Dog Star
Western Thunderer
As Slater's Plastikard has had several "versions" of the hook over the years then the starting point is to say that I am using the cast brass hook which is supplied as two hooks per sprue in the 7mm wagon kits for PO wagons. In addition to the cast brass hook the kits include six individual steel links to form the coupling chain.
My current procedure is:-
1/ fettle a hook casting to shape, adjust the size of the rectangular portion to fit the slot in the headstock and then open out the holes in the casting to take the link and a split pin (which retains the spring against the rear face of the headstock);
2/add a link to that hook a solder the ends of the link to disguise the butt join. Remove excess solder with emery cloth;
3/ add a second link through the first link and solder the ends of the second link. Remove excess solder as above;
4/ add a third link through the second link and solder the ends of the third link. Remove excess solder as above.
So now I have an assembled 3-link coupling - the assembly is degreased using IPA, then dipped in Carrs Acidip, then rinsed in water and finally dried.
Given that the 3-link coupling is comprised of a brass casting and steel links... how do WTers think that the assembly ought to be blackened?
thank you and regards, Graham
My current procedure is:-
1/ fettle a hook casting to shape, adjust the size of the rectangular portion to fit the slot in the headstock and then open out the holes in the casting to take the link and a split pin (which retains the spring against the rear face of the headstock);
2/add a link to that hook a solder the ends of the link to disguise the butt join. Remove excess solder with emery cloth;
3/ add a second link through the first link and solder the ends of the second link. Remove excess solder as above;
4/ add a third link through the second link and solder the ends of the third link. Remove excess solder as above.
So now I have an assembled 3-link coupling - the assembly is degreased using IPA, then dipped in Carrs Acidip, then rinsed in water and finally dried.
Given that the 3-link coupling is comprised of a brass casting and steel links... how do WTers think that the assembly ought to be blackened?
thank you and regards, Graham