The reversal of the clothespin parts is pure genius ! I've already converted a slug of mine and I find them so useful. Thank you for such a simple, and useful suggestion !!!
I’d add a level, a craft size miter box saw (xacto makes one) and a soldering iron and related supplies (I use it all the time for track work, not just electrical, I’m sure Ron will mention it then) and believe it or not, stainless steel dental picks like the dentist uses on your teeth (for cleaning track at joints and even some scenery work) not to mention a small screwdriver set. Although not required per se I also find a small (maybe 70 x100 mm) machinist square quite useful... Oh and another biggie, jars... lots and lots of little jars and baggies and the like to keep small parts and tools in.
Ron, Don't forget "T" pins. Also red and black pins with colored heads - -great for placing along the rails where + and - droppers go. Soldering iron, liquid flux, and a good iron. Bob S
I like the way you think, Sir. I have been a modeler for over a half century, transitioning from toys to scale models fairly early. There are some differences in the way you and I do things, but that is the way the hobby is. The point I wanted to bring up regards "jewelers" files. There are two (2) types, the "Swiss" pattern tapering over the entire length. And the "American" pattern having a fairly consistant size except at the tips, where it is rather blunt. Both styles matter, for different reasons. Further, the seperation of "metal" and "plastics" use is actually a matter of keeping steel use seperate from non-ferrous metals such as brass. Brass files can be used on plastics, steel cannot. When acquiring files, I would highly recommend a "Swiss" pattern be the first choice. Most Chinese vendors sell the "American" pattern, they are very easy to acquire. Another point is in cutting tools. As a professional electrrician and electronics repairman, I am very deeply involved with side cutters. The average modeler need not be so. For wire, electrical (copper) must be a seperate cutter from music (steel) wire for making grabs and the like. And rail nippers should be emphasized as cutting rail and NOTHING else. Bill Hudson NMRA L02125 .
Kadee coupler gauge, the plastic one not the metal one. Use it with a piece of straight snap-track. Medical forceps with that little lock in the back. Tap and die set- especially taps for 2-56, 0-80 and 0-90 screws. Truck tuner by Micro-Mark. Small double-ended screw-driver with tiny phillips on one end, straight edge on the other. Can't have too many of these. Calipers! Mine has a dial measured in 1/100" increments.
Im partial to the large red handled hobby knife with the #2 blades. When paint brushes wear out i break the shaft in half and glue an aligator clip on makes a nice holder for small parts scale people etc
I build lot of Resin Freight Cars and flat kits. One of my favorite things to use to square corners is Legos. The original style Legos are perfectly square. The come in different widths and lengths. You can stack them as high or as wide as you need in the inner area of your model to square up corners. You can also apply mold release wax or petroleum jelly to the blocks so glue wont stick to them. In most cases glue wont stick to them anyway because the blocks generally have some sort of factory oil in the plastic that most glues wont stick to without a solvent cleaning. In addition to all of that they are cheap! You can find them in second hand store, garage sales or on Ebay. I of course have lots of other squaring tools but Legos are a quick, versatile and east way of square parts up. They also can be used with other squaring tools that Ron has mentioned in his videos.
Wooden clothes pegs..... another option is to cut the end with a craft knife to fit into a place make a square edge, make it thin, make it narrow. Use then when soldering as they will not melt nor will they take away any heat. They are so cheap they can be classed as consumables. You can always cut another one.
Great video thanks Ron. Love the clothes Peg idea and I'll certainly use that myself. I also believe that Rubber (Elastic) bands are also very handy basic tools, especially during kit building. Squares are important for a lot of uses, however when building kits I use children's "Lego" building blocks. Made into a corner they are very handy when joining two walls at a corner and have the added advantage of being able to be built to varying heights. I also consider the "Dremell" motor tool a absolute must have for various tasks, so much so that I tend to believe it is the number 1 basic tool for us modelers. Thanks again Ron for another thought provoking video. Neil W
Excellent tips for the entry level person. Someone really needs to show /teach beginners, and you are succeeding. Sharing on the Facebook page of DelMarVa Model Railroad Club, where we are encouraging new folks to explore the hobby. I have 2 additions for your list - an emery board (from the health and beauty aids department at the drug store) and a mat to cut on. (I've donated a couple of small ones from my quilt room to the hubby).
I totally agree on both suggestions. I had to cut the number off somewhere and I figured emery boards were kind of covered under sand paper--especially when I mentioned 1200 and 1500 grit--and the cutting board, while very useful, was maybe not a necessity--unless you are using your hobby knife on the dining room table. I use a cutting mat made for quilting as well--they have the best selection of sizes. Thanks for watching.
