This will be the prototype for my next endeavor. Originally built as RBOX 14000-14999, when they went to their secondary owners the End-Of-Car (EOC) cushioning device was added.
Here are my renderings so far:
Are you planning on 3D printing or casting the EOC? Looking forward to hearing about progress. It looks like you’ve got Sketchup down pat.
I am having a 3d print made in brass, which I will send out for a pattern for investment casting.
Here are couple more renderings. The light gray will be resin. Dark gray will be steel.
Some of the WC cars got plug doors. So while I’m waiting on prints from Shapeways, I thought I’d draw up one. The yellow parts will be brass. The rest will be a resin casting. The rods will be 1/16" rod, added by the modeler.
What model are the plug doors? Is this something you might offer as a separate part?
I suppose I could. They fit an opening of 121" W x 122" H in scale inches (1:29).
Some of my patterns came in today:
(http://burlrice.com/_LS_PS50.5boxcar/draftgear_exploded.jpg)
(http://burlrice.com/_LS_PS50.5boxcar/draftgear_extended.jpg)
(http://burlrice.com/_LS_PS50.5boxcar/draftgear_compressed.jpg)
First casting mocked up. I haven’t drilled & tapped the yolk yet because it will be a pattern for investment casting. So the rod isn’t attached in the photo:
Oh man that looks really cool. Your 3D drawing talents are really showing. That’s a lot of work in the digital world.
I would be interested in a pair of plug doors if there were offered for sale
JKS
Thanks. I wonder sometimes if I’m not enjoying modeling more in the digital realm than I am building stuff by hand.
Since the plug doors require investment cast parts, I will have to order those parts in batches. Fortunately, they are small, so I am planning on getting some extras. The main body of the door will be resin, so I can make them up as needed.
Well I guess it depends in the purpose of building in the first place. Are you interested in the process, or are you interested in the finished product? I fall somewhere in the middle between the two, but I’d like to try printing some 3D parts for those parts that are hard to build myself.
But, isn’t designing a part, so it can be printed, part of “the process”? If I could sketch up a part and print it off, I would, for some of the parts I need. But I also enjoy the challenge of making, or repurposing, things.
I think it certainly is! I just spent a few hours drawing a up a locomotive journal, and it still isn’t perfect… I’m sure Burl has hours into these 3D models by the time he hits print!
At this stage in my life, with a 2 & 1/2 year old wanting to do everything I do, computer work is far safer than having him in the workshop.
Burl Rice said:
At this stage in my life, with a 2 & 1/2 year old wanting to do everything I do, computer work is far safer than having him in the workshop.
Hmmm … afraid he will show you up he is
Burl,
I hear you when it comes to the little ones trying to ‘help’ in the shop. My 1.5 year old likes to follow me in as well. I give him a screwdriver or two and it seems to work well.
Whoa. Last week I looked here and you were dabbling in the idea. Now she’s going into production mode! I’m struggling just to make a couple of fixed diesel pilots.
Have you ever made an engine? Any modern diesels interest you enough in making one?
I have scratch-built a C30-7, but that was a one-off project. Locomotives are way more complicated. I have never really considered offering one as a kit, because I’m afraid it would be so cost prohibitive, people would think they were too expensive to buy.
Mark is doing 3D printed diesels. He has printed up a few different Alcos. I am waiting for him to print up the shark, that’s the diesel I want to add to my roster.