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I know that "properly" weighting our rolling stock is necessary -- and that generally, the smaller and/or more condensed our weights are, they better they work for modeling purposes. From what I've read, most folks use lead weights -- relatively dense/heavy and at the same time, somewhat inexpensive.
Do you have any recommendations on where the best and/or cheapest place to get lead weights?
Several years ago, when my brother-in-law was working in an auto parts store, he got me a box of used lead weights, used to balance tires. I still have the box, have only used a few... Is lead relatively safe to work with? I know a lot of "safe" is just common sense -- don't put the lead in your mouth, wash your hands when done, etc. But should I be looking to other sources for weights? Or do you have some tips for working with lead weights?
In advance -- thanks for your tips / suggestions / comments!
Regards,
Tom Stockton
i use squarre the size of a scrabble letter made of 4030 steel (quite heavy), i can get those free from the recycle bin of the school.
I wouldnt just use the lead, too much toxic for me
i also used 1 cent for years
A lot of tire shops will give you a few stickey weights for free, otherwise you can buy a box from an auto supply store. I also use buckshot to fill the underbelly of some cars, like flats where you can't hide a large weight.
As far as handling lead, just wash your hands afterwards.
I've worked with lead for years and years and I'm okay.
Some might argue that last comment tho.
As far as handling lead, just wash your hands afterwards.
Don't drink or smoke while working with lead either.
If you're worried about the lead you currently have on hand, may I suggest that you put it all in a box and mail it to me for proper disposal.
You also want to keep it away from kids. I installed a fire system in a car battery plant and the safety briefing we had before we started stated that lead effects kids growth. It also gets into their system and stays where adults pass it. You could use gloves when you handle it if you are that concerned. The biggest thing is to wash you hands after handleing and don't eat or drink during the process.
My latest narrow gauge car has got a deck from lead. You have to get some weight. OK, gold would be better, but...
And ... I'm used to wash my hands.
This PRECISION SCALE flat car is 24' long and now it has 1 1/2 oz. Still too less for this H0n3 car.
Wolfgang
Wolfgang,
That's a mighty fine looking flat car! I'm assuming you used sheet lead to make the decking; where does one buy sheet lead?
Regards,
Tom
i also used 1 cent for years
I use pennies too.
another one for pennies, little hard for flat cars but works great for box cars and such
pennies, washers, depleted uranium, scrap metal, sinkers (fishing). All kinds of possibilities if the pieces will be hidden.
Fishing line weights are what I use. I like to fish, so I always have lead weights around in the fishing tackle box. Works for model RR cars as well.
I'm too old to let lead use worry me now.
They aren't lead, but pennies are a pretty cheap substitute....
Rico's idea is what we use in the club. A very small shot size works well even in HOn3..They form a small area and glue over all holds them in place even in the smallest of flat cars. If your afraid of the lead try brass BBs. Have worked lead cables for years in the phone company and now they make us rub shaving creme on cables when scuffing and handling!?!?!?! Never bothered me yet(knock on wood) but than again some say I microwave with the door open...Maybe thats why it takes me 2 hours to watch 60 mins!!
Fazby,
Where can one purchase depleted uranium??
Extremely curious,
Tom Stockton
Well, I used to get it at the local hobby shop, but there is only a crater there now. I'm not sure if it is urban renewal or some arrived undepleted.
Fazby,
Where can one purchase depleted uranium??
Extremely curious,
Tom Stockton
He can help you
I need to print that photo for target practice with my 9mm
Depleted uranium, huh? That's one I never thought of.
I've used lead tire and fishing weights for many years. I've also used sheet lead, but it'setting harder to find. Lead is not dangerous unless you breath or ingest the dust. As long as you wash your hands well after using lead and
never cut it without an industrial quality respirator. Pennies and copper BB's are good alternatives. There are also some nice lead free weights put out for pine car derby racers, so check them out on your next trip to Hobby Lobby
As long as you wash your hands well after using lead and never cut it without an industrial quality respirator.
It'd be nice if A-Line released their weights already cut.
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