Model Forum / General / Railroads / May 2004

Bob,

A good place to start looking is the Scratch Building Group at Yahoo
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Scratch-building/

Good info on Scratch building, ideas and plans can be found at the Hot Box
http://info.detnews.com/hotbox/index.cfm?action=categories&category=scratchbuilding

There are a few good tips here
http://www.modelrailroadhobby.com/Structures/Scratchbuilding/Joy_Tips_Tricks.htm

I don't know what type of glue you use but with wood I use regular yellow
wood glue. Keep a little dish of water and some Q-tips handy. Most dribbles
of wood glue will clean up well with a damp Q-tip if its done right away.
Its best to paint or stain your wood first if possible so that small mishaps
with glue won't be noticeable. I use wood tooth picks to apply wood glue
unless the area is large. You don't need much glue to get a good bond, just
a good fit and the patience to leave the parts alone for a little while. If
glue oozes out when the wood parts are placed together one has probably used
too much glue.

I've never worked with cedar but after using a number of methods and
mixtures I like the black ink and alcohol method best. Its simple, easy to
adjust, not too messy, and looks as good as it gets with bass wood. If you
are using a piece of weathered board as a guide to match your stained wood
keep in mind that on the model it may look better if your stain is a few
shades lighter.
I think this would apply to what ever wood weathering concoction you settle
on. Bruce

There is a great thread in the RR-Line Forum on this.
www.railroad-line.com or try www.the-gauge.com and search for posts by
Matthyro.

I have recieved alot of great information there. The advantage there is if
you ask a question, people can post a picture or diagram in response.