08-26-2015, 03:57 PM
Bernhard, I think you reached a more than honest compromise. 
The difference is subtle, but noticeable and I think the most striking improvement is the fact the wire is perfectly smooth while the casting shaft was rough and bumpy. Once painted and the brass shine removed, the difference would be even more visible. 4 hours to build a prototype of this excellent quality sounds more than acceptable. Another side benefit is the detail is also much more prototypical since you use a real shaft that isn't flush with the car siding. That small free space between parts really does the job and looks much more realistic, not like a single brass part glued in place but as an assembly of various hardware. I'm glad you overcame this challenge and will be able to move forward. This idea can be of use to other modellers, even when not tackling down fine scale models like yours.
Will you have enough castings to do al your cars or will have to cast again some hardware part? In the future, just casting the small hinges with predrilled holes could make the assembly faster and more precise.
Matt
The difference is subtle, but noticeable and I think the most striking improvement is the fact the wire is perfectly smooth while the casting shaft was rough and bumpy. Once painted and the brass shine removed, the difference would be even more visible. 4 hours to build a prototype of this excellent quality sounds more than acceptable. Another side benefit is the detail is also much more prototypical since you use a real shaft that isn't flush with the car siding. That small free space between parts really does the job and looks much more realistic, not like a single brass part glued in place but as an assembly of various hardware. I'm glad you overcame this challenge and will be able to move forward. This idea can be of use to other modellers, even when not tackling down fine scale models like yours.Will you have enough castings to do al your cars or will have to cast again some hardware part? In the future, just casting the small hinges with predrilled holes could make the assembly faster and more precise.
Matt
Proudly modelling Quebec Railway Light & Power Company since 1997.
Hedley-Junction Club Layout: http://www.hedley-junction.blogspot.com/
Erie 149th Street Harlem Station http://www.harlem-station.blogspot.com/
Hedley-Junction Club Layout: http://www.hedley-junction.blogspot.com/
Erie 149th Street Harlem Station http://www.harlem-station.blogspot.com/