Chris Nevard's Blog

Blimey - you finished another layout already?

 

I must stop surfing RMWeb and get on with some modelling...

 

Regards, Andy

Its coming along nicely Chris.Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh too.

Shire Scenes do one type of point lever.......

 

Looks great already btw...definately got that "overgrown Mid Cornwall" look about it - reminds me I shall have some strimming to do soon

Chris - Are you absolutely sure that is not a DCC tea strainer, coz with that crocodile clip, it looks very much like one to me !!!!

Very nice results! I assume that means the budget tool did a good job?

 

It does look a lot like my home-made one (flyswat handle + tea strainer, inspired by John de Frayssinet + Jennifer Ayres) - do you have any more information about it?

Of course you could build your own, but then you'd have to faff about finding this bits. The same could be said about several aspects of modelling I guess. The £25 price is pitched well against other static grass tools for those that would rather spend their time model making.

 

Is it as good? Yes for small areas, but if you're doing a large layout then a proper Grasmaster will make life easier - it will be a minor cost with such a project though. Quality? Just as good.

 

The small one has the advantage in that you can mix colours easily by just adding a pinch at a time.

Will, follow the link on the blog to manufacturer's site

Mickey - thanks for the pointer

There is also another method for making a grass master using a 12v negative ion generator and some pvc pipe. The article on constructing the grass master featured in an article on model railroad hobbyist magazine. It would cost around the same price as the one listed above. But it also allows you to create a generator the size of the grass master.

 

Oatley electronics has the generator part as IONB2 NEGATIVE ION GENERATOR MODULE. I would consider this to be a much better generator than that found in the electronic fly swater.

 

If you are not into playing with electricery though the above is equally as good an option.

 

Nice layout by the way Chris. Your blogs continually inspire me to improve my work and learn new techniques.

Thanks Chris, I wasn't quibbling the price, it seems reasonable for what you get and the fact that they've done the work. I think it's about 2-3x what I paid to make one, and similar to the price my local model shop does their own version for (amusingly named "The Germinator").

 

I did read and follow the link to the FMR/FMW page, it just seemed a bit devoid of content, so your comparison to the Grasmaster is appreciated.

I believe that Dart Castings do a lever and base set that can be used for either in a signal box a ground frame - well that's what they say.

L ovely piece of work there Chris. I do like the engine house where you've put it!

I did toy with incorporating the engine house, but there is no room and anyway it's destined for for my Colliery project which is running in parallel. I have a cottage/pub which will have a similar stone style currently on the workbench just for the slot. I think it will be called The Armchair & Pedant's Arms.