Red Star Railway's Comments
2 September 2010
Subject: INTO THE FUTURE: Red Star Railways Renewed, Revised, and Realistic
Dear Friends --
If you have been reading "Red Star Comments" over the past year, you know that this has been a difficult period for Red Star Railways. First, production of HO scale diesel locomotives was stopped when I found that the power bogies for these models lacked bearings in the gear towers. Then I found that the resin used to produce the castings for 125 HO goods wagons and passenger carriages was contaminated -- in spite of washing, special coatings, sandblasting, primer, and even mild acid, paint would NOT adhere to the body shells. In the end I had to discard all 125 body shells. I buried them with military honors in our dumpster
So was this a big deal? Yeah. Oh, yeah. No production meant no sales. No sales meant no cashflow. And even though Red Star Railways is a home-based business, there are nonetheless expenses which must be met each month: credit card processing, business insurance, website hosting, credit card terminal lease. Just because a business is home-based doesn't mean that there are no costs for doing business.
This was the first time I seriously considered closing Red Star Railways. It was a very close thing. I hate to admit that, but it's true.
Finally I decided that I would rather eat ground glass than shut down Red Star Railways. So Red Star Ralways will endure.
Let's get real.
When I started Red Star Railways on 01 January 2000, I had no illusions (delusions?) that I would get rich selling models of Russian trains. I didn't create Red Star Railways to get rich. I opened Red Star Railways to make it easier and less intimidating for average railway modellers like me to model what I still consider the greatest railway on earth: the railways of the USSR and its successor states. Eleven years on, that remains my goal.
That's why I started producing models in my own little studio. I decided to produce models myself -- with reasonable detail, with reliable mechanisms, and at a price that average guys like me can afford. But this has required several difficult decisions.
First decision: no more imports. From now on, I will sell what I produce myself. In future I may import models, but this will be exceptional and I will announce it via the "Red Star Comments" page.
Second decision: based upon advice from German "kleinserien herstellers" and French "artisanale" producers, I have come to understand that I can not produce more than one type of model at a time. At one time I can produce 2TE10U models; when I am finished producing 2TE10Us, I can move on to produce TEM2s, or other models. For now I am producing 2TE10Us, and I can accept orders for 2TE10Us.er
I'm not totally satisfied with this posting, but this is my ledger.
Cheers,
Chris
RSR
29 May 2010
Dear Friends,
In my "Red Star Comment" dated 3 April 2010, I described the problem I had encountered with a non-standard resin which I had used to produce many body shells for Proletarian Series goods wagons and PassazhirRSR passenger coaches. This problem has now reached its conclusion. It is not a happy conclusion. However, in the interest of honesty, I feel that I must share this information with my customers and friends.
To review: over the last winter, I made many castings for Proletarian Series goods wagons and PassazhirRSR coaches using a casting resin which I had only rarely employed in the past. Previously, I had used this resin without any problems. However, when I tried to paint the models made from these castings, the paint did not adhere to the models.
Over the past months, I worked with the company which produced the resin to attempt to find a solution to the problem. We tried different primers, surface treatments, even mild acid -- but with no results. I had hoped that I could prevent the models made from these castings from being destroyed. I did not want to destroy several months of work -- which would mean delaying service to many customers!
However, in the past week I made the decision that I could not restore the models made from the defective casting resin. On Wednesday, 27 May, I disposed of the defective models in my trash container.
How many defective models? Answer: 125.
That is many models. To be honest, this situation almost put Red Star Railways out of business. It was a very close thing. But I will NOT sell defective models.
However, I am now shipping 2TE10U models. These sales are making up for the lost sales from the defective models. So Red Star Railways will continue.
I will do my best to make things right with the customers who ordered Proletarian Series goods wagons and PassazhirRSR coaches. This may take time. Please be patient.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
17 April 2010
Dear Friends,
Here is a progress report on the current batch of HO scale 2TE10U diesel locomotive models.
I have decided to expand this batch of 2TE10U to 20 sets (i.e., 40 individual sections). Yesterday I received more casting resin from Alumilite, and I am now making the additional castings.
