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