post your model RR tips........

[Frenchie]

Those solid wire pieces are leftovers, too short for other uses.

I also have many short pieces of stranded 0,5mm2 (22 AWG), I make ocotillo plants out of them.
I cut a length of wire roughly the scale size of an ocotillo, I strip off the insulation except for a few millimeters at one end, then I spread the
thin wires slightly apart.
I paint the wires an olive color, when dry I dust them with a pastel powder to tone down the green colour.
I use a drill the size of the 22 wire and "plant" the ocotillo with a small drop of carpenter glue added.

 

[MOWboss]

While your in the kitchen - Caraway seeds look like excellent fish recently caught and laying on bank/boat next to fisherman.
I also grind up Eucalyptus leaves and sprinkled them in with landscape material. An old timer (and I'm and old timer) told
me years ago that spiders don't like Eucalyptus. I've got dust bunnies - but never seen a spider

 

[shortwrench]

These bamboo skewers are one of the most used items on my HO layout.

Great for applying glue.
Great for stirring paint in those little bottles.
Great for painting people. After use, just wipe the end with a rag to clean-no need to wash it like a brush. On to the next
color. Usually get over a dozen uses before one has to be tossed.
Great for removing loco shells if they are held on with those little tabs-lot easier than trying to keep 4 screwdrivers in the right places.
Great for removing solder in printed circuit board holes.

Finally, great as a toothpick.

 

[shortwrench]

Had to replace one of the IR sensors for a crossing signal. Of course it is soldered in so I broke out the corded soldering iron. Previously have tried various battery operated soldering irons but they always seemed to require charging when they were needed. The soldering iron is a oldie, it's a Weller with a Jensen Tools branding. Been taking longer and longer to warm up.

While waiting for it to warm up, started looking around in my tool drawers and noticed a Hakko FX-951. Dug it out and used it to change out the sensor.

Given my experience with cordless soldering irons, I decided to fabricate a portable soldering station.

A wooden carrier for the power unit and iron holder were made from wood scraps and a dowel makes for a convenient carrying handle.
It's lightweight and small enough where it could actually fit on some layout areas. AC power is not an issue since I have 120vac around
the layout. At the background of the photo on the bench is a Weller WES51 and Hakko FM202 which weighs a ton. Having been spoiled with temperature controlled irons, the 951 fits right in with my soldering style.

 

[2Tracks]

Went to a food service supply store in town and picked up these gloves. They are durable, and way easier to work with than the latex gloves.