THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
The design of an Aster locomotive starts with obtaining fully detailed original blueprints and photos of the full sized locomotive. The Aster engineers then analyse the blueprints and make scale drawings for each of the several hundred parts that go to make up the model. From these drawings a pilot model is made and its performance is tested by the Aster engineers.
Fidelity of the pilot model is checked by American, European or Japanese authorities depending on the origin of the prototype. Any changes required to enhance the quality of the model or to improve the production process are made. Finally, 30 different makers share the manufacturing of the 300 to 800 different parts that make up the model. Between 20% and 40% of the production run is assembled in the factory with the remainder packed as kits. The kit assembly illustrations and instructions are developed during the course of building the factory assembled models.
MATERIALS
Pipe lines are made of copper tubes. Stainless steel wheels are made from a highly accurate moulding process.
 |
 |
| Water and fuel tanks are made of brass. | Smokebox, boiler casings, etc are made of stainless steel. |
PRECISION
Main frames are laser cut within 1/100 mm tolerance. The valve gear parts are also laser cut resulting in no burs as you would find with conventional press cutting.
STEAM POWER
The valve gear systems are correctly modeled in Aster locomotives for the ultimate in realism. All boilers are factory tested and safety devices such as safety valves, gauge glasses, pressure gauges and axle pumps are included.
