Kato F40PH parts...a rant

[ICG/SOU]

Grrr. Today I finally got a hold of a TSU-KT1000 (Tsunami board for a Kato F40PH--easiest sound install EVER), and decided to go ahead and finish the detail parts installation.

Included are 4 numberboards (only need two), 2 Sinclair antennas (only need one), 20 MU hoses (only need 12...they should have been done in clusters because they are a pain for me individually), but 1 set of windshield wipers. Two wipers per window, two windows, so 4 total (2 are for the outside edge and aren't interchangeable).

I launched the first one into outer space when using the tweezers and the tweezers slipped. The second I lost about 20 minutes later. I cannot find them anywhere.

But, there are no spares. I don't know what I will do with 2 more numberboards or 20 MU hoses (will buy some DA ones, I think), and I can use the extra Sinclair on another locomotive, but some of the smallest parts (the windshield wipers) have no extras. Annoying.

ETA: Awesome. Kato is out of this exact part. I guess I'm not the first one to do such.

 

[alcoman]

I've often thought about building an enclosed box to work on the tiny details. Sort of like a paint booth. A white inside surface with a light in the top. With the smallest front opening I could still work through. Then when I launch the tiny parts I will have at least a small chance of finding them again.

 

[Larry]

I have a large apron that I use w/a strap around my neck & the bottom I spread out & attach to the top of my workbench(at the edge). Or you can attach to the legs of the bench if it's not to big. That catches a lot of parts dropping. I also try to keep the floor cleaned just before I do a lot of intricate loco work & before I clean a floor around my bench I scan it w/a magnet. It's surprising what a magnet will pickup even after you clean a floor.
A large box about the size of a TV would be a great idea. A small fluorescent lite in the top & a small exhause fan on the side. Cut the flap on the front of the box to about 4" w/a magnet laying just inside the front.

 

[Rico]

Isn't it amazing how far a part can travel with just the right amount of pressure? Coupler parts "spring" to mind.
I feel your pain.
I sometimes use a similar apron to Larry, it does catch a lot of MIA parts.
On a similar note, the other day I pulled out a track spike with needle nosed pliers. Again with just the right amount of pressure it took off like rocket and imbedded itself right between my eyes!

 

[NYSW F45]

i usually end up with parts flying off my table cause 2 of my cats like the sound they make when they start shuffling them around. Mainly the heavier stuff like snow plows and side frames. I'll here a slight shuffle and then see it go flying as the cat slapped it off the table. LOL.

 

[ICG/SOU]

My workspace isn't ideal, but I'm usually pretty careful. Kadee coupler springs often are never found, but rarely to I launch one out in the first try. I added some grab irons to a Walthers high cube boxcar the other day, and it was easy to drop a few, but a sweep with a magnetized screwdriver and I could easily get them off the floor.

These windshield wipers are just a hair too small for me to handle comfortably. I've never been good with the itty bitty parts anyway.

 

[bigB]

I can only imagine how many lost kadee springs are on my layout's carpeted floor. i should just vacuum and i could find some interesting parts in the bag.