Static Generator

[chuck geiger]

I know some RAILEWIRE heads have built these, I could never accomplish that
amazing task, but I need to use one of those gadgets. Would someone who
built one, let a brother borrow it, if I paid shipping? - I would only need it for
a week or two. I hate the look of the sweatshirt fleece and faux fur. I am also
to cheap to spend the 149.00 on the Noch generator. Even though it's on sale.

[Bangorboy]

There was quite a thread on these in the Yahoo NScale group a month or so ago.  Look up messages 65961, 65969, 68131 and 68208.

The original plan to build one was at http://www.009.cd2.com/flyswat.htm and I modified mine by using an aluminum salt shaker instead of the tea strainer.  There'sa picture of mine on the same Yahoo group at http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/n_scale/photos/browse/7271 .  I like mine better because it doesn't roll when you set it down, it doesn't drop materials until you invert it.  The tea strainer did both.

Total cost was about $15, with an extra shaker to have caps with different sized holes.

Bill Blinn
South Okaloosa N Scalers

[chuck geiger]

Bill, where do you get an electric fly swatter?

[Bangorboy]

Found mine at Harbor Freight.   Just missed a sale when they had them for $2.99 each, but still got it for 6.99 if I remember right.

Bill Blinn
South Okaloosa N Scalers

[chuck geiger]

There is one on my way home...If I built this thing and wind up
walking down the PRR tracks in Trenton circa 1966 with GG-1's
wizzing by creating more magno-electric shock....I'm gonna
freak. Can I throw in it the bathtub with the dude scrubbing rail?

[Bangorboy]

I found it very easy to build.  Just connect one wire to the salt shaker, and the other to a lead with a 'gator clip on the end.  Stick a pin or nail into the scenery where it contact the glue, press the button and shake!  (Shake the tool, that is.  You can stand nearly still....)

I ran the lead down inside the handle so it comes out the bottom, simply because I like it better there.  Also, when you put the shaker on the handle, it is more comfortable to have the button under your thumb when the tool is inverted, in the shaking position.  I found it awkward if it's under the thumb when the tool is in the upright non-dispensing position.

I also carved the plastic frame of the grid portion of the swatter to get the two pieces that fit within the handle.  I found the having them in their normal place helps make a secure mounting for the shaker bracket.

If you have any questions, ask up!

Bill Blinn
South Okaloosa N Scalers

[Chris333]

I just ordered 2 fly swatters...$3.99 each 

[chuck geiger]

I have tried fake fur and sweatshirt fleece so many times, this is the final attempt. Getting better, but too thick, need fly swatter and static grass.

[chuck geiger]

THIS JUST IN I built it and it works. 7.99 for the swatter and 2,99 for aligator clips at Harbor Frieght. I built the Tim Allen more power version and it carrys a punch. I tested it with Woodland Scenics light green static grass and damn it - little bastards stand on end. Going to order the Scenic Express California Buffalo Grass. Thanks for the tip - Felt/fur in the trash.

[tom mann]

did you see this:

http://ztrains.com/pages/tech/grassinator/grassinator.html

[bsoplinger]

did you see this:

http://ztrains.com/pages/tech/grassinator/grassinator.html

There is a long thread on this over on the Z-scale forum.

One problem, the static generator is out of stock with more expected by 'the end of April' which is very close and still none in stock as of tonight (26 April) so I have no idea when more will arrive.

I've made 2 of the 'more powerful' versions based on the  Harbor Freight 2.99 on sale flyswatter and they work acceptably. I agree with Bill in that the choice of grass holding device is key. Something that has a closed top is much better than the tea strainer from the original article. Makes it much easier to shake (the device and not worry about pouring grass onto your glue and just making a mess. I know this from experience  :-\

[fieromike]

There was quite a thread on these in the Yahoo NScale group a month or so ago.  Look up messages 65961, 65969, 68131 and 68208.

The original plan to build one was at http://www.009.cd2.com/flyswat.htm and I modified mine by using an aluminum salt shaker instead of the tea strainer.  There'sa picture of mine on the same Yahoo group at http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/n_scale/photos/browse/7271 .  I like mine better because it doesn't roll when you set it down, it doesn't drop materials until you invert it.  The tea strainer did both.

Total cost was about $15, with an extra shaker to have caps with different sized holes.

Bill Blinn
South Okaloosa N Scalers

Where in the world did you find the aluminum salt shaker?  I've been looking at every 'big box' store and market that I come across, but can't find one of the things.  Mc Donalds won't let me close enough to their french fry station to grab theirs...

Mike

[Bangorboy]

The aluminum salt shakers were $2.35 each at a restaurant kitchen supply store.  I can't remember the name of the store, but it's something like KES.  This one is in Fort Walton Beach, FL.  The shakers are available with or without handles.  I bought mine without, since I had some pieces of aluminum stock to make a bracket.  The handle would make good material for a bracket if you need it.

I forgot to mention, I put my bracket on so that the bottom of the shaker rests flat on the table when the handle with the heavy batteries is also flat.  That way, it has less tendency to roll.

Bill Blinn
South Okaloosa N Scalers

[chuck geiger]

This is working pretty good. I used the swatter and wired it for more power. You have to touch the ground screw to turn it off this way and it snaps at you. I bought the WS Static Grass and it's kind of short. You have to layer it. I bought a three inch strainer to mount on the swatter. There was a pretty good article in MR from a guy in New Zealand who did the layering process. Once I get the lighting up and the valance, I will post some pictures.

[wcfn100]

For those that may still be interested in the electronic fly swatter version of static applicator, Harbor Freight has a coupon for them until the 14th for $2.99.

And if you buy 101 of them, you can save an additional $30 off your $300 purchase.


Jason