Need source for wood chocks for flatcar loads

Kinda depends upon what you want to chock. If you get a piece of 1/4" square stock, that works out to 12" scale. Cut to length and hit them with some stain. Botta bing, botta boom, you've got some chocks.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys!  Expected equipment to chock will include military vehicles, construction equipment, and various other loads such as equipment and supplies.   

John, question on 45 degree cut, since I will need many chocks, is there a method that you would suggest to achieve the desired angle to ensure all chocks look basically the same?

Once you've got something chocked up, you don't really see that much of the chock itself, so close is good enough.  I use 3/16 square stock (a scale 8x8) and sand one of the corners off, then color the whole thing with an ebony minwax pen

Gilly has the right idea........to expand.....my Lowe's has some Poplar wood 1/4" stock....around a $1 or so.  X-acto makes a nice small miter box that would allow you to make a number exactly the same.

Great ideas, thanks!

Our local Hobby Lobby store has an extensive assortment of basswood, which I have used, in many different sizes, for all sorts of modeling features.

No hobby shop here, but will  check into other places like Hobby Lobby, Hobby Town, Lowes, etc.  and pick up several different sizes and thicknesses and do some experimentation.

Thanks Hot Water!

Gene Dickerson posted:

No hobby shop here, but will  check into other places like Hobby Lobby, Hobby Town, Lowes, etc.  and pick up several different sizes and thicknesses and do some experimentation.

Thanks Hot Water!

Your welcome. You might also check Michael's, they may also carry the assortment of basswood that Hobby Lobby does.

Thanks again, yes, Michaels would be a great source as well!

I practiced a bit with the 1/4 stock in the X-acto miter with hobby saw, super glued onto deck and applied tung oil.   It does blend well, but on my next attempt I want to dremel drum sand to contour a nice curve to the wheel shape.   The $9 miter box is key !!  This may be hard to see but you get the idea.

Thanks for the picture TSHEARER....   I have also considered using the Dremel, but will also investigate the $9 miter box, too!

Gene Dickerson posted:

Thanks for the picture TSHEARER....   I have also considered using the Dremel, but will also investigate the $9 miter box, too!

If you can't find the X-acto miter, if it's what you want, contact me.....

Gene, I have had good results with the x-acto mitre box.

I also picked up an x-acto razor saw that works well with it. It came with a general purpose type of blade, and I added a fine tooth blade that makes nice finished cuts. I use it a lot for wood and sometimes for plastics.

Have fun making your chocks - I am sure they will look and work fine.

Thanks Zoradt, I'm looking forward to starting and trying these different ideas and approaches noted above! 

As others above, I also use the Xacto miter box and razor saw with fine blade. I use it for almost everything I make for the layout using the small wood sizes available at the stores also mentioned above. It's become one of my most used tools, very handy to have.

Looks great !!

Dave, email sent.

Thanks,

Gene Dickerson posted:

Dave, email sent.

Thanks,

 

If you mean me....never got an e-mail....thx

Another cutting tool that may be useful.   NWSL Chopper

Thanks for the suggestion, Mike CT.

My bad Dave, guess the email was intended for someone else...   old age is catching up with me.

I use the NWSL chopper with great results and you can set it for various angles.

Mikey

Thanks Mikey!

Gene,   When shopping Hobby Lobby, Hobby Town, Lowes, Michaels, etc. you may be able to find triangular stock rather than square stock. Regards, Pat B.

Thanks Pat B!

I used a Dremel and it worked GREAT.  Plus it added burn marks as I went a little slow to make sure the cut was good.... and that just adds to the realistic look!  Dremel has the original small cut off wheels, but I also found LARGE (maybe 2 inch) "Quick Change" wheels specifically made for Plastic, Metal, and Thin Cut (what I used for chocks).    The Quick Change wheels are much stronger than the old cut off wheels and last a good while if used correctly. 

I used mini clothes pins.  Cut off the ends with a dremel.  Pic shows chocks before staining.

I found this to be worth its weight in gold. I have a bunch of .25" poplar stock, and this was fantastic. $34.99

http://www.harborfreight.com/2...t-off-saw-62136.html

$32.45 Amazon   - This makes me wanna make a whole lotta chocks !

Wow, that is slick, thanks Roger!  BTW, I found more 027 track in case you need it.  

Gene Dickerson posted:

Wow, that is slick, thanks Roger!  BTW, I found more 027 track in case you need it.  

We got a fantastic layout on paper this year! Just waiting until the dinner we are hosting on Oct 19th to get started.

TShearer, possibly a home business opportunity??

Sounds great Roger, hope all goes well for you and the group!! 

Gene Dickerson posted:

TShearer, possibly a home business opportunity??

 

How many can I put you down for ?  

There will be a small handling fee of $34.99 once I return from Harbor Freight  

Good one, funny, I was going to make you a like offer, but at a 10% discount being MY first customer...    

Looks like Don Smith just uses some scrap wood cut into angled chuncks. Looks pretty good to me.

Looks like you could use some I-beams as well

I agree, both methods look super, LOS!

I posted this picture on another thread , but, here is how I make chocks in very short order. just cut them to length .Menards  in my area has a package of different sizes and shapes for 4.99.. Bob

From what I remember, it seems railroads used old ties to makes chocks, is that correct?  I suspect it would also be prototypical to use any lumber lying around that was big enough.  Thx.

POTRZBE posted:

I used mini clothes pins.  Cut off the ends with a dremel.  Pic shows chocks before staining.

It's amazing how easy some things become with all the creative minds on this Forum!!! Love it!!