As a fully-vested member of the senior class, like msny, I find it more difficult to measure accurately even with magnifying aids. One of the biggest issues in this regard is metal silver colored rulers with black index markings. First, the contrast is not always sufficient (for these old eyes) and decond, a silver ruler tends to play games with the extra lamp or work light I use to enhance my vision by reflecting. I wish I could find the same rulers that are silver with white backrounds- both the regular ones and the scale modelers rulers. It would enhance the contrast with black index marks on a white surface. I am using a a grade school plastic white ruler more often but I fear it’s accuracy at the small end of “the scale” is a bit iffy. I tried some of my customary and metric architectural scales but they have a starting point generally a slight distance in from the ends, which also interferes with accuracy. If anyone knows of high quality white or even yellow rulers, clue me in!
Similar to what Ed does, I like to use a ruler that measures in tenths (1/10) of an inch increments, so that everything is in a decimal format. You can get one of these rulers from architectural drafting supply stores and/or blueprint shops. They are in some other color than shiny silver, usually white with black print. And, yes, they are a bit pricey, but worth it. At my age the small stuff gets a little fuzzy, but my magnification visor helps a lot.
I don’t even own a scale ruler, as in my work (profession), I convert scales all the time. All I need is a calculator and, of course, my architectural ruler. All I need to know is that in HO scale, 0.138 inch = 1 foot.
They are showing the fractional side. The other side (the one I use) has 1/50" and 1/100". Note how easy it is to read the numbers: frosted grey with ENGRAVED numbers in black.
I also have the same version in a 12"–a bit less handy, but needed occasionally.
Last month’s MR had plans for an O-scale freight house with measurements, in inches, to the third decimal place, as in .001. None of these rulers will do that. [:O]
I guess you just can’t build 'em like you used to.
Amen on that, Ed, but when scratch building, I consider it to be good when to about the nearest .05" in HO. That’s just a little over 4’. I generally get it to around .03’ which is just over 2.5" in HO; barely noticeable at that scale.
I’m certainly not saying that I do all my modeling to .001" accuracy, but that my tools and supplies come that way.
Actually building a model with only an HO scale would be hellish (to me). So would dealing with fractional inches. And, bein’ a Merkin (American), I don’t hanker to use metric.
So, I’m happy as a (Merkin) clam using decimal inches.
Hey Ceederwoodron, Wood spraying a dullcoat over the silver to knock down the reflective surface be helpfull? I found it helpfull to me. I am only 43 though. Plus most of what i have is tap and die maker tools. Dont want them rusting
Forgive the silly question but is there any app or some other electronic tool available? I’d think someome must have created such a tool. With more people needing to measure small things, they must have useable devices.
My post was partly in jest. It’s easy to measure an object with a micrometer or a caliper. In some cases, .001" matters. Scratchbuilding isn’t one of those.
You can’t take a pencil, whose tip is 0.008" wide, draw two lines on a piece of styrene, cut it to size with a hobby knife and end up with something that is within +/- .002" of the theoretical measurement nor is it necessary.
Unless you’re building a steam locomotive frame and/or the accompanying side rods. Or using your milling machine to spot the holes on the side of a boxcar so you can use the Kadee parts. Etc.
I can sharpen my pencil leads to a needle point. Or a close simulation. I use 400 grit paper, and hold the lead holder at a shallow angle. And sand away. Learned that in drafting class.
I also have been known to use a sharp scribe, if I don’t mind the line being left on the surface.
I try to be very accurate when I scratchbuild, because when I fail, it still comes out looking pretty good.
Same here. All my tools measure in increments of 0.001"
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I have a excel spreadsheet open when I am working from scale drawings. I simply enter the measurement in feet and inches, and it converts it to one thousandths of an inch instantly. It was a simple equation t write in excel, it took like 2 minutes to make.
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No more scale ruler needed.
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About the eyes… I have a VERY old General brand precision steel rule that in indexed in 0.010" increments. It is very easy to read with my 51 year old eyes. New rules are very hard to read.
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My suggestion would be to look for an older, well worn and patina’d one on eBay. I do have trounle with new silver rules with black markings.
