Hello,
Have you ever thought about converting an off the shelf engine to something else? Well, this is exactly what Robert Maidment-Wilson has done with a Golden Valley Hobbies engine. The end result and some explanations can be seen on our Facebook page.
After years of modelling, we all have habits and are used to certain
things a certain way. However, there are usually tools that are now
available to make our life easier and safer.
Take for instance the mundane task of stripping wires. You probably use a knife to do the task. Or you may use a wire stripper than requires you to select the size of the cable, choose the right slot and then pull hard while hoping for the best.
Allow us to introduce the professional wire strippers: simply insert the cable, press the trigger, job done. Insert a smaller wire, press the trigger, job done. No setting to change, no force to use. It just works. As we know it is hard to believe, click the image below to watch a video of the tool in action.
On a similar token, when using flexible track, how do you cut the track? Most people use a hacksaw or a mini drill with a cutting disk. The issue is the fact the track is flexible, which means it moves. How do you hold the track in place, while cutting it? And if it moves the slightest, you know you will have to file and deburr the ends.
A track cutter solves the issue.
Simply use it like a pair of pliers: hold the track with one hand and
use the cutter using the other. You will get a clean cut with minimum
filing required, if any. This is safe, quick and efficient and
compatible with all small gauges (OO, HO, N, OO9, etc...). As usual, click on the picture for full details.
Most of us are scale modellers. We model to an exact scale: we measure the real thing, divide by a known number and get the measurements to use on the model. However sometimes, it is useful to simply be able to grab a piece of material or an existing model and measure directly in the real dimension: if you house wall would be 1.2 meter high, it means you made a mistake!
We stock a wide range of metal rulers designed to help scale measuring. They show you the size in centimeters
and millimeters as well as the "real life" size. Available in all usual
scales (OO, N, O, 1/35, 1/72 and 1/87), they will prove invaluable on a
day to day basis. The full range is available if you click here.
Precision is key. So why do we insist of using glue straight out of a tube? Even if the tube comes with a nozzle, usually the fact you have to press the container to push the glue out, rules out any detailed work.
The right approach is to use small syringes, filled with a small amount of glue. You can then use the tiny needle to put the glue where needed and push it out with minimum force. This set of syringes with 3 needles of various sizes will help get closer to perfection.
Finally, if you have a Hornby engine like the Terrier, you have probably experienced the issue of the rods unscrewing itself. This can happen over time and is a bit fiddly to put back as the hex screws are very small and difficult to hold with pliers.
This tool solves the problem: it is a screwdriver of the right size
and shape, that is 2.5mm hexagonal and fits the screws perfectly.
Remember that most tools will last a lifetime, so they are a smart investment.
Send us an email or give us a call to check availability or to reserve anything, whatever scale you model in. As usual, if we do not have in stock what you are looking for, we will order it for you and you will get it fast (usually within a week if the manufacturer has it in stock). We place weekly orders with most suppliers.
Remember, you can park for free for one hour on the High Street and for as long as want on the Esplanade. So no excuse not to come and visit us!
Upstairs Downstairs is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am till 4.30pm and Sunday 1pm till 4pm. We are closed only on Monday.
Carole & Max
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Upstairs Downstairs
3 Pier Street
Sandown, PO36 8JR
Isle of Wight
Tel: 01983 406 616
http://www.trainshop.co.uk or find us on Facebook
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