Cast Brass Parts?

MicroSculpt · 31 January 2006, 08:47 AM

Greetings!

For years the model railroad folks have enjoyed aftermarket cast brass detail parts. I was wondering why there are none for aviation modelers. It seems cast brass struts would be far stronger than white metal or plastic.

I know that STRUTZ makes basic brass stock. But, I'm thinking fine cast brass N struts and such for D-VIIs, etc.

Thoughts?

Tom

davecww1 · 31 January 2006, 09:40 AM

Great idea, Tom.
I have seen some of the model railroad parts like tiny steam valves and such - incredible detail in 1/87 scale, but quite expensive if i remember correctly. I remember Cal-Scale did some 1/35 scale .50 machine guns and accessories about 15 years ago that had incredible detail and were not fragile little things when done. This would be a great for items like flare guns, machine guns, ammo belts and boxes or drums, grease pumps, magnetos, bombs, compasses and other fine details that are currently done in resin. Not sure how hard of a proces the mold making is, but this would be an interesting way to go if you can find someone to create them.
Dave

StephenLawson · 31 January 2006, 10:54 AM

Jager did the D.VII N struts in white metal. DML in photoetch. Cast struts in extruded brass would be worthwhile. I'm working an about nine 1/48 D.VII and have contarcted to do the struts in PE. Brass in scale would be better.

drIace · 1 February 2006, 11:32 AM

Aircraft have not been ignored, but mostly for WW II and since. Model Tech did cast brass Landing gear in 1/48 for P-47 and F-80 + some others. gfactormodels.com has them for Phantoms in 1/48and 1/32 F-105.

And Yes, getting precast "N" & "V" stuts in brass to match a particular kit would would be a very viable item( photo etch is too thin!). Seems that the resin cockpit kits ( and by more than one of the companys) come out as soon as the new models

buzz1941 · 1 February 2006, 12:06 PM

It's even more viable as the size of kits get larger, demanding more strength from these parts while maintaining scale thickness.

drIace · 1 February 2006, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzz1941

It's even more viable as the size of kits get larger, demanding more strength from these parts while maintaining scale thickness.

Right on Buzz!!!!

Any takers out there ? How about: "V" and "interplane" and LG struts for the upcoming 1/32 Alb D-III's and D-V. One has got to figure a good injected Fok. D-VII is not far off so the "N" and "interplane" & lg struts would be another set.

buzz1941 · 1 February 2006, 12:32 PM

The way to do this is the process called "lost wax casting." Here's a basic description:

model railroader stuff

I'm a long way from getting Series 77 back up and running, but it's something to look into.