Author Topic: Beginner Tools  (Read 1353 times)

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lordscarlet

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Beginner Tools
« on: February 15, 2014, 11:40:02 AM »
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I tried searching the archives and did not see a similar thread, so I hope I'm not duplicating.

Let's say I were new to the hobby (since I am). What are the tools I should absolutely have?

If it helps I plan to do an urban setting, so a lot of structure bulding and less terrain (although still some trees, etc with two drastically different levels). To get started my plan is to try a ttrak model or two, so I have a basis for the "benchwork" to get going. I plan on picking up some luan, feet, etc today. But once I get it out together I have no track, scenery, glue, nippers, or anything else that I don't have in my regular set of tools for work around the house.

Doug

garethashenden

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Re: Beginner Tools
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2014, 12:32:47 PM »
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Well, You'll need a knife of some kind. A lot of people like X-actos. Then you'll need a set of small screwdrivers both straight and philips. A set of needle files, rail cutters, tweezers, paintbrushes, a ruler (normal or scale). I'm sure everyone else has other suggestions...

Kentuckian

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Re: Beginner Tools
« Reply #2 on: February 15, 2014, 12:58:21 PM »
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I am by no means an expert. If you are going to build structures, you will need some clamps, and something to hold the walls at right angles.  Wood blocks, mini bar clamps, specially made corner clamps from the tool retailer micro-mark, spring clamps, all are useful.  You will also need some weights.  I've used books and paint bottles, because they are at hand.  I have a 1:1 railroad spike that can concentrate force at one point. 

Welcome to The Railwire (TRW).
Modeling the C&O in Kentucky.

“Nature does not know extinction; all it knows is transformation. ... Everything science has taught me-and continues to teach me-strengthens my belief in the continuity of our spiritual existence after death. Nothing disappears without a trace.” Wernher von Braun

DKS

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Re: Beginner Tools
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2014, 01:14:48 PM »
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Welcome. You may be interested in this article I published online a while back: http://jamesriverbranch.net/clinic_5.htm

The items are listed more or less in the order of importance (IMO); that is, as you increase your skills, you'll make your way down the list.

lordscarlet

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Re: Beginner Tools
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2014, 08:18:09 PM »
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Thanks everyone. Dave, that blog post is perfect.

robert3985

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Re: Beginner Tools
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2014, 01:06:35 AM »
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Thanks everyone. Dave, that blog post is perfect.

As usual  :)

nkalanaga

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Re: Beginner Tools
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2014, 01:20:37 AM »
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For N scale, a good starting point for a ruler is a 6-inch stainless steel rule from the office supply store, if they still sell such things.  Mine are all at least 30 years old.

Mine is marked in 64ths of an inch on one edge, and 32nds on the other, but they can be found with other markings.  I've seen them in fractions and decimal inches, fractions and millimeters, and all-metric, so there's something for everyone.  The 64ths are especially handy, as 1/64 is exactly 2.5 N scale inches.  Once one gets used to it, it's no harder than using a scale rule.  If you're scratchbuilding, and can find S (1:64) scale plans, the same ruler can be used for both scales.

These rulers are also tough enough to use as straightedges for cutting, most glues won't stick to them, and super glue can be easily removed with some liquid plastic cement.  Mine have even been used as screwdrivers and scrapers in occasion.  For wood or plastic strips, one can cut them right on the ruler.  Most of mine have one round and one square end, and the square end has been used for cleaning flangeways while ballasting!

N Kalanaga
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Ed Kapuscinski

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Re: Beginner Tools
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2014, 11:51:54 AM »
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OOh, I had forgotten.

This is the list I recently put together for someone too, but I bet DKS's post beat me to it.

Quote
Cutters:
http://www.micromark.com/xuron-track-cutter,7465.html - this is possibly my single most used tool.
http://www.micromark.com/6-piece-miniature-plier-set,7615.html - These are also very handy.

Tweezers:
http://www.micromark.com/5-piece-stainless-steel-tweezer-set,7053.html

Knives:
http://www.micromark.com/precision-knife-set-with-case,6446.html
http://www.micromark.com/no-11-blades-pkg-of-15,6575.html
http://www.micromark.com/no-18-blades-pkg-of-5,6793.html

Sanding Tools:
http://www.micromark.com/micro-sanding-wand-set,7760.html
http://www.micromark.com/soft-touch-sanding-and-polishing-pad-set-set-of-6,7787.html
http://www.micromark.com/12-piece-swiss-pattern-needle-file-set,6787.html

Screwdrivers:
http://www.micromark.com/6-piece-jewelers-screwdriver-set,6783.html

Toolboxes:
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-nesting-toolbox-set-3721.html - I have this, and while it's cheap, it's incredibly useful.

Workspace:
http://www.micromark.com/cutting-pad-8-1and2-inches-x-12-inches,6801.html

Paint Brushes:
http://www.micromark.com/brush-variety-pack,11346.html
http://www.micromark.com/set-of-8-paint-brushes,7685.html

Paint & Finishing:
http://www.micromark.com/microlux-acrylic-paint-grimy-black-2-ounces,11282.html
http://www.micromark.com/microlux-acrylic-paint-engine-black-2-ounces,11277.html
http://www.micromark.com/microlux-acrylic-paint-roof-brown-2-ounces,11276.html
http://www.micromark.com/microlux-acrylic-paint-reefer-white-2-ounces,11275.html
http://www.micromark.com/microlux-acrylic-paint-railroad-tie-brown-2-ounces,11281.html
http://www.micromark.com/microlux-acrylic-paint-rail-brown-2-ounces,11274.html
http://www.micromark.com/squadron-green-putty-46-oz,6412.html

Adhesives:
http://www.micromark.com/same-stuff-professional-plastic-welder-refill-2-fl-oz,9002.html
http://www.micromark.com/micro-mark-insta-cure+-gap-filling-cyanoacrylate-2-ounces,10321.html - Athough Kleins has a better and cheaper alternative.
http://www.micromark.com/z-7-debonder-1-oz,7578.html - If you get CA glue, get this too... there's a learning curve ("Honey, I stuck myself to the desk again...")


Other:
http://www.micromark.com/third-hand-with-light,9379.html
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20370383/ - Good lighting is key