PRODUCT REVIEW: 1:22.5 AND 1:20 SCALE DETAIL CASTINGS
Manufacturer: Ozark Miniatures, P.O. Box 22, Linn Creek, MO 65052. Price: OM-05 logging disconnect journals $2.50 per bag of 4, OM-128 boiler washout plugs $1.35 per bag of 4; OM-130 boiler steps $2.25 per bag of 4.
OZARK HAS MORE white metal goodies for detailers and scratchbuilders. All are up to Ozark's usual high standards.
The newest casting is a logging disconnect journal, cored for a 3/32-inch diameter axle end and complete down to the trio of nut-bolt-washer castings on each side of the journal cylinder. The hardware's prototype was on a wood frame disconnect belonging to the LaMoine Lumber & Trading Company of northern California. Our plans show the original measured 12 inches long by 6 inches wide across the base plate, with a 3 inch diameter journal cylinder. Ozark's casting is a precise 1:20 scale match.
The boiler washout plugs are a nifty, easy to add detail. Just drill a 1/8-inch diameter hole on the boiler's centerline 8 or 18 inches in front of the cab, add a drop of CA to the back of the casting, and insert its 1/8-inch diameter locating pin into the hole. In 1:20 scale the plug's diameter is 6 inches. It would be about 10-percent larger in 1:22.5 scale.
The generic appearing boiler steps attach in the same way as the washout plugs but their locating pins are about 1/16-inch in diameter. Typically, you would mount them near the sand dome.
As always, Ozark's castings are clean, free of flash, and of excellent quality. The detailing is crisp and accurate. What more can we say?-RR
