Z Scale SW1200

shortpainter Jun 8, 2018

  1. shortpainter

    shortpainter TrainBoard Member

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    Length 45.6 mm
    width of body 8.5 mm
    fuel tank box is 11 mm long, 4.25 mm high, 9.48 mm wide
    truck center to truck center 30.68 mm
     
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  2. minzemaennchen

    minzemaennchen TrainBoard Member

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    Here the CP version SW1200RS with Flexicoil trucks and 'Canadian' front:
    [​IMG]
     
  3. jdmter

    jdmter New Member

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    Looks great, Amazing work

    Gesendet von meinem GT-I9505 mit Tapatalk
     
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  4. shortpainter

    shortpainter TrainBoard Member

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    Great looking CP units, Gerd!

    Here is a video of the Cow Calf running.

     
  5. minzemaennchen

    minzemaennchen TrainBoard Member

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    Awesome video, Rudy. Shows you 'all wheel drive' is not really necessary, lots of pulling power from just one truck and one unit
     
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  6. shortpainter

    shortpainter TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks. I agree all-wheel-drive is not 100% necessary. My goals in creating the upgraded version are reliability, easier assembly and DCC compatibility with lights. I may be able to make it to where there is no soldering of wires. Or, at the very least, much simpler more user friendly soldering via copper tabs. It's possible there will be no need for an electronic resistor as well. The original single powered truck version will still be available for both the SW1200 and SW1500. The SW1500 frames and shells are ready to go but I don't want to put them up for sale until I test the parts. Due to Shapeways' new "priority" system, they will be delivered in about 30 days. At least that gives me time to finish designing the handrails. :)
     
  7. southernnscale

    southernnscale TrainBoard Supporter

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    Well just received my B unit looks outstanding great detail!
     
  8. minzemaennchen

    minzemaennchen TrainBoard Member

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    Indiana Harbor Belt version, with DCC and bi-directional LEDs
    [​IMG]
     
  9. ZFRANK

    ZFRANK TrainBoard Member

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    Nice job Gerd!
    Verstuurd vanaf mijn ANE-LX1 met Tapatalk
     
  10. eXact Modellbau

    eXact Modellbau TrainBoard Member

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    As always! ;)
     
  11. woodworker19

    woodworker19 TrainBoard Member

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    FWIW, I just finished taking the Model Railroader 2019 Readers Choice Awards survey and nominated the Z Makers SW1200 project as Most Innovative Product of 2018 (very last survey category). The absence of a SW1200 type switcher in Z scale seemed to be a common complaint since I started a few years back. I don't know of any other products that listened to the peoples voice of wanting one, threw in some 3D printing and lost wax casting magic (sounds innovative to me), and then used social media like this forum to spread the word and progress (that's modern, where would we be today without social media?). Sounds like good modelling to me and maybe something MR would be interested in following up on. The Z scale community may be small compared to others but, maybe we can get Rudy into MR ! Please do the same if you feel likewise. Cheers to Rudy for his work for Z scale !
     
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  12. southernnscale

    southernnscale TrainBoard Supporter

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    I've been trying to get model railroader to see us Z scale modelers for a long time posting photo sending message using some of my 3D printed models even canceled my subscription to them because there wasn't much Z in there magazine! We are part of the modeling world even if we are not that big! We are still a scale in model trains and today there is so much in details in this scale that some have done work in Z that look real! Then with today electronic I see even more things coming to life! just my thoughts! I started on this SW 1500 in 2015 3D printed but never got around to having a motor chassis done.
    IMG_2524.JPG
     
  13. bostonjim

    bostonjim TrainBoard Member

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    My sentiments, too. I have subscribed to MR several times over the years and let it lapse because of the same reason: Z scale is not represented. I have gleaned a lot of tips about modeling but would like to see articles about z scale layouts. Perhaps they will begin noticing. Thank you Woodworker for prodding them. Let's all hope 2019 is the year for a little more coverage. Jim
     
  14. shortpainter

    shortpainter TrainBoard Member

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    Wow, thanks! I'm honored. It's been quite a journey and I owe all of you a big thanks for your feedback and tips.
     
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  15. shortpainter

    shortpainter TrainBoard Member

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    Great work, Gerd. Where do you get your horns from? Are they chopped up MTL or AZL pieces?
     
  16. bostonjim

    bostonjim TrainBoard Member

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    You deserve it. Your work and determination should not go unnoticed. Let's hope MR listens. Jim
     
  17. minzemaennchen

    minzemaennchen TrainBoard Member

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    AZL E8 leftovers
     
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  18. ddechamp71

    ddechamp71 TrainBoard Member

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    No, sorry for beeing that straightforward, but I don't think they will ever notice.

    Myself I won't renew this year, after having been a subscriber for 22 years. I don't complain about the lack of Z, I know they are symply not interrested with Z. But there have been good articles about general questions over the years. I simply don't find anymore of them. I have enough articles about wiring, weathering, scratchbuilding structures (all lacking Z scale data for conversion, not a matter as I'm still able to multiply or divide with 220), spaghetti bowl type HO scale transition era layouts with ultra-tight curves, etc. In short, I think they're turning around in tighter and tighter circles, and I don't find it anymore worth spending $80+ every year for a subscription.

    Happy new year to everybody,

    Dom
     
    bostonjim likes this.
  19. ZFRANK

    ZFRANK TrainBoard Member

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    Dom, check out MRH model rail hobbyist. Is free online also no Z. But great info.


    Verstuurd vanaf mijn ANE-LX1 met Tapatalk
     
  20. ddechamp71

    ddechamp71 TrainBoard Member

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    Yeah Frank, I know this magazine, I download it every month... ;)

    Dom
     

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