Tompkins Mill
@tompkinmill.bsky.social
Retired. Interests: Southern Railway, home maintenance, reading, writing, FreeCad.
My wonderful wife has tolerated my quirks for 50+ yrs.
I lean blue. No Kings.. ever!
My wonderful wife has tolerated my quirks for 50+ yrs.
I lean blue. No Kings.. ever!
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
N scale
DIY
Windows etc.
Besides scalpels..
Cnc been there done that.
Note: corners..
Diameter of the cutter even small never looks square.
Laser
Better corners. Lots of trial and error.
Info w photos
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
N scale
DIY
Windows etc.
Besides scalpels..
Cnc been there done that.
Note: corners..
Diameter of the cutter even small never looks square.
Laser
Better corners. Lots of trial and error.
Info w photos
October 20, 2025 at 2:18 AM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
N scale
DIY
Windows etc.
Besides scalpels..
Cnc been there done that.
Note: corners..
Diameter of the cutter even small never looks square.
Laser
Better corners. Lots of trial and error.
Info w photos
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
N scale
DIY
Windows etc.
Besides scalpels..
Cnc been there done that.
Note: corners..
Diameter of the cutter even small never looks square.
Laser
Better corners. Lots of trial and error.
Info w photos
A squirrel tried to gnaw into a blue bird box. Replaced the destroyed wood and made and added a steel plate with a proper sized hole. If a squirrel chews through steel I give up.
October 10, 2025 at 2:43 AM
A squirrel tried to gnaw into a blue bird box. Replaced the destroyed wood and made and added a steel plate with a proper sized hole. If a squirrel chews through steel I give up.
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
To the best of my knowledge… there are no Nscale Southern Railway train order boards. Murphy Branch was “dark” so each depot had train order boards. I made one using drawings and made a mold. I cast others in epoxy.So far no luck on automating.😭😭
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
To the best of my knowledge… there are no Nscale Southern Railway train order boards. Murphy Branch was “dark” so each depot had train order boards. I made one using drawings and made a mold. I cast others in epoxy.So far no luck on automating.😭😭
October 10, 2025 at 2:39 AM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
To the best of my knowledge… there are no Nscale Southern Railway train order boards. Murphy Branch was “dark” so each depot had train order boards. I made one using drawings and made a mold. I cast others in epoxy.So far no luck on automating.😭😭
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
To the best of my knowledge… there are no Nscale Southern Railway train order boards. Murphy Branch was “dark” so each depot had train order boards. I made one using drawings and made a mold. I cast others in epoxy.So far no luck on automating.😭😭
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Nscale bash.
A SRY Caboose.
Two ROCO cabooses becoming one.
SRY did not have end windows. Fill.
It did have grabs on end. Add.
Door windows were not correct. Fix.
Paint was removed.
Two halves will make a whole.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Nscale bash.
A SRY Caboose.
Two ROCO cabooses becoming one.
SRY did not have end windows. Fill.
It did have grabs on end. Add.
Door windows were not correct. Fix.
Paint was removed.
Two halves will make a whole.
October 2, 2025 at 11:52 PM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Nscale bash.
A SRY Caboose.
Two ROCO cabooses becoming one.
SRY did not have end windows. Fill.
It did have grabs on end. Add.
Door windows were not correct. Fix.
Paint was removed.
Two halves will make a whole.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Nscale bash.
A SRY Caboose.
Two ROCO cabooses becoming one.
SRY did not have end windows. Fill.
It did have grabs on end. Add.
Door windows were not correct. Fix.
Paint was removed.
Two halves will make a whole.
I resist but when I saw this I couldn’t.. now..how to send to “Sodumb Insane”?
September 29, 2025 at 6:42 PM
I resist but when I saw this I couldn’t.. now..how to send to “Sodumb Insane”?
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Much of the bench scrap wood. The base is lapped 2*4; it is sturdy. Designed for space under a portion of the layout.
I’ve made changes through the years. I built the tool holders, glue rack, the LED work light etc. even a hidden test track.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Much of the bench scrap wood. The base is lapped 2*4; it is sturdy. Designed for space under a portion of the layout.
I’ve made changes through the years. I built the tool holders, glue rack, the LED work light etc. even a hidden test track.
September 26, 2025 at 1:57 AM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Much of the bench scrap wood. The base is lapped 2*4; it is sturdy. Designed for space under a portion of the layout.
I’ve made changes through the years. I built the tool holders, glue rack, the LED work light etc. even a hidden test track.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Much of the bench scrap wood. The base is lapped 2*4; it is sturdy. Designed for space under a portion of the layout.
I’ve made changes through the years. I built the tool holders, glue rack, the LED work light etc. even a hidden test track.
