Just wondering if anyone else has run into this problem: I’ve got several older brass steam locomotives, and the nickle-silver plating has worn off of the driver treads, which means that I have to clean the wheels REALLY frequently, to keep good electrical contact with the track. Does anyone know if this can be cured by replating, and if so, is it a long, complicated and expensive process? Just curious.
Tom [:p]
Yes. There used to be a plating kit on the market years ago. I don’t think the cost would be excessively high at a plating shop. If I were to replate the wheels I would have them silver plated. Much higher wear resistance and conductivity.
I’m glad to see this topic! I’ve been wondering to myself just how important the plating is. While looking at used brass models, I’m always noticing that the models with worn wheels are considerably cheaper (most of the time). What would have to be done to re-plate them? Disassemble the loco, remove the wheels and take them to a plating shop? What about painted wheels, will replating ruin the paint?
Would most chrome shops be able to silver plate?
Thanks guys!
Well, after I posted this question, I happened to be looking through a MicroMark catalogue and guess what–? They offer a low-voltage plating kit for either nickel-silver, chrome or gold. From the description, it looks like what I may be looking for, but I’m still kind of curious. Anyone out there have one, and if so, does it work okay? I’d be doing both drivers and tender wheels on about four locomotives, so the $40.00 price tag doesn’t bother me, but I’d like to know if it really works.
Thanks,
Tom