Tools, tips and tricks
N Scale Layout
I got bored and decided to build a new N scale layout ......reusing most of what I kept over the years.
Benchwork is built by ripping a sheet of 1/2" Birch plywood into 3" wide strips....the sheet I started with was purchased from a local lumber yard that sells quality wood, not the crap that Home Depot or Lowes sells.
The strips are then cut to length for what is needed for a given part..........frames are 2' x 8' with a 1' x 2' tapered section added on 1 end.
Using Reflow Solder techniques to build a Proto:87 Stores frog
On the Office Park zone, I want to use track and turnouts from my existing supply instead of buying a bunch of new track. All of my available Micro Engineering code 70 #6 turnouts will be for the shop layout. That leaves the Shinohara #4 turnouts for the Office Park zone.
Iwata TRN1 and TRN2 pistol trigger airbrush
Has anyone used either the TRN1 or TRN2 airbrush from Iwata?
I am considering buying a new airbrush for building and engine and car painting and the pistol trigger interests me. I have never gotten used to my Double action Anthem so I think I may be happier with the pistol trigger.
And my father (who will also use it) is much more experienced with spray gun triggers then airbrush buttons.
The cost looks reasonable at about $118 or so. The difference between the two is such that I am not sure what is the better option.
-Doug M
Hobby Black Metal Blackener - Any Tips?
I need to blacken some perimeter handrails that came with five Caboose Industries tank car kits. Out of the box the handrails are a shiny brass-ey metal color. They might be brass but I'm not sure. I'd prefer to not paint them as any future bumping of the handrails may result in peeling paint flaking off. I'd like to blacken them chemically if possible.
Tip on conveyor cable rigging - or how to avoid a BUNCH of irritation!
I've been assembling a number of goodies for my Klemptner salvage yard including Walters(r) #933-3645 "Scrap Yard Conveyor. I thought that compared to the shear and bailer that I completed recently that this conveyor would be easy ............................and then I started doing the rigging of the cables......
Backshop clinic: Modeling flowering gardens
Wendy Hamilton from Model Builders Supply returns to the TrainMasters TV studio with her green thumb to do some gardening with Lionel Strang.
Watch it now on TrainMasters TV ....
Using sectional/modular methods on a home layout (TOMA)
On another thread, there were some actual experience comments about trying to use modular/sectional methods to build a home layout. This is an approach we're calling TOMA - The One Module Approach.
Rather than hijack that other thread, I've moved that TOMA comment here into a new thread and I'd like to explore the topic with anyone who has actual experience trying to do TOMA-like methods for building a home layout.
Weathering with pan pastels
I have been reading about using pan pastels to weather rather than powdered chalks so I am looking for a little guidance. Our local art store has them but they are 7 bucks a can. Seems rather pricey. So what are the bare minimum colors I would need to do some weathering on freight cars? Enough to get me started without breaking the bank.
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