Weaselfish Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 I'm sure that a while back I saw a thread here which included advice on how to dismantle white metal kits that had been soldered, but I can't find it now. Can anyone point me in the right direction please? Thanks in anticipation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mozzer models Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 put it in a old pan fill with water & boil keeping a eye on it the solder will undo just before the water boils Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thane of Fife Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 I just put the kit in a saucepan and pour boiling water over it. Thane of fife Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weaselfish Posted March 18, 2014 Author Share Posted March 18, 2014 Thank you both for the lightning response. I remembered reading about the boiling water method but thought my memory was playing tricks. Thanks again - that's one wonky SEF Star heading for a saucepan this weekend. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefrk Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 But it only works if the original builder used low melt solder. Years ago many people used all sorts of solder, sometimes at the risk of melting the castings, I know I did... Try the boiling water trick though as if it's a SEF kit it is more recent. Dave. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hayfield Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 Thank you both for the lightning response. I remembered reading about the boiling water method but thought my memory was playing tricks. Thanks again - that's one wonky SEF Star heading for a saucepan this weekend. The boiling water method is very good as you can see the 70 degree solder melt like chocolate, larger castings act like a heat sink. So if using the kettle method then might need a couple of goes. Or just leave it in the water for a bit as the water (and pan) will be under 100 degrees and cooling where as the casting metal will be heating up but still well under its own melting point. Use some grips to hold the items instead of burning your fingers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Delamar Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 and more importantly do it when the missus is out Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weaselfish Posted March 19, 2014 Author Share Posted March 19, 2014 Thanks to everyone for your advice - it's much appreciated. I've got a big old stewing pot that will serve as the bath and I'm going to improvise a cradle so that the loco body doesn't touch the pot sides. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrg Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 It should work if you use a large pot as a heat soak for the model, bringing the temperature up slowly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazzler Fan Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 A good quality hairdryer also works. - DEFINITELY.......... DO WHEN THE WIFE IS OUT! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbles Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 I have had problems in the past trying to dismantle old low melt point soldered joints. I'm not sure what had happened, and maybe a chemist could explain, but the joints just would not give. This problem has not occurred when for example I have had to unsolder parts that I have just misaligned. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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