Any experience with Micro-Mark's Neolube or Zamac plating kit?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Has anyone out there had any experience with Micro-Mark’s Neolube?

Or their kit for copper plating white metal?

Not trying to promote, but I’d like some feedback before deciding to purchase. I’ve tried Blackenit, but it works poorly on nickel silver.

Thanks,
Nelson

2

I have used the NEOLUBE. One thing though. It will conduct current (it’s like metal paint). If you put it on the wheels you CAN NOT get any on the back or were the NON conductive wheels (the one that don’t pick up current) meet the plastic spacer. It will connect the outter wheel with the inner wheel. It’s like the engine getting current from both sides, it will not run. It does look good when applied.

3

I have used Neolube to paint the sides of the rails on my N-Scale layout and it worked great! It’s easy to remove from the top of the rails if you have too, but as stated, it will conduct electricity.

cf7

4

I thought I read in their literature that since it contains graphite it can cause wheel slippage. I know they warn about it’s conductive properties and that it can bridge plastic wheel insulators, but it can just be scraped away. Thanks for the info – I’ll have to try a bottle.

I wish they hadn’t closed their store last year, since they’re right in my neighborhood. So I’m ticked at having to pay shipping charges. [:(]

5

When you say “it’s like metal paint,” do you mean enamels? I ask because I’ve been experiencing some shorting problems with an engine I recently painted, and I haven’t had any luck in locating the short - seems to happen almost at random.

6

No, regular enamel or acrylic paint is non-conductive, so you’re going to have to look for your short elsewhere. Intermittents are a nuisance.

I think this stuff conducts because of its graphite content.

Nelson

7

What I meant was it’s like melting steel and coating stuff with it.

8

8500HP,

Is that what’s on your 4-12-2?