Tips, Tricks and Techniques

This page contains ideas on how you can accomplish some modeling tasks quicker, easier and with greater professional looking results. 

Unsure How To Store Small Bottles of Opened Hobby Paint ? ?

After your initial use of a bottle of hobby model paint, add 3 sling-shot BB's to the bottle, cut a 1" sq. piece of Saran Wrap and place it over the bottle top before replacing and tightening the cap. The paint won't form a crust over the bottle neck the next time you shake it up, and the BB's act as a built-in shaker stirring method. Just replace the Saran Wrap each time you use that bottle of paint. Submitted by S. B. Anderson

"Keeping Crazy Glue in the freezer will extent working time when used"

Using an airbrush to paint your models?  Looking for a more consistent, even finish?

Try this simple technique...  Use a Lazy-Susan!

Find an old wooden lazy-susan (rummage sale, 2nd hand resale shop, basement or attic, etc.) preferably 12 inches round with ball-bearings between the base and top. I usually cover the top with a couple of layers of newspaper (keeps the top clean and is easily replaceable), trimmed to the diameter of the top, before starting a new paint project. When I've reached the point where I'm ready to airbrush my model, I use several short pieces of double-sided Scotch tape (fold over the end of the tape about 1/8" - makes it easy to pull off when done airbrushing) to hold the model to the center of the covered lazy-susan. As you airbrush your model, simply rotate the lazy-susan with your free hand, and enjoy finding that you end up with a more consistent finish. Works for me, give it a try and see for yourself !  Submitted by  G. Kreinus - IPMS Member

Successful Electrical Wire Soldering !
You'll find the act of soldering takes less time than it takes to read these instructions! First you must tin the soldering iron, then tin the wire.

* BE CAREFUL !!  A soldering iron can cause burns or start fires if left unattended.
* CLEAN the tip of the cold soldering iron with a small file.
* HEAT the iron and apply flux. Apply a small amount of solder to the iron
to cover the tip. (This procedure is called tinning.)
* TWIST the ends of each stranded wire to be soldered, so no wires stick
out. If the wire is not pre-tinned, proceed to tin the wire by dipping the ends into the flux paste and touch them with the tinned tip of the soldering iron. The hot solder will flow from the iron to the wire. Copper wire will take on a silvery clean as the solder flows.
* REMOVE the heat and let cool. The wires are now tinned. (If you use
pre-tinned wire, this step is not necessary.)
* CLEAN the tip of the hot iron with the damp sponge and re-tin. When
cool to the touch, take the two wires to be joined and lay them side by side in your hand with the ends even. Twist the tinned ends together as tightly as possible.
* DIP the twisted ends into the flux paste. Touch the hot tinned iron to the
twisted wires until the solder flows and unites the wires. You may need to apply more solder.
* REMOVE the heat and let cool. Don't move the wires until the solder
solidifies, usually after several seconds.
* FOLD the joined wires back on themselves and cover with electrical tape.
* UNPLUG the soldering iron upon completion of soldering.

The plastic insulation covering the metal wires serves at least two purposes. Insulation prevents bare wires from touching and causing a short circuit and the different colors available aid in identification of the wire, which makes the job of wiring easier. For example, wire covered in black insulation can be used for the common (c) connections while green insulation can denote connections to the control (gapped) rail, etc.

Insulation must be removed from portions of the wire prior to installation. Wire strippers in various sizes are commercially available and are the easiest way to remove insulation. Another way to strip wire is by using wire cutters. Be careful to cut only the insulation and not through the wire itself. This method may take practice to perfect. (Courtesy of Atlas Model Railroad Products)

Coupler height Gage ~

	Most HO couplers in use today are based on the Kadee # 5, regardless of freight car or locomotive manufacturer. This gage allows you to check for correct height of all couplers, regardless of coupler manufacturer. Handiest item you'll ever own... A Must for the serious model railroader. Click Image for "How To Use"
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	NMRA Track Standards Gage ~ [Click Image at left to Enlarge]. An Absolute Must if you want trouble free operation ! Use to check for correct wheel spacing and correct wheel contour. Click Here to learn about it's many other uses.
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	Number (Twist) Drills ~ Generally drill bits fall into two categories, 1/16" and larger (the type that fit in your 1/2" electric drill), and Twist Drills (# 1 thru # 80 drill chart) for use in a pin vise or Dremel tool. Each size range are pretty much necessary for constructing and maintaining a model railroad layout. Twist drills are essential for working on, building, or modifying just about any hobby project.
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Tamiya Paint X-ref Chart

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