Precision etched out of spring temper phosphor bronze sheet. The hole in the mounting tab is clearance for a # 0 screw.
I have had wipers etched in .006, .008, then .007 to see if the thickness of the material effects how well they work. I found that there was no discernable difference in their effectiveness. The thickness of the wipers available at any one time will vary depending upon what thickness phosphor bronze sheet I have been able to obtain. My current stock is all .007.
The T-shaped wipers are priced at $1.00 each including postage; the I-shaped wipers are priced at 3 for $1.00 including postage. The wipers are provided loose, e.g., as pictured above.
There may be a slight delay in processing your order if I have to cut more wipers out of a sheet in order to supply the quantity you ordered.
A full 12 x 12 sheet that contains 160 of the I-shaped wiper and 150 of the T-shaped wiper is available for a price that is less than $1.00 per wiper, not including packing and shipping. Please contact me for a quote. The thickness of the sheet is .007. Sheets are shipped in a plywood sandwich. I use tin snips to cut the tiny tabs that join the wiper to the sheet; a pair of appropriate scissors may also work to cut the tabs.
To see example installations of wipers: examples.
Available thicknesses are .016 and .031. The sample in the photo was coated with Dykem and then lightly filed to highlight the raised areas. The material you would receive will be uncolored brass. I was not careful to file evenly, hence the apparent uneven surface.
Priced at $1.00 per square inch. Any rectangular size up to 11 x 23 inches can be provided. Large sizes are shipped in a plywood sandwich. The shipping charge varies depending upon how much packing/crating is required to ensure the material will be safe during transit
The left photo below shows the factory spacing. The right photo below shows the improved spacing. In both photos the couplers have been fully extended, i.e., in each photo, the car on the right is pulling the car on the left.
If the KD "slack action" is reduced by inserting a suitable length of 3/32" diameter stock inside the KD centering spring, you can get the close coupling seen below. For more information click on the Weaver Coupler Mount Details link below. Metal or plastic rod or tubing can be used. Plastic rod or tubing from Plastruct is easy to cut to length and works well. Note that on curves of relative sharp radius, a gap must be left between the cars because the diaphragms are stiff and do not flex, resulting in derailment if the stress is great enough. For example, a 1/16" gap is needed for derailment-free operation around 60 inch radius curves; .160" long rods will produce this size of a gap.
Note that the car on the right in the above photo also has correctly modeled and located air, signal, and steam line detail.
See Weaver Coupler Mount Details for more information and pricing on these coupler mounts.
The Grandt marker light housing slips into the ring on the bracket which has been previously attached to the car that is to carry the markers. The price per sprue is $5.00 plus $2.00 S&H per order. See markers for information on how I use these brackets along with the Grandt moldings to install markers.
I have three pair of the trucks shown above, and two pair of similar trucks that have steel wheels. The bolsters allow the sideframe to pivot for equalization. The 40 inch diameter wheelsets are insulated for two-rail operation. The thread in the bolster mounting hole is 4-40. The sideframe is one piece with separately applied brake cylinders. The underside of the bolster is marked "Japan". These trucks are priced at $25 per pair plus S&H.