Page Originated 12/2012
Last update:
MAKING YOUR LOCO MODELS LOOK AND
RUN THE WAY YOU WANT
Some Of The Things That Drive Cost
- Not packing the model properly before shipping it to me.
Damage to the model because of rough handling during transit
must be repaired. Be sure to read the section on packing and shipping
in the dropdown under the SERVICES button.
- Poor quality screws that break or whose heads easily deform
when their removal is attempted. One such
screw on a model can delay the project, postponing when you receive
your model back and when I get paid. Removal of the screw could take
a substantial amount of time, and require removing other parts of the
model just to get to the screw. In one instance a broken screw cost $200
to remove, replace, and repair the associated changes that were needed
to make the repair.
- Acid residue on the model. Manufacturers may
clean model parts prior to painting with an acid wash. If they aren't
careful to clean all the acid or to neutralize it, the acid will
damage the model.
If the acid was in a
screw hole, the screw will be corroded to the point where it
will usually break off when removal is attempted. Reference the preceding item.
- Poor assembly. Some models I have worked on
were assembled with ACC or some other adhesive to secure parts
after the model has been painted.
The parts must be damaged or destroyed in order to disassemble the model.
- Poor design. Some models ostensibly were well-built, with sturdy
appearing parts. However, the assembly design was such that a screw
critical to removal of a certain part was covered by another part that
was soldered in place.
To remove the second part in order to access the screw took a substantial
amount of time not to mention the paint touch up after the soldered in place part
had be re-soldered (I don't use glue or epoxy).
Interested in learning more about 2-rail O scale? Please visit the O Scale Kings web pages.
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