UPDATE: Nystrom Trucks The file has been submitted to be analyzed and printed. If the model passes, the estimated ship date will be May 21. I have no concerns about this model passing on the first go. Now for something pretty excellent in the cost: When making versions for 4, 8 and 16 trucks inside one file, I discovered that the cost per unit goes down DRAMATICALLY. I have no idea why this is, since the volume of material doesn't change. Anyway, here's the price breakdown: 2 trucks: $4.49 each (kinda high, but if you're only building one car, I guess it's not that bad. 4 trucks: $3.25 each (that's a HUGE savings!) 8 trucks: $2.62 each (WOW!) 16 trucks: $1.85 each (I have no idea... almost 60% less per truck versus ordering the 2-truck unit) Unfortunately, trying to put more than 16 in the same file exceeds the data limit. I can't wait to check out the fit of the wheels!
Most likely the setup charge per material. On the FUD it's $5 set up whether it's 2 pieces or 16. Jason
That part I'm not sure of. If the axle stubs that go into the frame are not consistent between manufacturers, then I will have to make separate versions for each. If they are, then any metal 36" wheelset should work. I will be doing the first test on FMV 36" metal wheels. Then I will test BLMA. I'm not sure who else makes 36" metal wheels.
Nystrom Trucks arrived The Nystrom trucks have arrived and I do believe it's a first time go! The wheels shown here are Fox Valley Models 36" wheels (FVM 3604) which fit a little loose. There is about .5mm to .8mm lateral axle movement, but they do not drop out of the frame unless I put an unusual amount of vertical and lateral pressure while rolling them. Kato 36" wheels (found on their commuter railcars and others) fit flush with no perceivable lateral movement and roll free. Other wheelsets need to be test-fitted. These trucks came out very strong. I would still like to drop the free space on the FVM ones to no more than .4mm. There's a balance between low friction and axle security. Right now, I think it's a hair too far away from axle security. I will make a separate product for FVM wheels. Other than that, I say they're good to go!
Keep those kato-wheel-friendly trucks available!! Us lighting/DCC folks can use Kato wheels and some brass tabs for power pickup!! But boy what a pain in the arse LOL.... regardless, they look awesome! Any chance you can primer or paint one of 'em to show us some more detail?
EMD, I have no painting equipment but, here's my best attempt, with grey acrylic, a brush and no wax removal: I am already changing the model just a little by making the recessed portions just above the bearings actually go all of the way through to show the wheel behind it. Eventhough I'm sure the paint was gobbed on with the brush, I might want to space the smaller springs out a bit to show a little more details. MOST (not 100%) of the horizontal lines are from my brush. I think I might be able to see a few "print lines" from the process but it's just so hard to tell. Opinions? What needs to be changed? Also, I'm going to be running these through another company that has finer detailed equipment that promises a smooth finish. So if you all can hold on for a few more weeks, then we can see what's really what. I'd hate for you to waste money.
Also, EMD, now is the time to make final changes before I submit to the other company. As it is, Kato wheelsets fit flush, so adding a tiny brass or copper shim CAN happen if you flex the truck frame just a hair. OR, I can add .1mm to either side to help with the addition.
I submitted the models for the trucks to another company for a quote today. I'm hoping to get a better price but that probably won't happen. Also, when it comes to FVM 36" wheelsets, there are 2 sizes: .526" and .553" so I made a narrow set of trucks for those that will be using the narrower axles. Otherwise, the wide set works for Kato, BLMA and FVM .553" This other company's product is higher detail, and white plastic, with no print lines... supposedly. So we're down to cost now. Cross your fingers! If the per-unit cost is lower from this other company if I buy bulk from them, I will do that, and then I guess I'd have some sort of Internet train shop... scary.
Well, it turns out the per-unit cost using a different higher resolution machine is going to be 40% more, roughly. I am a little bit disheartened by the news, so it will be the Shapeways option. I need to go find some Bestine to clean up the Nystrom trucks to photgraph for you all. I will post here when that happens. By tonight, there will be 2 versions on Shapeways: "WIDE" and "NARROW" with up to 16 trucks in one product to help drive down the cost. I am witnessing, first-hand, the reason that manufacturers are having a hard time producing N-scale products versus HO. If I went the injection-molded route, I would literally have to produce THOUSANDS to reach a reasonable cost to the community, while attempting to recover my initial investment.
That's why I pointed out that CN purchased the Skytops and Superdomes from MILW. That way, you have a larger market once you bring them to production.
So these truckframes are actually for the Skytops and Superdomes, then? I was having a bit of trouble following the thread discussion, but I do have a Superdome and a Skytop which need a lot of finishing, but will eventually need trucks, as well. Maybe instead of Shapeways, you should try submitting the design to Fox Valley or Kato to 'encourage' them to produce a complete Olympian Hiawatha, finally.
Could they also be used for other Olympian/Hiawatha streamliners with 2-axle trucks? Or were these specific to the skytops? Thanks, -Mark
Ah-ha! I see. Well, now we know what the next design-build project is going to be. If we all get down on our knees and beg, maybe we can persuade you to do the three axle trucks for the Superdomes, as well .
Actually, there are already some 3-axle trucks out there that are sufficient. I just can't remember where I saw them.
Spookshow, yeah, those are the ones. Had to dig through my growing "scrap yard" of roling stock parts.
