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Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: ASIANLIFE on July 27, 2007, 02:06:44 AM

Title: darkening connecting rods
Post by: 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 ?
Title: Re: darkening connecting rods
Post by: modlerbob on July 27, 2007, 08:51:22 AM
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.
Title: Re: darkening connecting rods
Post by: SteamGene on July 27, 2007, 09:22:45 AM
I've used diluted black paint - normally weathered or oily, but at least dull.
Gene
Title: Re: darkening connecting rods
Post by: thirdrail on July 27, 2007, 10:27:35 AM
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.
Title: Re: darkening connecting rods
Post by: richG on July 27, 2007, 10:39:23 AM
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
Title: Re: darkening connecting rods
Post by: 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.

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
Title: Re: darkening connecting rods
Post by: richG on July 27, 2007, 01:16:55 PM
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

Title: Re: darkening connecting rods
Post by: r.cprmier on July 27, 2007, 04:54:47 PM
Rich;
I didn't know the links and was too lazy to go looking.  Have a nice day.
Rich
Title: Re: darkening connecting rods
Post by: ASIANLIFE on July 27, 2007, 08:57:46 PM
Thanks for the suggestions- much appreciated. You guys are an excellent online resource.