Review- GrassTech 2 Electronic Flocking Applicator

http://www.grasstechusa.com/

The latest flocking applicator by GrassTech USA is now one of my favorite hobby tools. The GrassTech 2, is the best electronic flocking applicator I have tested and is a must for all serious terrain builders. Flocking an entire board is now extremly fast and easy.

I loved the original GrassTech tool (see review ). It was easy to use and gave professional results. But it lacks the power of the GrassTech 2 and does not hold nearly as much grass.

The GrassTech 2 is large, sturdy and standing at 9″ is comfortable to hold.

It is powered by a 9 volt battery, and when turned on emits a soft blue light.

The device comes with a standard filter and hopper cap (not shown).

The GrassTEch 2 works by creating a electrostatic field which charges the polyfibre grass enabling it to stand up.

To use it, first fill the hopper about 1/3 with static grass.

Apply glue to the surface you want to add static grass to.

Stick a pin into the center of the glued area.

Attach the alligator clip to it.

Power it on and shake the GrassTech 2 over the glued surface. For best results, keep within 3-5″ over and around the nail.

When dry vaccum up the excess grass.

The GrassTech 2 is powerful and can easily do 6″ diameter sections at a time.

Here is a display board I made and flocked using the GrassTech 2. It only took a minute to grass the entire board.

If you make a lot of terrain and have had problems with your grass looking good, the GrassTech2 is well worth the investment. In a matter of minutes you will be
finished flocking a whole table.

TIPS

GrassTech USA offers additional size filters for use with the GrassTech 2. The size of the filters is dependant of the type of grass you use. Use the detail filter for hard to reach areas.

Mix in 4mm-6mm grass for more realistic looking results.

It is easy to make grass tufts with the GrassTech 2. Simply add a drop of glue and sprinkle on static grass.

If possible use good flocking glue. If you water down PVA glue some grass will fall flat.

Our friends Amory and Jeff have just started a blog chronicling their terrain making adventures.

You can visit their site Well Ventilated Area terrain here.

A very cool game from Cool Mini Or Not and Soda Pop Miniatures.  They really captured the classic Nintendo / Arcade feel.

I love the SD/ Chibi look of the heroes, a total blast to paint!  -7yler

Click twice for larger pictures.

Another awesome model from DreamForge Games . This model was painted in my version of the Brotherhood faction of the DreamForge’s Iron-Core system.   The Brotherhood faction symbol is on the pauldron and the house crest is on the breast plate.

from DreamForge’s website

“The Brotherhood, now a huge autocracy ruled over by a single religious leader, Corvus Rhone. It wields immense power, not directly governing, its dictates and edicts are ignored at great peril. To insure it’s lasting power and position, The Brotherhood has broken up planetary systems and installed “elected rulers” bearing titles such as baron, duke, count, earl, margrave or marquis, in this way, no one ruler will ever have the strength to challenge the church. They have effectively thrown humanity back to feudal 13th-15th century Europe. The colonies are now ruled over by the new noble class and are as varied and distinctive as their rulers, each possessing their unique style and customs, some enlightened and concerned for the happiness and well being of its subjects, others, tyrannical and savage, viewing its subjects as nothing more than raw materials for genetic and cybernetic modification. The Brotherhood makes no distinction between the two spectrums of behavior, each have their place within the new doctrine.”

click twice for larger pictures

 

I have been waiting for this model for a long time.  I’m glad DreamForge was finally able to to get it made.

I painted this model in the Eisenkern colour scheme.

from the Dreamforge website

“the Eisenkern Crusader, is widely regarded as the finest piece of military equipment ever produced. Found in every faction’s arsenal, at over 200 years old, the design is still innovative. Independent households often barter away vast planetary resources to acquire a Crusader as these Leviathans lend credibility and prestige to the households standing within its parent faction. Rightfully so, as a faction ruler knows that when the household is called upon to fight they will answer with a very capable force. Eisenkern uses this Leviathan as a powerful bartering chit with the Brotherhood. Tithing ten per year to the order, they have managed to make themselves indispensable. This often gains Eisenkern an unfair advantage in dispute resolution with other factions.”

click twice for larger pics

DreamForge games

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)

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 only $39.95 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.