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
An autumn project. With a new update to Freecad I’m going to attempt to make a circa 1943 n scale Knights store.. back then if sold cocacola and ESSO fuel. Different pumps too Balsam NC I’ll post updates. No pay phone booth either 🧐🧐
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
An autumn project. With a new update to Freecad I’m going to attempt to make a circa 1943 n scale Knights store.. back then if sold cocacola and ESSO fuel. Different pumps too Balsam NC I’ll post updates. No pay phone booth either 🧐🧐
September 12, 2025 at 1:42 AM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
An autumn project. With a new update to Freecad I’m going to attempt to make a circa 1943 n scale Knights store.. back then if sold cocacola and ESSO fuel. Different pumps too Balsam NC I’ll post updates. No pay phone booth either 🧐🧐
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
An autumn project. With a new update to Freecad I’m going to attempt to make a circa 1943 n scale Knights store.. back then if sold cocacola and ESSO fuel. Different pumps too Balsam NC I’ll post updates. No pay phone booth either 🧐🧐
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
The art of N scale scratch build
Maybe 20 years ago a friend sent me a link to a incredible scratch built N scale steam locomotive. Back then no auto translate like now.
This gentleman won a contest.
www.rotaie.it/New%20Pages/...
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
The art of N scale scratch build
Maybe 20 years ago a friend sent me a link to a incredible scratch built N scale steam locomotive. Back then no auto translate like now.
This gentleman won a contest.
www.rotaie.it/New%20Pages/...
September 3, 2025 at 10:55 PM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
The art of N scale scratch build
Maybe 20 years ago a friend sent me a link to a incredible scratch built N scale steam locomotive. Back then no auto translate like now.
This gentleman won a contest.
www.rotaie.it/New%20Pages/...
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
The art of N scale scratch build
Maybe 20 years ago a friend sent me a link to a incredible scratch built N scale steam locomotive. Back then no auto translate like now.
This gentleman won a contest.
www.rotaie.it/New%20Pages/...
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
From azalea armature to n scale tree. Photo shows need to darken tree bark
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
From azalea armature to n scale tree. Photo shows need to darken tree bark
August 25, 2025 at 3:04 PM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
From azalea armature to n scale tree. Photo shows need to darken tree bark
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
From azalea armature to n scale tree. Photo shows need to darken tree bark
I’ve tried the bundles. The area I model and time the Mountain areas had been clear cut and this was mixed deciduous 40 feet or so new growth rhododendron etc undergrowth too. Paint wise a dark under coat and dry brush with a light gray for bark. Forest floor brown mostly hidden
August 23, 2025 at 11:49 AM
I’ve tried the bundles. The area I model and time the Mountain areas had been clear cut and this was mixed deciduous 40 feet or so new growth rhododendron etc undergrowth too. Paint wise a dark under coat and dry brush with a light gray for bark. Forest floor brown mostly hidden
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
I consider my 3D printed N scale Steps for wooden caboose “good enough.” The steps are based on a Southern Railway caboose dimensions. I’m quite excited that holes in the back of the steps show. My model bash can progress 🤗 xacto knife for size🤣
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
I consider my 3D printed N scale Steps for wooden caboose “good enough.” The steps are based on a Southern Railway caboose dimensions. I’m quite excited that holes in the back of the steps show. My model bash can progress 🤗 xacto knife for size🤣
August 23, 2025 at 2:31 AM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
I consider my 3D printed N scale Steps for wooden caboose “good enough.” The steps are based on a Southern Railway caboose dimensions. I’m quite excited that holes in the back of the steps show. My model bash can progress 🤗 xacto knife for size🤣
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
I consider my 3D printed N scale Steps for wooden caboose “good enough.” The steps are based on a Southern Railway caboose dimensions. I’m quite excited that holes in the back of the steps show. My model bash can progress 🤗 xacto knife for size🤣
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
First WS clusters added to armature.
Not great photo/lighting
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
First WS clusters added to armature.
Not great photo/lighting
August 23, 2025 at 2:24 AM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
First WS clusters added to armature.
Not great photo/lighting
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
First WS clusters added to armature.
