Member postings for Rustkolector

As I said in my previous post in this thread, Gun Kote is setting up to sell and distribute in the UK. They are now trading as Gunkote UK. They can now be reached by email at info@gunkote.co.uk but their website is not yet on line. I think they have some colors in stock. If you are interested in their coatings I suggest you visit the US website **LINK** for detailed information and tech data sheets. I may sound like I have a vested interest in this company, but I do not. A gunsmith friend of mine introduced me to this product when I reiterated my model painting woes. I am an IC model engine builder that has tried almost every paint and coating available in the US available to the average person without much satisfaction. If it didn’t chip, it eventually peeled from brass and aluminum. Or, it became discolored by accidental contact with harsh solvents. Re-coat times provided unpleasant surprises when I lost track of time. Re-coating a finish or changing color was a real ordeal. It was always one problem after another. I would encourage any serious model builder (especially traction and locomotive) to review the GK tech data sheets and information and draw your own conclusions. A poster above indicated GK is available in aerosol cans, but I don't think so. GK is very fluid (like acetone) and requires light coat build up for best results. It requires very fine atomization and flow control which aerosol cannot normally provide.

Jeff

In the US many of us use a product called Gun Kote from K.G. Coatings Co. It is a baking cross linked polymer that goes on very thin which makes painting of parts prior to assembly trouble free with few clearance issues. Optimal thickness is .0003-.0004". Powder coat thickness was always too thick causing assembly problems. GK was developed for many types of US Mil Spec severe application firearms. It requires a 120 grit Aluminum oxide grit blast, solvent cleaning, apply, then bake 1 hr at 162 C. It isn't fussy about the base metal it attaches to. It doesn't chip even under bolt heads. It will not come of unless grit blasted. I have not found a solvent the has any affect on it and I often clean of my engines with automotive spray brake cleaner. The flat and satin colors look especially real on models.

http://shop.kgcoatings.com/kg/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2400262500SeriesDataSheet2017.pdf

I have mentioned this product before on this forum, but this product hasn't been available in the UK in the past. I am told it will be available in the UK soon. I will try to let this forum know when it will be.

Jeff

Edited By Rustkolector on 08/03/2020 17:35:04

DerryUK,

My engine is a slow speed model ~450-500 RPM and the drive ratio best suited to my plans would be about 1:5, so the preferred alternator speed would be approximately 2500-2600 RPM. This fits well with the advertised Cotswold alternator speed of 2600 RPM. However, Cotswold only advertises the output voltage. The purpose of the alterantor is to load the engine as well as make a more interesting model engine. Any output date on the Cotswold alternator, or other suitable vintage looking alternator would be appreciated.

Jeff

Has anyone built the Cotswold Heritage 6v alternator kit? I would like to know the alternator RPM vs voltage and wattage capability. I'm looking for something like this to put a 15 watt + load on an IC engine. I have emailed Cotswold some time ago, but no response.

Jeff

Hansrudolf,

Sorry for the product omission. The product is called Gun Kote 2400 **LINK**. I suggest you browse their website for more detailed information. For some reason, paint adherance and chip resistance on brass is considered by most paint manufacturers to be quite difficult. KG Coatings was the only manufacturer I found that would guarantee their finish for adherance and chip resistance,.....and I called a lot of paint companies. I had trouble with a head gasket on one engine. The gasket was replaced three times before the right material was found. The paint under the head hold down nuts was just beginning to show some scuffing but no chipping. One model engine I have cleaned a few times with aerosol automotive brake cleaner solvent. This is a very aggressive solvent and it does not affect the Gun Kote finish or sheen. It isn't inexpensive, but you will only have to paint your model once. I am just a satisfied KG Coatings customer, nothing more!

It is distributed in Italy and the UK, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Jeff

I like building with brass and have had little previous success with any normal paint types on brass. In my experience, paints and primers have little adhesion to brass. They especially chip around nuts and bolt heads, and sharp edges. I recently tried a heat curing finish that requires #120 Alum oxide grit blasting which I normally do anyway to erase filing and machining marks. These finishes, I believe, were developed for military firearms. For the last two years, the finish has proven impervious to any solvent I have used and absolutely does not chip around fasterners. I usually paint all my parts individually prior to final assembly. The drawbacks I see are that it is only removable by grit blasting, colors are limited, and it is only available in satin or matte finishes.

Jeff