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The oxidation of the tracks |
Dont’ paint the tracks !
Friumodel’s reputation for its famous metal tracks in separate links is not to prove, for its quality and realistic effect, and the natural sagging.
To go further in realism, the tracks will be treated with the Blacken-It chemical fluid. This is a product based on selenium acid, chloride, and copper carbonate. It can be found in other brands like AK Interactive, Uschi van der Rosten, or sometimes from art shop.
This treatment is useful for tones that it create, and it’s quick to realise. We can also manipulate the tracks before final assembly without worrying about damaging the paint. It can also oxide brass or copper parts (as tow hook here).
Wire of 0.4 mm provided by Friulmodel is replaced by a brass wire of 0.5 mm, and this tenth of a millimeter makes all the difference! The brass wire is pressed using a small pliers, and then cut off flush. The stems no longer fall !
This will be even more important as the tracks are immersed in the acid solution.
And you don’t have to glue with cyano, thereby preventing oxidation. Don’t worry, brass will be oxidized too.
The Friulmodel tracks are good quality, it will not be necessary to drill any link!
Once dry, the links are sanded with sandpaper to bring out the métal on the reliefs, then three different colors of pigments are used for the best weathering.
The products are gathered for the treatment of tracks. Wearing latex gloves and goggles (splashing is possible) is highly recommended.
The wire supplied with tracks will be replaced with brass rods of 0.5 mm.
The elements to be processed together.
The parts are degreased in acetone by using a brush. Dont’ forget the hollows. The whole is then rinsed with water and let to dry.
The tracks are immersed in the Blacken-It, oxidation begins immediately and the effects are visible in few seconds.
We will use the brush to rub the product in the hollow (which tends to deal more easily with reliefs) and we will help with tweezers to move the pieces.
In a few minutes, the tracks are ready, it must be removed quickly. Parts are rinsed with deionized water (to stop the maximum oxidation), and will be drained on paper towels.
The final color will be visible once the drying is completed, the result here is still too dark.
The tracks during drying.
The result after drying, which makes matt colors, rust / earthy tones.
For a darker color, you can leave the track longer in the bath (if the product is still active), or once again plunge into a new bath of Blacken-It.
The result of the assembly, after sanding reliefs to show bare metal, and different shades of pigments. It may rub a graphite pencil on the inner side of the links, on the passage of the wheels.
The weathering is now the more realistic.
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