Sorry, been a little busy around here. But here’s a little tease for you… Working on some power for a train. I’m making a pair of boxcab locos for local power. The chassis are the good old Bachman MDT switchers in N which I have a few of. Now to build the superstructure. I plan to drawbar them to run as a pair. Still have a few parts to add/make. The grey parts are Cannon & Co parts from my stash. Everything else is styrene from the multi boxes of material. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Got more done this weekend. It’s probably 75% done at this point. I’ll have to start its partner next. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nothing new to report on my end. Been busy with non narrow gauge stuff and going to train shows with my grandson. Should have something to show before too long.
Saw your post on the 3D HOn3. They look almost R-T-R. I wonder if anyone will do that kind of quality in HOn30? So far, I have not seen anything comparable on such as Shapeways.
Depends on what would sell I think. And what people would want. Maine specific or more freelanced stuff?
I would go with Maine specific. It is good for the folks who model that prototypically, and also is easily adapted to freelance. The other way around asks the proto folks to spend a bunch of effort to make it M2F specific. I believe the latter way would the harder sell.
So does the F&C kits not work for some? Looks like they have pretty much all the SRRL cars covered in resin. I remember building the boxcars years ago but I really didn't do that good a job on them.
In my opinion, F&C cars are just fine, even for non-M2F specific adaptation. I have built about a dozen or so. I have also built some of the beautiful Mount Blue M2F laser kits, plus some Shapeways and other 3D offerings. My HOn30 empire is based in the Pacific NW, (Olympic Peninsula), which early on had a very few three footers, but no two footers. But it is the perfect non-Maine setting for imitating those M2F RRs. Seashore & bays/logging & sawmilling, pulp mills/agriculture.
So, 3D printing is taking over (a little) around here.. May have to change the topic at some point to something more HOn30 generic.. Shown are a pair of flats and a gondola. Flats are 25 feet long, the gon is about 28. They are on M-T trucks and using 1015 couplers. I added Cal Scale brake wheels and mounts to these, but the drawing I've got for the flats now has it added. I'm working on adding the brake detail under the deck. The ride is nice and low. I plan to make a couple of versions, with and without stake pockets as well as wood/steel bulkheads. They are the rough size of the Oahu pineapple flats. So that's where these will wind up. At some point printed unfinished cars will be available, with different options. The modeler will just need trucks, couplers and screws for attachment. I'm using 2-56 x 3/16's screws for the trucks and Goo for the couplers. Since I'm not running an huge train there's not alot of pull. You could drill a hole, run a screw and trim/finish. These also follow NG prototypes down in Central America in only have a stirup on the brake wheel corner. Same with the gon. I'm using Tichy stirups for these. I'll probably add holes to make drilling easier. More to come, both cars and layout..
Like everything, work and life are catching up. I plan to work on it more this spring. Since I started the thread some changes around my house means I may be able to build something larger. I’m currently thinking of a small 30” x 60” layout depicting a small island connecting to the main island first and then working out from there. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Right now only in my head. I need to drag out the board I have this weekend and see what I will need. Still debating hand laying track or ordering Peco from Hatton's in the UK. It's a toss up at this point. The shipping option is good with time saving and the prices are hard to beat.
Personally, I'd go with the Peco track. Recently, I ordered the Peco narrow gauge starter pack from Rails of Sheffield. Jeff
