Would anyone like to suggest a quality magnifying device to aid the eyes in seeing the finer things in N-scale from loco maintenance, painting, etc. Do you prefer stationary or head mounted? These eyes just do not cut it like they use to, at least at this scale . Everyone have a good railfan weekend. The new contest sure is pushing me towards the digital camera! Its a good excuse to speed up the process.
Hi Patrick, there is a large maginyfier with a built in light that is on a spring balanced stand. This is great for bench working where most building and detailing gets done. I have seen them in lighting stores as well as some of the office supply stores. I tried one of those head band magnifiers but found it awkward and clumsy. I am sure there are good ones on the market and I am on the lookout for one to make track laying a little easier. My reading glasses do a fair job because I told my optomotrist that I needed to do close up and medium distance stuff too for example seeing the instruments clearly in the car or for working on the pc. Hope this helps. Robin http://members.xoom.com/Matthyro/index.html
I tried one of the headband type magnifiers, with interchangeable lenses. Was totally useless, so I threw it away! There are good ones on stands, with a circular light around, but they are a bit pricey here, and I don't really need one yet. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com http://Andersley.homestead.com http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 12 May 2000).]
The one problem with N scale, one you are older than 10 years old, out come the magnification devices!!! Happy Railroading! Dane N. Radically CANADIAN ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@hotmail.com
Patrick, Go for a lighted magnifier - preferably a fluorescent type over an incandescent. They are available as Robin suggested. I use a architect-style (cantilever arm) incandescent of about 2.5x magnification at home and a stronger desk mounted fluorescent at work. The home light is good because I can adjust it easily or swing it out of the way, but the work light is better to use, as it is much brighter, but nowhere near as flexible. There are fluorescent lights on architectual-style arms of lower wattages than the desk lights. Expect to pay more for these over the incandescent styles. Opto-visors work very well if you are used to them. As some have stated already, they don't like them, and I can't comment as I haven't used one as yet. Check out the local optometrist's catalogues for what is available. They will possibly be dearer than buying at Office Works and the like, but you will be getting top quality. You have only one pair of eyes Hope this is of help. Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page N to the Nth degree!
These guys are right on the money about the stand mounted magnifiers. You put it where you want it and it stays there. I am not close to the point where my eyes are a problem yet, but I have to say that some magnification is invaluable for N scale. I have and use MicroScale's diesel data sheet on my locos, and there is no way possible that I can read what some of those letters say, especially when they're on the light blue background.
Thanks very much for all the input . I'll start looking for a stand or cantilever arm mount with fluorescent lighting. Hope everyone had a good weekend. It was a little on the cool side in western WI, so spent some time in the work shop practicing building terrain with hydrocal . ------------------ Residing in BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI
