By the letter (and number)
Vinyl letters with self-adhesive backing as well as dry transfers can be used straight from the package or as masks to letter structures, rolling stock, and locomotives. Alphanumeric sets are typically located with the drafting supplies. Additional self-adhesive and dry-transfer letters can be found in the scrapbooking supplies.
Vinyl letters with self-adhesive backing as well as dry transfers can be used straight from the package or as masks to letter structures, rolling stock, and locomotives. Alphanumeric sets are typically located with the drafting supplies. Additional self-adhesive and dry-transfer letters can be found in the scrapbooking supplies.
Mark it up
Crafts stores carry an assortment of paint pens and markers. The white and yellow samples here are from Sharpie’s Poster-Paint line. I’ve had good luck using these opaque water-based markers for putting stripes on various road materials including foam, plaster, and plastic.
Crafts stores carry an assortment of paint pens and markers. The white and yellow samples here are from Sharpie’s Poster-Paint line. I’ve had good luck using these opaque water-based markers for putting stripes on various road materials including foam, plaster, and plastic.
The silver fine-point marker is a fairly new item, but one that I’ve added to my toolbox. I’ve used the marker to paint the all-weather windows on diesel locomotive cabs, to simulate chrome bumpers and trim on automobiles, and to suggest aluminum framing on caboose and passenger car windows. The markers are sold in two-packs. For best results, store them tip down.
Rhinestone cowboy
I’ve used rhinestones for years to simulate headlights, ditch lights, and classification lights on locomotives, but you can also use them for headlights and taillights on vehicles and marker lenses on cabooses and passenger cars. No matter what the use, spray the rhinestones with a flat finish, such as Testor’s no. 1960 Model Master Lacquer Overcoat (testor.com) before installing them with a dot of full-strength white glue
I’ve used rhinestones for years to simulate headlights, ditch lights, and classification lights on locomotives, but you can also use them for headlights and taillights on vehicles and marker lenses on cabooses and passenger cars. No matter what the use, spray the rhinestones with a flat finish, such as Testor’s no. 1960 Model Master Lacquer Overcoat (testor.com) before installing them with a dot of full-strength white glue
Storage bags
Screws, springs, and wires are just some of the things modelers have lying around a workbench. Why not organize these items? Fortunately, crafts stores have a variety of storage solutions: containers, multi-drawer units, and self-sealing bags. I prefer clear storage containers so I can see what’s inside. However, I label the small bags so I know where the parts came from.
Screws, springs, and wires are just some of the things modelers have lying around a workbench. Why not organize these items? Fortunately, crafts stores have a variety of storage solutions: containers, multi-drawer units, and self-sealing bags. I prefer clear storage containers so I can see what’s inside. However, I label the small bags so I know where the parts came from.
Pastels
Weathering is a great way to add realism to locomotives, rolling stock, and roads. One of the most economical ways to do this is with pastel chalks, such as General Pencil Co.’s 12-pack of earth, portrait, and skin tones (generalpencil.com). Just use a no. 11 blade to scrape some pastels into a box or small storage container. Apply the powdered pastels to a freight car, locomotive, or structure with a brush and seal them with a flat finish.
Weathering is a great way to add realism to locomotives, rolling stock, and roads. One of the most economical ways to do this is with pastel chalks, such as General Pencil Co.’s 12-pack of earth, portrait, and skin tones (generalpencil.com). Just use a no. 11 blade to scrape some pastels into a box or small storage container. Apply the powdered pastels to a freight car, locomotive, or structure with a brush and seal them with a flat finish.
