Author: traiNmaster

After spending 35 years in Malaysia, I have decided to spend the other 35 years outside Malaysia. First stop, Germany!
Benchwork, Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book3 Comments

Build #02: Lots of Measuring and Cutting for Module Parts

traiNmaster

This year’s weather was rather unusual. It was a relatively “warm” winter, between 5C and 12C, and occasional shower. The last 2 weekends were wet; thus, disrupting my plan to work outdoor. I do not have a proper workshop (note to self: make sure there is a small room for workshop when looking for new house) so I have to be satisfied with a makeshift workshop under 5C. In 3 hours, I managed to measure and saw module parts for Segment F, G and H and base for Segment A. This was my second time using Dremel DSM20, still more … Continue reading Build #02: Lots of Measuring and Cutting for Module Parts

Layout Construction2 Comments

Build #01: Plywood for Segment Modules

traiNmaster

Hello 2o14! It is time to start building. I spent the last quarter of 2013 building a diorama from actual plywood instead of carton cardboard and it was definitely good learning experience for a newbie. Most importantly for me is to be comfortable in handling the power tools (thanks Dremel for the DSM20 and Dremel 3000) and to work with woods. The next question would be why don’t I finish the diorama first before starting something – the idea of leaving something half done. As I mentioned before, the diorama is my test lab. The purpose was and is to learn as I … Continue reading Build #01: Plywood for Segment Modules

Diorama Development, Product Review2 Comments

Second Gift from Dremel – A Dremel 3000 Multitool

traiNmaster

Yet another surprise from Dremel. At the end of the 2-week product test, my story about the model railway diorama using Dremel DSM20 was selected as one of the best 5 storyboards/videos. The 5 of us and 10 other active testers were given a Dremel 3000 multitool. It will be handy for me to work on my diorama and eventually the larger layout. I look forward to test this tool and give a review here. I have the earlier version, now retired Dremel 300, which I bought 2 years ago. Continue reading Second Gift from Dremel – A Dremel 3000 Multitool

Diorama Development, Layout Planning, Planning Book, Product Review3 Comments

Dremel DSM20 Compact Saw – A Product Review

traiNmaster

I was fortunate to be one of the 200 selected test users from Germany to test Dremel’s latest compact saw Dremel DSM20. I was surprised and excited when I received the package last week, just as I was starting my Christmas holidays. I wanted to use this time to complete my ICE diorama rework, which you all know, has been moving rather slowly. Besides finding some time to work on it, I was also looking for the right tools. My colleague lent me his jigsaw, which is helpful for cutting curved shapes but to do straight cuts a circular saw could be helpful. … Continue reading Dremel DSM20 Compact Saw – A Product Review

Benchwork, Diorama Development, German Railways, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Teaser Photos from ICE Diorama Rework

traiNmaster

While finding the time to write more about my ICE diorama rework progress, I thought it would be nice to share some photos since Day 1, from to to Hey, what is that American doing on a German track? Importing US technology to Germany, a reversal from the ICE 1 Amtrak in the 1990s? Facebook Album (public view): germaN160 Model Railway Diorama Continue reading Teaser Photos from ICE Diorama Rework

Benchwork, German Railways, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Layout Progress: Preparing the Base for Module A

traiNmaster

After 2 weeks of non-activity (since the Modell Süd show in Stuttgart), I kicked myself on the butt (hmm how did I do that??!! :p) and started doing some work on my layout. Finally!! Last Saturday I sent to IKEA shopping and got myself a MALM chest of drawers with 4 drawers for 69 Euros. It fits nicely to the corner that I wanted for Module A, which will be the central railway station (Hauptbahnhof) and a siding for industry (Industrie Anschluss). Just in case you forgotten about my track plan, here it is again. Vacuumed clean and ready for … Continue reading Layout Progress: Preparing the Base for Module A

Diorama Development, Layout Planning, Planning Book6 Comments

Track Laying – ICE Diorama Rework

traiNmaster

I am spending only 3-4 hours per week on model railway. Not a progress I would like to see especially if I am going to build a large layout. Last week, I marked all the drilling positions on the plywoods and determined the track centres on the baseboard. This week, I drilled the holes for the marked positions and completed the frame. As I am using 6mm thick, poplar plywood for my diorama, I had to use 2.5mm thick wood screws. I taped a small piece of sticker on the drill bit to mark the 16mm depth. And the finished product is … Continue reading Track Laying – ICE Diorama Rework

Layout Planning, Planning Book, Product ReviewLeave a comment

2D-Turnout Rapid Prototyping with 3D Effect

traiNmaster

As you can see I am picking up speed with my layout. The track plan is decided and fixed. Yesterday I had a good chat with Dirk over parts of the track plan and we looking into many areas such as positions and configurations of turnouts, positioning of signals and turnout mechanisms, how to build the layout and special considerations for vertical distances, tight curves and superelevation. As explained before in my earlier post on turnouts jigsaw puzzle, I printed out all the 45 Peco turnouts for my layout from their drawings and cut them to shape. I tested with … Continue reading 2D-Turnout Rapid Prototyping with 3D Effect