Today I shipped the first 2TE10U from this batch. This doesn't sound significant, but it is. When I have not produced a specific model for a long time -- which certainly is the case for the 2TE10U -- I always build one set to completion first, just so that I can learn again and remember the tricks to produce that particular model. On this first model, I also tested some improvements to make the model stronger and more durable. These tests worked out well, so I will incorporate these improvements in the other models in the batch.
As of today, six more 2-section sets are painted and lined, and twelve sets are fitted with working chassis.
So, we are making progress.
My next move is to use the recently arrived casting resin to make roof castings for these models. In the past, I have added much weight to the roof castings. Some people have objected to this; they say this makes the center of gravity of the models too high, resulting in instability when running. In order to investigate this, I plan to test alternative ways to add weight when I make the roof castings for these models. This testing add only a little to the time required to produce the models, and it will give me a better idea of how to produce the models now and in the future.
I promise to keep you informed.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
SUBJECT: CASTINGS FOR COACHES AND GONDOLAS
3 April 2010
Dear Friends,
Along with the 2TE10U and N scale models, I have been working on back orders for Proletarian Series wagons and PassazhirRSR coaches. I thought I had been making progress on these back orders. However, recent events have proven otherwise.
PLEASE NOTE: these comments do NOT apply to the current production of 2TE10U diesel locomotives. These models are in good shape. No problems.
I made and assembled parts for many Proletarian Series wagons and PassazhirRSR HO scale carriages. I used casting resin from a firm other than Alumilite or Micro Mark. In the past, I have had excellent results from this firm's casting resin.
This time, there was a problem.
When I painted the castings made from this firm's resin, the paint -- primer and top coat -- did not adhere to the castings.
I had washed the castings already, but I washed them again. Still the paint did not adhere. I cleaned the castings with spray oven cleaner -- normally the "nuclear option" -- but when the castings dried, still paint did not adhere.
Obviously, there is a problem with the casting resin I used.
The company which produced the resin is working with me to identify the problem. I have no complaints about that company. In my opinion and in my judgment, they are doing their best to address the problem in a professional manner.
But for my customers who have back-ordered passenger carriages and goods wagons, this means that your orders will be delayed. For this, I offer my apologies. I will complete your orders as soon as possible, when I resolve this casting problem.
Thank you for your patience and support as we work to resolve these problems.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
STATUS REPORT -- 2TE10U
03 April 2010
Dear Friends,
Since my last update re: 2TE10U models on 15 March, I have done the following:
1. Cast, cleaned, and assembled the castings for the 3-piece window frames
for the cab windows on all 15 2TE10U sets (2 units per set, or 30 sections
total).
2. Trimmed, filled, and sanded the seams between body shell parts on all 30
2TE10U sections.
3. Fitted the assembled window frames to all 30 2TE10U sections.
4. Fitted the styrene side skirts to the pilot area.
5. Painted all 30 2TE10U sections in primer (I did this yesterday and today).
So I now have 30 2TE10U single-unit sections (which equals 15 twin-unit 2TE10U sets) ready to paint in the final body colour as soon as the primer paint cures.
In recent emails, a couple of my friends asked why casting and preparing the cab window frames is a big deal. I can only say: Get real. It is a big deal.
The cab window frames are thin resin castings. They need to be strong and dense, so I cast them in Alumilite regular casting resin. When I make flat castings (i.e., from a one-part mold) there is always a thin membrane which must be trimmed from the casting. The open areas of the cab window frames must be trimmed and sanded and filed carefully, because the cab windows are the most visible part of the model.
When the individual cab window frame castings are trimmed and sanded, I assemble the three pieces: left side window frame, center window frame, and right side window frame. Then I putty, sand, and smooth the joints between these individual pieces. Finally, I install the assembled 3-piece cab window frame to the 2TE10U section.
And that is why it takes a lot of time to finish the 2TE10U body shell and install the cab window frames. In the seven years since we developed the 2TE10U, I haven't discovered a better, faster, or more efficient way to do it.
But the good news is: now I can start painting the 2TE10U body shells!
