This article was originally published on our Blog in September of 2017. We are rebroadcasting it because the content is still very relevant and 2019 represents the 30th anniversary of our introduction of the Model 2175B Track Cutter to the model hobby market. Thank you for 30 years of support and encouragement!
Precision Scissors for Scale Model Construction
Tom’s Corner
Tips, techniques and commentary from Master Model Railroader Tom Piccirillo
Model builders have never before enjoyed such a diverse assortment of materials for duplicating full-size materials in miniature.
The scale modeler can now obtain corrugated metal, honeycomb sheet and etched materials in the precise sizes and contours needed for model construction, but using old-world tools to trim these materials to size just won’t “cut-it.”
How To Add Details To A Model Railroad Or Diorama
Tom’s Corner
Tips, techniques and commentary from Master Model Railroader Tom Piccirillo
Some people say, “It’s all in the details.” This is certainly true for award-winning scale models. Models are submitted for judging at contests, and much of the “score” needed to win an award is derived by the clean installation and proper placement of details.
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Choosing the Right Adhesive for Plastic Model Building
Our last post on glues, cements, and solvents for plastic model building promised a part two – tips to help you know which adhesive is best for your particular project, as well as useful tools for precision placement of your adhesive.
First, let’s talk about the pros and cons of each adhesive …
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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.