Not great photo/lighting
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
My tree madness..
planted azaleas 15 yes ago🤪🤪 some branches died
I build N scale trees
My method step one
Type- deciduous
Regrowing after 20 years
Height 26 feet
N scale 2 inches
1First branch for pieces
2 piece to use
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
My tree madness..
planted azaleas 15 yes ago🤪🤪 some branches died
I build N scale trees
My method step one
Type- deciduous
Regrowing after 20 years
Height 26 feet
N scale 2 inches
1First branch for pieces
2 piece to use
August 22, 2025 at 2:56 PM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
My tree madness..
planted azaleas 15 yes ago🤪🤪 some branches died
I build N scale trees
My method step one
Type- deciduous
Regrowing after 20 years
Height 26 feet
N scale 2 inches
1First branch for pieces
2 piece to use
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
My tree madness..
planted azaleas 15 yes ago🤪🤪 some branches died
I build N scale trees
My method step one
Type- deciduous
Regrowing after 20 years
Height 26 feet
N scale 2 inches
1First branch for pieces
2 piece to use
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Waste not, want not.
When Gempo azaleas have dead branches.
Cut them for winter.
Armatures for N scale trees using WS clusters.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Waste not, want not.
When Gempo azaleas have dead branches.
Cut them for winter.
Armatures for N scale trees using WS clusters.
August 21, 2025 at 6:12 PM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Waste not, want not.
When Gempo azaleas have dead branches.
Cut them for winter.
Armatures for N scale trees using WS clusters.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
#ntrak
Waste not, want not.
When Gempo azaleas have dead branches.
Cut them for winter.
Armatures for N scale trees using WS clusters.
#zen
#mindfullness
#buddhist
#buddhism
He’s been hold that sword over his head and watching me for over 40 years. Manjusri (Manjo) just sits as I seek knowledge. He is more patient than me.
#mindfullness
#buddhist
#buddhism
He’s been hold that sword over his head and watching me for over 40 years. Manjusri (Manjo) just sits as I seek knowledge. He is more patient than me.
August 17, 2025 at 7:14 PM
#zen
#mindfullness
#buddhist
#buddhism
He’s been hold that sword over his head and watching me for over 40 years. Manjusri (Manjo) just sits as I seek knowledge. He is more patient than me.
#mindfullness
#buddhist
#buddhism
He’s been hold that sword over his head and watching me for over 40 years. Manjusri (Manjo) just sits as I seek knowledge. He is more patient than me.
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
image of steps I made in Freecad. Nscale wooden caboose I’m bashing. A friend did a test on his 3D printer. He made some changes but was amazed to see holes in the back wall printed too.
Looking forward to my 3D prints Hopefully, back on track.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
image of steps I made in Freecad. Nscale wooden caboose I’m bashing. A friend did a test on his 3D printer. He made some changes but was amazed to see holes in the back wall printed too.
Looking forward to my 3D prints Hopefully, back on track.
August 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
image of steps I made in Freecad. Nscale wooden caboose I’m bashing. A friend did a test on his 3D printer. He made some changes but was amazed to see holes in the back wall printed too.
Looking forward to my 3D prints Hopefully, back on track.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
image of steps I made in Freecad. Nscale wooden caboose I’m bashing. A friend did a test on his 3D printer. He made some changes but was amazed to see holes in the back wall printed too.
Looking forward to my 3D prints Hopefully, back on track.
More than 50 years ago today I backpacked 26 miles + to Island Lake in Wyoming on left side of photo you can see the stream entering lake. Camped above the stream. After four nights heavy snow encouraged me to leave. It was peaceful and beautiful. Mt Fremont behind.
August 15, 2025 at 11:10 PM
More than 50 years ago today I backpacked 26 miles + to Island Lake in Wyoming on left side of photo you can see the stream entering lake. Camped above the stream. After four nights heavy snow encouraged me to leave. It was peaceful and beautiful. Mt Fremont behind.
My layout is Murphy branch 1942 gsmrr runs some of that here is my Bryson depot
August 11, 2025 at 12:48 AM
My layout is Murphy branch 1942 gsmrr runs some of that here is my Bryson depot
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
Anyone else have a home built CNC to help with model building. “Frankie” can occasionally test my my patience and feeding him code from Freecad Still a “learning experience🤬🤬🤬
#modelrailroading
#nscale
Anyone else have a home built CNC to help with model building. “Frankie” can occasionally test my my patience and feeding him code from Freecad Still a “learning experience🤬🤬🤬
August 9, 2025 at 10:18 PM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
Anyone else have a home built CNC to help with model building. “Frankie” can occasionally test my my patience and feeding him code from Freecad Still a “learning experience🤬🤬🤬
#modelrailroading
#nscale
Anyone else have a home built CNC to help with model building. “Frankie” can occasionally test my my patience and feeding him code from Freecad Still a “learning experience🤬🤬🤬
N scale.How I worked with 12 inch wide space. Just out of foreground is the removable door bridge.
August 8, 2025 at 11:42 PM
N scale.How I worked with 12 inch wide space. Just out of foreground is the removable door bridge.
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
House like this sat near similar curve, close to bridge- the 1940s.
