Another project. 90' XTTX flat car. This photo shows one of the cast resin copies. I need to etch a solid metal deck and some ladders for the ends. I know it is difficult to see with the white background. Here is a photo of the real thing? I call this flat car the one with fenders!!! Hobo Tim
Today I started the slow process of casting main bodies for a small run. I am hoping the main body RTV molds have at least 15 more good pours before they show signs of wear. I recently invested in a small pressure pot so these casting should all be bubble free. My fingers are crossed. Stay tuned for updates. Note: each set will be RTR with no two road numbers being the same. Choices will be with or without 3 static RTR 53' trailers. I am shooting for 7 to 10 different Trailer schemes as choices.
I was able to make 5 castings of the "A" (non-brake wheel end) yesterday before I shut operations down. I currently live in an RV park and the noise from an air compressor in the night mountain air doesn't sit well with neighbors. Anyways, out of the 5 castings only one showed sign of an air bubble that would interfere with a smooth deck surface. I'll save that one for my collection as I do not mind the corrective modifications which can be almost flawless, but I know it's there! I do have to admit the process of curing the castings under pressure produces amazing results as opposed to no pressurization. Photo shows the "A" end of the Triple 57' Spine Car Today I had to go into work for a few hours but when I return I will begin casting the "B" ends. The "A" mold looks to be holding up great so my hopes of it lasting for 15 good pours is on mark! By the end of this weekend I should have 5 sets at least ready for the cleaning and milling processes. Next week I am already planning on doing some home etching of the end walkway platforms from some .005"/.010" brass or some .010" stainless steel. If I can find some .050" stainless steel I will prefer to use it but not sure I have any. Either way, the etchings will look good. I'll post more information on how I plan to proceed with load (trailer/Container) configurations at a later date.
Hi, while participating in an train show last weekend I tried some weathering of my cars to get a technique in that scale. I did this by use of Revell color, brush and paint powder.
Just received this shell 3D printed! It's a FM H10-44 Diesel Electric switcher in Z scale. I just wish I was good at designing chassis for these! This one was design with the proto-type measurements. I have only one Engine which is close to the wheel base spec and that is a Marklin BR212 DB AG 88699. The motor case is just a bit wider then the sides of the shell. but the BR 212 I have is brand new and don't want to destroy it it runs great as is. FM H10-44 3D printedZ scale by southernnscale posted Nov 4, 2016 at 11:07 PM
This is a "Z" scale one I have the powermax motors that fit inside but have to design a piece between the two motors to be able to swivel and space them properly! Then you would need to use a set of truck frame to cover the wheels!
Hm, with that body mounted MTLs you have an overhang. Is it ok for your track radii? What about adding snow plows to cover the coupler boxes? Steffen
There seem to be place above trucks. You can try to add a small plate with a pivot on top of motor. These 2 Pivots could be connected by a bridge. But do not know whether these trucks with their motors have enough space to swing freely inside of shell... Steffen
Steffen, the overhang is simply due to chassis length inside the shell. Otherwise said, shell's "depth" at every end is too short, was I pushing the couplers towards the inside I would not be anymore able to remove shell from the chassis. I don't plan to add snowplows but I'll add pilots. Dom
My Scratch Built MTL F7 Chassis MTL F7 Chassis # 01 by tjdreams posted Nov 14, 2016 at 7:36 PM MTL F7 Chassis # 02 by tjdreams posted Nov 14, 2016 at 7:38 PM MTL F7 Chassis # 03 by tjdreams posted Nov 14, 2016 at 7:43 PM MTL F7 Chassis # 04 by tjdreams posted Nov 14, 2016 at 7:47 PM David
Why scratch build my own MTL F7 Chassis? well they say a picture is worth a thousand words So MTL F7 Chassis # 05 by tjdreams posted Nov 14, 2016 at 7:48 PM MTL F7 Chassis # 06 by tjdreams posted Nov 14, 2016 at 7:51 PM MTL F7 Chassis # 07 by tjdreams posted Nov 14, 2016 at 7:53 PM David
