“Hi Al,
I can’t claim this as my original, but it is the most useful thing I’ve run into for cleaning track – a problem I used to have frequently. It is a “greaseless” lubricant called LPS1. Spray a little on a piece of balsa wood or other firm but porous applicator then rub it across the track.
Cheers,
Bill”
“I enjoy very much the suggestions and tips of the members. I think is very generous to share ideas etc. I use for furniture covers Flannel fabric available at Wal-Mart’s and fabric stores. It’s not expensive. I like the dark green color which in itself can make a great ground cover. But as I wash them and then dry them, in the filter of the dryer remains a great fuss I have collected and applied to a bended an wrinkled light cardboard. I have used colorless spray varnish. While wet, I applied the fuss, seems fairly effective. I guess could be mixed with other filter fuss of rocky or ground color.
Mentioned before, that my layout is a 6 X 7 (model “N”) platform suspended from the ceiling and operated by a winch inside the closet. So eliminating weight is essential.
Thanks to all good people.
Paco. “
“Use a sewing needle and thread. Put the thread through springs so they don’t spring out of sight.
Johnny”
“Hi Al.
For signage on say station buildings,shops,billboards, etc etc. I have some magazine pictures from a old brmodeling mag of old tin/metal posters ( ex:- players cigarettes,palethorp sausages,freeman hardy & willis) etc etc and quite a few more,the largest being approx 50mm x 50mm,smallest about 10mm x 20mm so what I’ve done is Photocopied the pages required, then Laminated them, then cut them out.
This Idea may be of some use to others.
Ralph”
“One way to make water effect is:
Paint the water underground with serveral lays of defferet colors, (remember to paint the shadows darkere ) then ad a liqud of tick epoxy glue as water, just before it dry work on the surface with a stiff bruch and you can paint the the top of the waves with very little white acryl paint. You can get in a shop who deals with artist articles.
Sorry my english writing isent so god.
Regards
Keld Andersen, Denmark”
“Hi Al,
Darwi modelling clay.
The advantage of using this clay to make scenery is that if you change your mind about a hill you made you knock it down and reuse the clay by simply putting it in a container of water, just a little bit so it will soft thus it be used again.
Paul”
“Best tip for scenery would, the use of extruded Styrofoam insulation sheets, 2” thick. Use the “Handle” end of a file to carve out rock formations. Paint with interior latex paint (Tan or light grey for a base) . This will allow you to use Water based artist paints, mixes in a spry bottle, to color to your liking. Also allows you to push tack scenery into the foam, for a sturdy “Tree” and holds lichen. Easy to make tunnels, and cut out for tunnel access, that are easily hidden.
Michael”
“Chain link fence. thats what i use the fiber glass mesh and for the post i use rabbet screen that you put around your garden plants for the post and you can use larg sections cheaply i am in to o scale now i find that if you find an old wire anamal cage that works good and just gule to the wire. i also use the stick down floor carpet tile for ground cover you can paint it great for farm lands like plowed fields.. hope this can save some money.
Garry”
“Hi Al,
I have a tip for you. I’m 77 year old gal who just decided to add a circus component to my Christmas Village, so I bought a circus train, big top and sideshow tents and lots of people and animals. I had a hard time getting the people and animals to stay standing up so I am using “Sticky Wax” and it works perfectly. It holds my riders on their horses and elephants; my wire walkers in place; my people in their seats in the bleachers; balls on the dog’s nose; etc. etc. It’s main use is really to hold candles upright in holders if they don’t fit perfectly. Doll makers use them to hold eyes in place in the heads while they pour the plaster over them.
I’m new to model railroading and I hope this tip helps somebody out there. I’m also new to your “club” and am so grateful for all of the tips that everyone sends in. At my age, I have to learn new things really fast – not that much time left to do all that I want to do!!!
Thanks for everything!!
BJ Johnson”
Like ’em? I did.
Some more crackers here. But it’s not long now before the $9 offer disappears like a shadow in the night…
All the best,
Al.
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