Brass Usage?

[trackmarshall.co.uk]

Hello!

I have been scratch building for a few months now, i tend to build Track Marshalls (a massive obbsession of mine!) and i have been using cardboard and plasticard.

Im thinking of starting to use brass, but i havent a clue where to start.

My main questions: what can i use to cut it accuratly, how do i get the pieces together? (glue etc?)

Sorry for sounding a bit thick!

Cheers

Steve

[FNHIR]

Soldering is the best method as far as I know, only new to it myself

[trackmarshall.co.uk]

I was wondering if that was an option...

I might stick with what i know for now then!!

Can anyone else share some brass knowledge please?

[case 1056xl mad]

most people use solder

[Lord Ferguson]

Silver solder is the answer.... not difficult to do really with the right flux, solder and enough heat input... EVEN I managed to do it... you have to be careful not to re-melt the bits you've just done when soldering a new joint of course... Brass is a superb heat conductor

Go on... have a play 

[Mike R]

Where do you buy the brass ?

[Lord Ferguson]

Most good model shops Mike... there is one in Ely near me that stocks all shapes and sizes

[case 1056xl mad]

you lucky my model shop only has round bar  :(

[Ciaran (Perfect-32)]

i get most of my brass from a place in London "Squires materials" they have EVERYTING!

get the solder they have i don't know what it is but its the best iv used so far, you dont even have to use flux once the brass is clean!

for heating it get a strong soldering iron or the best i find is a gas torch works really well, draper do one but they are all the same really.

also when soldering get a tinfoil baking tray that you put cakes on it keeps the heat in the area you are working on saving time and not getting any fumes from it in your eyes (eg. not burning the table ha!)

hope it helps

its tricky but once you get use to it you wont ever used plactic agen!

[trackmarshall.co.uk]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Im going to have a go, see what i can do.

[NewHollandKane]

Im a bit of a noob, but B&Q a re great for those kinda things.

[MuirHillyBilly]

Theres a brass seller on Ebay and he has a huge range, will try to remember the name. I been working on a project recently and started out with brass and plastruct, for each bit I tried both options and plstruct wins for me by a mile (mainly down to my ability) because it's easier to cut, shape, sand, glue and secure. Brass is stronger and easier to bend but hell I found it awkward 

In the end I have used brass for the frame for strength but the rest is plastruct/plasticard

[Deere-est]

Albion Alloys are very very helpful. ..

http://www.albionalloys.co.uk/metal-for-model-makers