Cliff's Mik Model

[Cliff_Jennings]

I’ve not done this before, and may not complete it in time. Might not be fair, with 3d printing involved… has that been covered? And I might be disqual’d because the following sketch is on half a paper towel. But WTH, here goes.

My nappy-doodle:

The idea is to end up with a large trackside piece of equipment that’s ready to be loaded onto a flatcar. And look ok when it is.

And, since it’s a boiler, it just so happens that I might be able to reuse a certain boiler-related (but FAILED) print from a past (well, almost past) project. If that works, I can call myself a planet-saver for not pitching the dang thing.

OK, that’s all I got.

Cheers,
Cliff

Did I registered in time, and properly?
Was there a particular beverage I was supposed to be employing while writing this?

So many rules…

[WaverlySouthern (Dan Hilyer)]

@Cliff_Jennings

KB

Glad you threw your hat in the ring, Cliff. I see no issues with your drawing, probably not up to your standards . Anything you had in hand prior to 1/1/22 is fair game.

[Cliff_Jennings]

Thanks Dan, much obliged!

Actually, that IS the way I manually draw… That’s why I use the puter, haha!

[Cliff_Jennings]

In the rules, I read that during this past week we could do “drawings.” Not sure if this counts, but I completed the CAD work yesterday on the needed main parts, which are the lighter gray ones here.

I did printing today, and here’s two sets of parts. The failed boiler prints, which I had on hand, are at the top.

Philosophically, I’m doubting that this approach is in the “spirit” of the Mik contest. And if that’s the case, so be it; I’m fine if I’m disqualified. But I’d still like to post about this little project along the way.

[ctown2 (Craig Townsend)]

I don’t think we have ever kicked anyone out for “cheating”. If anything this is more in MIK’s spirit as he was a big steam guy!

[Cliff_Jennings]

Craig, there’s always a first!
But thanks hugely, I feel 50% less guilty!!

[ctown2 (Craig Townsend)]

Well I always feel short changed when all the old retired guys get 30 days of all weekend vs us working stiffs that get 30 days with working.

[Eric_Mueller]

@Cliff_Jennings

I’m doubting that this approach is in the “spirit” of the Mik contest.

Recycling “trash?” I never met Mik, but this seems well in the spirit!

[Cliff_Jennings]

Thanks for that Eric, you and Craig have given me some good justification! Much appreciated.

And along the lines of junk, these tubes are lookin like candidates for additional details:

These came from photocopiers that Dave Maynard serviced; and he gave them to me at a Drag n Brag. So they’re double-discarded “deep trash.”

[Devon_Sinsley]

Cliff,

There is really no rules against 3D printing. I plan to use a couple of pieces myself. The main thing is to particpate and have fun doing it. The factt hat you are using a “junk” boiler to me is very much in keeping with the Spirit of MIK as I see it. It is using something you have on had and are repurposing it. And you are yousing it to make a nice trackside detail.

Welcome to your first MIK.

[Cliff_Jennings]

Thanks Devon, I figured you’d know about the 3DP eligibility, good to know.

[JRad (Jon Radder)]

I agree with “you’re OK” within the rules. Maybe a tad early on doing CAD work, but that is a very grey area since those of us who are stick/styrene/whatever building are allowed to do CAD work before the starting gun.

In any case - I think it’s a neat project and I see no reason to disqualify you. Carry on!

[ctown2 (Craig Townsend)]

You know, the more I think about it one of the unofficial rules is not to complete it! So get it 90% done and walk away!

[JRad (Jon Radder)]

Oooo… Maybe we need a new prize category. Best DNF

[Cliff_Jennings]

And best rule-breaker?

[Pete_Lassen]

Cliff , there have been 3D printed buildings already, and as one that is insanely jealous of people with a 3D printer that can make cool things by clicking print, I am all for using what you have available, so fire up the printer , print away , and good luck! Look forward to voting !!!

[Cliff_Jennings]

Thanks very much Pete, I very much appreciate the acceptance!

[Cliff_Jennings]

The parts finished printing today, which meant I could commence the prep work. Lots of sanding on the mini belt disk-belt sander to get rid of unwanted features on the failed boilers, and more sanding on the new parts.

Then fit-up between parts, meaning more sanding or dremel-drum-sanding. Lastly, bonding all together, which involves several layers of 3dp resin painted on the joints and hitting each with UV light.

I also ginned up some pipe fitting models to have something else with this shipment. The flanges fit the Maynard Xerox tubes, and the elbows (45 & 90) match the flange patterns. Then I printed a bunch of those. Here’s the pile:

The second set of all this (I had 4 scrap boilers) is shipping to Jerry B., whose idea it was to get rid of the boilers in more or less this fashion.

Now comes the fun part: figuring out how to make all this look like a realistic trackside load. I’m thinking of making it abandoned-looking… With vague ideas like “still awaiting payment,” or “for sale, real cheap,” or “the load less traveled.”

Cheers,
888:>Cliffy

[Jim_Rowson]

“The load less travelled” … snort, chuckle…

And here I thought the poetry I learned in English class was all for naught!

[Rooster]

Reminds me of Carrick Furnace.

Carrick Furnace