The coupler test track (top) consists of the tacked-down track, a styrene strip between the rails for getting the cars on the track and a Kadee Magne-matic uncoupler. To start, set the car over the


NMRA. I use an inexpensive postal scale to weigh the cars. (See Table 1) Here is the standard routine. Before adding couplers, place the car on the test track and check the “lip” on the coupler height gauge to be sure the bottom of the car is at the correct height from the


white styrene strip and move it back and forth (above left). The wheels will drop into position. Set the test track on a shelf at eye level and check the coupler height with a gauge (above right).


track. After adding couplers, use the gauge again to be sure the couplers themselves are at the proper height. I use the track inspection car to play with the couplers on the rolling stock to as- sure they mate. By using the track in- spection car and my own rolling stock, I


roll the pair back and forth over the un- coupling magnet to be sure they couple and uncouple properly. With this setup you can eliminate air hoses and uncoupler pins from hanging too low or too high. You will know the length of the car and can calculate the


Nine of the twelve bins in the muffin tin (left) are used for stains. (The tin was painted yellow for photographic reasons.) Each of the abbreviations corresponds to a Liquitex acrylic color. The ex-


RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN


tra compartments are used for water. By holding the tin much like an artist would hold a palette (right), the sometimes tedious job of staining plaster with different colors is faster and easier.


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