Work Bench
10/10/2014
HOME MADE TOOLS
Track Checking Tool & Manual Uncoupling Tool
The rocket looking tool is my very sensative track checking tool. It is a set of trucks minus the coupler with a wall screw mount (what ever it is called) mounted on it and works extremely well finding defects not easily noticed. Used with a NMRA Standards Gauge problems are quickly found. Using a boxcar to test with, has no where near the sensitivity.
The pointed round toothpick , although not home made, makes an excellent manual uncoupling tool. One box of toothpicks is cheap and you get a whole lot of uncoupling tools.
Manual Uncoupling Tool
I took the toothpick and cut one end flat (for safety while the tool is in it's storrage spot). I then drilled a vertical hole 1 size bigger than the toothpick and with the depth adjusted to keep the top of the tool 1/2 inch above the layout.
I have 4 uncoupling tools along the front of the layout where the uncoupling need is most. The top of the toothpick is painted flat brown to blend in, a bit.
Coupler & Trip Pin Gauges and Weight Gauge board
I got this idea from the Monon 1971 Video of Dec. 24, 2011 HO Version on U Tube and I made this N Scale version. It is shown on my work bench. It makes life a lot easier.
Rolling stock work cradle
This is simple to make, but make sure to NOT use the crumbly type foam. I purposely left room on the left side to cut in a parts pocket.
The left picture shows the basic start. To the right is my finished (at least of what I can think of for now) Work Pad, Cradle, small parts holder and NMRA Gauge.
My new track cleaning and vacuuming car is here and in service.
1> I am learning how to use my new TOMIX Track Cleaning Car (That's not the easiest thing to do when the instructions are mostly in Chinese). A little thought and figuring out the pictures with the help of a half sheet of instructions in English.
2> I am in the thinking stage of designing and building a very small Grain handling Facility to go in at the end of the Foss Lumber track for loading outbound covered hoppers with locally grown grain.
3> I'M Thinking... Toughest Project of all time...
Brass Hat... B.J.W.