Railroading Tips
Railroading Tips will be a regular feature here at the Roads and Rails blog. I’ll put more together later, so this list is not intended to be final or comprehensive. We’re on a mission here to spread model railroading, and reducing beginner frustration is the best way to advance that goal. Here’s my first few:
- Use the largest gauge wire recommended for your gauge. 18-gauge speaker wire is great and easy to get, even at hardware stores.
- Use Elmer’s or similar glue when in doubt, then stronger (and more toxic) glues if that fails.
- Never apply glue or paint directly from the bottle, always put some on a piece of cardboard and apply with the appropriate instrument. Toothpicks are good for applying glues.
- Dull-Cote™ is a great way to make cheaper train cars look like more expensive models.
- Always use plastic-safe lubricants. There’s really no need to take a risk of melting your gears.