Couldn’t Have Done It Without………….2
I have not managed to get any models to a stage which would make a worthwhile post for a couple of weeks; in a large part due to the disaster I had with the matting agent in my varnish.
This has meant that a number (oh yes, it wasn’t just the one I showed a picture of………) of models have had to get a coating of in nitromors. But nitromors is not enough to to properly clean the model and a lot of attention with a glass fibre scratch pen is required. So I have had an enjoyable weekend plucking glass fibres from my fingers! The models are now at the stage where they have been stripped back and the base coats have been renewed. It is pretty galling to find yourself back to were a month or two back!
It does, however, remind me of another of the tools that I find invaluable in my modelling – a ultrasonic bath. Now they don’t sound like a critical tool to a railway modeller but let me correct you. It is utterly startling how much grot and muck comes off even the most thoroughly cleaned model – you won’t believe me until you have experienced it!
This is the version I have, which is larger than most and is big enough to get a full length coach in it. It also has a heating element in it and the warm water helps the cleaning process. So too does this stuff; Shiny Sinks.
This is a very effective cleaner and does not leave a residual film (which washing up liquid does).
The really handy thing about this set of recommended tools is that they won’t get you in trouble with the domestic authorities. That is because this combination is excellent for cleaning jewellery so you can earn a few brownie points for giving these a spring clean!
I got mine from Maplins and it cost about £60. Given that they are going through their liquidation sale at the moment, you may be able to do better than me but they are available (at a higher cost) via Fleabay or Amazon – such as this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JPL-ULTRA-8060-Ultrasonic-Cleaner-3-Litre/131291011406?epid=21015637893&hash=item1e918dd94e:g:byYAAOSwgQ9VkUcO
Posted on May 14, 2018, in Workbench (other) and tagged Etched Brass, Modelling, Ultrasonic Cleaner. Bookmark the permalink. 5 Comments.
highland miscellany 
Cillit Bang, Kitchen and Bathroom Limescale remover (The one with the orange top) is also very effective at removing building crud and flux residue. Sandy
What capacity is this model?
Indeed, what make/model is it?
Hi Simon; it was one like this and is 3 litres in size
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JPL-ULTRA-8060-Ultrasonic-Cleaner-3-Litre/131291011406?epid=21015637893&hash=item1e918dd94e:g:byYAAOSwgQ9VkUcO
See also notes that I have just added to the main post which I thought worth making easier to find.
Mark
Hi.
Do you use the “Shiny Sinks” in the ultrasonic cleaner? Or as part of a multi step cleaning process? I understand you can get cleaning liquids yo use in an ultrasonic cleaner but have never got as far as looking hard enough to purchase!
Thanks,
Both!
I am aware that there are cleaning liquids that are to go with the ultrasonic cleaner too but I am not that sold on them as surely the cleaner you would want to use depends on what the soiling is that you want to remove.
Shiny Sinks (or the I suspect the alternatives that Sandy mentions) do assist albeit I think the hot water is also a big part of the process.
Mark