How To ... Build A Brass Caboose

[TrainCat2]

Why not loose the chain etching altogether? I think it would look better if actual link chain, even if it is out of scale, is used instead of the solution you have there.

I'll try it on the other side.

They had something about them.

Bryan, you make it sound like a disease.  ;D  OK, who's going to get the good clear measured drawings?? What class??

[DKS]

So why do the fold lines for somethings have to be backward? Why not put the line where it should be on the other side of the piece?

Sometimes a picture is more helpful in explaining something. Here's what happens when you make bends into or away from fold lines. Usually bends are made into the line to produce a clean edge; on occasion, bends are made away from the line for effect or because the angle of the bend is acute (at or nearly 180 degrees).

[Chris333]

There is some of that chain in Bob's tank car platform.  I thought if I put it in a pin vise and twisted it, that would make it look just like real chain...  It didn't.  There were extras so I had nothing to lose. The chain is very fine, I don't think it could look more realistic.

If anything I would maybe have it be drawn into one layer of the railings.

For Z scale I just used a squiggly line:
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/772/IMG_3125.jpg

[sirenwerks]

Bob - this is what I was referring to - http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=189788&nseq=165 - but it's a later variety than Phil's example. IMO  Southern's cabeese  were more minimal in their lines, which I liked. And they seem longer and sleeker than other roads'.

[TrainCat2]

There is some of that chain in Bob's tank car platform.  I thought if I put it in a pin vise and twisted it, that would make it look just like real chain...  It didn't.  There were extras so I had nothing to lose. The chain is very fine, I don't think it could look more realistic.

If anything I would maybe have it be drawn into one layer of the railings.

For Z scale I just used a squiggly line:
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/772/IMG_3125.jpg

Chris, the chain with the Tankcar Platforms is 35LPI. The chain used in the Caboose is 48LPI.

.

[RS-27]

OK, I have a gallon of FeCl, I also have about the same of HCl. I've read the links that Chris posted (and a few others). IIRC, I've also used ammonium persulphate  ((NH4)2S2O8) to etch copper over 40 years ago.

I'm cheap (I must have been scoootish in a previous incarnation), I got an aquarium heater for a buck 3.80 (actually less), I have air available (including an aquarium bubbler). Soooo...

I'm also better at delegating than doing, well, actually, I'm better doing, but I'm lazy.

Soooo, again: Should I 'dispose' the FeCl? or use it until it runs out?

My etch tank would be vertical, using a bubbler to convey the heated etchant over the brass sheet.

My big question is resists. I've used KPR, Positop and uncountable other formulations. What is the best method to apply the resist now?

I know about iron-ons, but:

What do you use??

Bob in IDaho

[Chris333]

I would use the FeCl till it's dead.

I just try different things to make it etch faster. I get tired of waiting.


Other than the laminate resist films what others are there, got links?

[Mark5]

Gotta admit the cabooses potentially could impact my wallet.

Say, all this new stuff coming what about these that have been on the slate for "a while"?

http://traincat2.com/d_platformsignals.htm