Index Cards is a Godsend for anyone doing much writing. It's the kind of app that makes you want to come back to it time after time because it's actually fun to use, so I wind up getting more work done because I enjoy the look and mechanics of the app.
More directly relating to scratch building is the App MultiMeasure which allows me to take a known measurementin a photo ((say a window's heighth), enter it as a reference measurement and then spread the pointers to any measurement in the photo, say the wall's length.
I simply need to remember when I photograph a modeling subject that I require a photo as straight on as possible.
For this model which I hope to trun into a turntable-mounted diorama, I will be following prior kit builders who have photos of the finished kit online.
There is no clear set of instructions, simply a set of templates which give me an idea of the shape and relative sizes of the various components.
Emporium Seafood is my most ambitious project to date and despite the fact I have a set of plans, I still consider this my most challenging scratch build. Just look at what this formidable kit (selling today for over $500) can render.
That's my goal, a diorama of one of the most impressive models to come out of the George Silios (he originated this structure for his Franklin and South Mnchester RR) mindset.
1. Make it my best effort worthy of the time and efforts others have invested in me.
2. Provide an "in context" tutorial to help others with scratch building projects.
3. Stay within budget. Since the price of this unassembled kit today is over $500, I plan to keep my costs under a fifth of that.
4. Make use of existing modeling tools and materials.
5. Be creative, both in approach and in carrying out the project.
The first thing I realized is I would need to build this structure in portions. It is not a small structure in HO and I work better when I limit my work space to the 16” X 20” glass surface in front of me.
I started by building each of the main structure walls complete cutting and inserting windows and door holes. Next, I more than adequately braced the wall. I didn’t want any warping from the painting process.
(Continued on
website)
See,I told you, scale modeling is green
Judging by today's gas price whirling odometer (and you thought it was a sign) you will soon be reaching into your modeling budget to fork it over to the oil barons.
And that's not just for the gas it takes you to get to the hobby shop. Styrene is a petroleum based product. Have you priced that plastic Clipper Ship in the past couple of years?
Serious modelers need to come up with plans to deal with these scenarios. After all, if your modeling is held captive by the oil barons, it is only you who suffers.
It is real helpful for you to become an expert at online shopping. Where can you get the best buy? How do you escape increasing shipping costs? How do you learn to trust your online supplier?
Like any other form of shopping try and locate your closest source. Usually there is a "contact" or "About" button at the top of the page which will tell you where they are located. This is most likely the "ship from" point.
Relationship matters. If you envision frequent purchases of certain products, contact the vendor via email or phone to learn when items in your supplies list go on sale or if there are seasonal sales. Learn the return policy and support options.
Modeling kits are a major expense and at the same time almost as irresistible as gasoline. That makes individual kit parts relatively expensive. If you find something missing or broken from the kit.
But what if it doesn't stick?
How often have you reached for your favorite glue and thought, "how long ago did I buy that? Is it still good?
Of course if you haven't touched it in a year or two (and I've got some tubes I haven't) wouldn't it be better to just throw it away?
These instructions will help you test your glue to see if it has "turned" and needs to be replaced.
1. Dab a little between your fingertip and your thumb and rub it
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: with glues such as Elmers wood glue, Gorilla wood glue, Titebond, and the like.
If the glue feels gummy or stringy, throw it out and get a new bottle.
It really helps if you store your different glues in a cool, dark place like a closet or cabinet away from a heat source.
When it comes to Cyanoacrylics such as Krazy glue, Gorilla glue, Loctite, and Super glue, Keep them
other testing
With super glues: Dab a little behind your ear with your thumb and rub it. If it doesn't stick then it needs to be replaced.
Advisable to have some superglue debonder hanging around before starting this test... In a pinch, acetone will work.
If I need a pair of pliers to squeeze the glue out of the tube, I know it's time to get a new One.
Another super glue test: Apply glue to palm ... press palm to forehead ... if the glue is still good, palm will stick to forehead.
Folks at the store will assume that you've forgotten something and will try to assist you.
Your Help and Ideas Needed
To Expand SMH Idea Base
Making daily decisions involving
www.scale-modelers-handbook.com
for the past 45 months has led to the creation of over 425 pages of articles on the various facets of scale modeling, this monthly e-zine and a host of modeling questions answered.
As we get ready to embark on our third year, I am hoping to open the site up to input from other scale modelers. You may have noticed the Navigation Bar has been sub-divided into the major hobbies covered.
Each of these sections now has one or two pages that invite participation with questions, tips and pictures regarding your various modeling endeavors.
We want to hear from you as do the other 25,000 modelers who log onto this site monthly.
As I get ready to roll into my 71st year, I can’t believe how much I have learned about hobby activities In the past two years. I have heard from other modelers with similar experiences.
To help me develop and maintain
my website
your comments on its content are essential. You can send me your comments by visiting the “Voice Your Opinion” feature at the top of the Navigation stack in the left column on each page.
It was never my intention to make this website a one way street as my knowledge is no where deep enough for me to be termed an “Authority”. I hunger for your feedback, comments, ideas, tutorials, plans, pictures and even your negative comments if considered constructive.
The Internet and that includes
www.scale-modelers-handbook.com
work best when they are interactive and that is collaboration only you can provide.
It has been a pleasure serving as your guide for these past two years and by no means am I throwing in the towel, for I honestly believe the building and maintaining of this website are instrumental in keeping my mind active.
I want to open up this site in the fast lane. That is your part of the two-way street.
Its In Your Best Interest
If you have been giving some thought to launching your own home business in 2010, it is worth your time to take a look at what I found:
Steps To Success
Until Next Month
Make It Your Best Effort!