I will post more progress reports.
Best wishes,
Chris
RSR
SUBJECT: IHC (INTERNATIONAL HOBBY CORPORATION) BANKRUPTCY
Dear Friends:
Since 2003 I have produced HO scale models of the TEM2 and 2TE10U diesel locomotives under the brand name "Zavod1." Except for a few early TEM2 models which used Athearn bogies, I have used power bogies only from the firm International Hobby Corporation, or "IHC." For many years IHC sold American-prototype models made for them by Mehano in Slovenia (formerly part of Jugoslavia). More recently IHC contracted locomotive model production to China (where else?), including their SD24 diesel which provides the bogies for our TEM2 and 2TE10U models.
IHC went out of business late last year. Sources in the hobby industry offer different explanations. Some say that IHC's demise was inevitable when Mehano went into bankruptcy. Others blame the shift of production to China. Personally, I don't think ordinary mortals like you and me will ever know the whole story. Personally, I don't care. I'm sorry that IHC is gone.
My opinion is not shared by many American modellers, who consider IHC products crude, toylike, and unsophisticated. There's an element of truth in this opinion. IHC sold classic entry-level models: body shells with basic detailing over simple, reliable drives. However, thirty-five years ago my friend Curtis Wells taught me that the simplicity of IHC's models camouflaged their true worth. Inside those plain body shells, the gear towers of the power bogies were smooth and quiet. Take IHC power bogies, add a quality can motor, and you have a smooth, powerful mechanism. They were also affordable for ordinary guys like Curtis and me. And they still are.
So where does IHC's bankruptcy leave Red Star Railways? Well, it's like this: there is some bad news, and there is some good news.
First, the bad news. IHC is closed. I can't drive up to Allegheny Avenue in Philadelphia to buy more SD24s. I'm sorry that I won't be talking with IHC's sales manager Ray Harris, who has been very helpful to Red Star Railways.
Now, the good news. I have enough SD24 power bogies to power several future batches of TEM2 and 2TE10U diesels. I also know two guys from the Great Scale Model Show at Timonium, Maryland, who hold stocks of SD24 mechanisms. I plan to talk with them soon. And if I really get desperate, I'm a happy and effective hunter on the secondary and second-hand market.
The bottom line is: I'm sad about the end of IHC, but I won't let their demise derail Red Star Railway's future locomotive production. Especially since we can adapt the IHC power bogies to drive models of the TEM7 eight-axle diesel shunter . . . . . . . . . ;-)
So -- be of good cheer.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
SUBJECT: KONKA AND MODELA MODELS
15 March 2010
Dear Friends:
As of today, I am out of stock of Konka and Modela models.
Please check "Red Star Comments" for information on restocks.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
SUBJECT: ZAVOD1 2TE10U MODELS -- ACCEPTING ORDERS
15 March 2010
Dear Friends:
I am now prepared to accept orders for "Zavod1" HO scale models of the 2TE10U two-unit diesel locomotive.
If you regularly read Red Star Comments, you will know already that production of Zavod1 locomotives came to a screeching halt more than six months ago when I discovered that many of the power bogies (trucks) in stock lacked bearings in the gear towers. No bearings = not working = mental breakdown.
As per previous Comments, I got some bearings from a helpful friend in Slovenia. The bearings fit the defective bogies, and I was back in the locomotive business.
However, I understand all too well that my credibility took a major hit during the period when I could not produce any locomotives. I decided to announce that I was accepting orders ONLY when a very large batch of 2TE10U were well advanced. As of today, here is the story.
In this batch I am producing 15 2TE10U 2-unit sets. This is the largest batch I have ever produced since introducing the 2TE10U in 2003. All 30 underframes -- bogies, motors, flywheels -- are assembled, painted, and awaiting completion. The front, back, and sides of all 30 body shells are assembled. I am now working on the window frame castings for the cab windows.
So I can say honestly that work is very well advanced. To finish the units, I need to know what my customers want in terms of nationality, color, etc. So it is time to formally accept orders.
You have no idea how happy I am to be able to formally accept orders!
