The tried-and-true method, which boomer-generation modelers learned from building balsa airplanes, was to cover the plans with wax paper, and use pins to secure the frame members to the board.
Lately I've been scratch and kit building with scale lumber using sets of plans, and I got to try a different product that I had on hand, called Magic Cover. Its a thin, clear, transparent sheet, coated with a self-adhesive on one side, which sticks securely to the paper and work table, but can easily be re-positioned or removed if desired without damaging the plans. After cutting a piece off the roll, pulling the backing off removes most of the “curl” and makes it easier to apply.
No more pins either. I cut thin slivers of Scotch Permanent Double Sided Tape (yellow label) to attach the primary wood framing members directly onto the Magic Cover over their position on the plans. The tape allows me to adjust their placement, holds securely and can be scraped off the wood and Magic Cover when done.
My roll of Magic Cover is 18” wide by 10 ft., purchased at Hobby Lobby. The manufacturer is Kittrich Corp, (kittrich.com); and per the usual disclaimer – I have no connection to this product other than being a satisfied customer.
Jim
hardcoalcaseI got to try a different product that I had on hand, called Magic Cover. Its a thin, clear, transparent sheet, coated with a self-adhesive on one side, which sticks securely to the paper and work table, but can easily be re-positioned or removed if desired without damaging the plans.
Hi Jim,
You have no idea how well timed your post is for me! I'm experimenting with using custom printed vinyl car window decals for my control panels. I thought it would be a good idea to cover the vinyl with a clear layer of acrylic or plastic of some sort to prevent the vinyl printing from wearing off over time. Magic Cover might just do the trick!
Can you tell me if it scratches easily?
Thanks for the idea!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critter I'm experimenting with using custom printed vinyl car window decals for my control panels. I thought it would be a good idea to cover the vinyl with a clear layer of acrylic or plastic of some sort to prevent the vinyl printing from wearing off over time. Magic Cover might just do the trick! Can you tell me if it scratches easily?
What a coincidence! I originally purchased the Magic Coat for that purpose. But I ended up using picture/document frames for the panels. These have paperboard backboards, which are a bit flimsey by themselves, so my final control panel design is the backboard carries the printed track diagram, the acrylic faceplate provides the support for the toggles.
To your question - the Magic Coat has slick matte finish, which makes it pretty scratch resistant, but you can nick it with your fingernail if you pick at it hard enough. HL sells it for $4, cheaper still with the 40% off coupon, so its certainly worth a try.
On a previous layout, I used matte finish desk pad from office supply stores, as the faceplate, $$$ but darn-near bulletproof. Being flexible, it needs a stiff backing, I used masonite.
For a control panel, sealing everything under a coat or two of clear gloss poly would probably work just as well as any sort of material stretched over the surface to keep decals and dry transfers stuck down. I'd apply it before any switches or LEDs were installed, although it probably wouldn;t hurt an LED. I'd be afraid of it getting inside of a toggle switch though and insulating the contacts internally, unless you are using water resistent switches.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
hardcoalcaseHome»Model Railroader»Forums»Layouts and layout building Reply to topic Fill out the form below to respond to "Good-bye wax paper!". hardcoalcase wrote the following post 14 hours ago: The tried-and-true method, which boomer-generation modelers learned from building balsa airplanes, was to cover the plans with wax paper, and use pins to secure the frame members to the board.
Years ago in college I thought I'd try building and R/C plane from a kit which came with all the balsa wood, stringers, frame etc. The method to build the wings was just as you described and followed it and it worked like a charm; built the wing directly on the scale plan with pins and wax paper. It was a cool project. I never did learn how to fly it, so ended up selling it.
I've got some lumber loads to build - both the Blaine Hadfield/TrainLife type and the Wheels of Time. That method sound handy for it.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Thanks JimMagic Cover sure sounds much better than the way I built my control panels over the years.I use .04” sheet Aluminum for the basic panel and use a CAD drawing for the actual panel.Over the years I’ve only had to make two Aluminum panels and that second was because of a major design modification.I over lay the Aluminum with the CAD drawing (rubber glue) then 1/16” thick Plexiglas top cover. Drilling the Plexiglas is super tough to prevent cracking. The Magic Cover sounds like just the right ticket!I’m always making mods to my control panel and have ended up having to make a new Plexiglas top cover several times.Thanks again Jim.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
hardcoalcaseMy roll of Magic Cover is 18” wide by 10 ft., purchased at Hobby Lobby. The manufacturer is Kittrich Corp, (kittrich.com); and per the usual disclaimer – I have no connection to this product other than being a satisfied customer.
Jim, Thank you for the suggestion. I will buy some. I have never been 100% satisflied with waxed paper even though I have used it for 30+ years.
-Kevin
Living the dream.