Large Scale Central

New Workbench

Tools and Tips
#1

I had originally built a small workbench while I was living in an apartment in Oklahoma back in the 70’s. It was pretty simple and I just kept using it. Lately I had thought about building a new one, but as I surveyed my room, I noticed I had this old pine rolltop desk. Perfect! Well, except for the rolltop. So that came off, I sanded it down a bit and added an extension to hold my lights and solering equipment. I can’t believe what a difference the drawers make. I feel so much more organized and I’m able to keep the surface a lot cleaner. I also built some shelves for my paints and attached them to the wall. All in all, I’m quite pleased - especially since I didn’t have to build anything.

#2

Nice, Bruce. When my new workshop is done, Ill have to design the workspace to be efficient, but have space for all my larger tools, too. Lots of possibilities!

#3

Thanks. Just found a picture of the old one…

#4

That looks like my old one, too, except take a small dumptruck worth of train parts, basswood, and various castings, and dump over the top of it.

#5

Even with drawers, I’d get that desktop buried pretty quick :wink:

#6

Hehe! I have a 24 x 36 foot totally dedicated shop and don’t really have much more room than you do.

Henry Kaiser said “Find a need and fill it”.
Instead…I found a space and filled it. Perhaps why I’m not wealthy.

#7

OK , Bruce , you have had a few days . This is where you find if you are a true modeller .
Does your bench still look the same ? Be honest !! Yes ? Nah , you ain’t a modeller .
Mike M

#8

Mike, Here’s today shot:

Hehe…guess I’m not a true modeler. Well, I always suspected as much! :wink: After only 40 some years of modeling, I’m starting to discover the virtues of keeping things neat. I can actually find tools when I need them!

#9

You don’t actually mean you find the PROPER tools , Bruce ,surely ? I mean , the knife/screwdriver is a good tool , the tweezer/paintpot lid lever combination is equally at home . You aren’t a (hesitates ,) …purist (so sorry ) are you ? I think you understate your case , there is a distinct look of a tubular construction casually tossed on the bench there , pushed back to allow for coffee cups , no doubt . No , I think you’re dreaming , my friend , you are a modeller . Someone has nagged you about the dreaded TIDINESS . Have a drink , you’ll feel better .
Mike M

#10

No coffee allowed on the workbench, Mike. Beer in bottles, yes.

Proper tools are a must! I do believe I’ve got the right assortment with the Microlux tools that Bart recommended; makes the job so much easier.

Working on a Phil Dippel “Gramps” tank car. Very nicely engineered. The instructions are outstanding. A delight to assemble.

#11

That certainly looks nice , Bruce , is it a made-up kit of the sort you are working on ?
I am not familiar with the name Phil Dippel ,and also have to confess to only making Hartford kits . My Gramps ones are by AMS and a couple by someone else ,very high quality ,brass ones --I got them from the tail end of someone’s stock . But I do enjoy making things , and regret to having no discipline whatsoever when it comes to tidy benches . I clean them up when my son can help me , and within a few minutes , all the instant readiness stuff is back .
This attitude has led to finding a kit part AFTER finishing the kit by manufacturing a part lost in the mess . Serves me right .
Heigh ho .
Mike M

#12

Mike,
If you enjoy making things, head over to Phil’s site for this car - http://www.philsnarrowgauge.com/gramps.htm

I’ve also made a few of his boxcars, a flatcar and a 40’ reefer. Yes, I can buy them cheaper ready made thru AMS, but I just love to make them myself. He has a nice assortment of parts as well.

#13

While I enjoy building kits too, my problem is after I build them I’m afraid to place them on the layout and have them get messed up. Most end up on a display shelf somewhere. Maybe once I get the inside fiddle yard established and won’t have to handle them as much I’ll use them more…:wink:

#14

Thanks for the tip , Bruce , they do look good . I may well get involved !!
Mike M

#15

Ken ,
I’ve broken some of mine BEFORE they got on track . That is one of the drawbacks of a scale model , you can’t handle them the same way as you handle commercial stuff . You just have to keep the repair shop busy .
Mike M

#16

One of the nice things about Phil’s kits is that they are very sturdy. Grab irons are held in with brass NBW, as are the stirrup steps. Lots of mechanical connections, to which I typically add some glue.

Parts are always coming off my AMS models, but the PNG ones just keep going.