In our last video we started using pink XPS foam for carving rocks for model trains layouts and dioramas. You can watch that video here. In this video, we continue along this theme and tackle a pet peeve of mine, that is how to best hide the seams between layers of this foam when creating […]
I often use latex rubber rock molds and plaster for my rock work on train layouts and dioramas, and I like the results quite a bit. A few years back I tried my hand at rock carving in pink XPS foam insulation and thought, let’s give it another go! Using 2″ pink foam, single edge […]
In two previous videos, we looked at tools and techniques to get a very presentable finish on small diorama scenes, using Mod Podge Hard Coat and also making our own sanding boards to keep things nice and square. This time out we went full woodworker. Well, more like a hobby crafter, but I think it […]
I wanted to pick up some new rolling stock for use in our videos over on our YouTube channel, so I looked to Micro-Trains for some of their weathered and graffiti pieces. I have a few pieces in N scale and Z, but none of the more recent pieces. Once I got a new batch […]
The Proxxon Hot Wire Cutter is one of my favorite tools for model train and scenery work. I knew there were circle cutters available but I didn’t think I’d have a big need for one. A few years back I bought one from the GCmini company, but never got around to even opening the package! […]
We use 5-minute epoxy here at Raildig all the time, everything from building with XPS foam to repairs where a CA glue may not be quite enough. Instead of using the common syringe style dispensers I prefer the 4 oz bottles sold in a pair where you get one bottle of resin and one of […]
Just a bit of a lark here, seeing what color gloves I’d like to use in future videos. I have one more color on the way… gray. Can’t believe I forgot to order those at the same time as these. Just taking a break from shooting a real video and thought this would be fun […]
In this video we’re going to do a little work to my Coffman clamps, both the original right clamp and the mini right clamp. These clamps are designed to hold kit or scratchbulding parts at a 90 degree angle when gluing them together. I’ve used the Coffman right angle clamps for years, both the Original […]
Recently my old 4″ digital caliper threw in the towel, flashing random numbers on screen, turning on and off for no obvious reason, etc. Time to go shopping for a new caliper! One feature I’ve wanted for some time is a thumb roller adjustment wheel for more precise adjustments. I went with the Rexbeti 6″ […]
My Proxxon hot wire foam cutter is one of my favorite tools for making perfectly square cuts in extruded foam, or XPS. A much talked about shortcoming of the Proxxon is its miter fence. I find it has a bit too much play in it when cutting larger pieces of foam. I’ve seen a few […]
We started out with a simple DIY sanding board video and once we got to the 3M Super 77 adhesive, we had to keep going and make a little diorama out of XPS foam! I’ve been using this simple idea for a perfectly flat sanding board for years and thought I’d make a few new […]
I often put together small little scenes for our own Raildig products on Extruded Polystyrene Foam, or XPS. It’s terrific stuff to work with but it dents and dings easily. I wanted a way to avoid this and while I could put together little fascias from sheet styrene, I wanted to see if I could […]
