Category Archives: Modeling

NMRA Clearances for N Scale

Introduction These are the clearances for bridges, structures and tangent tracks for Old Time (pre-1920), Classic I (1920–1969), Classic II (1969–1983), and Modern (post-1983) eras. The numbers here are for N scale (1:160). The prototype (1:1) dimensions are given for conversion to other scales or you can check the NMRA standard to get information for other scales. The numbers… Read More »

N-Land Pacific Free-moN

I got up bright and early this morning to go to the 8:00 a.m. N-Land Pacific Free-moN club meeting at Corky’s Kitchen & Bakery Restaurant in Upland, California. The club meets there on the first Saturday of each month. I hate trying to find a group of people where I don’t know anyone in the group or what… Read More »

Model Master Acrylic Paint Colors

I went to my local hobby shop (LHS) today looking for a special fitting for my new airbrush. While I was there I looked at the brands of acrylic paint they carry. Later I went to the local Hobby Lobby and checked out their selection of acrylic paints. My LHS carried a lot of the… Read More »

Hemet–San Jacinto Railroad Club

This morning I got up early (for me) and headed over to Dynamic Hobbies to check out the Hemet–San Jacinto Railroad Club. They meet at the hobby shop at 10:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. I’ve never been a member of a model railroad club before so I wasn’t sure what to… Read More »

How to Remove CA, Super Glue, Krazy Glue, etc.

CA (cyanoacrylate /ˌsaɪ ə nəʊ ˈækrɪ leɪt/) glues—also known by the brand names “Super Glue” and “Krazy Glue”—are good stuff! They are a family of strong, fast-acting adhesives with industrial, medical, and household uses. CA has a short shelf life if not used—about 12 months from the date of manufacture if unopened, one month after opening. A very thin… Read More »

Making N-Scale Flags

I was following a thread on The Railwire where the photos included a car traveling the layout that had had a flag added to the side of a car. (The thread wasn’t about the flag.) The flag looked like it had been cut out of a photo of a flag waving in the breeze. Personally, I… Read More »

Jagged Ben’s Ingenious Method for Adding Magnets to Intermodal Shipping Containers

I asked about the compatibility of intermodal shipping containers from different manufacturers (see this post) in the N and Z Scales forum at The Railwire on January 26, 2017. I got several good responses to my question, but contributor Jagged Ben pointed out his January 25, 2007 tutorial about installing magnets inside your containers to hold them… Read More »

Compatibility of Intermodal Shipping Containers from Different Manufacturers

I started a new thread, “Need Advice: Shipping Containers from Different Manufacturers”, in the N and Z Scales forum at The Railwire on January 26, 2017. So far I have 10 40’ intermodal shipping containers that came with a Kato 5-unit well car. I want some more and maybe some 20’ and 53’ containers too. Many manufacturers… Read More »

Where to Buy Foam Sheets?

February 1, 2017 Update February 7, 2017 Updated March 6, 2017 I can’t seem to find either the pink or the blue foam sheets anywhere near Hemet, California. I see modelers online using foam sheets in 1/2”, 3/4”, 1” 11/2”, and 2” thicknesses. It must be a regional thing—it appears to be readily available back east.… Read More »

Buying an Airbrush

I’m looking for an airbrush so I’ve been scouring the Internet reading reviews and suggestions. Airbrushes from Badger, Iwata, and Paasche are mentioned a lot as being good choices, with Badger being mentioned the most. I figured I can’t go wrong with any of those. But which model to choose? There are so many models… Read More »

Mexican Railroads in N Scale

Published January 15, 2017 Updated January 19, 2017 Updated January 22, 2017 Updated February 7, 2017 Updated September 20, 2017 I like Mexican railroads. I see a lot of Ferromex locomotives and auto carriers on the local UP lines. I live near the UP’s Sunset Route from Long Beach, CA to Yuma, AZ. There isn’t… Read More »