I really love researching and creating accurate details, but fabricating trucks from scratch is slow work. Especially when I add all of the little bolts, washers, nuts, etc. Similarly, I don't really enjoy using my lathe all that much, so I've sought out a solution.
Over a year ago, I began learning Autodesk 123D with the intention of helping the Hawaiian Railway Society document the remains of their termite infested Oahu Railway coach. Alas, my aging computer just doesn't have enough umph. I finally gave up on the software at Thanksgiving (granted, we'd done the whole sell home, buy home, move thing...so it wasn't continuous time). I decided to revisit Google (now Trimble) Sketchup which I first tried a few years ago...before I saw the potential of 3D printing. While I had fun trying to build a South Park boxcar at that time, I decided that 1:48th scale was more my thing. Revisiting it, I'm must say that V-scale is more fun since 3D printing models has become viable.
After a month of honing my skills, I started my first object to print: a 30-ton Oahu Railway truck. As I type this, I have two pairs of trucks on order with Shapeways.com. I plan on trying out a few of their materials to find the optimum choice for On3 trucks.
Here's what the two major components look like:
I've also been working on domes for Oahu Railway engines in On3 and 1:20.3 domes/details for my kids' D&RG Montezuma.
If the process works well enough, I'll potentially have the pleasure of having a few of my favorite trucks printed: Barney & Smith ng passenger trucks (DSP&P #3-5), Pullman's 6'wb ng trucks (sleepers), and those gorgeous 4'wb Billmeyer and Smalls/J&S passenger trucks used on the early M&SV, EBT, and D&RG passenger cars.
Many components are transferable from one model to another, such as brake beams & shoes, journal boxes, springs, etc. I made a point to save each component of the OR&L trucks as a separate file so that I can reuse them. Similarly, with the ALCO sand domes used on a few different OR&L locomotives, I'll cut out the bottom to fit the boilers of each locomotive design.
I've also been working on domes for Oahu Railway engines in On3 and 1:20.3 domes/details for my kids' D&RG Montezuma.
If the process works well enough, I'll potentially have the pleasure of having a few of my favorite trucks printed: Barney & Smith ng passenger trucks (DSP&P #3-5), Pullman's 6'wb ng trucks (sleepers), and those gorgeous 4'wb Billmeyer and Smalls/J&S passenger trucks used on the early M&SV, EBT, and D&RG passenger cars.
Many components are transferable from one model to another, such as brake beams & shoes, journal boxes, springs, etc. I made a point to save each component of the OR&L trucks as a separate file so that I can reuse them. Similarly, with the ALCO sand domes used on a few different OR&L locomotives, I'll cut out the bottom to fit the boilers of each locomotive design.
