Large Scale Central

Lineside Instrument Cabinet

Modeling
#1

Hi,

I just wanted to share some pictures of a small side project I’m working on.

We are currently installing some more realistic signalling on our line, the Somerville & St. Francis River Railway, and we felt that we really that something was missing! We wanted to try and find or make some of the lineside electrical equipment that can be seen at most 1:1 signal installations.

The first of these items I finished is an instrument/relay cabinet on two concrete footings. I took the measurements from some railroad plans and produced a 1:29 3D render in Sketchup. This was printed off at Shapeways, and after some paint and weathering, it’s now ready for service. I also have a few other items to complement this like battery wells and a telephone box but these aren’t quite finished yet.

One of the reasons I decided to go down the 3D printing route was so that we could have the option to make more, as I would like to pair these up with a battery well at each place where a signal is installed, maybe mounting them together on a small base.

Many thanks for looking, and as always, your thoughts, ideas or suggestions are always welcome!

#2

that looks very real.
did you print it solid or hollow?

#3

Thanks Korm,

Originally I made it one solid piece but the price was sadly prohibitive. I then went back to the computer and hollowed out the model. It has one cross small cross piece inside that can’t be seen, as I didn’t want any warping when I leave it outside.

#4

I finished off the battery well too so I took a couple of photos of the two together. I’m also working on a version of the more common rectangular concrete battery box too.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/supagav/instrument_cabinet/DSCN2533%20Resized.jpg)

#5

They look very GOOD! :wink:

#6

Gavin looks great but I am curious what system are you using for your signals and how are you wiring it? I’ve been looking into signal systems as not many bother to put any out doors and no one seems to make controllers that can survive the elements.

#7

Has the real signal cabinet got those corrugations down the sides ?

My reason for asking is I was about to get some items printed and if the finish on your model is because of the printer , I may need to go to another system .

Please do not get annoyed about the question , I have no intention of criticising the finish , but given the varying costs of printing , I need to know before committing money .The print I have in mind is for a smooth sided engine cover .

As far as I know , your cabinet may well be a perfect representation of a concrete built box , and I notice that the finish on the sides is completely different to the front panel and hinges ; similarly the finish on the circular covers with chains is completely different .

Mike

#8

Well observed Mike!

There are a few rough edges which, with hindsight, I should have sanded more smooth. The edges of the box itself should be smooth as the prototype is from steel! I thought it was ok as it didn’t really show up on the clear plastic but you are quite right now I look back at it myself! I guess that’s why I like posting things, sometimes the tough criticisms help me get things just right… and please don’t worry about causing offence, I am trying to model US railroading from here on the west coast of Scotland UK, so any advice, suggestions or criticisms are always warmly welcomed!

It is a side effect of the 3D printing process I think. Others may have better advice as I am really a novice with this all, but those rough bits weren’t intentional!

Out with the fine grade sandpaper!

#9

West coast of Scotland ? I used to go there quite often from near the East Coast , actually from the Moray Firth at RAF Kinloss where I spent a long time searching and rescuing . I was there for so long that the SNP asked if I would join their air force when they got independence .

My favourite bits there are the road down to Applecross and the view of Skye from Eilan Donan Castle . Or just down the coast from where the railway ends , foiled by the sea .

Anyway , thanks for the honest reply , it has made me do a bit of navel gazing . I think I would be better off using sheet work with bits stuck on .

Some of the things I have seen in 3d print , like complete dummy engines for detail under the bonnet , or complex bits of military scale weaponry , definitely lend themselves well to the print process .

The print process also leaves my fingers at less risk from being sliced off whilst cutting plastic sheet with a scalpel .

I will not be so discourteous as to ask you which way you will vote very soon , but I find it puzzling that only people living there can vote , and not expatriates or even those who work down south . This puts a bit of a slant on things ; my English brother lives there in Inverness and thus can vote , but my son , born in Inverness cannot .

Mike , from London , England , English , Welsh descent , hoping that the UK remains just that .

#10

For me, 3D printing has really worked for small detail pieces that I just simply cannot make by hand. I recently made some oscillating Pyle National Gyralights, both the normal and recessed mounted versions, and both of these came out very well. I recently used one on a GP18 I kit-bashed and I plan to use another on the nose of an SP U25B I am working on. I haven’t really tried much larger pieces as mainly due to the printing costs, I prefer to make these by hand as I normally would.

As I said there are some fine modellers out there, on this forum and beyond, who have had some excellent results with 3D printing so they are far more experienced with the whole process and much better equiped to advise you! I think it is like any technology or tool, it lends itself well to certain things but you need to know how to use it to get the best possible results.

Joseph: We’re using wireless DCC in the garden with equipment from Massoth. The signals are triggered by their train detection and feedback modules. The feedback module is fitted with a wireless upgrade so we don’t have big cable runs of telephone style cable from the main central station box.

#11

Gavin, thanks for the info I will have to take a look at Massoth’s equipment. I am currently running QSI decoders now and don’t have a layout of my own yet but I am looking for things for the future.