A photo from other side of track toward bridge. Man sitting in chair on porch.
that angle is not on my layout..
So I cheat no front detail.
the home might have originally been rr structure.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
House like this sat near similar curve, close to bridge- the 1940s.
A photo from other side of track toward bridge. Man sitting in chair on porch.
that angle is not on my layout..
So I cheat no front detail.
the home might have originally been rr structure.
August 3, 2025 at 2:45 AM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
House like this sat near similar curve, close to bridge- the 1940s.
A photo from other side of track toward bridge. Man sitting in chair on porch.
that angle is not on my layout..
So I cheat no front detail.
the home might have originally been rr structure.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
House like this sat near similar curve, close to bridge- the 1940s.
A photo from other side of track toward bridge. Man sitting in chair on porch.
that angle is not on my layout..
So I cheat no front detail.
the home might have originally been rr structure.
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
There was a Standard Oil distributor. Old map shows four vertical tanks and small office. So n scale scratch. Lots more to do. Even fix the tank car to 1940 appearance. A camera always shows more to do.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
There was a Standard Oil distributor. Old map shows four vertical tanks and small office. So n scale scratch. Lots more to do. Even fix the tank car to 1940 appearance. A camera always shows more to do.
July 30, 2025 at 3:14 PM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
There was a Standard Oil distributor. Old map shows four vertical tanks and small office. So n scale scratch. Lots more to do. Even fix the tank car to 1940 appearance. A camera always shows more to do.
#modelrailroading
#nscale
There was a Standard Oil distributor. Old map shows four vertical tanks and small office. So n scale scratch. Lots more to do. Even fix the tank car to 1940 appearance. A camera always shows more to do.
#zen
#mindfulness
#buddhism
#buddhist
Invited him home in 1958.
He’s been in front of a wall longer than Bodhidharma.
He remains silent about schools, sects, and teachers.
Never once complained about too many books in the room.
Doesn’t even denigrate my path.
Never once said “zen moment.”
#mindfulness
#buddhism
#buddhist
Invited him home in 1958.
He’s been in front of a wall longer than Bodhidharma.
He remains silent about schools, sects, and teachers.
Never once complained about too many books in the room.
Doesn’t even denigrate my path.
Never once said “zen moment.”
July 28, 2025 at 3:45 AM
#zen
#mindfulness
#buddhism
#buddhist
Invited him home in 1958.
He’s been in front of a wall longer than Bodhidharma.
He remains silent about schools, sects, and teachers.
Never once complained about too many books in the room.
Doesn’t even denigrate my path.
Never once said “zen moment.”
#mindfulness
#buddhism
#buddhist
Invited him home in 1958.
He’s been in front of a wall longer than Bodhidharma.
He remains silent about schools, sects, and teachers.
Never once complained about too many books in the room.
Doesn’t even denigrate my path.
Never once said “zen moment.”
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
Nscale not complete (ever?) Bryson NC. Whitewash poles match old photo I’ll guess white to minimize accidents.
The “factory” based on TVA archives photo. I do like scratch building.
Even turned a door knob for depot😵💫
#modelrailroading
#nscale
Nscale not complete (ever?) Bryson NC. Whitewash poles match old photo I’ll guess white to minimize accidents.
The “factory” based on TVA archives photo. I do like scratch building.
Even turned a door knob for depot😵💫
July 25, 2025 at 7:02 PM
#modeltrains
#modelrailroading
#nscale
Nscale not complete (ever?) Bryson NC. Whitewash poles match old photo I’ll guess white to minimize accidents.
The “factory” based on TVA archives photo. I do like scratch building.
Even turned a door knob for depot😵💫
#modelrailroading
#nscale
Nscale not complete (ever?) Bryson NC. Whitewash poles match old photo I’ll guess white to minimize accidents.
The “factory” based on TVA archives photo. I do like scratch building.
Even turned a door knob for depot😵💫
#modelrailroading
Before 1943 a Fisher Brothers hotel stood trackside Bushnell NC using 2 tva photos I did drawing then scratchbuilt the hotel N scale several posts I turned using drill press.any questions?
Before 1943 a Fisher Brothers hotel stood trackside Bushnell NC using 2 tva photos I did drawing then scratchbuilt the hotel N scale several posts I turned using drill press.any questions?
July 22, 2025 at 2:58 AM
#modelrailroading
Before 1943 a Fisher Brothers hotel stood trackside Bushnell NC using 2 tva photos I did drawing then scratchbuilt the hotel N scale several posts I turned using drill press.any questions?
Before 1943 a Fisher Brothers hotel stood trackside Bushnell NC using 2 tva photos I did drawing then scratchbuilt the hotel N scale several posts I turned using drill press.any questions?