One of the pleasures of modelrailroading is completing a challenging
task and enjoying the fruits of your labors. But nothing is more
frustrating than not finding a way to accomplish the job. Many projects are
relegated to the "later" pile and often later never comes. Others modelers
may have succeeded, but they do not usually volunteer the methods and
shortcuts. This list contains many of the methods, acquired over the last
60 odd years. Some are very simple, but often overlooked; while others
may be involved and require special tools. Hopefully that stickler you need
to solve is included and the advice will steer you in the right direction.
NOTE: Items not quite finished are preceded with a "*".
GENERAL
This group contains methods that are used in many different facets of
modeling. They crop up during many processes and are integral parts in
completing projects.
For those who might desire or need more depth into some of the
math and physics used in various articles or the CAD drawings, these are
covered separately:
- BENDING AND ROLLING ____rods, strips, bars,
sheets.
- CHAMFERING AND ROUNDING___shafts, axles, drift
pins, tools, holes
- DRILLING ____bits, drills, presses
- HOLDING ___almost everything with tweezers, pliers,
clamps, vices, jigs
- LUBRICATION ___locos, cars
- REAMING ____enlarging holes, axle slots
- RIVETING ____valve gear, boxes, consoles
- SOLDERING ___wire, parts, sheets,
characteristics, theory.
- SHAPING
- CUTTING ____knives, choppers shears nibblers,
chisels, saws files. Hand and power.
- HAND ABRASIVE____sanding, stoning, wire
brushing buffing + aids.
- POWER ABRASIVE____sanding,
grinding, wire brushing, buffing + tools.
- SHARPENING ____blades, knives, tools
- TEST EQUIPMENT ____general, necessary, using
- ESOTERIC TEST EQUIPMENT ____specialized,
nice to have
- STORING ____parts, tools, materials in
boxes, bins, drawers, racks or on workbench
- THREADING ____tapping, dies, chasing
Since these areas cover a wide field including testing and theory, they
are presented in a separate index.
MODELING
This group contains suggestions to improve skills in building, assembling
and operation. Some sections discuss factors to aid in selection of items.
- COUPLERS _general over view,
technical evaluation, compatibility problems with cast-on draftgear and close
coupling. Need and crusade for better products.
- *CLOSE COUPLING _general prototype and
model info, problems, solutions. WHY?
- *CLOSE COUPLING 19TH CENTURY_prototype
and model info, problems, potential solutions. Using Kadee 711's
- *CLOSE COUPLING 20TH CENTURY_prototype
and model info, problems, potential solutions. Diaphragms.
- *EXAMPLES _
- MEASURING _prototype, lengths from
pulling face, boxes, mounted spacings, comparison data, swing angle.
- MOUNTING AND AIDS_solving problems,
tools, jigs, gauges,
- A SKETCHY HO COUPLER HISTORY
__development and variation of ideas in coupler design.
- TECHNICAL EVALUATION
__(INDICTMENT OF COUPLER AND DRAFT GEAR MAKERS)__Possible solutions..
- GRAB IRONS, HANDRAILS, STEPS, PIPING,
BRAKE ROD FABRICATION
_Aids to make and place your own correctly
and easily.
- RIVET DETAILING____tools, methods
- PAINTING AND COATING____comparison of methods
- PREPARATION____ oxide, oil, paint &
lettering removal,
blasting
- SONIC CLEANERS___sizes, accessories
- BRUSHING____theory, brushes and paint
properties.
- SPRAYERS____theory, types, airbrushes,
grit blasters, cans
- SPRAY PAINTING____theory. properties,
media selection, mixing, thinning
- SPRAY BOOTH EVALUATION____how to
fabricate
- SPRAYING ACCESSORIES____spray booths, air
supplies, mixers
- PAINTING HOLDERS____small parts,
shells, figures
- DIPPING AND IMMERSION____alternative
- METAL FINISHING____blackening, aging and
antiquing: brass, zamac, steel, aluminum.
- MASKING____media, tools, techniques
- MIXING AND MATCHING COLORS____theories,
lighting effects and sources
- STRIPING____decal, dry transfer, tape,
masking
- BAKING COATINGS
REPOWERING
This group is associated with improving motive power, but some
applications may be useful to powering bridges, turntables, transfertables
and other moving projects.
- REPOWERING ____General
- ANALYSIS ____know what you have, before
messing things up.
- REGEAR ____theory, evaluation
- MOUNTING GEARS ____the right way
- MOUNTING WHEELS AND DRIVERS ____quartering,
pressing, driving
- REMOVING GEARS, WHEELS AND DRIVERS ____without
damage, pullers, drivers,
- REMOTOR ____theory, repower evaluation
- FLYWHEELS ____theory, evaluation
- MOTOR EVALUATION & IMPROVEMENT
- MOTOR GRAPHS____reading, making
- MOTOR TUNE-UP____for optimum output.
- MOUNTING MOTORS____brackets
- MAKING STEAM LOCO CYLINDERS ____from
scratch
- EXAMPLES____conversions, repowering,
easy, difficult, ideas
ELECTRICAL and
ELECTRONIC
This group is associated with making devices to aid control and other
projects.
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