What about a tack hammer? Magnetic or not or both? Is a simple mitre box useful in your estimation? Thanks for taking time to help more simple seniors to have fun with this wonderful hobby.
Wonderful video. Thanks for shooting and sharing. A far better source for your paint brushes and other weathering supplies would be your locally owned hobby shop or art supply store.
Great video for the beginner. Now a days I am not sure a computer with internet access shouldn’t be on the list, but I guess that’s stretching the definition of “tool” a bit too much. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else is searching for model railroad track plan try Panlarko Amazing Railroad Planner (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my mate got cool results with it.
The most important tool is of course the ambition to start and stay involved. Second is the spouse/significant other and family willing to put up with the time, expense and the space issues. On the actual tool side I think I'd add in a paper cutter. Either one of the old type with the heavy blade. Or one of the newer ones with a blade that slides along a track
I included the mat, I believe, in the next tool video for structure building. The idea was to make a short list of "I can't live without it" tools. Couldn't included everything that I might want to. I would be overwhelming for those looking to buy their first set of tools. I love my cutting mat, but I did model for years without one.
I don't use a saw on track. I use rail nippers. I do use a razor saw for some things and a Dremel cut off disk sometimes on track. I will cover some of those in later installments in the tool series. This was about the bare-bones basics.
I do like tools. I don't even use them often anymore, but they are like candy aren't they? I have a small vice that I thought I would use very seldom and I have used it endlessly. Thanks for the great advice.
The tools these days are also quite amazing. Much of my kit (and some of it is in storage) is very old and from my late father. Everything is so hi-tech these days.
Funny I didn't hear the one thing you were placing all your tools on, the cutting mat. I find it essential not to be cutting in on other furniture you may be working on.
I've always figured an imagination was important for model railroading, model railroad clubs tend to disagree and enforce their lack of imagination on members for whatever reason (I've never understood why though), I'd love to hear an explanation why that is though. I always preferred to use my imagination when creating model railroads, being able to use whatever locomotive I chose whether it would fit with reality or not because I never considered reality in model railroading as important as the clubs do and even worked on creating a custom livery before various clubs put me off model railroading for a while because the point of model railroading is to create a layout and make it as the owner sees fit (I've always been told "make it yours" and always believed in customizing a layout as well as everything that is a model railroad).
Hi Ron, was wondering if you have a video on how to read a scale ruler. Maybe I’m over complicating it but I can’t seem to get my measurements right for some reason.
Why not acquire one set of files, and a file card brush, and just clean the files when you switch from working on one material over to another material? Even if you don't switch up the material you are working onl much, it is still nice to have clean files with which to work.
You spoke of small jewelers files and having bits of material in the groves. But you never spoke of a Card File. This is used to clean the abrasive groves of files, wood or metal.
At the 3 minute mark, your voice (audio) almost disappeared. I had the vid volume at 100% and my system volume at 100%. Had to bail at the 10 minute mark. I don't think you were near the mic when doing the hobby knife segment. Will watch again tomorrow but with headphones on. JMHO
The reversal of the clothespin parts is pure genius ! I've already converted a slug of mine and I find them so useful. Thank you for such a simple, and useful suggestion !!!
I'm glad you found it useful. Sometimes a simple moment of thinking outside the box revolutionizes your work.
I find binder clips work well as clamps and they come in a lot of sizes.
I’d add a level, a craft size miter box saw (xacto makes one) and a soldering iron and related supplies (I use it all the time for track work, not just electrical, I’m sure Ron will mention it then) and believe it or not, stainless steel dental picks like the dentist uses on your teeth (for cleaning track at joints and even some scenery work) not to mention a small screwdriver set. Although not required per se I also find a small (maybe 70 x100 mm) machinist square quite useful...
Oh and another biggie, jars... lots and lots of little jars and baggies and the like to keep small parts and tools in.
Thanks for thise tips. I will cover many of those in the series (miter saw, soldering iron, screwdrivers, etc.).
Ron, Don't forget "T" pins. Also red and black pins with colored heads - -great for placing along the rails where + and - droppers go. Soldering iron, liquid flux, and a good iron.
Bob S
I will cover some of those when I do the video on trackwork/electrical tools.
I like the way you think, Sir. I have been a modeler for over a half century, transitioning from toys to scale models fairly early. There are some differences in the way you and I do things, but that is the way the hobby is.
