DIY magnetic set squares for railway modelling

Magnet set squares are invaluable for railway modelling.

DIY magnetic set squaresI’ve bought a few sets in the past – one from Bachmann and one from Proses – but they can be quite expensive for what they are.

I wanted to find a cheaper option, so once again turned to my 3D printer for a solution.

In this video, I show you how to make your own magnetic clamps at home, using a 3D printer and my free to download/use 3D design (STL format).

You can download the 3D model to print at home for non-commercial use here: www.strathpefferjunction.com/3dmodels

Want to make your own? You’ll need materials!

Here are some affiliate links to materials used in this project. They don’t cost you any more to use, but I get a (very) small return from each item sold, which helps me keep the channel going.

I tend to use Rigid.Ink filament where I want quality and strength. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s by far and away the most reliable filament I’ve found. Plus, their customer service is excellent: https://amzn.to/2JtPMr5

A quick look at the HobbyZone SM1 Paint Pot Holder

HobbyZone Paint Pot HolderI’ve found the HobbyZone products to be excellent for organising my modelling desk. They do a range of drawers, shelves, paint racks etc. and the beauty of them all is that they are magnetic and clip together to form a rigid structure.

While others have covered unit construction, I thought I’d do a quick video on their wee paint stand (SM1). Just a quick look at what it is and how it goes together…a simple and easy job! You can watch the video below…

Diode Voltage Droppers for Ringfield Motor Upgrades & Conversions

If you’re using a 6V dc motor in your Lima or Hornby ringfield motor conversion, and you’re using DC control or DCC without CV5 functionality, you’ll need to consider a diode voltage dropper to protect the motor from over-voltage and current.

Diode Voltage Dropper Components

I’ve always made my own, but I know that not everyone has the skills, confidence or time to do that too, so I’ve come up with a couple of wee kits to help out.

Preassembled diode voltage dropper kit

There’s a pre-assembled diode voltage dropper kit which includes all of the core components soldered together for immediate use, plus a ‘components only’ kit with everything you need to quickly knock one up yourself.

If you’re interested, you’ll find the pre-made ones here and the components-only kits here.

You’ll find wiring instructions in the following booklet…

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Instructions for Generic Lima Ringfield Motor Upgrade Kit (LA4) 529.65 KB 759 downloads

Step-by-step instructions for our Generic Lima ringfield motor upgrade kits.  Last...