Whats Neat in model railroading | April 2018 Model Railroad Hobbyist | Ken Patterson

mrhmag.com - MRH columnist Ken Patterson's April 2018 What's Neat column:
- John Parker’s BNSF Fall River Division
- Replacing lettering on equipment
- Attaching grills without a mess
- BTS sawmill project update
- CADRail 10.2 with Kevin Ruble
- Drone footage, great runbys, and more ...
Get even more great FREE how-tos for model railroading on the Model Railroad Hobbyist website. This video is just part of the TOTALLY FREE April 2018 issue of Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine.

[@jacksonthomas1851]

John Parker and Tony Koester are 2 of my biggest inspirations in terms of design and vision for a layout.

[@russrockino-rr0864]

John Parkers layout is Fantastic! I am an Ultra Modern Modeler myself, so this is real exciting for me. Great work as usual, Ken. Thanks for a great program this month.

[@warpo007]

IT'S NOT APRIL YET! You work too much Ken and friends! Thanks for all the hard work. Your shows are awesome. Packed.

[@claudioeternod7064]

thanks ken, we in Cuba follow all of your videos. they are an excelent school for us..

[@bratwizard]

Great show! I especially liked the segment with the sawmill. Can't wait for the next segment.

[@Rcwarshipguy]

Hit it out of the park with this episode. Thanks to Ken and Joe for making these possible!

[@fredthompson7947]

Love the shop work.Just what I have been looking for. The details of design.

[@paulturenne434]

Nice CP rail opening shot ,my uncle was an engineer for many years on the CP(he got me into HO when I was a young boy and helped me with my setup) as well his brother was an engineer on the CN(I wish those guys were still around).As mentioned before, I just got back into model RRing(N scale this time)and am having a great time ,many thanks to you and some other fine youtube channels. This is another great offering and very useful as always.I really enjoyed your BTS sawmill layout construction, always good info in these segments. Keep up the great work Ken

[@richarddrum9970]

Great show Ken. The sawmill is looking great and the pond is awesome. Some mills actually protected the bank under the sawmill with stone walls or laid rock to prevent erosion under the mill. Those logs sloshed around in the pond causing lots of waves. Great show, thanks.

[@nkimakowich]

Fantastic! Another awesome episode.

[@tonyslight826]

i just love your whats neat show ken its very helpful indeed and encouraging and gives inspiration to not only my but sure plenty of other folks as well thank so much keep it up mate.Tony Slight. U.K. England

[@rjl110919581]

THANKS, GREAT FOR GREAT SHOW AND GREAT DETAIL VIDEO EVERY TIME EACH MOUTH. THANKS AGAIN KEN

[@johnridel1380]

Thanks Ken for another great and informative video!

[@fredthompson7947]

Happy Easter...just now found your channel.at my. 11am Sunday noon.

[@Cookie2k]

Wow! That BNSF layout is something else! Great stuff guys!

[@spacecalander]

Thanks this was another amazing episode.

[@randysrockandrollrailroad8207]

Great show! Enjoyed it

[@bryiansones150]

Nice segment Ken! I use Canopy glue for all my screen work and photo etch roof walks and to attach wood decks to flat cars. Similar concept to the rubber cement, canopy glue stays somewhat flexible when it dries. What's neat about the Canopy glue is it dries clear, also the excess can be rubbed off with your fingers. I've never had screens or decks detach using it and I have been using Canopy glue for over 10 years on my models.

[@kd5gsp]

Thanks! Especially appreciated the segment on how to reattach metal screens.

[@oldtown6240]

What a great show. Thanks.

[@panzertracks]

WOW! that is some insane track!!!! thanks for sharing.

[@jerrysmith1929]

I see you took advantage of one of the warm sunny days we've had here in St Louis to do some outdoor shots. And the G scale looking fine.

[@anthonyshipman3611]

That mill kit looks brilliant,

[@kendallepperson1901]

ken great show thanks for these show.

[@Zach_Bloomquist]

Sounds like a cockatiel or other small parrot is in a nearby room during the number removal segment. I really like the idea of using tape as I have been using a pencil eraser and this seems less messy and not as easy to mess up the body paint.

[@nssherwoodsub]

Completely agree about Cadrail. It's an excellent product for layout design. I've been using it for years and am completely satisfied with it...Harold

[@briantermunde4678]

Well after watching that in-depth tutorial, I'm certainly sold. But then again, I'm still waiting for the Brooklyn Bridge that I bought on fleabay to show up. I also appreciated learning that you use super glue to super glue things. This was the April Fools edition, no?

[@gaza2421]

Loved the segment on removing factory applied numbering/lettering. I've tried many techniques over the years, but never this one

[@beverett6256]

I was demonstrating the # removing trick as a mini-clinic at one of our club meetings (I had watched one of Jason's FB videos) and I used Solvaset like he did, which in most cases works quite well. I tried the same trick on a old E&C B&O Chessie boxcar, and the Solvaset was so strong, that it really only required having a damp paper towel, and lightly rubbing the numbers to get them off - I had to repaint the area on one side where I had followed the process Jason shows, as it softened the paint so much, that it also came off. So - always test someplace inconspicuous if you don't have prior experience with that mfg.