The point I wanted to bring up regards "jewelers" files. There are two (2) types, the "Swiss" pattern tapering over the entire length. And the "American" pattern having a fairly consistant size except at the tips, where it is rather blunt. Both styles matter, for different reasons. Further, the seperation of "metal" and "plastics" use is actually a matter of keeping steel use seperate from non-ferrous metals such as brass. Brass files can be used on plastics, steel cannot. When acquiring files, I would highly recommend a "Swiss" pattern be the first choice. Most Chinese vendors sell the "American" pattern, they are very easy to acquire.
Another point is in cutting tools. As a professional electrrician and electronics repairman, I am very deeply involved with side cutters. The average modeler need not be so. For wire, electrical (copper) must be a seperate cutter from music (steel) wire for making grabs and the like. And rail nippers should be emphasized as cutting rail and NOTHING else.
Bill Hudson NMRA L02125
.
Kadee coupler gauge, the plastic one not the metal one. Use it with a piece of straight snap-track. Medical forceps with that little lock in the back. Tap and die set- especially taps for 2-56, 0-80 and 0-90 screws. Truck tuner by Micro-Mark. Small double-ended screw-driver with tiny phillips on one end, straight edge on the other. Can't have too many of these. Calipers! Mine has a dial measured in 1/100" increments.
Im partial to the large red handled hobby knife with the #2 blades. When paint brushes wear out i break the shaft in half and glue an aligator clip on makes a nice holder for small parts scale people etc
Good tips.
Wow!! Great video Ron!! Some tools I just immediately think about. Thank you Sir. I enjoy your videos, much appreciated!
Great video. Loved the clothespin variations. Looking forward to the series.
Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching.
Good segment Ron, never thought about turning clothes pins around to make clamps, good idea.
Thanks. They are cheap and work great.
I am trained machinest i have worked on lathes grinders surface and centerless grinders
I build lot of Resin Freight Cars and flat kits. One of my favorite things to use to square corners is Legos. The original style Legos are perfectly square. The come in different widths and lengths. You can stack them as high or as wide as you need in the inner area of your model to square up corners. You can also apply mold release wax or petroleum jelly to the blocks so glue wont stick to them. In most cases glue wont stick to them anyway because the blocks generally have some sort of factory oil in the plastic that most glues wont stick to without a solvent cleaning. In addition to all of that they are cheap! You can find them in second hand store, garage sales or on Ebay. I of course have lots of other squaring tools but Legos are a quick, versatile and east way of square parts up. They also can be used with other squaring tools that Ron has mentioned in his videos.
Cool. Thanks for that tip.
Thanks Ron.. yes I like tools.. lol. Have to check on what i have and up my supplies.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance
Thanks.
THANK YOU...for sharing.
Awesome tips Ron. Never thought about but as a amateur modeller I have a the same tools. I totally agree with the tool that you suggested. Thanks Ron.
Thanks. 👍
Excellent Ron.
Thanks.
Wow, very good stuff. I definitely need to make some additions.
Good helpful tools layout wise aka planning is sweep sticks by fast tracks
Great tip. Yes, those are a fantastic addition.
I think your tool series will make a very interesting library.
Thanks.
Great tips Ron
Hi, Phillip. I cannot pass up another Marsh without asking, where are you from?
Ron good video, I'm sure there more we need or basic we need but these are go place to start, thanks for sharing...l.
Wooden clothes pegs..... another option is to cut the end with a craft knife to fit into a place make a square edge, make it thin, make it narrow. Use then when soldering as they will not melt nor will they take away any heat. They are so cheap they can be classed as consumables. You can always cut another one.
Great tip. Thanks.
Great video thanks Ron.
Love the clothes Peg idea and I'll certainly use that myself. I also believe that Rubber (Elastic) bands are also very handy basic tools, especially during kit building. Squares are important for a lot of uses, however when building kits I use children's "Lego" building blocks. Made into a corner they are very handy when joining two walls at a corner and have the added advantage of being able to be built to varying heights. I also consider the "Dremell" motor tool a absolute must have for various tasks, so much so that I tend to believe it is the number 1 basic tool for us modelers.
Thanks again Ron for another thought provoking video.
Neil W
Good ideas. Thanks.
Excellent tips for the entry level person. Someone really needs to show /teach beginners, and you are succeeding. Sharing on the Facebook page of DelMarVa Model Railroad Club, where we are encouraging new folks to explore the hobby. I have 2 additions for your list - an emery board (from the health and beauty aids department at the drug store) and a mat to cut on. (I've donated a couple of small ones from my quilt room to the hubby).
