Or as it used to be called, model making. Where DIY etched brass and nooby 3d printing collide.
I'm thinking about the future of what I will do in the hobby, and a little concerned about the closure of certain hobby stores nationally and internationally, not mentioning any names here.
Seems a good idea to learn to accurately scratch build, as I like making anyway, that way I will always be able to get what I want, regardless of availability, rtr prices new or used.
I always found looking through the monochrome pictures in magazines of model artisans fascinating, and managed to make the metal parts of control line and RC model aircraft and all the wood bits pretty well, so I got the aptitude, even if the body is a little more worn down...
I am primarily working in N scale, but plan some model engineering escapades in up to F scale eventually, based on ease of handling materials and conventional tools. Maybe a heavy weight passenger car or box car, just to see if I can. And then a
proper steam engine, like a small switcher, then some more cars, then a station, then fill a massive back yard with
toys scale models and get pictures pasted in all the 'hip' magazines, as long as my actual hips can still take it, of course. I can dream.
I see myself at shows and groups in the future, not really a talker, more the old dude sitting at a bench drilling holes in things and showing how it's done is more about my style, as penitence for sitting staring at them 'vidya' games for far to long in my former years. I might get to Introduce newcomers to crafts they have not seem before, and assure them its not all about money. Some of those early models are built of of scrap and cardboard, you know.
Beats waiting for the next multi dollar loco to be released form china
Are there any good known books of North American engines, rolling stock and structures?
There must be a drawing encyclopedia somewhere, good enough to measure or scan from?
Any guides for building in specific scales like N?
What say the old hands?
