Building A Model Trolley Pantograph
Tom’s Corner
Tips, techniques and commentary from Master Model Railroader Tom Piccirillo
Back in the 1960’s, when I was a teenager, I used to ride my bike several miles to view the annual model railroad show at the Central Jersey Model Railroad Club in Westfield, NJ. Although I liked watching the huge O scale steam and diesel locomotives hauling their heavy trains down the main line, I found myself highly fascinated by the operation of the model trolley cars that plied their way from one town to another on the layout . . . over, under, and around the main line tracks. I was hooked. Modeling O scale traction was to become my life-long passion. Collecting electric current from the wire suspended over the tracks in order to power the cars was the ultimate in realism, and I had to prove this could work in reliable fashion, even in model form.
Putting The Finishing Touches on Ol’ Number 36
Tom’s Corner: Tips, techniques and commentary from Master Model Railroader Tom Piccirillo
Somerset County Traction System’s huge interurban combine had been in the shop for two months. “Ol’ number 36” (as she is affectionately called by the shop crews) was being rebuilt from the rail up. She got new trucks, new motors, new underbody equipment, new seats, new lights and a new paint job in brilliant Traction Orange. Finishing touches involved installing the handrails . . . now that the paintwork and lettering were complete.
Gate Cutters: Essential for Injection Molders
Gate cutters are essential hand tools for injection molders to trim molded parts free from the gate.
While there are many types of gate cutters available, Xuron Corporation’s Model 2175A Plastic Cutter is a cost-effective, high-quality option for injection molders.
Wire Cutters & Wire: A Guide To Proper Selection
When making jewelry with wire it’s important to understand the differences in composition, size and hardness of the wire, as this will dictate the type of wire cutters you will need to use.
Our friends at Halstead ™ recently published a blog article offering excellent guidance and instruction on wire gauges and wire tempers (hardness). This should be recommended reading for any beginner jewelry artist!