JUST A REMINDER

Just wanted to let everyone know that we have been invited back for a 2nd time to the Amherst Railway Society Model Show on January 29 & 30, 2011. This is a huge show and takes place in West Springfield MA the same time every year. Vendors and Manufactures are by invitation only, so I guess we did OK last year. The clip below is our HOn30 layout at last years show. We got it to the state you see it, in the video, in a little over 30 days. The only thing we had done when we got the call to come, was some of the trains. Well, it’s done now. More engines, more cars, more structures & the right side module now sports a Steel Mill. I can’t wait for you all to see it. You’ve actually seen a few glimpses in some of the structure pix, posted recently. You will have to wait till after the show for new video, though, or better yet, come on out. You won’t believe this show.

Clever Models LLC Traveling HOn30 Display Layout from Dave Miecznikowski on Vimeo.

PIX of HABBAKER'S

The newest kit available for download is Habbaker’s Garage.  I mentioned on the MODELS page, that it was difficult to get a good idea of what this kit really looks like without pix from many angles.  So here are some more pix that show you the details that are not visible on the MODELS page.

HAPPY ANIVERSARY TO US!

Well friends, it’s been another great year for Clever Models, and it’s all because of YOU!  Thom and I want you all to know how thankfull we are to have gotten to know so many of you.  In these tough economic times, it’s not easy to keep a small business going.  We couldn’t have done it without you.  Thanks again for your support.  We look forward to working with you all for a long time to come.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Dave & Thom Miecznikowski

Quick build note

I’m adding to my rollingstock by building a new tank car.  This has always been a tough one for me so I thought I’d share the experience.  Sorry no pix right now.

The tank itself has always been difficult to handle while building.  I had a couple of ideas.  Originally, I thought I’d build it on a solid wood core.  The HOn30 tank is 5/8” dia.  Went to an art supply store to pick up a dowel but no luck.  They did have a brass tube that was 9/16”, so I picked that up and wrapped it with scrap paper to bring it up to 5/8”. (about 6 wraps of 60lb card)  What I ended up with is a nice firm mandrel, on which I am building the tank. So far, I’m very happy with the result and how easy it is to handle the tank.  The finished tank is 4 layers with the extra steel plate sadle and the reinforcing end bands.  I still have to fit the collar around the dome but having the tank on the mandrel makes it easy to handle.

More later.