brett1970 - new member, just joined!

Hi, i found this forum after searching the web, and one other model railroading forum i also joined. I'm 40, live in Northwest Ohio, and work for a RR. I've been into model railroading since age 5, and currently collect 1990 - present lionel. Also starting to collect a little bit of H.O. now too. Looking to find other Model railroaders in my area and online to converse with, share ideas, etc.

I am also trying to get a business venture up and running in model railroading, cnc cut benchwork with the trackbed and basic landscape features carved into it. I own the cnc, and have it setup in my home garage. Would love to hear any ideas anyone has, i am getting somewhat bored with what i currently make, (my other hobby) which is classic arcade game cabinets. I have been downsizing my arcade collection to make room for my trains! Look forward to talking with you guys, Brett

 

Welcome to TrainBoard!

If you were any closer, I would be over at your place drooling over your CNC mill on a disturbingly regular basis... laugh:

 

Welcome to TrainBoard. :thumbs_up:

 

Welcome to TrainBoard!!!!!!!

:tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool: :tb-cool:
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thanks for the welcome guys! My cnc is a shopbot 4X8 model, i can load 49X97" sheets (like melamine) in it, and i have 6" of Z axis travel. I have upgraded it twice since i purchased it, once for a vacuum hold down system, the second time was to replace the porter cable router motor i was cutting with, swapped it out for a 2hp 220V high frequency spindle cutter. I run it at 4 inches a second, it flies through the wood! Here's a few pics of it, this was when i first assembled it





Here's what i have been making on it:

 

Welcome to the Trainboard, sweet machine there and some nice pieces you've produced

 

Don't do it. I wouldn't join up here. You are in for it now. Gosh is this addictive.

What you haven't backed out yet? Oh the shame. You can't get off this crazy choo choo train website once you've committed to it.

Welcome to TrainBoard. We ain't perfect here but this... sight...cite...site... has been known to generate some good friends and lot's of well founded advice.

I don't think anyone has gone blind here or worse.

Yep, looks like you are in and one of us.
Pity party to be held in your honor Saturday, in Anaheim, CA., at the no name train show.
In the area stop in to meet some of the participants here on TB.

TB really stands for tired bottom, you know from all the hours spent sitting in front of the computer. LOL

No doubt, I would like to see more of your work.

Have fun here.

 

Hi Brett, welcome to the TrainBoard, we're happy to have you on board.

You seem to have a nice "Cottage Industry" setup there, and two very impressive products. I hope your customer(s) is(are) as impressed with your output as we are. Can't wait to see what you create in the model railroad department....:tb-cool:

Off subject...do you do your own tool programming?

 

do i do my own tool programming? Well, i take that two ways.. do i do my own tool bit specifications, or do i design my own toolpaths, vs using ready made from the internet. Yes, and yes! I can go into my software section on Bits, and select and edit each bit per individual toolpaths. Somtimes you find a Straight bit with a different cutting length, or a Vee bit that has a different angle than the standard bits, i can go in and edit the bit specs, shank, cut length, diameter, inches per second of cutting speed, and depth per pass.

I also program all my own toolpaths for 95% of what i make. The only thing i do not do toolpaths for, is 3D imagery. I don't have the software to make 3D images, but i can do scaling, placement, etc with 3d models, (2D relief) and i can also slice true 3D images, to put them back together when cut to make a 3D model.

The thing i am working on, is benchwork design, and the table surface design, where i can attach foam to the surface, use a Vee bit to carve the roadbed bevel, then use a straight bit to shave away the rest, and you'd have all your roadbed in place, and ready to lay track on. I ordered in some Atlas switches that will be here today, so i can program thier profile into my software, then just flip, or rotate them on the software, and design entire layouts, and have them ready to carve. I ordered a #4, #6, #8, and a Wye switch.

Image cutting out an entire layout (say one that will go all around the walls of a 20X20 room, and have it all stood up and ready to lay track on it 2 days. Definately a possibility! I have a bunch of the arcade cabinets to get done, and then i will be cutting out a sample layout to show what i can do. I'll update once i can get started, if i draw anything up, i'll grab screenshots and post, thanks again! Brett

 

Thanks for the programming description, and lesson. Obviously I'm not familiar with CNC programming, thus did not understand that tool was independent of path. The fact that you can program and create your layout roadbed in two days is impressive, assuming I understood what you described. Now all you need is a robotic track layer and scenery builder. I visualize you just sitting back waving your magic wand directing your machine tools, like Mickey Mouse in the Walt Disney cartoon classic The Sorcerer's Apprentice. :tb-tongue:

 

I got my switches today by fedex, and also stopped into home depot to check out foam insulation board. Thinking i am going with the 2" pink board, it's really dense, and i think it will machine well, only 26.95 a sheet too.

 

Welcome aboard!

Remember to have fun!

 

new member

Hi, I just joined a few weeks ago, it sounds like my story is similar to a lot of folks. Got started with a Scout set about 1950, gratuated to HO in the early 1960s, jumped to N in my late teen years. Got married, had kids, went back to HO, got bored and gave up for awhile. Got a G scale set, found my Scout set in a box, reverted to my childhood. Gave the N scale stuff to my first born, promised the Scout to my first grandson (big Thomas fan). Its amazing what can be done with a small space.

I live the dream, I'm a full time railroader and a hobbiest!

 

Nice to meet you, new member here as well! Would like to post a thread but am not getting permission for some reason..