I’m putting together an N scale Maintenance Platform Kit from N.J. Int’l. The instructions recommend coating the very fragile handrails that are part of the kit with “ketone” in order to strengthen them against damage during assembly. I googled “ketone” and only found links to chemical, dietetic and urological information. What is “ketone” in a modelers world?
THANKS
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)? If it was a plastic part it would melt a part that small
Another ketone is acetone. Acetone is the simplest ketone. Both MEK and acetone(Dimethyl ketone) will disolve or seriously soften most plastic products. Dangerous if inhaled or placed on skin. I don’t see how any ketone would make plastic stronger.
Something doesn’t sound right here – Ketone will dissolve plastic, so I don’t see how it could be used the “strenghen” the handrails.
I had a question re: an NJI signal and called, left a message. Nice man called back and answered the question. I suggest that you call and ask about the ketone, and the concern that the parts would be affected. Number is 480-219-4185. Oh, and let us know what the answers are.
After reading the review on that kit from Feb. 2014, it appears that it is not that great to begin with:
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-J-International-N-Maintenance-Platform-Kit-p/nji-4221.htm
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
Frank:
I’d be careful basing an opinion on a single review. A person with different skills than the reviewer could come up with an entirely different review.
Joe
Agreed, a single review means little beside that one person had an issue.
Previous responders are correct that ketones are a class of hydrocarbon solvents. Acetone is the simplest ketone. Methyl ethyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone are commonly used solvents. Additionally diacetone ketone is another ketone used in some paint formulations as a solvent. One route to manufacturing acetone uses isopropyl alcohol commonly known as rubbing alcohol as the raw material for producing acetone. Cody Grivno frequently recommends using isopropanol as a wetting agent for ballasting. Acetone is sold in a diluted form as fingernail polish remover. Acetone is a good laquer solvent. Based on my past experience in the actual solvent manufacturing business I would be doubious that any ketone could be used to strengthen small plastic parts. Rather, ketones would dissolve most styrenic plastics. PVC is attacked by ketones. ABS is attacked by ketones. Polyethylene is mostly resistent to ketones.
When I was purchasing SLA (now called 3D printing) parts for a client, they were dipped in Acetone for a few seconds ONLY, to give the parts a smoother surface finish. I imagine the Acetone actually disolves the surface layer momentarily and then evaporates, leaving the surface with a shiny/smooth finish. With SLA parts there is a stair-step surface to it as a result of the manufacturing process. This was about 8-9 years ago and SLA process has probably improved somewhat since then. This may be what the ‘coating’ does to the handrails? Just a suggestion to a possible explanation.
-Bob
Oh I totally agree with both of You…that review was five months ago.
I have found that kits others complain about, I don’t find that bad. Especially the one’s that require more reading, than pictures. I can see though that in N-scale, those railings could be a challenge, if they are in fact scale plastic. I was actually trying to find instructions for that kit, when I found the other. I was wondering if the railings were Derlin, not styrene. Then I could understand the use of Ketone.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
ALL of the ketones are HIGHLY flammable and in the right concentrations can be explosive. Be very careful about heat souces when working with them.
Thanks to all for your help…I’m going to call the mfg as suggested and see what’s up. Chefbob
Bob, come back and let us know what you find out…
I got a call back from NJI and was told if I use a practically dry-brush method of applying ketone to these plastic railings that it will soften them enough to make handling them without breaking them more likely. This was the gentleman that wrote the instructions. He also said “don’t worry if you screw it up, I’ll send you some more railings”.
He said I should be able to get ketone, or any other product like it at a hobby shop. Doe anyone have a trade name for this or is ketone it?
Big Box building centres should be cheaper, try in the paint section.
Dave
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) this is what is on the can - It comes in Gallons and Quarts!
DO NOT get MEK Substitute as it is JUNK!
Lowes has now (at least in Western PA) gotton rid of the MEK substitute and went back to Real MEK!
It is under the CROWN Brand as I just got a Gallon about 3 months ago!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Like anything else, buying in a large quantity generally is less expensive. However, if the only application is to dry brush some N scale handrails, what is one to do with the other 127.995 ounces? I think we should answer the OP’s question as to what he can buy at the local hobby shop.
Like is typical today
One has to have everything served right up instead of looking up things or even reading the labels of the contents on the back of the bottles of Glue at any Hobby Shop!
But - to answer the question!
Plastruct is the brand but as Quoted above
IT IS WAY TOO MUCH even then buying a single bottle of Glue at the Hobby Shop
IF doing only the Handrails - even the smallest bottle would last the OP 10 lifetimes!
So he needs to find a friend that has some so he could not have to spend unnessarily - we surly wouldn’t want that - would we? 
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Thanks for your help