Specifications: as usual, body shells are assembled from resin castings. The underframes are heavy resin castings with added weight. All bogies are powered, and eight wheels per unit pick up power. The bogies come from the IHC SD24 with sideframes of my own design. The can motor comes from the IHC SD24, with a Proto Power West brass flywheel and Athearn delrin universal slip joints.
Price: US$170 for a dual-powered 2-unit set. Usual shipping charges apply, as per the "Contact Us" page of the Red Star Railways website.
During the time when I could not produce 2TE10Us due to the bogie problem, a number of people have expressed strong, firm, and unwavering interest in purchasing these models. It is only right that these kind and loyal people will be first in line for models from this new batch. If demand is greater than I expect, I am ready to add five more 2TE10U sets to this batch (=10 more individual units).
HOWEVER: please, PLEASE do not send money or credit card authorization until I inform you that your model(s) are ready to ship! I NEVER accept money until I can actually send you the model for which you are paying.
Questions, comments -- maybe orders? Send me an email or call me as per the "Contact Us" page of the Red Star Railways website.
Thank you for your patience, perseverance, and support for Red Star Railways.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
SUBJECT: FOR SALE -- "L" CLASS BUILDERS PLATES
15 March 2010
Dear Friends,
For years I've been a big fan of the Soviet "L" Class 2-10-0 steam locomotive. Some time ago I was able to purchase two builders plates of L Class locomotives -- details below. I love them, but I've had to face the fact that they're big, they're clunky, they're heavy, and they're inconvenient to display.
So, reluctantly, I have decided to sell them.
Each builders plate is a massive aluminium casting 750mm long x 275mm high. They come from two different factories: one from Kolomna, one from Bryansk.
KOLOMNA BUILDERS PLATE:
Lettering: MINTRANSMASH USSR, Kolomenskiy Factory, name(d for) Kuibyshev, year 1947, works number 8492. Price: $550
BRYANSK BUILDERS PLATE:
Lettering: MINTRANSMASH USSR, Bryansk Steam Locomotive Construction Factory, town (of) Bezhitsa, year 1948, works number 1065. Price: $600.
The prices reflect what I paid for each piece. The Bryansk builders plate is more rare: 1762 "L" Class were built at Kolomna, but only 389 were built at Bryansk.
Due to their immense size and weight, they will be costly to ship. I would prefer to sell these to a buyer in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, which would allow the buyer to come pick them up. However, I am willing to ship them anywhere -- but shipping will be at the buyer's expense.
Questions -- email or call as per the "Contact Us" page.
For me it has been a real thrill to own these wonderful, almost living links to the glory days of Soviet steam. Yes, I have decided to sell them -- but I will be very careful to ensure that they go to someone who understands and respects the history they represent, someone who will take care of them and share their history with others.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
SUBJECT: VHS CLEARANCE SALE
15 March 2010
Dear Friends:
I can't hold back the march of progress. VHS video cassette tapes have been replaced by DVDs. I still have in stock some VHS videos, so it's time to clear them out. Take advantage of the sale and save! For full descriptions of each program see the "Videos" page.
Here is a listing of each VHS video program still in stock. I'm listing the VHS videos by (1) PRODUCER, (2) "Name of Program," (3) System (North American NTSC or European All-Region PAL), (4) length of program, (5)price per program, and (6) number in stock. I will update the number in stock as numbers dwindle.
THREE STARS PRODUCTIONS -- "The Little Train of Gulbene" -- NTSC -- 44 Minutes -- $16 -- 5 in stock
THREE STARS PRODUCTIONS -- "A Lithuanian Narrow-Gauge Empire" -- NTSC -- 58 minutes -- $16 -- 2 in stock
THREE STARS PRODUCTIONS -- "A Lithuanian Narrow-Gauge Empire" -- PAL -- 58 minutes -- $16 -- 5 in stock
THREE STARS PRODUCTIONS -- "The 100th Year of Gulbene's Little Trains" -- NTSC -- 54 minutes -- $16 -- 11 in stock
THREE STARS PRODUCTIONS -- "The 100th Year of Gulbene's Little Trains" -- PAL -- 54 minutes -- $16 -- 10 in stock
REVELATION VIDEO -- "Transsiberian Centennial" -- NTSC -- 4 hours (2 VHS tapes) -- $26 -- 2 in stock
REVELATION VIDEO -- "Estonia: Privatization Pioneer" -- NTSC -- 1 hour -- $16 -- 3 in stock
WORLD'S GREATEST TRAIN RIDE -- Trans-Siberia -- NTSC -- 55 minutes -- $10 -- 1 in stock -- this program was created just before the end of the Soviet Union for audiences in France, then distributed worldwide in English -- it's actually pretty interesting.
