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How do you cut model ship rigging?
Posted in: Best practices
29th March 2022
To some extent, how you cut model ship rigging will depend on a number of issues including the material that is used...
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What are cast-iron spoked wagon wheels?
Posted in: Model Railway, Rolling stock
10th August 2021
Cast iron spoked wagon wheels date back to the 1830s and were the mainstay of wagon wheels for nearly 100 years....
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What is a rerailer?
Posted in: Tracks
13th October 2021
A rerailer is one of those cheap plastic gadgets that doesn't shout about its existence, doesn't get talked about...
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Why are ships' hulls painted red beneath the waterline?
Posted in: Best practices
27th November 2023
Painting ships' hulls red beneath the waterline serves a specific purpose and has been a longstanding tradition in...
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What is best flexible track or set track?
Posted in: Model Railway, Tracks
14th July 2020
It is not really a question of which track is best when it comes to a comparison between flexible track and set...
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What is a glass fibre pencil?

Glass fibre pencils are commonly used in modelling for cleaning locomotive wheels, commutators and other electrical connections.

The tool looks like a regular pen, but, instead of an ink nib or ballpoint at its end, there is a glass fibre stick that when rubbed gently on a surface requiring cleaning, provides enough friction to clean but won't damage the component.

They do exist in various sizes to provide maximum control.

Opinion is divided as to whether glass fibre pens should be used to clean delicate components, however, the soft tip would have to be used with extreme pressure to cause any damage and their outstanding cleaning ability makes them a firm favourite for many modellers.

Posted in: Fix, restore and customize

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