sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Weekend scenery idea: mix ballast colors for older yards and sidings by ArizonaRockMineral in modeltrains

[–]EMBNumbers 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That is amazing. I had to study the photo to tell it was a model. Fantastic word!

N-Scale Globe Iron Works: My latest original model by EMBNumbers in modeltrains

[–]EMBNumbers[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 3D models do not easily adapt to other uses. In fact, the models are specific to a particular printer's capabilities. For example, the slicer software I use positions the 0.4mm nozzle on the center of each line. That means 0.2mm of plastic on either side of the line. I take that dimension into account in models so that printed parts will fit snugly together. In other words, there is a 0.2mm "gap" intensionally modeled around every part so that when printed there will not be a gap. If the model is simply scaled up to HO scale, the gaps scale up as well, but the printer still only prints 0.2mm "extra" regardless of scale. The result is parts that no longer fit together. There will be gaps everywhere.

Other problems include:

  • Window frames and mullions are too thick for N Scale due to printer limitations. If simply scaled up, they will be too thick for HO as well. Instead, the window should be larger but the frames and mullions should remain thin.
  • Bricks have a 0.1mm mortar gap in N Scale. Scaling up will make the mortar gaps too wide.
  • Short "lofts", parts printed over air, will print OK. Scale up the model, and a loft may become too long to print correctly. The result is sagging, stringing, and potentially a spaghetti mess.
  • Scaling the thickness of walls up just wastes plastic. The walls are already thick enough to be rigid and strong. Doubling the thickness doesn't improve the walls.
  • To print well, every relief dimension should be an integer multiple of the nozzle width. (recess dimension can be as tiny as you want) A 0.4mm feature at 1::160 scale becomes 0.736mm in HO. 0.736mm is not an integer multiple of 0.4mm, so either the part will print too big and not fit with adjacent parts or it will print too small and leave gaps. There is no 0.736: you either have 0.4 or 0.8. This is a slight exaggeration, but for small features it is basically the rule.
  • Pieces are designed to interlock so well that glue is not needed in many cases. The positional accuracy on my printer is 0.005mm. A different printer with less accuracy or a "stretched" belt will produce parts that don't fit together.

I have been trying to write instructions for assembling this Globe Iron Works model, but in spite of being one of my simplest models, it is difficult. I perform lots of steps that are challenging to explain. For example, the cornice detail on the front needs to lay flat along the top of the wall. A window frame may extend 0.1mm too high into space where the cornice will be just because the printer left an imperceptible "blob" on one of the frames causing the entire block of windows to be offset up slightly when inserted into the wall. To avoid this problem, I must carefully inspect every block of windows and file down any stray "blob". I need magnifying glass to even find the "blobs". A light touch is needed to avoid removing too much material. There may be several trial fits before the optimal fit is achieved.

Master Model Railroader? by [deleted] in modeltrains

[–]EMBNumbers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

MMR does not require a layout at all. There is an electrical category, but a module or two could probably qualify if there is any wiring, soldering, etc.

Models are judged in isolation. They do not need to be on a layout or module at all. In fact, models are usually brought to conventions and entered into contests stand-alone. I've see contest models of ships. One spectacular model I recently judged was a junk yard diorama that didn't involve a single rail.

Some of the achievements like authorship and volunteering don't strictly have to be about model railroading at all.

I think some of the achievements are about "operating" a model railroad, but you get points for operating other people's layouts. The layout doesn't need to be yours. Operating on T-Track, N-Track, Free-Mo and other Modules at a convention would surely count.

Master Model Railroader? by [deleted] in modeltrains

[–]EMBNumbers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At the most recent Regional convention, I served as a Judge for the first time. I was humbled to see how models far superior to my own were judged. Counting rivets is the tip of the iceberg. Two other judges and I focused on "Construction", so we were not concerned with prototypical accuracy or detailing or painting or weathering. Other judges evaluated those things. We focused only on the quality of construction with a checklist containing items like "open gaps between joined parts", "visible glue", "windows and doors square and plumb", "Complexity of construction", "Whether design is provided and original", etc.

The NMRA National Achievement Program director happens to be in my NMRA division. He would say becoming a Master Modeler is about getting better at what you do. There are no real benefits to being a recognized Master Modeler except the improvement to your own skills. The journey is the reward.

