Tools, tips and tricks
DAS Modeling Clay Tips
I know DAS modeling clay has been suggested to help others in their scenery work. I got this in an email over the holidays and thought others might be interested. It's 34 minutes and in depth.
Converting brass locos to DCC part 06, step 4 Improve the drive train
{Hey, what happened to Step 3, Add All-wheel Pickup? I moved that to a separate blog entry because it is more general and can also be applied to DC locos. Adding all-wheel pickup to brass steam locos}
Drivetrain...
I try to avoid driveshafts with dual U-joints, replacing the tubing is usually enough. I try to keep it simple.
Converting brass locos to DCC part 05, step 2 Make it run like a dream
I stole the phrase "Make it run Like a Dream" from the trilogy of books, Make it Run Like A Dream by Joe Fugate. They have been extremely helpful for trackwork and rollingstock. I ordered the whole set from the MRH store. I am eagerly awaiting the third book about locomotives.
Like I mentioned, I try to do the least disassembly – more touching means more chance of breaking or losing parts.
The "Weathering" Pothole
My wife has frequently observed that my road to model railroading accomplishments is indeed a long and winding one. It seems my attention is easily captured by the latest "squirrel" moment, sometimes triggered by a post on this or another message board or facebook group, other times something I see along the tracks. Over the last few months I have fallen into a weathering pothole on the road to completion (a goal far, far in the future!)
Track cleaning block for $1.25
In one of the other threads which was about track cleaning someone mentioned the "Sandflex Tool Cleaning" block. I purchased a fine grit one for $7.50 on Amazon and cut it into six pieces using a kitchen knife. The blocks work great for cleaning the track and only cost $1.25 each as opposed to a Bright Boy track cleaner which can cost $6.00 to almost $9.00 plus shipping. Here's a picture of my Sandflex cleaners:
Home Made Decaling
So, I am trying my hand at home made decaling.
I needed some SOU decals, and at $8 for a sheet that covers one... maybe two cars was getting a bit pricey.
So I bought some decal sheets, and some clear acrylic spray, and tonight I decided to try my hand at it. It wasn't too expensive after all.
I found some SOU fonts on the internet as a free download (the proper lettering, plus, several versions of the SOU logo, from the Crescent limited, to both steam era, and more modern-ish logos... perfect for HO scale modeling)
Add super realistic corrosion using secret Pro-method
Hi! :) The video this week shows how super realistic corrosion can be added to any plastic surface with a really simple method. The resulting surface can be studied under microscope without flaws.
This method is also a foundation for applying more advanced methods of detailed weathering, which will be covered in future tutorials. Here´s a link to the video:
Magnetization/Demagnetization of Tools
I have several tools (screwdrivers & tweezers) that have become magnetized and therefore screws, etc. will stick to them when I want them to stay where I placed them. Anyone have a way to de-magnetize iron/steel tools?
Thanks,
Stephen
Rerun: Tip for speed painting for your model railroad
I had posted this tip previously; however, I realize that new viewers of the forum may not have seen it. WARNING: Do NOT use this tip for painting structures or rolling stock! 
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