Model Railroading > Donkey scratchbuilding details

I was asked, when someone was looking at a donkey project, "How do you hold those tiny pieces when soldering them together?" The answer is I don't. I hold larger pieces of the stock in place with tape, for example, A and B in this photo. The two brass wire piece will become the engineer's throttle levers, about 18 inches long. After easily soldering the large pieces, I trim the stock back to the appropriate size. Easy.
 
A small machinists' square is helpful for assembling things squarely, in this case, the head block on a small HO scale donkey sled.
 
None of these small assembly details are earth shattering news or original thoughts, but every group like this one includes newer less experienced modelers who might benefit from seeing a trick or two along the way.

Jeff Johnston
thesugarpineshop.bigcartel.com

 

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To me the creative process is not just the building of the model, but solving the how of building.
A series of small satisfactions.
I enjoy seeing a new or different way to accomplish a task than I use, sometimes they are better!

Regards,
Jeff Oliver

I agree Jeff.

Determining how too build something to scale in miniature is fun and sometimes requires some problem solving skills. Fortunately, we also have a number of model railroaders that share information and resources. I think that is why many evolve into running cottage industries to supply model railroaders or do how to clinics and you tube videos. There certainly isn't big money in it.

Victor Baird

I appreciate these tips. Thank you!