The Modeler's Forum

The Mainline => Scenery: Vegetation & Trees => Topic started by: madharry on May 14, 2017, 07:39:42 AM

Title: Magigras
Post by: madharry on May 14, 2017, 07:39:42 AM
While I was a at the Lille, France exhibition I came across a new product for replicating grass.

Electostatic grass systems have been around for years and produce a good effect. This product goes further in allowing the user to build up layer upon layer to a dramatic effect.

It comprises of a black/grey powder which you mix with a resin. You then paint this on the surface to be covered and allow it to dry. Once it has dried you apply the flock fibres in the normal way using any electrostatic device ( such as the Noch Grasmaster).

However after the first layer is down you then spray with Magispray and apply the fibres again. If the fibres are the same length they will position themselves at the end of the other fibres. If they are smaller they will form branches. I am not sure but I think there must be something metallic in the powder which creates a far stronger electostatic field.

Here are the main elements from left to right - the Magispray, the black/grey powder and the resin mixture. The second picture shows a selection of fibres I bought - 6mm. 4.5mm, 2mm and 0.5mm. I have green ones in stock already. I am looking forward to using this system on my Midsomer layout once I start the scenery in earnest.

I have no connection with the manufacturer - microrama.eu

Mike
Title: Re: Magigras
Post by: GPdemayo on May 14, 2017, 09:19:03 AM
Looks very interesting Mike.....looking forward to more pictures.  8)
Title: Re: Magigras
Post by: madharry on May 14, 2017, 10:28:07 AM
Thanks Greg.

I have mixed a small amount of the powder and resin together and "painted" it onto some foam that I have covered in cling-film.

Once it has dried, the instructions say 12 hours, I will experiment with it. The cling-film should allow me to cut small pieces to make gardens for the houses in Midsomer.

Mike
Title: Re: Magigras
Post by: Rail and Tie on May 14, 2017, 01:58:27 PM
By looking at the tutorial video on their website, this stuff looks fantastic for making thick branch like foliage.  I agree, there must be a metallic powder in the mix somewhere.

Mike, is the Magispray just a spray glue?

Looking forward to seeing what you can do with this stuff.
Title: Re: Magigras
Post by: madharry on May 16, 2017, 12:11:07 PM
Here is a sample I have been experimenting with. I wrapped some cling-film around some foam and applied the mixture which goes on greeny-blue and then dries black. Earlier I tried this on a smaller piece which I flocked and then removed it from the foam. I intend cutting pieces and applying them to the new layout.

Mike
Title: Re: Magigras
Post by: madharry on May 18, 2017, 05:46:43 AM
Continuing................I am still experimenting with this stuff!

You can create a few grass mats for placement on your module. The standard serving will give you four times the area shown in the pictures.

Mike
Title: Re: Magigras
Post by: Zephyrus52246 on May 18, 2017, 07:26:43 AM
Mike, to me it doesn't look like the grass is "standing up", just lying there.  Is it the picture or just me?


Jeff
Title: Re: Magigras
Post by: Slim Jerkins on May 18, 2017, 09:43:42 AM
I thought he said margaritas.


oh well...




-slim
Title: Re: Magigras
Post by: madharry on May 18, 2017, 11:42:47 AM
It could be operator error Jeff...........I am still experimenting. 

I do like the way it forms bushes and clumps of grass though.

Here are a few more.............

Mike
Title: Re: Magigras
Post by: Janbouli on May 18, 2017, 03:22:07 PM
Quote from: Slim Jerkins on May 18, 2017, 09:43:42 AM
I thought he said margaritas.


oh well...




-slim

And I thought Mardi-gras
Title: Re: Magigras
Post by: donatode on May 19, 2017, 03:51:10 PM
And here I was thinking that I was the only dyslexic one here....!!!

Title: Re: Magigras
Post by: madharry on May 21, 2017, 06:40:58 AM
Here are a few hopefully better pictures. To the naked eye I think this product does a very good job. I think my photography skills are probably lacking.

Mike :-[