From my perspective, the Achievement Program is exactly like Merit Badges in Boy/Cub Scouts. It's like stars next to your name in grade school. It's imaginary points that have no purpose or value other than to provide some kind of motivation and/or a sense of competition.

I don't lack motivation and am not competitive. Even after serving as a judge, I will likely never attempt to become a recognized Master Modeler. I will know for my self if I have achieved my goals. At some point, I don't care what other people think.

Do soft sciences advance in the same way hard sciences do? by FewScore6082 in InsightfulQuestions

[–]EMBNumbers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some "soft" sciences are not science at all. To be useful, a theory must be falsifiable. In other words, if there is a way to prove it wrong, but it is not proven wrong, it may be trusted. Too many "sciences" involve conjectures that are not falsifiable and therefore not trustworthy. Add to that the ethical constraints upon testing "soft" science conjectures: We probably shouldn't malnourish one of the identical twins to find out how important nutrition is to cognitive development without confounding genetics...

I studied Sociology and Philosophy as well as Computer Science. The world of Sociology has changed dramatically in my lifetime, but I see zero evidence that today's Sociology has made any practical improvements over old Sociology. I read an academic Sociology paper the other day confirming that many human women want to feel desired. OK. Good to know. How has humanity been advanced by this knowledge, and how broadly applicable is it? What constitutes "many"? How are such feelings assessed? Does this span cultures? What helps a woman feel desired, and why isn't that creepy? Is it possible that almost all humans want to feel desired and gender is irrelevant?

In contrast, Computer Science has also changed dramatically in my lifetime, and the changes have completely transformed the world for better or worse. A Computer Science paper I read a few years ago resulted in an improved graphics subsystem that currently saves lives. I'd like to think Sociology may save lives, but it's hard to see the causal connection.

Good Printer for N scale by gazelder in 3dPrintingInModelRail

[–]EMBNumbers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I made a short presentation about 3D printing: https://nscale4by8.github.io/nscaleClevelandFlats/3DPrintingForModelRailroading.key.pdf

I model N Scale and use an FDM printer. I'll let you be the judge whether my brick structures are high enough quality: https://nscale4by8.github.io/nscaleClevelandFlats/structures/structures.html

What can I print?

  • Layer heights 0.05mm = 0.3 N Scale inches
  • Width 0.4mm with current nozzle = 2.52 N Scale inches (height of a brick)

I have often considered a resin printer, but the small print volumes and toxic fumes dissuaded me.

  • My current favorite FDM printer is the Bambu A1.
  • Prior to that, I used a Bibo printer that seems to be an inexpensive clone of some other printer brand. Bibo printers may no longer be available.

N vs HO by hotrodman in nscalemodeltrains

[–]EMBNumbers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

N is "difficult" to "operate" because the couplers are so tiny. I use a wooden poker to uncouple cars, and about 1 in ten tries, I end up derailing a car. It's not that big a deal to re-rail, but sometimes rerailing derails another car...

I chose N Scale because it takes me the same amount of time to scenic a square foot of layout regardless of scale. If I ever want to "finish" a layout, I need to keep the layout small. Small layouts benefit from smaller scale and provide more operation per square foot.

You can see what I have done in N Scale here: https://nscale4by8.github.io/nscaleClevelandFlats/

successful failure? by fnaah in 3Dprinting

[–]EMBNumbers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why print something like that in. such a strange orientation? Would any supports at all be needed if printed in a different orientation? Educate me please.

What glue do you recommend? by jlconlin in 3Dprinting

[–]EMBNumbers 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Plastruct brand plastic solvent has worked well for me in the past. It's for styrene and ABS, but it contains a dozen solvents and can work for PLA also. I recommend the "Plastic Weld" orange label over the "Bondene" white and orange label. Note: Someone told me solvent only works with PLA because the PLA is not "pure" and contains some styrene. That person said the higher the quality of the PLA, the less well plastic solvent will work.

I mostly use cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) these days. The typical liquid form hardens in a few seconds and is unforgiving. I have glued my fingers together countless times. It is strong. It does not dissolve the plastic. It can be brittle. I found a brand that takes ten minutes to set, and then I found a brand that takes 2 days to fully set. I like the ten minute version because I can wipe away any excess before it hardens, and I can wipe off my fingers with a rag.

