Tools, tips and tricks

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Z Scale billboard lights

Thu, 2014-06-19 13:40 — ICE

A friend asked me to design billboard lights and am sharing here what I did for a Z-Scale billboard, he proudly mounted on his briefcase layout.

The billboard is from a laser wood kit, but getting the correct lamps was a challenge in Z-scale.

I decided to use the SMT 1206 type of led since I had surplus of these from making ditch lights for locomotives and other HO and N scale lighting applications.

Tripod mount for my iPhone for better video

Thu, 2014-06-19 09:51 — rickwade

I noticed how shaky my recent video was of the train run by so I decided to get a tripod mount for my iPhone 4S. This little item set me back $13.00 and I really like it. Here's a picture of it:

Graphite on the rails = better performance!

Mon, 2014-06-16 09:16 — Verne Niner

Fellow On30 modeler Larry Knapp visited my layout recently, and he mentioned using graphite on the rails to help with conductivity. I had heard of that trick, but tried the contact cleaners (CRC-20, etc.) hoping they would do the trick. Problem is, it is hot where I live in the summer, and opening the windows is usually not a pleasant option. Also, the stuff it toxic, and the less toxic materials I have to deal with after 45 years in the hobby, the better!

Railroad Heralds

Sun, 2014-06-15 05:39 — ferroequinologist1

Tools, tips and tricks

Alternate materials for scenery, landscape, terrain, rocks and trees modeling

Sat, 2014-06-14 21:07 — ICE

I recently purchased a new micro cut paper shredder and after shredding tons of old paper clutter, I realized that the shredded paper was so fine that it could be used to build model scenery, rocks and landscape.

Most of us own some kind of paper shredder but the stuff from the "cross cut" type really works, since it cuts it very fine. Micro-cut shredders produce much finer particles, so they can be used in scenic modeling requiring smoother surfaces..

Turnout and Signal Operation for DCC Decoder

Sat, 2014-06-14 18:04 — ICE

I had this challenge of operating a turnout motor and simultaneously operate a signal to indicate the direction the points were set.

Since I do not use the expensive Tortoise or Cobalt turnout motors that have a set on contacts to operate accessories, I came up with this simple idea and circuit to operate both accessories simultaneously, from the same DCC trigger.

Atlas O Tank Car Truck Surgery

Thu, 2014-06-12 08:35 — MAGX

A few days ago I got my first Atlas O-scale 2-rail corn syrup tank car. It is a very well detailed and good looking car, but when I put it on track, I was very disappointed. Somehow it did not look right! Comparing it to prototype pics it was obvious that the car was sitting way too high on its trucks. Though I am not a rivet counter, it looked so bad that I had to change it.

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Advice Needed on Stripping Paint

Tue, 2014-06-10 13:09 — Retired Alex

I have 2 diecast metal engines I want to strip and paint. What is the better approach, alcohol or a soda blaster? My concern is the alcohol reacting with the zinc and causing damage to the loco body.