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PSC NP A-2 4-8-4 Smokestack Removal

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  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
  • 13,375 posts
Posted by doctorwayne on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 8:53 PM

LoganTMT
..The issue I have is I can't seem to unsolder the original stack at the base for some reason and would love to know if anyone has a way to remove it without me having to machine off the stack...

A few questions...

Is the model painted?  If so, you'll get better heat transfer if you first remove the paint.

How big of a soldering iron are you using?  I have a two hundred watt version which would probably handle it, but I'd guess it to be a bit of a drive from here in southern Ontario to Montana, especially since our borders are currently closed.

A carefully used torch, like plumbers use, might work successfully - cover all of the model that's not touching the smokestack with wet paper towels - use multiple layers on areas that are close to the stack.

Is the stack merely soldered to the top of the smokebox, or is it soldered into the top of the snakebox.

If the latter is the case, remove the smokebox front (most are not soldered-on, but rather a simple press fit).  If the bottom of the smokestack protrudes into the smokebox, a carefully wielded cut-off disc, in a motor tool, will remove the stack material that's inside the smokebox, which should make unsoldering the visible portion much easier.

The trick with the wet paper towels allowed me to solder together this ladder on a plastic tender, without damaging the plastic at all..

Wayne

 

  • Member since
    March 2020
  • 18 posts
PSC NP A-2 4-8-4 Smokestack Removal
Posted by LoganTMT on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 3:50 PM

Hey Guys,

I've been having a hard time finding out how to remove the smokestack on my Boo-Rim Precision Scale A-2 4-8-4 model as I'm replacing it with the era specific version that I've had 3d printed from Shapeways. The issue I have is I can't seem to unsolder the original stack at the base for some reason and would love to know if anyone has a way to remove it without me having to machine off the stack...

Thanks,

Logan Thurman

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