I need to make my connecting rods darker/more weathered. Can anyone suggest a product or technique ?
There is a blackener available from MicroMark. It works OK but tends to rub off with time. I've been told that gun bluing will work if you can find it.
A lot of chemicals that used to be available via mail order can no longer be shipped due to the possibility of environmental contamination.
I've used diluted black paint - normally weathered or oily, but at least dull.
Gene
I strongly suggest Neolube, which is available from P-B-L or Micro-Mark. It is actually finely powdered graphite suspended in an alcohol solution, so it leaves a fine coating of graphite on the rods. Rather than chipping, it does tend to get polished with wear, but more can be applied. It is a lubricant, but it is also electrically conductive, so be careful abut using it on rim-insulated wheels.
Quote from: ASIANLIFE on July 27, 2007, 02:06:44 AM
I need to make my connecting rods darker/more weathered. Can anyone suggest a product or technique ?
This is what I use. I also use it on new NS wheel sets.
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=83181
I use a scratch brush on the front and back of new new wheel sets. I then brush on Neolube.
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=82466A
Rich
Neolube is the way to go. Use it as directed, and you will have good results.
Gunblueing, I believe, only works on ferrous metals. I tried it on nickel silver rail, and it didn't work but marginally, if at all.
Paint would also be OK, as you can control the colour and depth.
"Blacken-it" is also very good on non-ferrous metals-and, I believe, you can order it via mail. A-west is the manufacturer.
Rich
Quote from: r.cprmier on July 27, 2007, 12:30:22 PM
Neolube is the way to go. Use it as directed, and you will have good results.
Gunblueing, I believe, only works on ferrous metals. I tried it on nickel silver rail, and it didn't work but marginally, if at all.
"Blacken-it" is also very good on non-ferrous metals-and, I believe, you can order it via mail. A-west is the manufacturer.
Rich
A scratch brush works very well. Then apply Neolube.
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=82466A
"Blacken-it" link.
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=60864
Link concerning gun blueing.
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1054336
Including links is a great help to those who are not aware of the product or source for the product. Other sources can be found by searching the "Net".
Rich
Rich;
I didn't know the links and was too lazy to go looking. Have a nice day.
Rich
Thanks for the suggestions- much appreciated. You guys are an excellent online resource.