On this week’s episode of Midday Modeler, David and Cody talk 3D printing and ballasting. Steve does some paving on the freemo layout. Bryson explains his new love for working on wood structures. David explains a project he’s been working on for a viewer that had his N scale pieces damaged in a basement flood. And, as always, more of YOUR questions are answered! Join all the fun LIVE on Wednesdays, 1PM CT!
Midday Modeler – April 19th, 2023
By Vince C | April 20, 2023
See what you missed in the Model Railroader workshop!
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I have an American flyer layout with traditional, sectional track and transformers for power. Could you discuss/demonstrate some of the ways of connecting power to the accessories? Specifically, I have used suitcase connectors, which work sometimes, old fashioned twist-on connections and I have spent quite a lot of money on connectors which are supposed to create a sort of plug-in connection, but using the tool that is supposed to crimp the connector is so difficult that I can’t use it. Help!
Chris Poppe
Hello,
are you aware of any model of an EMD CF 7 in N scale or a manufacturer that offers the bodyshell for an CF 7 in N scale?
QUESTIONS: When a railroad trades in a locomotive for a new locomotive, how does this occur? Must the railroad turn in the trade-in before production, e.g., if parts are being re-used? If so, isn’t that just going to compound the motive power shortage that led to the purchase? Finally, how are these old locos shipped back to the manufacturer over other railroads? Seems that would incur additional costs, digging into the benefits of trade-in fodder.
When ballasting, does the isopropyl alcohol affect your acrylic paint on the rails and ties?
Probably not if you stick to 70% isopropyl alcohol. It’s the 91% IPA that’ll strip paint.
I’ve seen lots of instructions/videos/articles on making trees and even stumps. But I need help in creating tree ROOT BALLS. These are what’s hidden below those stumps. I have two “stump cars” from Tichy Train Group but I need some loads. ;+)
Any suggestions for improving the look of the ballast/track on Kato Unitrack?
Kato makes ballast that blends quite well with the plastics ballast. You can apply with same techniques as frequently shown on MR video. picture of my N-scale Unitrack using Kata ballast https://1drv.ms/i/s!Am_Ksqx1rk_xg6hU0uJXqe3i18EZVA?e=nZXwvI
I do not enjoy ballasting, either. Ballasting and OCD do not mix. ?
I know this will be sparking a debate, but what was the official color of B&O GM50, I heard that the color came from GM as either Quezal Gold or Medium Gold.
When is the “better” time to doing ballasting. Before putting down scenery next to the track or after doing scenery next to the track?
I have some old decal sheets that are well past their best before date, however, I cannot replace the sheet. When I soak a section of the sheet the lettering, once soaked, crumbles on the model. Is there any way to prep the old decal sheet for use – or should I say restore the decal sheet?
Thanks
Mike
Regarding the question and answer on 3D printing.
I watched Eric White’s three episodes on making the Canadian Canyons rock slide shed using Sketchup and Shapeways when they were posted on MRVP. However, I have not been able to find them on Trains.com. Please verify if you can find them.
Kathy Millat made a three part series on using Autodesk Fusion 3D and an Anycubic resin 3D printer. She cleaned the parts manually with denatured alcohol and UV cured them with a home made device. I bought the Anycubic wash and cure device and it was well worth it. To find her videos, search for “How-To Library: 3D Printing”.
I have found that once the Anycubic resin 3D prints have been washed with denatured alcohol and UV cured, acrylic paint adheres well without any primer.
I am having a problem replacing the worm gear in the rear truck of my Walthers’ EMD SW-1. Walthers sent me a replacement worm gear, but I am having trouble
getting the old worm gear out of the truck. Any suggestions?
What are the chances you will make the Trains.com shirts David and Vince were wearing today available for sale in like a company store for Trains.com?