Old CD's or Tapes Useful in Modeling?

[donhalshanks]

I cleaned out the library and end up with a whole bunch of CD's and cassette music tapes.  I'd hate to throw these away if there are applications for their use in modeling.  Any suggestion?

Thanks, Hal 

 

[loathar]

Some cassettes had nice small screws that held them together. Those might come in handy. They has some small brass strips that held the tape wiper pad in place. Could be used for pick up wipers. Other than that, they make good shooting targets.

[leighant]

I heard of a flickering CAMPFIRE model that uses the audio signal of a radio station connected to a bulb circuit instead of a speaker, to provide a pseudo-random signal that drives the flicker.  I imagine the audio signal from a CD or tape could be used, although I imagine the cheapest CD player or cheapest tape player would be more expensive than the cheapest transistor radio.  And a tape player would need to be changed whenever the tape got to the end.  But if you have a grungry throwaway CD or tape player...

I found a part inside old VHS home video tapes when the tape got all tangled up and unplayable.  The part slightly resembled a dolly or push cart, in probably O scale or larger.  However, since I model N scale, I couldn't think of an immediate use for it.  Probably still at least one in my junk box.

I used ONE (count them! one) Rapido coupler salvaged when I replaced with MicroTrainsLines magnematics.  Set it on end, added a stand and carved away everything that didn't look like a drill press.  Can you see it in the implement dealer's service shop?  Nearly everything there is built of junk.

Yes, the Rapido coupler drill press is there at the left side of door, partly behind the door frame. 

I am trying to start a new layout, but I am having a hard time getting into the train room because of the junk I have saved in case I might think of something to do with it someday.

[UP2CSX]

If you want to model a nightclub, you can get some interesting effects hanging a pie shaped wedge of a CD in the back of a light bulb inside a building. The rising heat tends to move the CD and makes kind of a disco ball look.

[tomikawaTT]

A little while back there was a brief thread about using cassette and CD box parts to hold car cards for those who operate with same.  One can be attached to the fascia at each location where a card has to be left with a delivered car.

The tape can be used to simulate conveyor belts.

The little spools the tape winds around can be dummied into loads or industrial scenery.

Just a few ideas off the top of my head.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[John Busby]

Hi donhalshanks

The Cd's are ideal bases for mini scenes to be built on away from the layout they can then be placed on the layout with ease and the base blended in (make sure the little ridge at the center is up).

The CD case can be used to provide glazing for windows or you can even use it for making a complete coach or building side.

Not sure about cassettes but I am sure with a bit of thought both the box and the cassette can be gainfully used for model making.

Have a good think about possibilities before dumping them.

Regards John

[MisterBeasley]

Put them on eBay.  Some numbskull will buy them.  Return the profits to your railroad.

(In a few months, if said numbskull is adept at marketing, he too will make a profit by re-selling them.)

[donhalshanks]

Thanks responders!  Some ideas I would never have thought of ..... particularly like the idea of off site scene and movable to layout!  Definitely will save some for the uses described.

Hal 

 

[cacole]

Old CDs make good coasters to sit a hot or cold drink on while you're working on the layout or running trains.  During construction, you can use one to set items on that might leave marks on the scenery.  You could also use one to put Super Glue onto during kit construction when you need a puddle of it out for application with a toothpick.

[Anonymous]

Simulated converyor BELTS?!

Does those tapes take dullcote?

[leighant]

If you want to model a nightclub, you can get some interesting effects hanging a pie shaped wedge of a CD in the back of a light bulb inside a building. The rising heat tends to move the CD and makes kind of a disco ball look.

WOW!!! I am glad I read this thread.  This is just what I need for the Paradise Palms pier nightclub I am building for my bayfront amusement area.

[snowey]

you didn't say what scale you're modeling; but if it's N scale; you could cut the tape into narrow strips and use them for banding on freight car loads. In HO scale; just use the tape without cutting it.