How a Mirror Can Be a Helpful Tool on a Model Railroad Layout
A small mirror or mirror tile can be helpful on a model train layout when looking for kinks, dips and misalignments in track.
To check alignments simply set the mirror on the edge on the track.
The mirror will enable you to inspect the alignment of the rails, not by looking directly along the rails, but instead by looking into the mirror at the image of the rails.
This will save you from stretching or bending over (not as easy as we get older).
A mirror will also save you from getting track imprints in your cheek when leaning over to inspect something up close.
When working on your model train layout bend down and look along a rail and the track will probably appear to be very smooth.
However, by looking at the image of the rail in a mirror, you may notice small kinks and dips that you did not know existed.
So, unless you have a neck like an ostrich, a mirror can prove to be a very useful tool in the toolbox of any model railroader.
A mirror is particularly useful when placed alongside the track to view the action of trucks and wheels while the train moves over a trouble spot.
If derailments are a problem, a small mirror can be helpful in locating the problem.
Also, consider using a mirror when laying track in difficult locations and even track that is out in the open.
The late John Allen famous for his Gore & Daphetid model railroad layout made clever use of mirrors.
John Allen had more than 30 mirrors on his layout, most of which were undetectable.
Using a mirror can add depth beyond the backdrop.
It can make a model railroad layout appear to go on forever.
For example; a mirror can reflect a road, or track, and make it appear to continue into the distance.
It can give the appearance of having more buildings or trees than there really are on the model train layout.
A mirror can also be placed at the end of a shunting yard to make it look double in size.
Using a mirror is a simple technique, but can be very effective especially when used on a small model train layout.
However, use mirrors wisely and take care positioning them for best effect.
They serve no purpose if all you can see is your own reflection - unless you are a budgie!
To check alignments simply set the mirror on the edge on the track.
The mirror will enable you to inspect the alignment of the rails, not by looking directly along the rails, but instead by looking into the mirror at the image of the rails.
This will save you from stretching or bending over (not as easy as we get older).
A mirror will also save you from getting track imprints in your cheek when leaning over to inspect something up close.
When working on your model train layout bend down and look along a rail and the track will probably appear to be very smooth.
However, by looking at the image of the rail in a mirror, you may notice small kinks and dips that you did not know existed.
So, unless you have a neck like an ostrich, a mirror can prove to be a very useful tool in the toolbox of any model railroader.
A mirror is particularly useful when placed alongside the track to view the action of trucks and wheels while the train moves over a trouble spot.
If derailments are a problem, a small mirror can be helpful in locating the problem.
Also, consider using a mirror when laying track in difficult locations and even track that is out in the open.
The late John Allen famous for his Gore & Daphetid model railroad layout made clever use of mirrors.
John Allen had more than 30 mirrors on his layout, most of which were undetectable.
Using a mirror can add depth beyond the backdrop.
It can make a model railroad layout appear to go on forever.
For example; a mirror can reflect a road, or track, and make it appear to continue into the distance.
It can give the appearance of having more buildings or trees than there really are on the model train layout.
A mirror can also be placed at the end of a shunting yard to make it look double in size.
Using a mirror is a simple technique, but can be very effective especially when used on a small model train layout.
However, use mirrors wisely and take care positioning them for best effect.
They serve no purpose if all you can see is your own reflection - unless you are a budgie!
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