If you have a guard army and

want it to stand out from the rest, you should really consider picking up these kits

from Ratgard.

Right now I’m open to take some custom work. If you are interested in having us paint and weather your vehicle contact us at senji@lava.net . Serious inquiries only.

Here are a few samples of our work (click twice for larger pictures)

Beasts of War is having a art contest. here is team members Solomon’s entrees.

You can see all the other submitions here

Good Luck Sol!

Review- Ziterdes Victorian Town House Set

http://www.ziterdes.de/ziterdes/de/

Although I’m fully capable of making my own terrain, I’ve grown fond of buying pre-
made pieces. Sometimes I just have too many projects going on and a company like
Ziterdes produces quality products that can go on my tabletop.

Ziterdes is a subsidiary of the famous NOCH GmbH & Co. KG. Their name is derived
from Mr. Wilhelm Ziegler-a guy who came to them with the idea of
making gaming terrain. Ziterdes stands for Ziegler Terrain Design.

All of the pieces come pre-painted and
are cast out of rigid
urethane foam which makes them very light weight and durable. Ziterdes has
approximately 250 different scenic items designed for use with 25-28mm gaming.

Victorian Town House

The Victorian Town House set is made up of 4 pieces (a roof, first and second floors and a stair case). Each floor of the building is a one piece foam cast, the stairs are made out of resin. The building comes pre-painted in grey and with a little bit of dry brushing all of the details will pop out. Each floor has detailed interiors so the battle can continue inside. The windows and doors can be easily removed with a sharp hobby knife.

Each floor measures 7” X 10”. Complete, the building stands at 8” high. Each floor can be purchased separately allowing you to build the house in any height you want. Each piece also has a inner lip built into it so the floors can easily stack on each other.

The building has so much character because of all the architectural detail built into it. The sides of each floor have granite quoins. The first floor keystone windows are a nice touch. However, the most eye catching feature of this building is the mansard roof with eye brow dormers. This building would work well in pulp and steam punk games.

Below are painted pictures of the building. Painted Mailfaux miniatures courtesy of Fernando Enterprises

This is a really great terrain piece and Ziterdes has several other buildings which would
work well with the Victorian Town House. All of these together would make a nice thematic table-top.

If you don’t see Ziterdes products at your local gaming shop ask them to bring them in
through ACD Distribution.

 

Learn how to make snowy terrain perfect for Everblight.

http://www.hobbyworld-e.com/GAMEFORCES/numero_23_ESPANOL.html

 

 

Review- Ziterdes Bank Building

 

 

 

 

http://www.ziterdes.de/ziterdes/de/

 

 

Although I’m fully capable of making my own terrain, I’ve grown fond of buying pre-
made pieces. Sometimes I just have too many projects going on and a company like
Ziterdes produces quality products that can go on my tabletop.

Ziterdes is a subsidiary of the famous NOCH GmbH & Co. KG. Their name is derived
from Mr. Wilhelm Ziegler-a guy who came to them with the idea of
making gaming terrain. Ziterdes stands for Ziegler Terrain Design.

All of the pieces come pre-painted and
are cast out of rigid
urethane foam which makes them very light weight and durable. Ziterdes has
approximately 250 different scenic items designed for use with 25-28mm gaming.

The Bank Building

The Bank building is made up of 3 stories. Each one is a one piece foam cast. The

building comes pre-painted in grey and with
a little bit of dry brushing all of the details will pop out. Each floor has detailed

interiors so the battle can continue inside. The windows and doors can be easily removed

with a sharp hobby knife.

Each floor measures 11 ½” X 8 ½” by 2 ½” high. Complete, the building measures 11 ½” X

8 ½” by 8” high. Each floor can be purchased separately allowing you to build the bank in

any height you want to.

Each piece has a lip built in so the floors will easily stack on each other.

The building has so much character because of all the architectural detail built into it.

The sides of each floor have decorative quoins. Each floor has dental cornices, and there

is a wide variety of windows. This building would work well in pulp and steam punk

games.

The ground floor looks like it could be a warehouse or garage.

Below are painted pictures of the building. Painted Mailfaux miniatures courtesy of

Fernando Enterprises (http://www.miniaturelovers.com/)

This is a really great terrain piece and Ziterdes has several other buildings which would
work well with the Bank Building. All of these together would make a nice thematic

table-top.

If you don’t see Ziterdes products at your local gaming shop ask them to bring them in
through ACD Distribution.

 

Review- Ziterdes Landscaping Materials

http://www.ziterdes.de/ziterdes/de/

NOCH GmbH & Co. KG is one of my favorite scenery supply companies. They are
widely known by the model train enthusiasts but hardly known to gamers. Ziterdes helps
to branch that gap by introducing war gamers to scenic materials that have long been
used by railroad fanatics.

Ziterdes has repackaged some of their parent company’ s items to market them to gamers
for scenery and basing. Along with standards such as static grass and ballast, they also
have water making materials, laser cut plants, trees, snow, and much more.

Summer Autumn Grass Tufts

The grass tufts are 6mm size static grass mounted on a flexible transparent base. The
grass fibers stand up and feather outwards. They are made up of a mixture of different
coloured rayon fibers. These grass tufts are great for representing weeds, uncut grass
along a fence, grass in the middle of a well worn path, and so on.

To use these, simply add a drop of glue and place the tufts on it.

Static Grass

Ziterdes has many different colours of static grass.

The Conquest Grass is a beautiful blend of brown, yellow, and green fibers. The bright
colours really stand out and make your scenery pop. The Scorched Grass is much darker
and is a blend of dark green, yellow and brown fibers.

I usually layer static grass and like to use these two together.

Static Grass Applicator

One of the problems with large patches of static grass is getting the fibers to stand up.
Often times you will find the grass laying on its side and looking matted. This little puff
bottle makes realistic looking grass easy to do.

To apply the grass, first paint on some Ziterdes Grass Glue. The glue has additives to
slow down its drying time. This makes doing large swathes of grass easy. If you use
standard white glue when doing large areas, as the glue dries, it will shrink leaving you
with an uneven and unsightly pattern.

Next, remove the cap and fill the bottle up to 50% with static grass.

Give it a slight shake to activate the static charge and then puff the grass onto the glue.

The grass fibers will be standing up and the glue will dry clear!

I used all of the products on the trench piece and was able to finish covering it in just a
few minutes.

If you like to make scenery pieces like I do, I recommend trying these items. If you
don’t see Ziterdes products at your local gaming shop ask them to bring them in through
ACD Distribution.