I the April Model Railroader magazine on page 118 is a product for blackening siderods. It is called P-B-L Neolube. It would make much more sense to me than disassembling valve gear for a soak in blacken-it. Does anyone have experience or suggestions with this product?
YU Betcham Red Rider, taking apart a rod system on a steam loco is a pain in the... I've tried a product called Super Black out of Birchwood Casey, commonly used in the firearm business to cover dings on guns. Problem is, it leaves a high gloss finish that has to be dullcoated. I'm thinking that the next loco I do I'll just dip the whole rod and wheel assembly into blacken-it and solve the whole problem. If you try that, make DOUBLEY SURE you give it a good bath afterwards. I've got a 2-8-2 with white crud all over the spokes of the drivers, actually doesn't look too bad but it's not right. If anyone has tried this P-B-L stuff let us know!
