Category: Benchwork

Benchwork, Layout ConstructionLeave a comment

Build #04: First Stress Test, I Meant the Module

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Yes, it was about time to do some stress tests on my module. After spending 2 weekends cutting and putting the parts together, I should test my module construction before I proceed. I do not want to repeat the same mistakes that I made during the last 2 weeks. So here are my self-evaluations. If you could also evaluate through the photos that I have uploaded and what I have described, all the better. I welcome your comments. Standard Module per Segment B-D, F-H (92cm x 30cm x 15cm) This is how the segments would look like when I join … Continue reading Build #04: First Stress Test, I Meant the Module

Benchwork, Layout Construction2 Comments

Build #03: Working 9 to 5 for germaN160

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Oh, what a truly exhausting day, body and fingers now aching. Today I spent 9am to 5pm working outdoor. I still have some energy left to blog about it so here are a few thoughts that I wanted to offload. I started my day at 9 with a visit to the wood mart. I got an extra sheet of 10mm 2.5 x 1.7m plywood. This second sheet has been cut into 8 pieces for me so I could focus on cutting them to smaller sizes later. I wanted to get extra sheet now so that I do not need to … Continue reading Build #03: Working 9 to 5 for germaN160

Benchwork, Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book3 Comments

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

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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

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

Teaser Photos from ICE Diorama Rework

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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

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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

Benchwork, German Railways, Layout Planning, Planning Book4 Comments

“Somewhere in Germany” Trackplan – Final Version

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As promised, here is my updated “Somewhere in Germany” (“Irgendwo in Deutschland”) trackplan. I would call this the final version since for the past 2 weeks I have discussed and finetuned with a fellow N-scale modeler from Germany this trackplan. He has been kind and helpful to translate my 1st version paper drawing into a digital plan using SCARM. A BIG DANKE SCHÖN, DIRK! Basically, he took my requirements and wishes (what John Armstrong would call as “Givens and Druthers“) and made some modifications to my trackplan while still retaining my basic concept. I am pleased with the final result. In my initial plan, I had some … Continue reading “Somewhere in Germany” Trackplan – Final Version

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

Experimenting with Module Building – ICE Diorama Rework

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For the last 2 weeks I have not been active in this blog instead have been active in a German model railway forum, developing my track plan together with a few modelers. I will get back to that topic at a later date. In the meantime, I have visited a large handy mart Hornbach and searched almost every row and corner for something useful for my layout and diorama. I got most of the tools I needed for model railway construction as I have zero to start with. So the initial investment in tools will make a major dent in … Continue reading Experimenting with Module Building – ICE Diorama Rework

Benchwork, Diorama Development, Layout PlanningLeave a comment

20cm Space Brings Wonders to N-scale

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As I looked back into the photos of my ICE diorama (to be reworked and completed), it strikes me how much space 20cm offers to N-scale. I always think that bigger is better. More space for more things. But sometimes, more space means find things to fill. And we start putting everything that we can get our hands on and fit them in. Perhaps, if we take the minimalist approach to modeling, we strike a balance between railway and nature. Ponder for a while. I started with a piece of hobby pine wood 80cm x 20cm in 2012 and did … Continue reading 20cm Space Brings Wonders to N-scale

Benchwork, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Life Makes Constant Changes

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As much as you like to plan for things in life, sometimes things do not turn out the way you wanted it to be. Take for instance the model railway. When I was in Malaysia, I wanted so much to have a layout even a small one. For first 30 years of my life, I lived with my extended family – uncles, aunties, cousins in my grandpa’s shophouse in Kuala Lumpur. Imagine 20 people in one house. It was in 1998 that I bought my first Life-Like HO-scale starter set – Santa Fe freight set – with my own life … Continue reading Life Makes Constant Changes

Benchwork, Layout Planning, Planning Book2 Comments

Finalised Tilt-table Benchwork (including measurements)

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Finally, after all the discussions and comments from fellow modellers and having sleepless nights how best to realise my tilt-table benchwork, here is the result. I have put down the measurements so that you too can build one. What is important to note is that you can adjust the size of your tabletop. I am doing 240cm (L) x 120cm x 15cm (H) using two equal frames. This translates to about 8ft (L) x 4ft x 0,5ft (H). You can have smaller or larger tabletop to suit your need; the largestever made was 5ft x 9ft by Suzan. The side … Continue reading Finalised Tilt-table Benchwork (including measurements)