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Forum topic by MrRon | posted 01-14-2013 11:46 PM | 2222 views | 0 times favorited | 15 replies | ![]() |
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01-14-2013 11:46 PM |
On most of the woodworking sites, I’ve visited, I’ve found many people who build things like model trains, trucks, boats, etc. Some don’t acknowledge these projects as “woodworking” per say, but by definition, working with wood even a model, is still woodworking. Many of us, I’m sure have multiple hobbies and interests. My first interest is model trains, followed by woodworking and metalworking. They both complement my train interest. I’m not talking about a discussion involving the different coupler styles between the Pennsylvania and the NY Central or the placement of a handrail on an Electromotive diesel switcher. That type of discussion is intended for a trains only forum and not appropiate on a LJ forum. What is appropiate is working with small pieces of wood, regardless of whether they are for a model train or a piece of furniture, so I welcome any questions from modelists with model making concerns. |
15 replies so far
#1 posted 01-15-2013 12:00 AM |
Hey Ron, -- Steve - "Never Give Up" |
#2 posted 01-15-2013 12:07 AM |
I have never built a model train. However, I hope to one day. |
#3 posted 01-15-2013 12:07 AM |
Model trains are definitely nifty. I’ve seen some pretty elaborate model train set ups and they blow me away. If you’re making your models of out wood, I’d call that woodworking. |
#4 posted 01-15-2013 12:30 AM |
There’s a post from today (or yesterday) from a guy who made a “skidder” ... If THAT aint “woodworking” , then I dont know what is! -- Perform A Random Act Of Kindness Today ... Pay It Forward |
#5 posted 01-15-2013 01:10 AM |
If it’s made out of wood, it’s woodworking ! -- Dwight - "Free legal advice available - contact Dewey, Cheetam & Howe"" |
#6 posted 01-15-2013 01:17 AM |
Another take on this would be “Benchworks”. Even the kind with multi-levels of trackage. Figuring out what “grades’ to put where, High tight a curve should be. Did it for just over 15 years. And, it was before all that computer controled stuff they sell nowadays. CEO, Springfield, Quincy & Northern RR. ( HO scale) -- A Planer? I'M the planer, this is what I use |
#7 posted 01-15-2013 01:25 AM |
Is this what you’re referring to? I’m building the passenger cars now and have plans to do a coal hopper and caboose. -- John @ http://www.thehuffordfurnituregroup.com |
#8 posted 01-15-2013 01:33 AM |
Sorry for the double post. My laptop keyboard drives me crazy sometimes. |
#9 posted 01-15-2013 01:35 AM |
From what I understand, model railroading is as much about crafting the scenery;buildings,landscape, and everything else as it is the trains themselves. Its probably the ultimate in scaling and modeling as a hobby. They use all kinds of materials besides wood. Modeling is a whole subject unto itself. Whole forums like this one devoted to it. I don’t think anyone is going to complain about somone posting some modeling train project in here. If its wood, its relevant. I’m sure woodworkers could pick up more than one tip from some of those modelers. They probably have all kinds of neat tool and shop tricks for working with small and scaled items. |
#10 posted 01-15-2013 01:42 AM |
@ Huff Is that a kit or did you make it from scratch? Its awesome regardless. |
#11 posted 01-15-2013 01:48 AM |
Ron, I bought the plans about 10 years ago. Every piece is built from scratch. I designed the bridge myself to go with the engine and coal car. I’m working on two passenger cars right now ( I have a blog on my web-site that I actually cover the building of the passenger cars). I’ve designed a section of curved track to extend my lay out. I hope to post it here as a project later on when I have it finished. -- John @ http://www.thehuffordfurnituregroup.com |
#12 posted 01-15-2013 06:33 PM |
Thanks to all for the positive response. I used to be involved with HO scale trains, but as the years went by and my eyesight got worse, I got into building large scale trains, ie: 1-1/2” = 1’-0”. At this size, I would certainly regard models to be woodworking. Some of the locomotives I build are 4’ long, 16” tall and 15” wide. I use every woodworking technique and tool to make my models. I also do metalworking and have my models operate using electric motors and batteries. So far I’ve built 3 models and planning another. There are no kits or plans available that I know of. No problem for me. Being a retired designer with CAD experience, I draw my own plans using profile photos of actual trains. Once I know a few overall dimensions (wheel diameter for example), I can create a proportional scale to draw the plans. Even a picture from a book can be used. Building large scale trains, like the ones used at parks to haul passengers is very expensive, as they are made from metals and use steam or gasoline to operate. I can build a locomotive like the park ones, but instead of $10K to build, I can build it for around $100. Although my models won’t haul passengers, they do operate on their own. I have been using motors from children’s street cars, so it’s possible the model might be able to haul a small child. Anyway, it’s a whole lot of fun and gives me the satisfaction of using my woodworking and metalworking and design skills. If anyone is interested in knowing more on how I turn a photograph or picture into a working scale model train, let me know. This also applies to models of cars, trucks, ships and construction equipment. I’m thinking I need to set up a website, but I’m a bit computer challenged. Here are a couple of locomotives ! |
#13 posted 01-15-2013 07:14 PM |
Is this toothpick trestle woodworking? Whether or not, it’s cool. -- This is a Troll Free zone. |
#14 posted 01-15-2013 08:24 PM |
MrRon, Awsome locomotives. What woods do you usually use to build them? -- John @ http://www.thehuffordfurnituregroup.com |
#15 posted 01-15-2013 11:23 PM |
What woods do you usually use to build them? |
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