As some may remember, I am researching and aquiring pieces and parts to build a brass model from scratch. I am using the Oct 1997-May 1998 articles on building an Brass NYC 4-6-0 as a basis for the types and quantities of materials I will need to acquire. The reason I think the article's parts list and quantities will be useful is because I am building a 4-6-0 as well.
What I am running into is, K&S does not make all of the types/sizes of sheet brass and stock I need.
Do you know of another supplier of brass material?
Thank you.
I would suggest using Google to search for wholesale suppliers like this one:
http://www.wmwa.net/index.php
Here is another one:
https://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?id=86&step=2&top_cat=79
These guys have an eBay store so its likely they will sell in smaller quantities.
http://www.speedymetals.com/c-8201-sheet.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=sheet&utm_content=ad1&utm_campaign=brass&gclid=CK3B1ajAutICFRKewAodDrkLqw
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critter I would suggest using Google to search for wholesale suppliers like this one: http://www.wmwa.net/index.php Here is another one: https://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?id=86&step=2&top_cat=79 The problem you might run into is minimum quantities but if you shop around you should be able to find someone who will deal in smaller pieces. Dave
The problem you might run into is minimum quantities but if you shop around you should be able to find someone who will deal in smaller pieces.
Thanks Dave,
Ive looked at the online metals before. I guess another good question to ask would be which alloy to get? Does it need to be the same alloy as the K&S to prevent adverse interaction between the metals used in the model? Galvanic corrosion wont be a problem hopefully because the metals are similar?
I haven't a clue about brass compatibility but I'd be suprised if it was a major factor.
I added a third supplier to my previous post that has an eBay store so they might be more willing to sell smaller quantities.
hon30critter I haven't a clue about brass compatibility but I'd be suprised if it was a major factor. I added a third supplier to my previous post that has an eBay store so they might be more willing to sell smaller quantities. Dave
I figured out which to get: The alloy that comes in the dimension I want.
I also dont think it will be a major factor.
I wonder where I could find Nickel-Silver bar stock (to turn locomotive tires). Up to 1" available... so 1"-.056"(.028 flangex2)=.944"*87.1=82" driver!
http://www.knifemaking.com/product-p/an164.htm
Now to get that lathe...
BMMECNYC Ive looked at the online metals before. I guess another good question to ask would be which alloy to get? Does it need to be the same alloy as the K&S to prevent adverse interaction between the metals used in the model? Galvanic corrosion wont be a problem hopefully because the metals are similar?
Brass, bronze, nickel silver are all mostly copper. They all soft solder well, and I never heard of galvanic corrosion problems between different yellow metal (copper) alloys. Brass will work harden from being drawn thru dies or hammered. Annealing (heat it red hot and let it cool slowly in air) will soften it again. I have heard of vendors selling brass "hard", "half hard", and "soft" but they are speaking of differences in work history and heat treatment, not differences in chemical composition of the alloy.
By the way, McMasters-Carr is a good source for metal stock and a lot more. They are on-line (who isn't these days?).
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
I will second the idea of finding a local metals wholesaler/retailer as these companies sell their cut-offs at recycle rates. The one I frequent has buckets of various pieces of sheet and bar brass stock. If you bring a dial or digital caliper with you, you can pick through these cut-off assortments and find exactly what you need at a fraction of the price you'd pay to order the exact size/shape piece(s) you need.
Hornblower
hornblower I will second the idea of finding a local metals wholesaler/retailer as these companies sell their cut-offs at recycle rates. The one I frequent has buckets of various pieces of sheet and bar brass stock. If you bring a dial or digital caliper with you, you can pick through these cut-off assortments and find exactly what you need at a fraction of the price you'd pay to order the exact size/shape piece(s) you need.
I will have to see if there is one near me, thanks for the replies.
mcmaster carr on the internet.
Or try your local ace hardware. I know ours has some and also an endless supply of small screws and nuts you may need.
keep an eye out for old brass door hinges or knobs and such.
Steve
My LHS has a complete line of Hobbits screws and nuts. My local True Value doesnt carry 00-90 and 0-80.
Special Shapes
The suggestion to check local suppliers is also a good one, and you may be surprised at what's available, and perhaps at better prices than you might have expected.
Wayne
A second for McMaster-Carr, they have all sorts of cool stuff- flat sheet, rod and tubing, etc.. along with fine screen and other goodies.
If you can't find nickel silver for tires you could turn stainless ones or brass and have them nickel plated. There are a couple brass places that can do that.
And for small fasteners, try Microfasteners- https://www.microfasteners.com/
They have better pricing and a big assortment
I've been using:
http://www.onlinemetals.com
for awhile. I'm very happy with them.
I think free-machining brass would probably be the best choice in brass.
One thing that bugs me about K&S is that they shear or stamp their brass strips, which makes them kind of cup shaped.
Ed
7j43kOne thing that bugs me about K&S is that they shear or stamp their brass strips, which makes them kind of cup shaped.
I've noticed that. Readily available is nice though. I'll probably go with online metals.
Check McMaster Carr and order a brass shim stock assortment. The K&S "Special Shapes " are available at many hobby shops.
jharrison Check McMaster Carr and order a brass shim stock assortment. The K&S "Special Shapes " are available at many hobby shops.
I think K&S and Special Shapes are different companies. With different (and similar) products.
Also, shim stock is convenient; but it is, after all, SHIM STOCK. Which is darn difficult to build a locomotive out of.
Am I right?
I'm surprised you didn't get several suggestions of Special Shapes immediately. This company, started by an O scale model railroader back in the middle of the 20th century, advertised in Model Railroader almost from the beginning of the company's life. Their ads showed cross-sections of their beams, angles, and whatever, in the form of square letters spelling "LICHTZ." MR published a cartoon where a guy was showing off the new modern station he'd built with that name on the buuilding's cornice, facing the track. He says to his friend, "I'd seen it so often I decided to name a town after it."
They have 36" long brass bar stock in flat and round styles, as well as the shapes in the name, two sizes of hex rod, 12" tubing, including rectangular, in the regular sizes carried by K&S, up to surprisingly large diameters, and sheets of brass and some sizes of nickel-silver, not to mention screws, washers, and nuts--and some tools. I bought so many sizes (I have drivers and L-W castings enough to build about a dozen O scale steam locomotives) that I eventually had to engineer and build a double-sided storage rack to keep it organized. (It makes me feel good to have all this scratchbuilding material "In Stock!")
As someone else said, they also carry the K&S line. Micro-Mark also has a selection of products similar to the K&S line. They also have specialized tools that come in handy for scratchbuilding. Also, if you're going to be building steam locos, may I suggest that if you're not already equipped with tap drills and taps for threading your own screw-holes, you should look into it. Scratchbuilding is very satisfying. Best of luck--and HAPPY RAILROADING!
Deano
Online Metals.com was pretty awesome. They filled my order and it arrived on my front step today, having placed the order on Saturday.