I have a MTH steamer that the cow catcher broke off of. It was a clean break but what I was wondering if anyone knows a place that I can send it to to be repaired. A new shell is 100.00 which this thing is not worth but I like it.
Thanks,
Kevin
Can't stop working on the railroad!
One product I have used for years is JBWeld, a type of epoxy. Stuff is virtually unbreakable once set. Be sure to clean excess off the visible side before it sets or you'll have to sand it off.
Kevin,
The only thing that can be done to die castings is to glue it back together. They cannot be soldered, brazed or welded. You can use cyanoacrylate glue, or epoxy. The thinner CA glue will make the break less visible. A slight touch up with paint, and buff the paint with an old shoe shine brush, and the break will all but disappear.
Larry
I second the recommendation for JB Weld. You can do amazing things with it, I've filled in the side of a busted shell with it, sanded it smooth and painted, looks as good as new! I fix the plastic housings for diesels all the time with it, and I've even fabricated missing steps using it.
You can sand and paint JB Weld, so it's easy to do a repair and then do the finish work.
A couple of years ago there was a forum thread on how to straighten out bent cab roofs on steamers since the metal is so brittle. One poster had it down to heating the metal to a particular temperature where it was just maleable enough to straighten it but not snap it. The temperature range was very small if my mind serves me correctly Think that is also where I read about the use of J-B Weld to glue back on snapped cab roofs. Good product!.
Jack
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
I have not tried JB Weld, but I have glued a broken switch poing on an 022 switch. Apparently it got stepped on. I glued it seveal years ago, and the switch has been used several times, so it appears that the glued joint is strong.
point, not poing
Another vote for JB Weld. I used it to glue a broken Proto 2000 E6 frame back together a few years ago and it's still going strong.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Thanks everyone I have ordered some JB cold weld and I am sure it will work great!
TrainLarryKevin, The only thing that can be done to die castings is to glue it back together. They cannot be soldered, brazed or welded. Larry
The only thing that can be done to die castings is to glue it back together. They cannot be soldered, brazed or welded.
Not true, however, the first and last time I attempted to weld ZAMAC the part melted into a pool of metal.
ZAMAK can be soldered. I used some ZAMAK flux for soldering to ZAMAK castings. My experience was a total failure. The flux flowed and stunk but the solder just balled up on the casting.
Just because I can't weld or solder ZAMAK doesn't mean it can't be done. Never-the-less, my vote is for J.B. Weld.
Reference:
Welding ZAMAK: http://www.soldaduras.com/ingles/ose1_ing.htm
Soldering ZAMAK: http://www.soldaduras.com/ingles/fun_ing.htm
..........Wayne..........
The great thing about JBWeld is most autoparts and Wal-mart stores have it in stock.
You should be happy with the product. The great part is you can shape it after it sets, and it seems to take paint well for me.
I got the JB cold weld you have to mix is this the correct type as they had a lot.
Yes, it is two (2) part mix that you mix in equal amounts. Let it dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to do any shaping, or sanding. It is shapable with the correct tools, xacto knife, sandpaper, and the like. Once it is where you want it, it does take paint very readily, as I have repaired marker lights on 3 different 1615 locos, with very good results.
Teledoc (Jerry)
You guys are all great, I have the JB Weld now I am just waiting until th elocomotive comes in the mail. I had to make sure I could repair this before I bought it. I bought an MTH S2 Turbine Proto 1 sound for $ 40.00 it's new but the cow catcher got broken off. These locos aren't worth much but for 40.00 and 5.00 to fix it I think it will be worth it.
I fixed the steamer with the JB weld and that stuff is incredible. I will have to do a little sanding and painting but it worked great and may be stronger than it was before.
Now if you can just unglue your index finger and thumb you will be all set!
RockIsland52 Now if you can just unglue your index finger and thumb you will be all set! Jack
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