Shipping charges are as per the "Contact Us" page of the Red Star Railways website.
Thank you!
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
22 October 2009
Dear Friends,
My friend and N-scale partner-in-crime Jouni Rautiainen of Espoo, Finland, reminded me today that I had not posted any news about the introduction of our first N scale products at the Great Scale Model Train Show at Timonium, Maryland, on 10-11 October. So here we go.
The best way to describe the experience of introducing our N scale line "NClubRSR" is to cite two numbers: 101, and 0.
When the train show opened at 09h00m on Saturday, 10 October, we had 101 N scale models on display at the Red Star Railways stand. We now have 0 -- zero -- N scale models in stock.
Here's another number: 46. We sold 46 N scale models in the first hour after the show opened. It was like being run over by a train.
More detail: we went to Timonium with 101 N scale models: 53 type 12-119 open wagons, 4 type 13-4012 platform wagons, 8 type 13-401 platform wagons, and 36 type 11-270 box cars. These are the first four types of wagon in our NClubRSR line. There will be more -- we are working on them now.
But first I must produce more models of the original four types. I am working on this now. Please note: I am also working on HO scale models for customer orders, so I can not devote 100% of my time to N scale work. Maybe I can clone myself?
My friend Yevgeny Kushnir has agreed to photograph the N scale models when we have produced enough of them to support a new page on the Red Star Railways website. That's when we'll roll out the NClubRSR page -- when we have enough models in stock, ready for sale.
So that is where we stand today.
A couple of guys have written to me asking why I always say "we" and not "I". Good question! Yes, I own Red Star Railways. My name is on the business license. And if something goes wrong, the "authorities" come looking for me! But Red Star Railways could not exist by my efforts alone. Indeed, I wasted three weeks of my life trying to create the masters for N scale Russian wagons, to no result.
Other people have contributed far more than I to our N scale project. Jouni Rautiainen, a founding member of N Club Finland, created the brass etchings that formed the basis of our master models used in mold-making. Without Jouni's pioneering work, Red Star Railways would have no Russian-prototype N scale models. That's why I have named our N scale line NClubRSR -- for N Club Finland and Red Star Railways.
And what are models without lettering? Working with Jouni, James McDonald has produced magnificent decal lettering for our N scale wagons. For years I've been privileged to work with James McD and his talented wife, Sherill Gross-McDonald. Their work enhances Proletarian Series goods wagons, Zavod1 locomotives, PassazhirRSR coaches -- and now NClubRSR models.
Salutes and thanks to Jouni, James, and Sherill!
Cheers,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
7 June 2008
Dear Friends,
Last year I posted comments about Micro Mark's CR300 casting resin, noting that it really is almost water-thin and takes detail very well. Well, Micro Mark strikes again.
Looking for a water-thin casting resin with a longer cure time, I decided to try Micro Mark's CR600 resin. Like CR300, CR600 is almost as thin as water and takes detail equally well. However, it has a cure time much longer than CR300 or Alumilite regular casting resins -- in my experience, at least thirty minutes or longer. Again like CR300, CR600 castings are white in color.
The longer cure time is an advantage when you are making castings which are likely to trap air bubbles deep inside a mold. I have had a high reject rate when making castings for restaurant car table-and-chair castings and sleeping car interiors for PassazhirRSR coaches -- the molds for these castings are very deep, and tend to trap air pockets in spite of my strenuous efforts to dislodge them. With CR600, however, I find that I have more time to probe for air bubbles and air pockets. More working time means fewer air pockets, which means fewer rejects. So even though I pay full retail price for CR600, it is worth paying the higher price because of the lower reject rate.
