05-03-2010, 09:09 AM
kb9vgr Wrote:OK here i go to put foot to mouth. :?
I joined just to see the photos and learn what was done here, because I have an Athern light mikado that I am rebuilding into Nickle Plate Road 587, an engine that Is close to my heart and pocket book. as it sits I have done almost nothing to it because of the lack of up hill pulling capability. My problem is i have a lack of lead and heat. so anyone have any ideas how to get a weight cast for my project?
Well, most of the required tools and material are readily available and relatively inexpensive, too. I got my lead from a garage that does wheel balancing - the old clip-on wheel weights, which normally go to recycling. They gave me a box of about 10 lbs. of used weights, free. For heat, I used a plumber's propane torch - I think the entire kit, with several tips, a sparker, and a full tank of propane was only $12.00 or so. If you want to make simple moulds, sheet aluminum, in large or small sizes, is available in most auto supply stores - look in the body repair section. You should also be able to find it in any well-stocked hardware store. Likewise, sheet lead, in varying thicknesses, should be readily available (and cheap) at a plumbing or roofing supply. I use sheet lead to add weight to cars, such as flats and gondolas, that offer little room for larger cast weights. You can cut it with a utility knife or tinsnips, and it can be easily bent or shaped to fit into odd places.
As Gus mentions, lead shot is another alternative. Since lead is so soft, you can also beat it with a hammer to either change its shape or flatten it into a sheet of sorts.
Wayne