Tools, tips and tricks

MikeHughes's picture

The Model Railroad Hobbyist Machine Shop

I recently made a post over on my FM H-16-44 DCC Conversion thread about using a milling machine to shave a locomotive frame a bit to create more room for a decoder.  This led to some questions about endmills, use of drill presses for light milling, and other tools like strip sanders, Dremel (and similar) rotary tools, safety around machine tools, etc.  Later I made a post about small milling machines based on Sieg models, and there was some interest in the list of compatible machines posted.

Roger Litwiller's picture

Improving Cluttered Work Station with a Homemade Paint/Tool Stand

Before and after photos of my work area. A simple paint stand can remove a lot of the clutter and provide a convenient way to organize hobby tools. 

TrainCat Models Manufacture of Etched Brass Models

TrainCat Models

I first saw their exquisite kits and built up models at The Springfield Show in the early 2000's they were to the left as you entered the main building.

They had a great oil drilling derrick you could modify to gas, website shows really great light tower.

Now that I am to the point I can use them I got a surprise on the traincat2.com website.

Home page has a banner "BREAKING NEWS Due to the passing of my wife, TrainCat remains in hiatus"

DJK Builds A ... End Loading Ramp

End loading ramp taken from "Easy To Build Model Railroad Structures"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B53INf4Dbhc&list=PLx-jZQjqAhL9EzIZHVO_cS...

 

When you open the play list start with Ramp 01 and proceed up the list

 

 

 

smadanek's picture

Graffiti Painters

I didn't want to clog the October 21 workbench with this infomercial but with all the attention to modern graffiti ModelU in the UK has scanned and is 3d printing a series of graffiti spraying artists/hoodlums in case you want to depict them caught on camera in the act.  They will on request print them in 3.5 MM/HO scale and US 1:160 N scale. They are expensive and postage is almost a killer but if you want to depict the act in progress these will do the trick. 

https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/product/1733/

DJK Builds A ... Video Build Series

 

This blog is somewhat self promotional but I think that the information shared will be both informative and entertaining.  My intention is to present techniques that I use when building models using a video format.

PCs for model railroaders?

I have a home edition PC with Windows 10/with AMD chip, that is 8 years old. Was thinking about replacement. It's a Lenovo and I like it.

So when I went to Lenovo web site, all I found was business. No home use. I contacted them, asking about a home use and was told they had none in current supply to ship. I was also advised they are all Intel. So I politely asked if they would be bringing out any home PC's with AMD. And was told NO.

Rockcity's picture

MAKE YOUR OWN CUSTOM MODEL RAILROAD SIGNS - FROM PHOTOS!

Custom signs help make your model railroad unique - See how I do it. In depth tutorial, with step-by-step screen captures. Take a pic of your favorite restaurant, store, street sign, whatever - and put it on your layout!

MAKE YOUR OWN CUSTOM MODEL RAILROAD SIGNS - FROM PHOTOS!

LED/Fiber Optics Technical Question

Hi:  New member here.   Looks like a very active and informative site.

I do a lot of work with 3D printing Fusion 360 and Ender equipment, making building fronts with LED lighting.

I am in O-Scale 2-Rail, but my questions will fit all scales.


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