Evolution of a brass detail casting

[up148]

Just sharing my delight in one 3rd Rail casting and showing why I'm upgrading my KTM FEF-3. All the castings from the donor model are just as crisp and detailed. Sadly my photographic skills are not as crisp. I realize the KTM steam generator is coined not cast and is 50-60 year old technology.

[Norton]

Thats not a KTM part. KTM dynamos are as detailed as the one on the left. I don’t have any Max Gray O scale but that appears to be a turning rather than a casting.

Pete

[86TA355SR]

Butch,

I agree with Pete. All my USH/KTM FEFs have a generator that looks nothing like one in your picture.

The solder joint also hints at it being a replacement part someone’s used in the past, the USH joints were for the most part “clean”. This one is clearly not. Or, it’s not solder at all, possibly epoxy..

It’s not a PSC “replacement” part either, I have several of those and none look like that.

Oh well, it’s just another opportunity to add a correct part since you’re this far into it!

[86TA355SR]

But, I do understand your point about the casting improvements over the years. There’s some really nice stuff guys spent the time on making masters and that dedication shows when compared to earlier castings.

This is an area where 3D printing can really be useful building custom components. The detail is finally a reality and any part can be printed, test fit, refined, all before using it as a master for brass. Plus it can be printed at the necessary oversize to compensate for shrinking. I think the time involved in learning how to use the software would be well spent to create unique castings to finish models that would be otherwise unattainable.

[up148]

You guys are absolutely right.

After posting these photos, it struck me as odd to see a turned or coined detail on an early brass model. So, I went online looking for examples of other MG and USH locos....especially the FEF. I found this same steam generator on several MG locos including the listing below for a NKP 2-8-4. I also went to my KTM/MG spotters guide (Duh, I should have done that first) and sure enough on pg. 30 this generator is shown on the FEF3.

My bad, but it confirms beyond a doubt that my model started life as a MG and has an added USH gearbox and drive and someone added a can motor as well. When I bought it from Si Simonton in the late 90's he told me it was updated model, but I can't remember what all he told me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/168140750634?i ... R7yXyviKZw

[up148]

This is an area where 3D printing can really be useful building custom components. The detail is finally a reality and any part can be printed, test fit, refined, all before using it as a master for brass. Plus it can be printed at the necessary oversize to compensate for shrinking. I think the time involved in learning how to use the software would be well spent to create unique castings to finish models that would be otherwise unattainable.

I agree Aaron, but is anyone doing this? The only 3D models or parts I see or hear about are coming from people making them to be used as is. This might be good for plastic models but not for brass. I think "lost 3D parts" would be a wonderful addition to the brass casting business and maybe that's what we're seeing with the newer Chinese and Korean built models. But to my knowledge, no one is using this process to makes castings to be sold to the end user.

Actually, I'm not sure there would be a market as we are dinosaurs of the model train hobby. Everyone wants RTR.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

But to my knowledge, no one is using this process to makes castings to be sold to the end user.

If they are they are way under the radar.

Actually, I'm not sure there would be a market as we are dinosaurs of the model train hobby.

Sadly, that is probably true. When I run out of parts and all, I suspect I'll stop building models.

BTW, the price of basswood seems to have gone nutz. I'm seeing 3" x 24" sheets being listed for $20 a sheet now. I should probably sell off a few dozen!

[86TA355SR]

Butch,

Producing parts in volume-no, not that I’m aware. A few parts have been produced by this method but only for individual use.

It has its challenges. It is difficult to find casting companies in my area and none want to do small production number projects. One company agreed but the cost of mold and individual part price made the idea cost prohibitive. However, I’m still on the hunt for a casting company or person. Something will work out. And, though it won’t be a large volume readily available parts for purchase, it will be enough to do the models I want.

The big hurdle is very few are willing to build anything now days. No demand for this stiff. You said it, RTR. It takes time, effort, & dedication to learn how to do things and most don’t have the resources or desire to do that. I don’t fault them, everyone has different circumstances that affect their lives/hobbies. We’re blessed to have the ability to enjoy a wonderful day at the workbench or train room. And, the reward of building, painting or repairing a broken piece into a realistic model that hasn’t ran in years or perhaps decades is satisfying.

[up148]

I agree Aaron. There are so many factettes to enjoy in our hobby. In the past, RTR appealed to me as I had no time or mental energy to enjoy the building side of the hobby. Today is difference and it's all about the journey............not just the result. I missed a lot by not enjoying how to modify and build. It's like reliving the beginning when owning one special model bought so much joy.

I love model trains, I love(d) the hunt to find what I want(ed), I love looking at my models and the detail. But, the more I acquired, the more I felt "is this all there is" and the hobby grew empty.

I never had a large collection and I traded and sold over the years looking for that perfect representation of a locomotive I liked.............well, their is no perfect model. I won't even be able to build a perfect model, but I'm really enjoying the process of trying. Sorry I'm waxing lyrical again.

[bob turner]

You guys are forgetting Bob Stevenson - I cannot tell you that he will do anything you want for cheap, but he has the skills and capability to do low production runs of lost wax parts, including making molds from your masters.

Lou Houlemarde has connections, as does our participant Jay C. Lou sends the waxes out to a foundry when you order, and as I recall, it doesn't take long at all.

For me, the sad thing is there are no sand casting hobbyists who can do small orders. Our forumite Allan Wehrle did it for a while, but sadly he left us.

Set the printer to do wax instead of hard plastic, send the waxes to a foundry (or a good dentist, if they are small like a generator) and you got your part.

[up148]

I did forget about Stevenson and explain more about a good dentist? I didn't know they did anything like this.

[bob turner]

I don't know how the new porcelain and digital printer stuff works, but when you get a gold cap the dentist takes before and after waxes, makes a wax tooth by using those impressions, then the dentist makes a lost wax gold tooth for you. Most modern dentists send the stuff to a "lab" but my buddy does it in his garage. Or did when I first met him - I got to watch. We are partners in three airplanes.

[up148]

That is a good relationship for sure. Technology is has come a long way in dentistry and I'm always amazed at how they improved on old techniques. Digital mapping of you entire mount so replace or put in a new crown.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

That is a good relationship for sure. Technology is has come a long way in dentistry and I'm always amazed at how they improved on old techniques. Digital mapping of you entire mount so replace or put in a new crown.

Yes, today's dentist has gone digital and printing crowns for same or next day installation is now standard. Porcelain, gold, and amalgam parts are now last century or more in the past.