I was wondering what kind of sheet metal is used in building models. Like sources, thickness/gauge and if it is plated or not.
I am thinking to possibly cast some trucks out of an aluminum alloy possibly. I am hoping to run outside and am just worried about aluminum corroding outside.
I am really hoping to make something that would fit well with some ETS models out of Czech Republic I plan on getting.
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Wow - those cars are awesome. For sheet metal parts that I make, using .028" galvanized sheet (very cheap from a local metal supply house, something like $15 for a sheet about 3 by 5 feet - a lot of cars.
The little bender can be found at Harbor Freight for about $30 and works well. Notice the clamps, which are pretty important to keep the metal from moving. I drilled holes in the ends of the cover plate to help simplify alignment, and tapped holes in the based of the bender to fasten it down, just loosen them up to slide the metal in or out.
I like his use of a round rod inside the bend to give a more rounded corner when needed.
One thing to remember is to compensate for the thickness of the metal when doing the bends - I've been looking to get down to ..005" variation or less and it's possible.
Have to get a nibbler - I bought a powered one which works nicely, but sometimes you need the hand held one to slow things down a little when you cut out a window or door (and you need a 'starter hole' that the nibbler bit can fit through to open up the hole).
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