Next on the project list is a two bay NG hopper. Bachmann hopper as a prototype.
2 Likes
Awesome! I’d be interested in a few of these!
If you don’t have a source for Vulcan trucks, many of these rode on arch bar trucks! I bought a few used Bachmann 2-bays several years ago and was surprised to find the Vulcan trucks had been removed and replaced with arch bar style. The seller educated me that it’s a more accurate model with arch bars which forced me to research and verify that!
I recall that you ventured down this path years ago with acrylic and were never satisfied with the results. I recall something about frame weakness. I assume that with 3D printing you can incorporate an aluminum U channel as the base frame like Dan does in many of his designs.
Yea, the plan is to have the center beam contain some kind of aluminum box/channel/something for strength. Plus Ill be able to slot-and-tab the assembly. Currently working on the slope sheets, and then Ill be able to see how these will assemble.
1 Like
Geoff Ringle found some 1/2" aluminum U channel to use as the spine of various EBT cars, especially the hoppers. I still have a few feet somewhere.
Jon
The Bachmann 2 bay hopper is a model of the 2 bay rock cars on the EBT #s 618 633 636 and 638 built in 1930. These 4 cars have Vulcan trucks.
Stan
Slope sheet design. Has a built-in box section for the aluminum channel. Coupler mount will be attached to this as well. Starting to get a picture of how all the parts will fit together. Major parts will be two sides, two slope sheets, two ends, a center peak for the bays, and the combination bolster/mid-end plate. And a handful of other details.
2 Likes
Yes, I knew that, thanks.
The original PSC cars in the 800 series of two-bays ran on arch bar trucks. Only one survived in it’s original form. #800 which was converted to a side dump is the only survivor in it’s two bay incarnation. Some were converted to 3 bays, but I didn’t chase down the current status of them.
The models I purchased used had been weathered and numbered in the original PSC series, as 810 and 838. Those numbered cars should ride on arch bars. Only one of the two I purchased did. I converted the second. The Vulcan trucks I took off will hopefully ride under a steel box car if I ever build the kits I bought from Bob!
I say slap a pair of Barber S-2 trucks on it an call it done!
One side with assembly tabs. Coming together.
The interior is interesting. Lots of angles. Will probably have something like 3 pieces that fit in over the hoppers and aluminum channel.
Bob,
you get good enough with this and Stan will want a bunch!
Al P.
He’s already messaged me! 
We could have a Build a Fleet party once you’ve got all the bugs worked out and a bunch of parts printed.
Looking really good so far.
And there were only 4 of them, so I don’t know about making a fleet.
Note the vulcan trucks were, I think, shorter than the standard ones under the 3-bays. Might have to print them too!
Andrews trucks, if you can find some, are almost identical to vulcans. I got mine from Phil Dippel, but I don’t think he sells them these days.
Well, according to R&K there were 40 built by PSC and another 30 built by EBT. Depending on what exact era you want to model, there certainly could be a train or two of them. Perhaps not exactly as Bachmann detailed them.
Jon, do you have the Quick Pic book for them? I should pick one up… Those are a great reference.
No. I have the book for the 3 Bay Hoppers, Steel Boxcar and Combine15. Some of the hardware is probably similar to the 3 bay. The truck info in the 3 way book would apply.
1 Like