Electroplating for better conductivity

[Anonymous]

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/plugnplate.htm

I found this site for plating and anodizing supplies a while back and got to thinking that it may be a perfect solution for aging track and other metal surfaces that carry electricity.

Things such as brass or steel track, brass and steel wheels and wiper pickups for motors etc.

I got to thinking about this when tinkering on an old Athearn loco I got off of ebay that was very oxidised inside due to it's age and was wondering if perhaps something like this could help the old girl enjoy a few more years on the rails before she is remotored and put to pasture.

At 38 dollars for a 4 ounce kit it isnt too big a hit to the wallet to give it a shot on something.

A side note to this is it can also be used to plate metal detail parts or with the conductive spray paint they sell you can even electroplate plastic with it once the surface is sprayed with a thin layer of the paint.

[Anonymous]

Sounds neat... but...

It would probably only be good for cosmetic effect. The thickness of the plating is such that ANY wear on a piece will rub through the plating, methinks.

Plus, even if you plate it, I'm not sure you could solder to the plating.

I hate to rain on someone's parade, but that's just my first thoughts on the subject.

Rob

[Anonymous]

Well speaking from experience regarding soldering to the plating. You can most definitely solder to the plating.

I used to work for Cooper Bussmann. I.E. Buss fuses. And All of thier fuses are copper with a thin silver plate and then soldered together. The silver is for better electrical conductivity and to also reduce the corrosion of the electrical contact.

On A Side note regarding the bussmann fuses. I bet I have a piece of Railroad memorabilia that not many people have. One of the production lines I worked on made fuses for EMD. Big honkin fuses for the diesel electric generators on Locomotives. I managed to talk my boss into letting me take home one of the unpolished fuses as a keepsake.

[Anonymous]

I stand corrected on the soldering! :)

Rob