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What is the metal used in Atlas locomotive weights? Dream and design
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MRH Advertiser and MRH Author 2,817 posts Nick Santo amsnick MRH Advertiser and MRH Author 2,817 posts
Nick Santo amsnick

I don’t have access to a spectrometer any more and wondered what the material is.  Is it a pure metal, zinc comes to mind or an alloy?

Thanks.

Nick

Nick

https://nixtrainz.com/ Home of the Decoder Buddy

Full disclosure: I am the inventor of the Decoder Buddy and I sell it via the link above.
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blindog10 Prolific poster 3,329 posts
blindog10

pot metal

aka white metal, a non-specific alloy. Read the Wikipedia page for more info. Scott Chatfield
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Nick Santo amsnick MRH Advertiser and MRH Author 2,817 posts
Nick Santo amsnick

Thanks Scott

My next curiosity will be to find it’s melting point.

Nick

Nick

https://nixtrainz.com/ Home of the Decoder Buddy

Full disclosure: I am the inventor of the Decoder Buddy and I sell it via the link above.
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greg ciurpita gregc Super User 1,158 posts
greg ciurpita gregc

why?

i'm curious why you're interested the melting point.   are you having a problem, or trying to reshape it?

lead can easily be melted with a plumbing touch and cast as desired and further shaped with a file.

greg - LaVale, MD     --   MRH Blogs --  Rocky Hill Website  -- Google Site
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Nick Santo amsnick MRH Advertiser and MRH Author 2,817 posts
Nick Santo amsnick

Hi Greg,

Lead is a little soft for a support item.  I’m requiring drilling, tapping and screws.  Lead could work but for the size of the part I’m missing I thought I could order some made.  I also wanted to consider a comparable metal that wouldn’t degrade or degrade in combination.  I’m also considering 3D printing but haven’t got past the design software step.

Thanks for asking.  Any other ideas I should consider?

Nick

Nick

https://nixtrainz.com/ Home of the Decoder Buddy

Full disclosure: I am the inventor of the Decoder Buddy and I sell it via the link above.
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DrJolS Frequent poster 625 posts
DrJolS

Try Micromark.com

Another idea to consider:

Low melting tin/bismuth alloys. I've used the 180degF version for weights in locos. Haven't tried tapping it.

DrJolS
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joef MRH Founder 17,544 posts
joef

Likely a zinc alloy

It’s likely a zinc alloy ... and googling zinc alloy melting point gets this ...

Quote:

Zinc alloys have a melting range of about 380-390°C (~ 725°F) ...

Joe Fugate​
Publisher, Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine

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Read my blog
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Michael Duckett Active Member 67 posts
Michael Duckett

Solder up some brass shapes

Look in McMaster Carr for brass shapes, cut and solder some up. takes threads well. Very heavy, stiff and stable. A good vise, a good hacksaw. Use flux and solder for plumbing, clean it well after.  You will likely botch a few, its called learning.  You'll be fine and have new skills.
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peter-f Prolific poster 1,534 posts
peter-f

Things to consider

The 'white metal' (or 'pot metal')  is usually a zinc-based alloy, with content varying depending on availability and cost.  (Except lead).

The idea proposed by Mike is pretty good:  Build a brass box to fit your shell and tap into it as needed for desired details, screws, headlamps....  and then fill the interior with white metal as weight, and 'carve out' the shape as needed to fit the chassis and motor.

This way you get to play with the 'pot metal' of your choice and control the fineness of the overall shape.

 
- regards

Peter
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