It seems there’s a throttle holder shortage in the market these days.   We used to be able to buy an adjustable cell phone holder at the Dollar Store, but they have not been available for some time.  I’ve looked for them in dollar stores in 3 provinces but have not found them anywhere.  You can buy them, and similar items, in other stores for $10+ each, but I’m not willing to spend that much money for all the holders I would like.

The other day I was in my woodworking shop cutting some large pieces of 1/4″ plywood into many smaller pieces for Kim to tole paint (Christmas decorations).  As I was cutting her stuff I decided to build a throttle holder with the scrap pieces of ply.  This is what I came up with (click the image for a larger view).

It is a very simple design and only took about 15 minutes to cut and put together.  I estimate it cost about $1 for the wood required, but since it’s just scraps anyway I  really consider it free.  I will be making more as the scraps become available.

Scott

Chappellton Harbour got a new addition over the weekend – a 45′ Tug from Frenchman River Model Works.

You can read about assembling this kit at the Scratchbuilder’s Guild.

I needed a tug for the car float in Chappellton and this kit looked like a great choice. However, after I placed it in position it looks very small next to what I was going to use as a starting point for the car float. So, I either need a larger tug, or a smaller car float.

It might not be so bad after I pour the epoxy to simulate water. I will leave the float where it is and remove the tug. I’ll pour the water to about 1/4″ thickness. Hopefully the tug will appear larger next to the float when I put it back in place.

What do you think?

Scott

I just added a new post over at The Scratchbuilder’s Guild about making quick and easy fences. You can check it out by clicking the image…

Scott

(March 13, 2008: Here’s what the area looks like after the scenery is almost complete. Click an image for a larger version.)