A few days ago I tried to go to micronart.com and found it parked. I see it's still the case today. Does anyone know the status of Micron Art? Mark
Hmmmm, hate to see them go as a supplier for Z, they have great stuff and I've bought plenty of they're products in the past.
Sorry to see him go, produced some very nice brass products. Unfortunately we're all getting old. I just wish there was someone who could pick-up these products as people retire.
This is terrible news for scratch builders. Their details are the best. Where will we get TV antennas and weathervanes, lightning rods, etc...from? I still have an unbuilt sanding facility waiting in line. It will be part of my Dover St. Module. It is sad to think this will probably be the last thing I build from MicronArts. I hope he is well and enjoying retirement. Thanks for all the great items you have provided over the years. They will be missed and treasured by those who have some. Jim
Gold Medal Models makes some N scale parts that have smaller versions. I used their antennas for my radio tower: http://www.goldmm.com/nscale/gmntvant.htm
Bummer. I bought his box girder bridge. What a joy to assemble for my novice hands. Really got my excitement up and running to construct the rest of my layout.
I do have a built one and an unbuilt one. I hope I can get my hands on a Pratt Truss bridge before they are all gone. That is, if they are already not gone from the inventory of the usual suppliers. Jim
Did you use glue to assemble or solder? I'm thinking of buying both bridges, but don't really resistance solder... Ajay
Hi, Ajay I used CA on the built one. It was fairly easy to build. After it was finished I used spray can primer to paint it. Go easy on the spray. Several fine coats are better than trying to cover it all at once. I am planning on learning resistance soldering on the second one. I also have the sanding facility kit. Practicing on the bridge is for learning before I try building it. I'll see if I can locate a photo of mine. Good luck with yours. Please post it when you are done. Jim
Hi Jim, That looks great! I'll certainly post when I'm done... This is for a future layout with Atlas track... My current, very incomplete micro-layout is being built with MTL roadbed track. Ajay
IMake sure you wash it with warm water, preferably with some vinegar, to clean all the oils and residuals off. Use Tamiya paints, they spray super fine so it gets more of a cloud, gets in more angles, easier. But, they are lacquer (so use ventilation). Here are the color sprays: https://www.tamiya.com/english/products/list/tamiya_spray/kit85001.htm
Hi, Ajay. What Jeff said. Tamiya brands are a bit more expensive but are definitely the best. The cans are smaller than most other brands. The surface primer (L) comes in larger cans. I use it for base colors for most builds and weathering powders to weather it. Use outdoors or in a well ventilated area. It does contain unhealthy ingredients. Jim
Hi, Jeff Thanks for posting the link. I had not heard of them before. I have used other n-scale details in the past. I will be getting some TV antennas for sure. Jim
I was able to get a 224" truss bridge kit from my LHS (Vermont) though I don't need it at the moment. I guess this is the end of etched brass building kits. Jim
Unfortunately times are changing. The skills for building brass structures are being replaced with skills for 3D printing. Try to find a video how-to for brass structures. I recently purchased some brass shapes from my local train shop. I was told they hadn't sold any brass in years and encouraged me to buy everything I might want as they wouldn't be restocking. In 2011 I spent some time talking to the guy who was doing the Traincat products. He was having to etch 3-5 2x2 foot sheets per product. That's a lot of Z scale bridges! It's also a large inventory cost, so I can understand companies getting out of brass. But I would like to see him get back in the market he produced some great kits.., Mark