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Post by Admin on Jul 4, 2015 18:41:52 GMT -5
I saw that and have been waiting on it too! Now, if we can just work out how to do an entertaining Z scale podcast, I'm all for working on it. John Raildig
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Post by Admin on May 29, 2015 1:55:51 GMT -5
You're welcome Mark... have fun with your brass! John Raildig
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Post by Admin on May 28, 2015 11:12:40 GMT -5
Mark, I do have a a pair of general rules I follow with brass, these work for me. On key joints or on larger joints, where possible I like to solder. Here's a shot of part of the Micron Art Pratt bridge soldered. I probably could have gone Loctite CA here but this was an easy solder. Even when soldering I always tack the pieces with the gel CA so nothing slips while I'm soldering. Go ridiculously slow when building. In wood kits as you know there's a flex to the finer pieces... in brass this "flex" tends to become bends that never quite come perfectly straight again. If you do have to do any brass bending, pick up a Bug bender: www.raildig.com/useful-tools/the-bug/Aside from this are some basic tools like a good brass sprue cutter and some jewelers files for the sprue nubs. I also keep a machinist's square around for everything, it's way too easy so make a solder joint off-kilter! I do find these basic steps help a ton with my brass assembly. John Raildig
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Post by Admin on May 25, 2015 14:00:07 GMT -5
I've built several Micron Art bridges and began using my resistance soldering setup with the tweezer handpiece. While this is great for detail work and forms a very strong bond, I moved to this Loctite CA for all the very fine detail pieces and eventually, even the bigger joins: www.loctiteproducts.com/p/sg_ug_cntrl/overview/Loctite-Super-Glue-ULTRA-Gel-Control.htmThey say it's rubber toughened, knowing nothing about the science of this, all I can say is this this CA really works well on brass. I also use it to tack wood pieces together when building, then go over these joins with a brush and Gorilla wood glue for more strength. John Raildig
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Post by Admin on Mar 31, 2015 11:56:21 GMT -5
I'd love to see a small switcher and maybe even package it up like the old Marklin Fun Sets. I bought several versions of those little clear cases over the years as they were... fun! Also I think this could be a good way to get non-Z people to dip their toes in the water. John Raildig
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Post by Admin on Dec 19, 2014 21:59:48 GMT -5
Showcase Miniatures really does make some great kits, enjoy them! I use the Loctite Ultra Gel: tinyurl.com/raildig-loctiteThey say it's a rubber toughened blend, I know it's worked very well for me on white metal and brass kits. John Raildig.com
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Post by Admin on Dec 8, 2014 17:39:47 GMT -5
I really enjoyed these videos Mikael, thanks for producing them! Those WC are really handsome engines. John Raildig
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Post by Admin on Dec 8, 2014 16:50:09 GMT -5
I’m from Autun, France, and as I have been an American railroad fanatic for more than 15 years, owing to a trip to the famous Tehachapi Loop while on layover at Los Angeles (I’m earning my living as an airline pilot). About Z scale, my first goal was building a fully to-scale replica of the Loop and in the room I planned to use only Z scale could match my goal. Even if since then I changed my plans I went on sticking to Z Scale, first because meanwhile I had gained a lot of rolling stock and motive power and because I always trusted the potential of this scale.
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Post by Admin on Dec 8, 2014 16:49:16 GMT -5
I love trains. I started when I was four, and living in Sacramento, California. I grew up with the Cab Forwards under steam, love every gauge, so I drove to California (I live in Utah now) and took my AZL 4295 in the Sacramento museum to introduce it to it’s prototype. Instant bonding by all.
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Post by Admin on Dec 8, 2014 16:48:33 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 8, 2014 16:47:32 GMT -5
I live in Santa Rosa, CA and I model the Western Pacific Railroad and the Sierra Railroad in Z scale. I built a compressed version of the Williams Loop into a briefcase layout, which is shown below with eastbound Zephyrette #375. I’m currently working on a new 2×4′ layout that will be a non-specific California layout that will fit both of my roadname interests in am small area.
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Post by Admin on Dec 8, 2014 16:45:38 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 8, 2014 16:43:52 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 8, 2014 16:42:05 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Dec 8, 2014 16:38:49 GMT -5
I have been a model railroader most of my life. I started in HO and switched to N in the 1970s while in the Navy. I added Z scale about ten years ago. I’m building a layout (10′ x 6′ ) based on the Columbia River Gorge. I’m a retired forensic scientist and college professor living in Vancouver, Washington with my wife Patti.
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