Tools, tips and tricks
Playing With Foam -Building storage trays and a work station.
With arrival of Rapido Trains LRC coaches it’s time to store some of the older VIA Rail Blue and Gold coaches. Not wanting the hassle of opening a number of jewel cases each time I run this set, I built a storage case. This is 1/4 inch foam sheets, cut to fit inside a sturdy shipping box. I was able to create two trays inside the box. With the leftover foam, I built a small workstation to hold cars/engines.
Cutting Mat Suggestions
I am setting up my workbench to start making scratch built structures, etc., and would like the community's suggestions for the best type/brand of cutting mats.
What is a recommended size to get .... I'm seeing 8"x5", 9"x12", 12"x18" and up .... but I'm hesitant to spend $20 and up plus for a PVC mat.
Thanks for your input.......
Grampy
What's on Your Workbench - November 2020
Welcome to November! Let’s see your latest progress from the workbench and layout as we kick off another month.
Eric
Eric Hansmann
Editor-at-Large, Model Railroad Hobbyist
Follow along with my railroad modeling:
http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/
NMRA Gage Extender
The HO Scale NMRA Standards Gage Mark IVb provides clearances for early railroads. In Rp-7.1 they provide additional clearance recommendations for a modern railroad from 1983 on. At one time the NMRA offered a gage extender for the modern clearances, but it is not currently listed in their online store, and a search of several vendors failed to turn one up. Searching the MRH website there are several mentions of the extender
Throwing both turnouts at each end of a double crossover
Found myself in a situation where I couldn't fit switch motors (I used Tortoises here) underneath my turnouts for a double crossover. Due to the support requirements underneath, there was room between the two turnout for the Tortoise, but not room under the turnouts themselves. I ended up addressing this by wiring a single Tortoise at each end of the double crossover, and then using a piece of pivoting styrene to drive both turnouts in opposite directions.
First "New Backshop Clinic" TMTV posted!
The first of our new "web" clinics has been posted! Rather than meet in studio, the host and guest meet online. Check it out!
SMA36 Interactive DCC Decoders - IDEC Principles of Operation
SMA35 Interactive DCC Decoders IDEC The Next Generation - Sequencing Movement Sound & Lighting v1.08 https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/40940 describes the construction and use of a new series of low cost decoders that interact with the environment around them (significantly more than in the past).
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