Hi Guys,
I just wanted to take this opportunity to explain my technique for handling brass models. I often see here on the ORG Forum references made to the fact that many tend to shy away from purchasing brass models (specifically steam engine models) due to the fear of causing damage to them. Parts falling off and such.
As such, many avoid purchasing Sunset/3rd Rail and Weaver brass steam engine models.
THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY!
I will attempt to explain a simple technique that works for me and others that enables us to carry/move brass steam engine models from place to place with no damaging effects at all. Now, let me begin that I am basically a 2 railer and have handled brass models for a long time. My personal observation is that 3 railers are familiar with handling diecast steam engine models. These are 2 very different beasts!!!!!!!!!!! And should be handled as such.
3 railers, when picking up a diecast steam engine model, just reach down and grab it with one hand, encircling the boiler and lifting it off the track/surface. If you use that technique on a brass model you are asking for possible trouble. Many parts on a brass model are separately applied and may by damaged. Nowadays, many details on diecast models are also separately applied, so the same holds true if you attempt to pick it up with one hand encircling the boiler. So please consider using this method no matter if you have a brass or diecast steam model.
So when handling brass (or any steam engine model henceforth) try this instead. I guarantee that it works and will not cause damage to the model:
1. Front of engine facing to the right (it doesn't matter which way the engine is facing. If facing to the left, just reverse the placement of fingers). Right hand. Place your thumb under the cylinder that is towards you. Now place you middle finger under the cylinder on the other side of the model. The palm of your hand should be facing down touching the track/surface. Remember, I said those fingers should be under the cylinders.
2. Now with your left hand. Place your middle finger under the head of the screw/bolt that holds the drawbar attached to the engine and push upwards. Now move your thumb into the cab and press down on the cab floor! Squeeze those fingers together. Now one can lift the engine up using both hands.
Now VERY IMPORTANT!!!! Never, on a brass model of a steam engine, try to lift up the model by placing your finger under the CAB ROOF. That is a NO NO. That is a weak spot on a brass model. Many of the older Max Gray/USH models can be lifted in that manner without much worry, but the newer ones cannot. So here you are lifting a model in that manner and halfway up, the cab roof separates from the rest of the model and it comes crashing down. Again, do not lift a brass model by holding it by the CAB ROOF.
I hope this helps and that you try it on your steam models, be brass or diecast. I lift all of my steam models in this fashion.
And, from now on, do not let the fear of possible damage to a brass model dissuade you from purchasing one.
Steve
