Spare Kato a and Tomix detailing packs.

[Wonderbolt]

Are the detailing packs that come with Kato and Tomix multiple units available as spares? I keep losing the ventilation pipes (I think they are) as they are so fidly and manufacturers can't be bothered fitting them as standered, I have already lost one on both my e231 and e233 and my kiha 52 bought second hand was missing one. Short of directly contacting the manufacturers themselves, the UK importers or spares spcialists like Peters spares, I have looked online and can't seem to find the packs sold separately. Does anyone know any better?

[kvp]

Those small things near the cab roofs are the radio antenna. Many models are not fitted with them as for older units, they were installed later. In theory you are supposed to glue them in from the inside after installation.

[Wonderbolt]

From the inside?

[cteno4]

Usually the best way to install tiny parts like this drill the hole for the post all the way thru the roof, pop the part in place with its post securely all the way into the hole, then put a tiny drop of glue in the hole on the inside of the roof where the end of the part's post is.

 

When you put a little dab of glue on the post end and shove in the hole many times you end up with a ring of excess glue that gets squeezed out around the base of the part. Also trying to put a dab of glue on the inside of the tiny hole from the outside can also leave excess glue on the outside edges, so going from the inside to glue the end of the post in place in the hole avoids glue getting in any visible place. Also can make it possible to punch the part out if necessary by drilling the dab of glue out on the inside hole and punching out the post then.

 

Jeff

[Wonderbolt]

Thanks, if I can find spare parts I'll do that. Meanwhile I will be avoiding any new units and locos that need detailing added.

[cteno4]

Wonderbolt,

 

If you do need to replace one, you can usually drill out the old post from underneath, with a tiny bit and pin vise (get a cheap set to do this on ebay for just doing it once and a while).

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NS-20PCS-0-3-1-6MM-Mini-HSS-High-Speed-Steel-Twist-Drill-Bit-Set-Tool-Craft-Case-/182610071726?hash=item2a846890ae:g:L08AAOSwaEhZNheK

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pin-Vise-Double-Head-End-Collets-Jewelers-Watchmakers-Watch-Jewelry-Repair-Tool-/391634929016?hash=item5b2f42c578:g:86cAAOSwj85YOP0Q

 

Drill the hole a bit smaller and then just use these dental files to gently enlarge the hole until just the right fit.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6pc-Stainless-Steel-High-Speed-Hand-Drill-Large-Taper-Pin-Pulpectomy-Dental-Burs-/191653734532?var=&hash=item2c9f73e884:m:mlgnwRz1Taam6aAenKhaGAw

 

Very easy to do.

 

Cheers

 

Jeff