Hey I dont like posting alot of posts on the same forum thread like alot of different posts so I will just ask a few questions in one post instead to save space on the forum for other peoples. Ok first off, on my PCM SD7 the one hand rail like is bent in pretty bad even though I keep stryofoam on all of my handrails like between the body and the rails, how do I fix this with out breaking them or ruining the paint on them. Second, I have a drill bit set of #61-80 bits and they are in the little dome and see I got a couple out when I was working on a structure and some fell on to my table but when I went to put them back in I cant figure out which one goes where because they all kinda fit in each others holes and I dont konw which one is what, what do I do and how do I prevent this. I have more questions but I forgot I will remember tomarrow I need to get to bed I have school tomarrow, Thanks Mike
Not sure I can help with the handrail question as I don’t have any locomotive from that company and am not familiar with the type of material they use. The less handling in and out of the box, the better.
As to the drill bits - Get a decent magnifying glass and use it to arrange the bits from the smallest to the largest, then put them back in order. The magnifying glass will be useful for other detailing projects in the future. I have one with a folding base that allows both hands to be free when using it. The “lesson learned” is that it is best to remove the desired drill bit and then replace that dome cover before doing anything else to reduce the chance of a mix-up or even breaking a drill when you reach across the workbench for something.
Bill
maybe if you took the bit set to school you could find a teacher or a lab teacher that might have a micrometer who can measure the exact size for each of the bits for you.
Great ideas, I will try the micrometer idea first because I have one for working on small engines already, why didnt I think of that[D)]. Mike
You might take what you think is the middle sized bit, drill a hole in some scrap styrene and the one that fits through is smaller those that don’t are larger. Repeat the process till all are in their proper place.
Way to go, Mike! My dad, who was a machinist, gave me my first micrometer when I was still in high school (and our 50th Class Reunion is coming up later this year!). If you do much detailing and kit-bashing, not to mention scratchbuilding, you’ll find you’ll be reaching for the “mike” frequently. A problem I’ve always had with the dome drill stand is that when I put a bit back, the one next to it–or even a couple of 'em–sticks to my finger and falls out on the workbench. Out comes the dial caliper (I’m set up for scrachbuilding in metal now and am something of an amateur machinist myself), and finally remember to use the tweezers for extracting and inserting bits in the stand. Old habits die hard, so you might want to keep the tweezers handy when drilling holes and maybe you won’t have the problem when you get to be my age!
Dean-58
Duluth, MN
I would suggest that you invest in a dial caliper. You can get them pretty cheap on e-Bay. You will find it is a wonderful tool for building scale stuff If I could only have 3 tools, I would pick a caliper, a straight edge and hobby knife with a #11 blade.
Dave H.
might even look at getting a digital caliper…the price of those have greatly come down the last few years…i bought one about a year ago for about $20
here’s one at harbour Frieight for 9.99
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93293
I already of a digital caliper I have actully 3 of them, one for model railroading, one of small engines and one for antique tractors and large engines. Mike
For the hand rail you say you already have the styrofoam. Put a piece of thin metal or plastic between the styrofoam and the hand rail and use a hair dryer on high for short bursts, if you apply preasure outwards on the handrail as heat is applied this will usually straighten it out, I have had to do a few of my own. Hope this helps.
Thanks I will try. Mike