[@gospelsparky]

Fun fact: Caboose has an actual DRGW caboose right out front of the store now, with an empty section of track along the side of the building, begging for a companion. Just stopped by last weekend. 10/10 would recommend.

[@LosAngelist]

Vacuum train at 24:29 is just the coolest thing since whatever was most recently cool. Want to embed train tracks in my floor and replace roomba with a fleet of those bad boys now.

[@russrh]

Los Angelist yeah I'm keen to know what that vacuum unit is

[@sparky107107]

wow the BNSF layout is amazing for sure. ok so easy enough to remove the numbers on the side of a loco, But what about the number boards? Cad Rail is a good way to get what tracks we need. but I am still old school, pencil and paper. but would be a cool site to check out. thanks for the glue ideas with the U50's, the grills have popped off of mine also. Thanks for the great and helpful show Ken. see you on the next one

[@fwrw]

You might wanna tell those guys over at Caboose that they should update the Whats Neat Feature from time to time as it still shows the February show.

[@ChamplainDivision]

Here's a suggestion on contact cement. Generally, the intention of the manufacturers of this medium is that you apply the cement to both surfaces - in this case, the screen AND the locomotive - and then let it air dry thoroughly before mating the two parts together. This will provide a very strong, yet flexible bond. One that is stronger and more permanent than installing the screen on the locomotive with the glue still wet. The one drawback to this method is that your positioning of the screen on the locomotive MUST be extremely precise because the screen will be very difficult to remove should you get it on there crooked. Also, I've got well over a decade of experience with CadRail. The best thing about it that I've enjoyed the most is no more perma-smudging on paper after making eraser corrections. It is THE most useful tool I know of for verifying whether your design will fit into your room's dimensions. Keep up the good work, Ken! Rick Shivik HO D&H Champlain Division Conyers, GA

[@mikelinzy5969]

Another fantastic episode! Special thanks to Jason Quinn on his renumbering segment. I have a large number of SD40s that could use this treatment.

[@MikeThomasRailRoadOverhaul]

Great video.

[@bobbiemitch]

Ken, I'm with you being more comfortable with t-squares and pencil . Although, I did make the jump to a railroad planning software program. The problem is that CAD programs don't work like my mind does. Anyway, another great video.

[@dannyholt105]

Now wait a minute Ken! I watched the entire episode and you never formally introduced Lori Adams to us or even tell us about her. Now that ain't right, but she's alright. I'm guessing she works for Caboose Hobbies? At least I think that was the shirt she had on. Hope to see her in a future episode talking about trains! Cheers, Dan

[@riochcogan8913]

Thanks Ken

[@Wbmfishman1]

A 1000 feet of track. Holy cow. My club layout The Providence Northern has 450 feet and that’s 30 or so people maintaining and operating.

[@davidcurtis5398]

Again another great show... Where did he say to go to get the cad program???

[@NicksCollectableCreations]

Canopy Glue is what would work for locomotive screens and other various parts. Strong and dries perfectly clear. I use it for windows on model cars as well as the headlights. Works great on chrome pieces as well. Canopy Glue will hold those screens on and will be much cleaner and easier than contact cement.

[@2toady]

I have to second the use of canopy glue, plus it doesn't stink like contact cement!

[@choochoo3985]

What I do as well. Just spread a micro film, allow to tack for a few seconds and then apply the screen applying slight pressure as it sets. No mess at all and it is invisible.

[@djstrains]

That curved wood looks beautiful

[@Wbmfishman1]

Just a heads up. Cad rail is a great program. 3rd planIt has the micro engineering ladder track already in the track library.

[@wallacewood2126]

More Lori Adams. Girls like Model railroading too!

[@StevenMConroy]

Thanks again Ken!

[@2toady]

Steven, maybe it's me but it seemed like the video quality was off par this time. Still love these segments.

[@StevenMConroy]

Wally, You're right. This is not my best work. At the time, this was one of my first attempts shooting a train and I was a lot less skilled on the sticks. I was using an older drone than the one I use now and the footage was also not color corrected. You can see the all of my drone videos in 4k resolution on my channel.

[@franzbrunner499]

unbelievable, never seen anything similar -where is this fall river layout located?

[@cowboyvalley]

No Mac version of Cadrail.....wow.

[@brucec954]

Great tip on renumbering rolling stock. What brand engine were those? -seems like each brand uses different type of paint? I tried this technique once and didn't seem to work but I only waited a few minutes, not 15 so will have to try again.

[@Kensart55]

Anyone having a problem playing this video at full screen 720p. I just get a circle arrow. 320 works at full screen. All other videos on you tube work. That is why I ask.

[@AWH1AC]

Amen to CadRail !

