New or Unusual

There's a lot about the model rail hobby that has not changed over the years. Most of the time that's because the old ways are proven, familiar, and -sometimes- even the best way.

But now and then, someone comes up with a product or process that is an innovative or a revolutionary way to do something faster or more effectively. Here's where we tell you what we've found or what you've told us about.
 

Producer is Custom Trax, at www.custmtrax.com. Who knew? Yes, there is such a thing, available in commercial quantity, with various colors of ballast. The track, roadbed and ballast as one complete unit. Who knew? Well, Chuck P., for one -he's the guy who told me about it. Details are at the web site and include a video showing how it works. Product line includes trunouts, too. Very cool stuff.
 

Rodney is a custom TOOL maker. He makes the stuff that helps you make the stuff. If you have ever said to your self, "I wish there was a tool that  . . . " then Rodney is your connection. In addition to custom made, one-of-a-kind tools, he has an impressive collection of special purpose tools that help you do things exactly right. How does he do it? With his own machine shop, that's how! Examples: a jig for precisely centering the hole for an undertable switch motor spring wire; a jig for maintaining exact distance between centers of parallel tracks; yet another jig for precisely aligning turnouts that are connected end-to-end in a yard. Incredible, very simple, very effective. And reasonably priced. All, on his web site. See for yourself, at Rodneys Railroad Tools.

Send an email to jsgeare@yahoo.com and let me know what you find!