Tools, tips and tricks

MikeM's picture

Has anyone tried to model ferns that might be part of a logging scene?

Has anyone attempted to model these in large numbers as might be found in a heavily wooded area in a damp climate (e.g. a rainforest-type of setting)?  I'd like to consider including something like this in a logging scene but to purchase what few models I've seen that are commercially available would be prohibitive.  I'm wondering if anyone has tried making them using a Cricut or laser cutter. 

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NMRA MCR division 1 weathering clinic

Part 1 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hbeINfvdq6s

​part 2 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hj_zAWIl9RM

Free-Mo Tim's picture

The NKP Freight House Spur in Canton, OH

This blog will follow the Canton Freight House Spur from inspiration to implementation. Along the way, I'll share methods that were tried and the results that followed. Please feel free to comment on the posts!

Chuck P's picture

Soldering: Who really does it right?

I've soldered before, mainly on track and PC boards, but I haven't in a while. I'm getting ready to solder feeder wires and took some time last night to watch some videos on soldering on model railroads. Everywhere from Youtube, to TrainmastersTV, MR, MR+, and few self hosted.

I'd always run under the adage that you need to heat both the iron and the part you are soldering. The part you are soldering needs to be hot and that's why you can melt your ties if you aren't careful (or some people use something for a heat sink.)

martindh's picture

Richfield Rail-Runners got a new toy

Richfield Rail-Runners got a Cricut cutting machine and wow have we been busy. It has been a bit of a learning process with Auto-Cad but we have it down. I will have pictures up soon. We have done several buildings out of 4ply card stock, .30 and.40 styrene, clapboard siding and board and battin. We have cut 1/6 " bass wood too. The Vollmur brick sheet gave us a bit of fits, however we won. Cut out a nice brick building. 

 

Martin

 

Using Berrett Hill Touch Toggles with MRServo

One of the most interesting electronic parts to come on the market lately is Berrett Hill’s Touch Toggles.  They’re little electronic switches that operate by the proximity of your finger.  There’s no mechanical movement, so you can put them behind acrylic control panel faceplates and other such and still operate them just by touching the surface.  Unlike a mechanical switch, they never wear out, and they come with built-in indicator lights.

Michael T.'s picture

"Work Lights" for photos?

Had some time to kill today between lab work and Doctor appointments....uggh..... and was looking around the local stores pricing out the items to make DIY photo lighting as suggested by a friend. As it turns out, by the time I buy everything to do that I can put in about five more bucks  and get some of those dual halogen work lights on a stand. Didn't I see Charlie Comstock and/or someone else suggest those lights for taking photos?   Since they are halogen and made for work lights, I don't know what the color temp is.

Rivarossi Centipede tender wobble

Hi all,

I have 2 Rivarossi locomotives, a UP 4-8-4 FEF and a UP 4-8-8-4 Challenger.

Their tenders are identical, and they share a common issue: when they run, the tender wobbles visibly. I know these models are a bit outdated and have been surclassed by Atheran and other manufacturers, but I'm not a rivet counter and they work fine for me...except for the tender wobble.


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