Hello all,
I have just purchased the metal track set for my new AAV I am slowly starting. I have never worked with this medium before, so I have a couple of questions for those who have. This question may have been posted before and there may even be a link already set up, if so, I would appreciate the links.

Is there any type of prep for this material to get the paint to stick?

What type of paints can you use (I prefer Taymia and Polly Scale for ease of use and clean up)?

What types of glue work well with this material?

Any other tidbits of information or warnings before I set off.

Thanks in advance.
Ryan

Hi Ryan ...you know once you start to use these tracks on kits you'll be stuck for life ...They are great and do add a lot to a kit ...I usually us Blacken-it to start off the weathering on my tracks but I'm sure any paint will work for you ..as for glue ...the only glue you need is a drop of cyano to hold the pin in place... You will need a drill bit the size of the wire to drill out a few of the links but other than that if you need and clean up it can be done with an exacto blade..

Have fun!
Rick

Ryan
Those tracks are habit forming After I build up both sides I wash them good with regular dish soap After drying I use primer Krylon is what I use After that cures up then use whatever paint you use

Thanks

Sounds like some good advice.

Ryan

I second the Bear's method. Blacken-It is great! Nothing could be easier in terms of obtaining a great base upon which to start your weathering. You won't need paint.

The guys are right, Blacken It followed by oil paint washes works for me.

If you do want to paint, I would recommend different paints than you are using. They are both mild acrylics. Use an enamel or lacquer based primer and make sure to clean in alchohol or vinegar before you paint.

Hope this helps.

Scott

Real alloy tracks weather to a dull aluminium shade, only the steel bolts and nuts will rust. I wash my track, rinse, soak it in vinegar, picking it up with forceps so no finger prints, rinse in water again. I have a plastic container and pour son circuit board etching liquid, this stuff will disolve copper on electronic circuit boards.

READ AND UNDERSTAND THE HANDLING DIRECTIONS!!! THIS STUFF WILL STAIN AND DESTROY THINGS!!! WEAR GOGGLES, RUBBER GLOVES AND AN APRON.

I place my Fruil tracks in for a couple of minutes, remove and rinse for a long time to get the ectching liquid off. Do not touch! Use the forceps so you will not leave finger prints, let it dry and give it a shot of dullcoat to seal it.

Weather as you like, the base now looks like aged metal.

Ryan, I have been trying to respond to your PM of last week but it keeps coming back saying no service is available on your end. Out here.

Howdy Ryan,

As has been suggested to you, the product 'Blackin-It' is a popular choice and works well for what you are trying to do.

Now, depending upon the look you are trying for on your "AAV", there is another, perhaps less dramatic choice available. And one that is quite controlable as far as the final output is concerned, and that is a product used widely by the RR guys...it's called 'Rail Weathering Solution', and it is manufactured by a company called Micro Engineering Company. Below is a pic of the product itself....



I just thought I'd throw another option at you

regards,

Tread

And if you can't find Blacken It or rail solution, run down to a good sporting goods store or Gun shop and look for gun blue. Basically same stuff. I use one called 'Cold Black' which does the same thing. It chemically oxidizes the metal. Just finishing up some AAV tracks right now. I also use .020" brass wire instead of the supplied wire. Have fun putting all the bolt heads in the one side! (for the later style, at least)

Cheers,
Jim

Käärmeenpesä

Heres a couple of good articles from missing-lynx

http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=95064&messageid=1095215462

http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=95064&messageid=1094808492

Enjoy