I prefer the Modellbahnen versions it has a larger recess for holding small parts and screws Plus the foam has a smooth face that dose not absorb liquid or grab small parts like the Noch version does. Also be careful when sticking tools in the holders. The taller they are the easier it is to accidently bump them flipping the cradle and sending parts flying all over the place. Which is another reason i prefer the Modellbahnen version with the tools in the middle of the Noch version there is not much room to work with out bumping into them. If your making your own I strongly suggest making/using a separate holder for your tools. and use the space in the middle for several small recessed to hold and separate small parts /screws like Robert suggested.
I done that, tried to use the tool holder for a Jewelers Screwdriver and Tweezers, and flipped my Hightech Modellbahnen yellow foam tray when I lifted the loco mechanism out of the cradle... little parts flew. Mine has 4 tool holes, but reaching tools can be clumsy when you are in a hurry. I don't use those holes anymore, and I think I am going to cut a tiny screw hole in mine. Edit: I just cut mine while I still remember, but because the tool holes were so deep, I just made a longer V groove in that spot. I also wiped mine with rubbing alcohol and paper towels to clean the dust and dirt off, since mine is over 12 years old and well used dirty:
I made a bit more progress with my swimming pool. I wired it for 12V and put colored LED's in. There is an in-pool light, and the colored lights are for the parameter of the pool area for that tropical paradise vibe. I ordered some assorted Prairie Tufts to simulate Palm Fronds, Pampas Grass, etc., and I'm trying to find one of my Samtrees Palms to plant to give the pool area that tropical flair that 1950's and 1960's motel pools often had to lure in guests. Think Marilyn Monroe in a pink bathing suit drinking a martini on an umbrella shaded chaise lounge chair. Later in the 1970's pools were larger and rectangular, plain concrete with a wrought iron fence, and they added "Color TV" to their sign's to lure guests to stay. Every generation has a new angle.
I have been getting my hands dirty again. I am working on a new T-Trak-Z module. This is going to be a modern steel mill operation with coil car unloading. It is based off of Worthington Steels plant in Delta, OH. I am using Z.Sscale.Hobos / Archistories locomotive service facility as the extension for the factory. This is where I plan to represent coil car unloading. Here are a couple of photos showing some of the details I am adding to the interior. These coils are from DUHA in the Czech Republic.
Cool Rob, I like to see details in doors and windows. It's that kind of modeling that really adds life to a layout. Those details all tell a story!
David, Thanks for the suggestion regarding tool holders. Rob, Nice work on the pool, the new size is much better. The lighting and surrounding surface look great! Rob K., The factory extension looks good, nice details. I cut all the middle pieces using a template. Then I put all the parts together, no glue, to see how it looked. I used an old Aurora car case as a tray. I want some feed back before I permanently assemble it. Do you think I need to carry the "V" slot all the way thru, or keep the sides? Scott
Scott: how are you cutting the Foam to perfection? Great looking. I have one of the Modellbahnen versions but not unpacked yet. Still using a open-cell foam N scale version, it snags a bit here and there. I also made one from a chunk of large cell white shipping block. I cut a square bottom section and then a 30 degree decline in the front that is slightly tight. I bend the foam front lip down and place the loco/car/wagon in select position and release.
Rob, the new 'tub' has just the right aging look in the white bottom. Don't forget the 'No Diving' kid (cut torso above hips and slight angel, glue and some foam. Long pole hook and net. Pump house. Maybe a Hot Tub for some night light.
Saw on advert for Evergreen 'Transparent Sheets'' in Color. Blue, Red, Yellow and Green. 6x12"x 0.010. I was looking for some green and red so filled that need. Good from Commercial back-lit signage. www.evergreenscalemodels.com
I like that idea Rob K. Over in south bend we got a place loads coil cars. But the track goes through building at weird angle. Check it out.
Scott. There are advantages and dis-advantages to both options 1-Keep the sides on and you don't have to worry about the loco or parts falling / rolling out the end but it will limit the length of the loco that fits in the grove. 2-Extend the grove to the end and you can fit longer loco's IE AZL Steamers, 89' flat cars, Marklin ABA sets. But you run the risk of parts rolling out the open end. Since your making your own I suggest making one or both ends removable that way you have the best of both worlds. And do the same with the square slot. Another mod I did to one of mine was to cut a recess in the bottom side under the parts tray area and glue a couple thin magnets to it. The magnets help keep the screws and such from getting accidently knocked off as the cradle gets jostled around while your working on it. Additionally I recessed a metal plate into the underside of my work bench and when aligned it helps keep the Cradle from moving around on the bench. It took some time to figure the optimal spot for the cradle and metal plate on my bench but its a mod that has really paid off in the long run.
David, Thanks for the additional thoughts. I like the idea of removable ends, but I also like the KISS principle, I'll think about it. I also like the magnet idea, that I'll incorporate. Scott
Spent some free moments working on the loco cradle. Cut a piece of sheet magnet to fit in the bottom of the lid/tray. I decided to cut sheet foam to cover the porous foam, based on David's comments. I cut and scored a piece to fit in the bottom of the V section. I'll fold down the triangular tabs to cover the sides. Next is glueing everything together. After that I'll cut a piece of aluminum for the bottom as a weight. Scott
This Motel 6 is not off of my workbench, but it is on my layout thanks to Robert Ray! The motel has complete interior in rooms and lobby. Rob has made the motel to be programmed so the room lights will come on and off at different times, as well as the side signs to flicker now and then to simulate a fluorescent tube going out. Details as roof details, gas meters, and electrical meters are all scratchbuilt as well! He always find away to top his last project!
