Unsung heros of modeling

[PAL_Houston]

Drill bits.  Itty-bitty drill bits.

[mu26aeh]

WD 40 and duct tape are sorely under represented in these comments 

Here here for duct tape !  Used it this weekend to hold together my plywood building shell while glue dried ala @LIRR and @Bendtracker1

[Missaberoad]

WD 40 and duct tape are sorely under represented in these comments 

[brokemoto]

Locomotive shells that snap together, particularly the window glass !!  I just dis-assembled an Arnold SW1, and, oh, how I wish it hadn't had it's windows glued in.
Headlight housings, too.

They are taking a page from Bachpersonn.  B-mann sells painted/unletterd equipment then glues in the glazing with this Fifty Times Potent Gorilla Glue or something like that.  You must cut out the windows with an eXacto knife, sand and file, then use Microscale window stuff.  Either that or you can masque EVERY minuscule window.  Since you can not seal it, you will get some bleed of your paint and clearcoat.

[mplsjct]

They are taking a page from Bachpersonn.  B-mann sells painted/unletterd equipment then glues in the glazing with this Fifty Times Potent Gorilla Glue or something like that.  You must cut out the windows with an eXacto knife, sand and file, then use Microscale window stuff.  Either that or you can masque EVERY minuscule window.  Since you can not seal it, you will get some bleed of your paint and clearcoat.

I was able to get them out using a chisel blade, and the paint is no match for 91% isopropyl alcohol.

Still, it really makes you appreciate the way a Kato or Atlas shell can be dis-assembled and re-assembled with little effort.

[brokemoto]

I was able to get them out using a chisel blade

....did you get out the glazing without destroying it?  On some models by other manufacturers, I have managed to pop out the glazing with a nail set (or a jeweller's screwdriver handle off of which the blade and shaft broke) and not destroy it.  Sometimes, though, and particullarly on the B-manns, the glazing broke and left chunks in place.  This is why I simply cut it out, now and use the Microscale window stuff (which also doubles for glue, in some cases).

[mplsjct]

....did you get out the glazing without destroying it?

I did, but I have to admit, when I found out they were glued in, it really made me think twice about buying one, as I was planning on stripping/repainting from the get go.

[Dave V]

I didn't see anyone mention Dullcote, so I'll toss that one in as well.

+1 on Dullcote.  It's to the point where every time I have reason to stop by Hobby Lobby I grab another can of Dullcote so I have a stash.  I hate running out in the middle of a decaling or weathering project.

If it didn't smell like rancid a$$ I'd probably use it on food, it's so useful.

[basementcalling]

+1 on Dullcote.  It's to the point where every time I have reason to stop by Hobby Lobby I grab another can of Dullcote so I have a stash.  I hate running out in the middle of a decaling or weathering project.

If it didn't smell like rancid a$$ I'd probably use it on food, it's so useful.

You can spray it on yourself to cover up the glossy sheen of sweat on the brow.

[narrowminded]

+1 on Dullcote.... I'd probably use it on food, it's so useful.

And then from the internets there's...  "poison ivy, athletes foot, coughs due to colds..."  Wait, that's WD-40.  Never mind.

[p51]

Dullcoat!
Pink insulation foam
Gorilla glue
Heki static grass mats

[strummer]

I personally prefer blue painter's tape, particularly over duct tape; it releases quickly and easily, and doesn't leave behind any residue...

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Mark in Oregon

PS: And yes, Otto, that is the BR50 you sold me: I have improved the pick up contacts, and added some much needed weight, so now it actually runs...

[nickelplate759]

And then from the internets there's...  "poison ivy, athletes foot, coughs due to colds..."  Wait, that's WD-40.  Never mind.

could have sworn that was Windex...

[btrain]

Tool boxes to store paints and other bits, so my cat doesn't knock stuff on the ground.

[mmagliaro]

If I had to pick one... just one... it would have to be the optivisor.  That wouldn't have been my answer 15 years ago when my eyes were sharp.  But now at age 54, I would have to quit model railroading without them, and there is not another single product that I can say that about.