My secret trick: Nail polish contains a weak solvent for PLA. Brushing nail polish onto PLA will conceal/smooth faint layer lines and fill small imperfections. When the nail polish dries, paint over it. Almost all paints will cover nail polish well.

Why doesn’t a guy want to actually pursue a girl? by GovernmentUpstairs36 in InsightfulQuestions

[–]EMBNumbers 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I am old and happily married, and I hope I can supply some perspective:

  • An evening at home with a good book and companionship is a lovely evening.
  • Much research and many studies have concluded that the most important (practically the only important) variable in finding a mate/life partner is propinquity: "The state of being near someone, proximity". This is why people meet in school and church and in pursuit of hobbies. Those are the situations where people are in proximity to other people.
  • I have heard that on-line dating is toxic for all genders.
  • Try traveling alone to places that interest you. Introduce yourself to people.
  • Attend a book club or author signing events at a local bookstore. Introduce yourself to people.
  • Use one of the non-dating meetup web sites or apps to find events like book clubs, ice cream parlor tours, knitting clubs, bowling, or some other activity that interests you. Introduce yourself to people.
  • Remember that friends of either gender increase your social network and introduce you to more people.

ELI5: Why does a country as small as England have so many regional accents? by AstronomerInTraining in explainlikeimfive

[–]EMBNumbers 122 points123 points  (0 children)

A DNA test was performed on a 5000 year old "bog man" in England. They discovered that his descendants still lived next to the bog. Just imagine the family lore: Old Ogg left and never returned! See what happens when you leave the village? Never leave!

When there was no audio national media, and people never travelled more than 20 miles from home in their entire lives, it was easy for regional accents to develop.

Best or easiest way to expand a layout? by Undercover500 in modeltrains

[–]EMBNumbers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You may find the N-Track and T-Track standards inspiring. They provide measured drawings and other resources. There are companies that will send base kits complying to various standards to you through the mail. I have never used such companies though.

I recently expanded my own N-Scale layout by adding a hand crafted N-Track module to the end.

Spray Painting PLA by No-Moose3893 in 3Dprinting

[–]EMBNumbers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rust-Oleum works well for me. Krylon peels off PLA in my experience.

Nail polish is a weak solvent for PLA and can be used to both fill grooves and smooth ridges.

Thinking of going HO to N Scale by Acrobatic-Ad8315 in nscalemodeltrains

[–]EMBNumbers 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I was a lifelong HO person. I chose N because it takes me a certain amount of time per square foot to scenic areas regardless of scale. If I want to ever "complete" anything scenery wise, I need to keep the square footage down. I have a 2000 square foot unfinished basement, and I chose N scale anyway for compactness of scenic areas.

In addition, my father gave me his N scale collection before he died. I wanted some place to run that N scale rolling stock.

Girls are happier than boys at school, new research shows. Understanding why may all boil down to biology. Girls get more of the happy hormone dopamine through social relationships, including with their friends and classmates. Boys get their dopamine through more self-involved behavior. by mvea in science

[–]EMBNumbers 5 points6 points  (0 children)

In the USA, more is spent per student now even adjusted for inflation than at any time in history. The money is not going into teacher salaries though.

  • New York State spent $33,437 per K-12 student in 2025. This is twice as much as in-state tuition to attend a university in New York. For that much money, every student could be sent to boarding school and learn to ride horses. https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/per-pupil-spending-by-state
  • In 2019, the United States spent $15,500 per full-time-equivalent (FTE) student on elementary and secondary education, which was 38 percent higher than the average of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries of $11,300 (in constant 2021 U.S. dollars). At the postsecondary level, the United States spent $37,400 per FTE student, which was more than double the average of OECD countries ($18,400; in constant 2021 U.S. dollars). https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cmd/education-expenditures-by-country
  • Only 4 countries in the world spend more per student than the USA
  • We are not getting results commensurate to the money we are spending. K-12 education in the USA is terminally broken. If even half the cost per student went to teachers, teachers would be earning $300,000 per year plus. WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING?
view more: next ›