Micron Art status

markm Jan 28, 2019

  1. markm

    markm TrainBoard Supporter

    804
    241
    21
    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
     
  2. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

    9,813
    14,199
    147
    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.
     
  3. tjdreams

    tjdreams TrainBoard Member

    473
    607
    24
    Micron Art is no more they have closed their doors
     
  4. markm

    markm TrainBoard Supporter

    804
    241
    21
    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.
     
    SingleAction likes this.
  5. bostonjim

    bostonjim TrainBoard Member

    846
    1,105
    27
    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
     
    SingleAction, Kurt Moose and markm like this.
  6. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

    3,007
    1,020
    62
    bostonjim likes this.
  7. jshglass

    jshglass TrainBoard Member

    120
    48
    6
    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.
     
  8. bostonjim

    bostonjim TrainBoard Member

    846
    1,105
    27
    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
     
  9. Ajayrav

    Ajayrav TrainBoard Member

    136
    21
    20
    Did you use glue to assemble or solder? I'm thinking of buying both bridges, but don't really resistance solder...

    Ajay
     
  10. bostonjim

    bostonjim TrainBoard Member

    846
    1,105
    27
    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
     
  11. bostonjim

    bostonjim TrainBoard Member

    846
    1,105
    27
    Hi. Ajay
    Here is a photo of the built girder bridge. jim3 (2).jpg Jim
     
    southernnscale and Kurt Moose like this.
  12. Ajayrav

    Ajayrav TrainBoard Member

    136
    21
    20
    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
     
    bostonjim likes this.
  13. SJ Z-man

    SJ Z-man TrainBoard Member

    3,007
    1,020
    62
    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
     
    Kurt Moose and bostonjim like this.
  14. Ajayrav

    Ajayrav TrainBoard Member

    136
    21
    20
    Thanks, Jeff. Will heed your instructions when painting...

    Ajay
     
  15. bostonjim

    bostonjim TrainBoard Member

    846
    1,105
    27
    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
     
  16. bostonjim

    bostonjim TrainBoard Member

    846
    1,105
    27
    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
     
  17. ddechamp71

    ddechamp71 TrainBoard Member

    2,153
    653
    46
    S#|t... Wasn't aware of MA shuting down.... :(

    Dom
     
  18. bostonjim

    bostonjim TrainBoard Member

    846
    1,105
    27
    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
     
  19. ddechamp71

    ddechamp71 TrainBoard Member

    2,153
    653
    46
    Unfortunately.... :(

    Dom
     
  20. markm

    markm TrainBoard Supporter

    804
    241
    21

    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
     
    bostonjim, Kurt Moose and Kez like this.

Share This Page