Warped Grills on FP7

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello, I recently purchased an Intermountain FP7 and the grills on each side of the engine are warped…

Any solutions to keep them flat?

Thank you.

2

You need to reapply them with a glue that has a slight flex in it like Barge Cement. Sometimes, however, they will return back to the original shape when the temperature changes back.

Out of the tube the Barge Cement is a stringy mess but you can thin it with MEK before applying.

Rapido just licked this problem for good with making the grill in a channel shape for their FP9s.

See this video:

http://www.youtube.com/user/rapidotrains#p/u/0/_R4dlk_zb9Q

3

scribbelt:

I don’t have the problem because I don’t own any FP7’s (yet) but you may want to look at Rapido’s latest info on their solution to the grill warping problem. They attribute the warping to the different rates that plastic and metal expand and contract at when the temperature changes. Their solution involves making the grates into a ‘C’ shape to give them some rigidity. I also suspect that their method of attachment must allow for some expansion and contraction. That may give you some ideas.

http://rapidotrains.com/grills.html

Dave

4

You need to use an adhesive that will stay flexible, allowing the two parts to move independently.

Microscale makes the perfect product that works very well (and has many other uses too):

  • Micro Liquidtape – Stock# MI-10 This is sort of a contact type cement but water-based and clear. For a temp or removable attachment, paint only on one part, for a more permanent attachment, paint both surfaces with it (dries completely clear). If you fill the holes of the grill, just blow through the grill to clear them. When dry, press the parts together. Don’t worry about the front side if you get some on it, once the grill is in place, you can clean the ss grill with alcohol and a cotton swab. As a custom painter, this is what I always use when reassembling a model after painting. http://www.microscale.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=FINPROD

Microscale’s Kristal Klear is another great product with 101 uses.

5

Thank you Wabash and Dave, I watched the Rapido “No Warp Grill” video and it’s quite impressive but I already bought the Intermountain FP7.

I also thank Jay for the solution he brings to solve the problem.

I’m always amazed on the number of times I asked a question on the forum, there’s always someone out there who has an idea, tip or solution to my topic.

Thanks guys, it’s very much appreciated.

Have a nice day [;)]

6

Hello, a quick update on the warped grills.
I was finally able to purchase a bottle of Micro Liquitape and it did the trick; no more warped grills on my FP7.

Thanks for the tip Jay [Y]

Have a nice day [;)]