I totally agree on both suggestions. I had to cut the number off somewhere and I figured emery boards were kind of covered under sand paper--especially when I mentioned 1200 and 1500 grit--and the cutting board, while very useful, was maybe not a necessity--unless you are using your hobby knife on the dining room table. I use a cutting mat made for quilting as well--they have the best selection of sizes. Thanks for watching.
Good, informative video!
Excellent!
Thanks.
What about a tack hammer? Magnetic or not or both? Is a simple mitre box useful in your estimation? Thanks for taking time to help more simple seniors to have fun with this wonderful hobby.
Wonderful video. Thanks for shooting and sharing. A far better source for your paint brushes and other weathering supplies would be your locally owned hobby shop or art supply store.
Great video for the beginner. Now a days I am not sure a computer with internet access shouldn’t be on the list, but I guess that’s stretching the definition of “tool” a bit too much. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Most important tool: coffee mug.
YEAH it is. Should have included that.
Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else is searching for model railroad track plan try Panlarko Amazing Railroad Planner (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my mate got cool results with it.
The most important tool is of course the ambition to start and stay involved. Second is the spouse/significant other and family willing to put up with the time, expense and the space issues.
On the actual tool side I think I'd add in a paper cutter. Either one of the old type with the heavy blade. Or one of the newer ones with a blade that slides along a track
Suggest that the mat you work on as tool #14. Everything hits the cutting mat before the RR.
I included the mat, I believe, in the next tool video for structure building. The idea was to make a short list of "I can't live without it" tools. Couldn't included everything that I might want to. I would be overwhelming for those looking to buy their first set of tools. I love my cutting mat, but I did model for years without one.
Ron , are you currently accepting orders for coffee mugs ? thanks for all you do for the model railroading community .
Hey Ron you forgot a basic tool, a track saw. I have no clue where mine went but they're very handy
I don't use a saw on track. I use rail nippers. I do use a razor saw for some things and a Dremel cut off disk sometimes on track. I will cover some of those in later installments in the tool series. This was about the bare-bones basics.
I do like tools. I don't even use them often anymore, but they are like candy aren't they? I have a small vice that I thought I would use very seldom and I have used it endlessly. Thanks for the great advice.
Yes, tools are addictive like a drug.
The tools these days are also quite amazing. Much of my kit (and some of it is in storage) is very old and from my late father. Everything is so hi-tech these days.
Jo Roderick
I think all of my tools are a vice. Probably my vice, after all! :)
Vices are a bit like addictions, just with more pressure applied. 😄
i think i used an knife with blade max 3 times, more important is a dremmel tool
Funny I didn't hear the one thing you were placing all your tools on, the cutting mat. I find it essential not to be cutting in on other furniture you may be working on.
Yes, that is a pretty important tool in itself.
What brand cutting mat would you suggest, from where? For my o gauge workplace
You forgot the Jack Daniels and a tumbler
I've always figured an imagination was important for model railroading, model railroad clubs tend to disagree and enforce their lack of imagination on members for whatever reason (I've never understood why though), I'd love to hear an explanation why that is though. I always preferred to use my imagination when creating model railroads, being able to use whatever locomotive I chose whether it would fit with reality or not because I never considered reality in model railroading as important as the clubs do and even worked on creating a custom livery before various clubs put me off model railroading for a while because the point of model railroading is to create a layout and make it as the owner sees fit (I've always been told "make it yours" and always believed in customizing a layout as well as everything that is a model railroad).
Hi Ron, was wondering if you have a video on how to read a scale ruler. Maybe I’m over complicating it but I can’t seem to get my measurements right for some reason.
Why not acquire one set of files, and a file card brush, and just clean the files when you switch from working on one material over to another material? Even if you don't switch up the material you are working onl much, it is still nice to have clean files with which to work.
You spoke of small jewelers files and having bits of material in the groves. But you never spoke of a Card File. This is used to clean the abrasive groves of files, wood or metal.
I have all 13 plus an additional 13 for when you think you've lost your first set and go buy another one and then find the one you lost :P :P :P
LOL. Been there.
At the 3 minute mark, your voice (audio) almost disappeared. I had the vid volume at 100% and my system volume at 100%. Had to bail at the 10 minute mark. I don't think you were near the mic when doing the hobby knife segment. Will watch again tomorrow but with headphones on. JMHO
whats a blue color? is it an american thing?
we call that drill a yankee drill
Get on with it man, far too much waffle from you.