As an experiment, I tried using CR600 to produce underframes and roofs for PassazhirRSR coaches. I came away with mixed feelings. The castings came out without defects, but in my opinion the CR600 castings are lighter in weight, less dense, and less hard than castings made from Alumilite regular casting resin.
Bottom line: Alumilite regular casting resin is still my choice for most castings, especially those requiring structural strength -- coach underframes, roofs, and sides, for example. On the other hand, if you have deep molds that tend to breed air pockets and which do not require as much structural strength, try Micro Mark CR600.
I wish somebody would tell Micro Mark boss Tom Piccirillo that I'm touting his fim's products. When I met Tom several years ago at the Great Scale Model Train Show at Timonium (Maryland), he told me that I should check out his firm's line of resin casting products. Okay, I did. I'm using them, already. Do you expect me to go groveling to Micro Mark, already . . . ?
Life is interesting, isn't it?
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
www.redstarrailways.com
18 May 2008
Dear Friends,
Yesterday I needed 0.75mm (.030")styrene sheet for the current batch of PassazhirRSR coaches, so LaDon and I drove 45km to the nearet hobby shop -- but we arrived shortly after the shop closed (what kind of hobby shop closes at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday???). I was annoyed.
I had a choice: I could think like an American modeller, or I could think like a Russian modeller. An American modeller would sit back and bitch that the hobby shop was closed. A Russian modeller would figure out another way to find the material that he needed.
On the way home, we visited a hardware store. AHA! The store had a wide range of signs -- "For Sale," "For Rent," etc. -- all printed on plastic sheet. The printing was on one side only, leaving the back side smooth and clean. I bought two signs.
When I got home, I found that the signs were printed on styrene plastic. It bonds using ordinary liquid plastic cement, just like styrene from the hobby shop. The thickness was spot-on 0.75mm (.030") and was consistent throughout the sign (yes, I measured it with digital calipers). At US$4.29, the price was very competitive with what I would have paid at the hobby shop.
So if you buy a PassazhirRSR passenger carriage model, the floor of your model may have started out in life as a plastic "For Sale" sign! And if you need styrene sheet for a modelling project, check out the signs at your local hardware store.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
Re: Cheap Screws
14 May 2008
Dear Friends,
ALL RIGHT, NOW STOP THAT! Just because this comment refers to "cheap screws" does NOT mean that I'm getting ready to make any off-color remarks. This comment is about precisely that: cheap machine screws.
For a long time -- a looooooong, looooong time -- it has seriously irked me that modellers have to pay such ridiculous amounts for the little machine screws we need to assemble and repair our models. One vendor markets five little brass screws in a packet for US$1.25. Another sells twelve screws for US$2.98.
This is bullshit.
Of course, if you're really determined -- and prepared to tell a few lies -- you can buy screws in quantity from McMaster-Carr or some other industrial supplier. The problem is, industrial suppliers sell parts in such astronomical quantities that no one person could run out of parts in his/her lifetime. There has to be another way.
There is.
Go to your friendly local Radio Shack store. In their parts cabinet you will find machine screws, matching nuts, and assorted washers in reasonably-priced packets containing a realistic quantity of parts. For example, take 2-56 machine screws. Radio Shack item number 64-3010 is a packet of 42 2-56 machine screws -- fourteen each in lengths of 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inch (for our more enlightened metric brethren, that's 6.35mm, 12.7mm, and 19.05mm respectively). The screws apparently are made from steel. One packet costs US$1.99. Similarly, a packet of 40 2-56 nuts (item number 64-3017) costs US$1.99. The parts are made in Taiwan, and are made of steel (at least the 2-56 nuts are, according to the package).
