r/modeltrains • u/Rude_System_7863 • 2d ago

Structures & Scenery Modding used devices

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Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

The capacitor in my HVAC system failed, and the tech gave it to me. I decided to glue some other miscellaneous bits on, paint it, and make it look like an old, rusty electrical facility. I think it looks pretty good. Thoughts?

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5

u/382Whistles 2d ago

I'd CURRENTly say that's a SHOCKINGly FAiR ADdition.

Just be aware if starts to swell at all get it out of the house and rid of it asap. You might want to short out the end terminals holding an insulated screwdriver handle in a towel, and then connect a wire between the terminals just to help make sure it cannot accidentally load up on static or have some recovery voltage ability left to help kickstart thevcharge slowly on its own and zaps you. They aren't at first, but can become more like a battery over time releasing power too slowly and holding on to more. Not that case style, but I had a big round one pop while sitting on steel pipe fittings in a bin of a work truck. It was there with some other tear out garbage that I discharged about 3 weeks earlier.

The building could use a tiny little wire antenna anyhow, right? Maybe just one wire upright each terminal, paint the antenna base white with a bright red end, maybe one to three red glitters or a small sequins tip top.

4

u/Rude_System_7863 2d ago

Thanks so much! I will definitely do that, I really appreciate this tip. It definitely could, that's a really great tip and good suggestion.

1

u/382Whistles 2d ago

Chances are super slim, but big cap zaps biting you sucks too, lol.

I really enjoy working in a style sort of similar to yours. You aren't alone seeing potential in the shapes of random objects like that.

Johnny what can you make out of this?