A few years ago I recall reading of a modeler who used small magnets to fix structures in place on the layout. I remember he used ones glued to the lower corners and also on the surface. What type of magnets were these and does anyone do this currently (method of work explanation would be appreciated ).
Cedarwoodron
In this case I would probably use cheap ceramic magnets - really strong magnets could cause the structure to be literally ripped out of your hand as you try to place it.
One advantage sof other material magnets would be that they could be used as the power points for interioor lights - I'm thinking I've read this same article and that's what was being done.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I read somewhere about using dowels to postions structures. My goal would be to have a structure I can take off, move the layout module and return the structure to exactly the same position. If moving wasn't in your plan, what do you need magnets for?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Not so much a matter of moving the layout but a means by which you can place and re-place a structure in the same position after cleaning it or working on it.
In my case my layout is on a 7x3.5 table with foldable legs in my garage. If I need to move it by myself it's not heavy but I could keep things situated better with them being magnetically held in position.
Maybe something like the magnetic latches used on cabinet doors? One side is a magnet and the other is usually a steel plate. Like this:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Magnetic-Catch-11-lbs-with-Counterplate-in-White-1-Pack-9235941/303045720
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
cedarwoodron Not so much a matter of moving the layout but a means by which you can place and re-place a structure in the same position after cleaning it or working on it.
I believe that would be the same APPROXIMATE position. Since you can't hold the building exactly in the same place every time you lower it down towards the magnets, each time the building will "come in for a landing" at a different angle. How approximate approximate is is the wonder.
Also, when the building gets the final strong pull from the magnets, there will be a bit of a shock to the building, which could cause damage. So to, might there be damage to the building when you have to overcome the magnetic attraction.
When I've built lift off buildings, my first choice has been to build the model loose on top of a foundation. A building's siding typically overlaps the outside of the foundation. Then I can attach the foundation to the layout, and the building's bottom edge will fit around the foundation.
For some buildings, you can't do that. Then something based on Henry's dowel concept would be my choice.
Ed
We have all seen refrigerator magnets in the form of a business card or other large square. That flexible rubber magnet stock comes in sheets, and is easily cut with scissors. Also comes precut in little squares or circles if you prefer. Like on your fridge door, they are not powerful magnets, but strong enough. You can slide them around some.
If hobby and crafts stores don't have it near you, it is easily found online.
I've been using neodymium rare earth magnets from https://www.kjmagnetics.com/ to attach building flats to a backdrop. They sell many sizes of magnets so you can pick whatever strength and shape that you need. Their surplus sales can provide good value.
I epoxy the magnets to the building flat and put dry wall screws in the backdrop to attract them. They can provide enough force to flatten a warped building flat or just enough to keep them from tipping over. The screws can be turned in or out to adjust the amount of attraction.
Mark Vinski
I remember years ago Tony Koester wrote an article about using foam blocks to hold structures in place but allow them some give if they're bumped with a passing elbow. It also makes it easier to remove `them in order to get to things behind the structure like a derailed car or to clean track. You glue the foam blocks to the layout and place the structure on top of them. Granted it doesn't exactly look too good as an interior detail, but if the windows are small enough or have curtains or a scene on them it really won't matter much.