For my layout Enderslie I need various fleets of wagons to serve both the village and the islands off-shore that are linked by train ferry. One type I need is a grain wagon to deliver grain to the various whisky distilleries on the islands. I was inspired by this collection of wagons on Paul Bartlett's excellent site: https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/grainpolybulk.
One of the challenges I set for my new layout was to 3D print as much as possible, so away over to Fusion 360 I went. These are the various wagon bodies I tried until i got something I was happy with, and that printed okay. The first on the left was too plain, I thought it looked like it could do with more bracing. The second looks good, but the overhangs of the bracing beams do not print well. Third time the charm, this looks okay and will also print well.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52355878083_46fce5ec26_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nLvyva)01 (https://flic.kr/p/2nLvyva) by Tom Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/194843171@N02/), on Flickr
The chassis progressed similarly and after a few iterations I was happy with the result.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52355635631_8294d6f104_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nLujqX)02 (https://flic.kr/p/2nLujqX) by Tom Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/194843171@N02/), on Flickr
Next i had a stab at the bogies. Top one is okay, but I don't think it looks nearly heavy enough duty for a large wagon. Second Is a much better design, but i feel like I've over corrected and made it too heavy duty. The third is just right. The fourth is the same as the third, but with a coupling added.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52356059535_060123c64a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nLwurD)04 (https://flic.kr/p/2nLwurD) by Tom Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/194843171@N02/), on Flickr
So this is the kit of parts I ended up with ready to assemble. I'm using some 7mm disc wheels and will add some wire loops to the couplings later.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52356059695_97bf646bfe_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nLwuup)05 (https://flic.kr/p/2nLwuup) by Tom Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/194843171@N02/), on Flickr
And this is the first prototype assembled. I am pretty pleased with how it looks overall, but there are several problems with it that need fixing. Firstly it is about as stable as a newborn deer and wobbles all over the place. The mounting points for the bogies are too small so need enlarging, whilst also still allowing enough slop for the wagon to pass over gradient changes. Lining it up against a locomotive the couplings are too high, need lowering 2mm. The roof also needs attention. Due to the nature of 3D printing the roof is a series of steps rather than a smooth slope. Whilst it is possible to sand this out and get a smooth slope, it is slow tedious work, and I don't fancy doing it for a rake of 4 wagons. I decided to eliminate the roof entirely and make it with plasticard.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52356059755_73b4b043d9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nLwuvr)06 (https://flic.kr/p/2nLwuvr) by Tom Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/194843171@N02/), on Flickr
So after a few more goes around with Fusion and some prototypes, here is the final design, at least until I change something again. I have fixed the problems described above, and the roof is much better made from plasticard. Hopefully over the next few days I'll find time to dust it over with some primer and then paint it. Overall I'm very happy. The wagons are massive, but look pretty good and I think are well proportioned.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52355640831_e4efe0a8bf_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nLukYB)IMG_2279 (https://flic.kr/p/2nLukYB) by Tom Alexander (https://www.flickr.com/photos/194843171@N02/), on Flickr
Looking good. Will these be going on the train ferry?
David.
Yes indeed. The train ferry will be sized to take two of them.
These really are rather good aren't they :-)
Will you be making the STL available?
Stephen