"heavyweight" Geep

while installing the decoder, I took the opportunity to add some weight to my GP35. Here is a "before and after" photo:


the weight has increased from typical (for GP35) 36gm to 61,5gm
this makes it heavier than my F7 (at 61gm)

you can see the smallest decoder available (DCX74zD) and SMD LEDs

body mounted couplers are still to come
Chris
now I need to convince MTL that the whole chassis should be made out of sintered tungsten alloy :zip:

 

Chris, this is really good to know. I have been thinking of adding weight to my GP35 too, but was too chicken to try.
The material you are using is brass, right?
Do you have the dimension of the front pieces?

Thanks

 

He used Tungsten, very heavy and very hard to cut.

 

You sure he use tungsten? --- from the photo it looks like brass to me.

 

He wrote all about it here:
http://zcentralstation.com/modules/...ic_id=254&forum=20&post_id=2472#forumpost2472

 

Thanks for the link.

 

sorry for the silence - I was away on business
Everything fits fine - no problem. I will take more photos tommorow

should be easy - I got my extended test oval set up so that I can try different grades. The only limit will be when the end of the train gets close to it's beginning on this test track :shade: something about chasing it's own tail ...
Will report test results as soon as available
Chris

 

Actually the powers that be are talking about Enlisting me into the Marines so I can send back Depleated Uranium from Iraq for the new chassis. I'm not sure I like this idea much. Great job with the weights, I'll try them out on my DCC CORPS 35's over Christmas break.

Joe
MTL

 

Joe, I take it there is no major concern about overtaxing the motor with the extra weight?

Randy

 

Hey Joe, this is a high praise - coming from you - thank you :thumbs_up:
I got some ideas already how to do it better, so the next one will be slightly different, and ultimately my dream is to have entire chassis out of this stuff. Technically no big deal, the only question is volumes...
Chris

 

Chris,

Just how hard is this stuff to machine? Does it require special cutting tools?

I have discussed tungsten many times with N scalers and was always told to was just about impossible to machine or even cut.

Thanks

 

I think the putty is for fishing, but yes they do make it. They make powder for golf clubs, that is what I have bought.

With the powder I mix it with epoxy and keep adding powder till no more will stick.

I don't think the density is anywhere near as close to a solid block though.

http://www.golfsmith.com/products/9466
http://www.winderby.com/m05_040829.html#2

 

you can use normal metal working tools (files, saws etc) - it is easy. I have used carbide tooling on my mill because I have it, otherwise it would be OK with HSS. The only things you have to be careful with is drilling and tapping (especially in small sizes)
Chris

 

the quoted density of putty is 7gm/cubic cm
which is dissapointing indeed when compared to the alloy I have used (at around 18gm/cubic cm)

Chris

 

Thanks this gives me hope with my limited tools.

 

everything I have done on my Geep could have been done with just basic metal working hand tools - it would just look a bit rougher, but who cares - it is hidden anyway
Chris

 

The golf use tungsten powder contains non binding agent so the tungsten can flow easily which reduces the volume density.
One more option is:
http://www.tungsten-heavy-powder.com/index.html

Close to lead and can be made into moulds. Maybe this can be used to mould the GP chassis and add solid tungsten on top of it.

Where do you folks get solid tungsten bars, the ones I have seen are rods.

Kim

 

Kim, great web page !!!!
you are right - the max density you can get out of this stuff is 10gm/cubic cm, which roughly equates to lead, but is still behind the alloys I have used at around 17gm/cubic cm
The stuff you are suggesting could be used for home/diy

I have managed to get sample quantities through my private contacts and considering the results it gives I will certainly try to get more :teeth:

and btw, the web site you have found says:
"...We will design and manufacture a sintered, solid tungsten heavy metal component per your specifications. Unique solutions of up to 18.5 g/cc..."

perhaps we need to send Joe there to obtain quotes for the future MTL products :zip:

Chris