[@davidmiller1583]

Ken, where did you find the background music for the Amtrak videos?

[@Howie2025]

wonder if using contact cement will do a cleaner job on my n scale grab iron installs, have to try that. Thx Ken

[@Denniss7420]

For some reason I am unable to post comments on the latest "Live" show - something wrong with my laptop. Anyways, regarding the question about Scales and Autistic children - Go with O gauge (assuming that they have already outgrown wooden Thomas sets). You can pick up 3 rail track on craigslist or a train show for pennies on the dollar. Williams / Bachmann has Chuggington and Brewster locomotives which Trainz and Trainworld have been blowing out at $75.00 Obviously, I'm not talking Scale fidelity here, but rather durability and with O gauge you can't go wrong, plus the hands on operating accessories will provide hours of entertainment.

[@cfdtv1]

Thanks Ken, Great show as always. I hope Jason comes back to show us how to put the new numbers on and aligned right. Where do you find the right font?? It seems like every one has there own font, or should I say fonts. CADRail is unfortunately for Windows only. We need a good one for MACs.

[@derRoteKampfflieger]

I'm just getting into modelling and my first project is to renumber a locomotive to one matching that I 'drove' as a young boy. I'd love more info on renumbering including the illuminated number boxes front and rear.

[@robertlee9395]

Ken, when you pull the lift out section, it should be pretty simple to set up a way to cut power to the last, say 10 inches of track so your trains don't wreck.

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. HEY!!! Jason Quinn, where did you get the holder to hold your engine with? Appreciate the number removal-have to give it a try.

[@jeepguy51]

Its the tray the atlas locomotive come in.

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. As you can tell not much new stuff on my layout :(

[@derRoteKampfflieger]

Have to say they provide amazing packaging!

[@sailormatlac]

Unfortunately, the solvaset trick only works on a few models. I've tried it on many models from various manufacturers and era and it simply doesn't work most of the time. Most of the time, solvaset will work but not perfectly, in a way you need to simply wet sand the lettering. Far to be the easier way to do it and can easily alter the paint job.

[@Tom.Gregory]

Super double double kewl......

[@alancowey6577]

Can't seem to play this video. All others play fine. Is the video corrupted or unavailable? Thanks

[@MRhobbyist]

It's playing fine on all our devices. If you're having a playback issue, this is KZbin's website, so you need to contact KZbin support.

[@DocLaw172]

Was there something not right or didn't film well with that 'Mars' light on the CB&Q GE?

[@Denniss7420]

LED doesn't play well with digital cameras - something to do with the frequency. Probably looks fine in person.

[@tommachut7167]

Enjoyed John's layout alot. As well as the construction projects. Tired of the constant push of Digitraxx. I will stay with NCE.

[@MosriteCharlie]

To attach metal screens to my E-8 kitbash, I used clear silicone from a tube, The diameter of the tube end conveniently fits the height of the grille section on the E or F unit, run continuous, it allows the etched grille to adhere and adjust to temperature differentials that cause the grille to expand and contract differently than the body shell. contact me at [e-mail] for a photo.

[@lukemiller6230]

Why is there no march

[@jorgencs1720]

Michael Douglas in falling down look alike?

[@ichabod0391]

Ken; Do you have to get permission from the railroad to fly the drone oiver their facilities?

[@Denniss7420]

...don't ask, don't tell.

[@lloyd2032]

Jason : can you put the names of those products you used in the comments, please?

[@jeepguy51]

walthers solvaset, or microscale mirco sol. Green scotch tape. Any paper towel.

[@llib90630]

that almost looked like a real bird @11:55

[@eaglesfly5236]

Ken. Wear a dust mask!

[@jacobr1341]

If you have 2 cabooses is it cabeese or caboosi?

[@trainmantv]

its caboose's

[@gmburzynski68]

Cabai

[@jomama05]

Cabeese to annoy railroaders

[@lukemiller6230]

Hey ken assuming that you live in Colorado because your sponsored by cabooses

[@MRhobbyist]

Nope, Ken lives in Missourri ... Caboose just LOVES Ken's passion for the hobby and they love Model Railroad Hobbyist and what we do.

[@scottfw7169]

If you were me you would want to put that Solvaset bottle inside a roll of masking tape or you would have knocked it over with the second brush load.

[@luckyguy4694]

Ken!?! You didn't set your liftout to dead the track before the dropoff? Go check out my youtube channel and learn how to not lose and engine again.

[@trainboyyy4312]

first

[@f15chase]

How about doing a segment with something a non-millionaire can afford to do or build. Everything you do is out of 90% of the modellers price range.

[@yootoob7048]

In one segment, Ken used hand tools and pink foam which can and is used on layouts of all sizes in all scales. In another segment, Jason used a hobby knife and solvent. The price of CADRail is less than the cost of an average locomotive. Finally, Ken used contact cement and small parts to detail a broken locomotive. Just how exactly are the tools and equipment used in these tips, lessons and suggestions out of the price range of 90% of a modeler?