A concrete worker was asked by a farmer to build a concrete basin for watering the poultry. Having no forms at hand, the mechanic used an ordinary washbasin and a wood box as shown in the illustration. The basin was greased before it was placed in the concrete. The completed concrete basin was buried with its upper surface level with the ground.—Contributed by James M. Kane, Doylestown, Pa.
Substitute for Ground Glass in Camera
The ground glass in my camera was broken while arranging to take a picture of a party one evening, and being unable to obtain another, I substituted a piece of white tissue paper drawn over a piece of plain glass. It did the work so well on that occasion that I have used it continuously since, and have found it better than the ground glass. It produces superior definition in the views on the glass, especially when working in a poor light, and in a good focusing screen.—Contributed by C. W. Smalley, Des Moines, Ia.
Pencil Holder for Workbench
Mechanics, and others who have occasion to use a pencil on a workbench will appreciate the pencil holder shown in the sketch. It was made by soldering the small brass ferrule into the bottom of a portion of a brass knob, and weighting the knob with lead. The pencil will be held in an upright position where it may be easily seen.—Contributed by R. F. Hoffman, Chicago.
Repairing Burned-Out Incandescent Globes
Incandescent electric bulbs that have been burned out may be repaired by shaking them, in order to cause the broken ends of the metal filament to strike together. By examining the broken filament one can determine in what direction to shake the globe. The sudden passage of the current upon contact causes an arc at the broken ends of the filament, welding them. A globe thus repaired should be placed in a socket where it will not be given undue disturbance and will then last for a considerable period.
Homemade Electric Locomotive Model
and Track System
By A. E. ANDREW
PART II—Construction of the
Locomotive Truck and Cab