How do wwe get the brass importers/manufactures to use cast frames? I personally don’t care if the cylinders are cast on as well, but think it would be great. A cast frame would eliminate so many problems that come up as well as add weight low down where it’s needed. Any ideaas?
I thought that the frames on the brass locos would be sufficiently heavy. I have never dealt with one personally. I also thought that the Overland drives had a solid brass frame. I guess I was wrong about that one.
What other problems are the brass frames causing. I have been considering purchasing some brass power (I have been buying brass cars long enough, guess it is time to step up) and would like to know what to look forward to.
I’m with Smitty. What problems are you seeing with brass frames that I’m not?
From what I have seen, there is usually enough room to add weight to a brass loco to make it heavy enough for most needs. It’s certainly easier to add weight to a brass loco than a plastic boiler/cast frame combo.
Cast frames are much more difficult to alter in an effort to kitbash, add axle bearings, remotor, regear or the like. And if I ever want to switch to fine-scale or Proto87 drivers, I would not want a cast cylinder block to have to alter.
enquiring minds want to know
Fred W
I’ve encountered many problems with my brass locomotives, but the frame has never been one of them. Cast frames do not allow sprung axles and tend to have greater friction and therefore greater wear. Also, long-term longevity of cast frames is always a question mark; several of the cast frames from my late-50s - early 60s locos ahve disintegrated.
I would say that right there is the answer.
The frame breakage problem mentioned above from the olden days was caused by either “contaminated” dies or by using poor quality casting metal. That metal is what is commonly called “pot metal” or zamak or “cap gun metal”. It is decidely NOT brass. I have never heard of cast brass frames breaking/crumbling. Of course, I don’t recall hearing much about cast brass frames from “back when”. I would think perhaps Varney may have used them with their cast brass boilered locomotives.
I too have had problems with old “bad” castings. Most recent was an old Rivarossi Dockside whose cylinders turned to foam. Sad. I bought that little cutie because it came with full valve gear–unusual at the time of purchase (about 1962).
I too would like to hear about the problems inherent with fabricated frames. I might also note that steam locomotive frames were fabricated until maybe the thirties/forties when they started casting them for increased rigidity.
Ed
One thing not mentioned is the scrap rate with castnngs. I worked for years next to a casting machine making HO parts. On a good day, the scrap was often 30%. Some days not a single good part was made. Castings have a far greater chance of sticking in the mold or bending or breaking on ejection.Also they are harder to handle in fitting out during production…