Of course, some people are never satisfied. When I told one guy about this deal, he started whining that the 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch screws were too long to be useful for him. I told him, "So cut them to the length you need." To which he replied, "But it's so hard to cut screws, and the threads will get messed up." Somewhat annoyed, I told him, "Before you cut the screw, run a nut up to the top of the screw just below the head. Cut the screw. Then run the nut back off the screw. On the way out, it will restore the threads." And if you cut the screws with a Dremel cut-off disk, it's even easier to restore the threads.
So there is hope out there.
Disclaimer: I do not work for Radio Shack, and never have. Nor do I own stock in Radio Shack's parent company, the Tandy Corporation. I'm just a satisfied customer who got very happy when Radio Shack provided a way to beat the machine screw rip-off.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
13 August 2007
Dear Friends,
I previously posted a comment about Micro-mark's CR-300 casting resin. Based on experience gained since I made that posting . . .
PLEASE NOTE -- the mix ratio for CR-300 is much more critical than for other supposedly 50:50 resins, especially when you're casting small quantities of resin. With CR-300, it's much more important to measure very carefully -- the CR-300 needs as close to a 50:50 mixing ratio as possible for successful casting.
I went back and edited my original comment about Micro-Mark CR-300 casting resin to include this information.
Again: based on my experience, I consider Micro-Mark's CR-300 to be an excellent product, and I recommend it highly. You just have to be more careful with the 50:50 mix ratio than with most casting resins.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
13 July 2007
Dear Friends --
This is going to sound a little contradictory. After all, I am a dealer for Alumilite resin casting products. However, once again I have discovered a useful product, and I would like to share this information with you.
Several people have told me that Micro Mark casting resin really is "water-thin." So, I gave it a try. This week I ordered Micro Mark's CR-300 Quick Cure Casting Resin. I also ordered Micro Mark's CR-600 and CR-900 casting resin, but I haven't experimented with these products yet. I can tell you that I received my resin the day after I placed my order -- full marks (no pun)to Micro Mark.
I used the Micro Mark CR-300 to cast partitions for a batch of PassazhirRSR coaches. I can report that the Micro Mark CR-300 really is almost water-thin. Castings made from this resin were almost completely free of air bubbles. The CR-300 took marginally longer to set up than Alumilite, but the lack of air bubbles was a plus. The CR-300 castings are much lighter and less dense than those made from Alumilite regular, but as long as they are not load-bearing, I see no problem.
One note: I have found that the mixing ratio for CR-300 are much more critical than for other casting resins that use a 50:50 mix ratio by volume. Especially when you are mixing very small quantities of resin, i.e., 1/2 teaspoon Part A and 1/2 teaspoon Part B, you need to measure VERY accurately.
The bottom line: I will continue to use Alumilite casting resin where strength and rigidity are required. On the other hand, Micro Mark's CR-300 definitely has its uses. I speak as a satisfied user.
The item number for the CR-300 is 81544. You can access the Micro Mark website at www.micromark.com.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
18 May 2007
Dear Friends,
Like most model builders, I'm always looking for new and better products. Since 1973 I have used more types of superglue than I can count. Recently I started using Maxi Cure, and I am very impressed with this product. It is a very thick ACC glue -- thick enough that when you place a drop on a surface, it stays there. It takes slightly longer to cure than most other superglues, but the bonds it forms are amazingly strong.
For example: when I was assembling the body shells for the current batch of 150 PassazhirRSR coaches, I used Maxi Cure to join together a side and an end of a coach. When I examined the parts an hour later, I saw that the alignment was not good. So I tried to separate the parts by bending the end away from the side. The Maxi Cure joint did not break -- but the side of the coach did!
This superglue is TOUGH!
I buy Maxi Cure from my local Hobbytown USA shop here in Dover, Delaware, USA. Friends have told me that other shops also sell Maxi Cure, so possibly you can find it elsewhere. Maxi Cure is distributed by BSI of Atascadero, California, USA.
Please understand one thing: I do not sell Maxi Cure, and I have no way to buy it for sale. But it is a wonderful product, and I hope people who read these comments will find a source for Maxi Cure and have fun using it.
Best wishes,
Chris White
Red Star Railways
YOUR RUSSIAN RAILWAY SPECIALIST
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