Benchwork, Layout Construction2 Comments

Build #03: Working 9 to 5 for germaN160

traiNmaster

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

Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book2 Comments

Standards on germaN160

traiNmaster

While waiting for the weekend to come and my second batch of plywoods (order sent), I decided to put down on print the standards that I am adopting on my layout – both as a reference for myself and for those who would like to adopt some forms of standards. I am following the recommendations from NEM as well as the best practices (after consulting many expert modellers in both HO- and N-scale). You might be wondering why all the fuss over conforming to some standards and take the fun off model railroading. Well, better to take the fun off now … Continue reading Standards on germaN160

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