More Cheap Tricks
Low Cost Tips to Improve Your
Railroad Modeling
Removing Overspray from Glue Joints
by Hank Kraichely, Ballwin MO
Ever notice that solvent based styrene glues will
remove paint? Why not turn this undesirable condition
into an easy paint removal method!
Many of us paint our structures using various
spraying methods. The results are very gratifying but
the overspray can make solvent-based gluing of styrene
models a real pain. The paint on the joints prevents
good adhesion and can be very hard to remove.
Using a small brush, simply paint the glue on the paint
covering the joint to be attached. After twenty to
thirty seconds, reapply the glue and using an X-acto
knife (with a chisel blade) carefully scrape the
softened paint from the areas in question. Repeat the
method for any remaining paint.
Pressure Cooker
by John Winter, Breeze IL
The one thing which deters from the realism of any
model railroad is shiny surfaces! The easiest way to
remove that shine is to overspray the structure or
rolling stock with Dullcote (Testors #1260 clear flat
lacquer overcoat). Dullcote comes in a small spray can
like many other model car colors. I have had people tell
me they don't like to use the small cans because it
comes out in an uneven spray which causes blotches on
the surface of the model.
There is a very easy way to avoid that problem. Shake
the can of paint per the instructions on the label. Fill
a small bowl with hot tap water. Caution: do not heat
the water on the stove or in the microwave. The water
should not be above 120 degrees F. Set the spray can in
the hot water and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Remove the spray can from the water, dry it off, and
shake it again for a couple of minutes. Then spray the
surface. The hot water will do two things. It will warm
up and loosen the material from the bottom of the can,
allowing the contents to mix more thoroughly, and it
will build up a little more pressure in the can so that
it can spray more evenly. This will work with any kind
of spray paint under pressure. Remember, hot tap water
only. The contents are already under pressure. If you
overheat the can, it can explode.
Cheap Killer Ballast
by Ty Treutelaar, Valley Park MO
Trackwork is the most visible representation of your
model railroad. It does not matter if the train is even
on the track, the track is still there for all critical
eyes to critique. It defines from where your line is
coming to where it is going.
Ballast is a key element and expense in the
presentation of your track. While there are many ballast
products specifically produced for model railroaders, a
fine alternative is the use of masonry sand.
This sand is available in many pigments with
different degrees of coarseness. You would use the sand
as you would use any ballast products, but the big
difference is the cost. These products are designed to
be used by the building industry and are a fraction of
the cost of regular ballast. The sand comes in minimum
size bags of approximately twenty-five pounds, but do
not be dismayed, you will be amazed at how much ballast
the average railroad will absorb.
If you cannot find the exact color you wish to have
on your pike, consider using the sand ballast as a base.
After the base dries, use the more expensive model
railroad ballast as a top coat for color.
A final note of caution. Some of these sands can
contain iron which would be the same as soldering a wire
between the rails. Be sure to bring a strong magnet with
you when choosing your sand. Test the product. If any of
it sticks to the magnet, do not use it. Pick another
color.
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