Surprise! A Backer & Rueb tramway locomotive in 3D

[Sven]

[tedp]

You were up early, Sven! Your tram engine looks wonderful. What kind of power unit do you recommend, since you don't yet mention one on your website.

[Sven]

I had to go to work, Ted. Thanks for the compliment. It is actually mentioned, if you go to 'Onderdelen'. It's from a Roco BR 215 N gauge. I'm writing a piece on it though. Translation of the website to English is also on its way, but not a problem for you.  :D For the moment, the rest has to do with the pictures.

I will be the weekend at the 40 years Society anniversary, so I'll will have a small set up with the loco if the society allows me.  :police:



Maybe a little bit of background: About a year ago, I discovered the 3D print of Chris Ward of a tramway loco. I liked it, but then discovered that is was a mix of a Dutch and British train and lacked many of the characteristics. So I decided to learn to draw in 3D myself. Being a professional Mac expert, I thought it wouldn't be too hard to learn. I went so up in the details, that it became a very well researched project, consulting vintage books and the leading experts. So it is actually a very accurate model with all the details. I ordered it through Shapeways and they are using a better printer than that of Chris Ward. No burnishing, just lightly rubbing with fine sandpaper, that's all. I didn't even do that on the details around the dome, the result speaks for itself. I'm very happy and proud with the result. I finally have the tram I've always wanted! It's really cute and amazingly detailed. It feels like a big brand model, but knowing I did it myself is an amazing feeling. If anyone is interested, you can get one here for yourself: http://shpws.me/nz10 You do need a fine hand painting it, though. The details took me an evening to complete, it actually went pretty fast. Green is Tamiya deep green XF-26, Black with Tamiya, the metallics are from Humbrol (16) and Revell (90 + 93).

For the people that don't want to leave the comfort of this website, here are some more pics:

[tedp]

Very impressive in close-up. The print quality is very good indeed. It might be used for a GTW tram as well - I think this is a very similar loco although possibly to a different track gauge.

Is that a Mashima motor or a Roco one on the chassis to the right? How many wheels are powered? I wonder about adhesion weight since a 3D model is very light.

[Sven]

This tram was originally going on 1000 mm track, but I prefer it on for H0e/009. The drive is flexible, with the Halling H0m axles you change the gauge to more prototype.

The motor you are enquire about is a Tenshodo LH17. It's actually a pretty good combination, the best from the line up.

All wheels are powered and I got the total weight up to 30 grams, from a plastic form which is 6 grams out of the box. I still have a little bit more space for weight. It's pulling four Egger stake cars and on another test also two Roco DR coaches through curves with the optical drive motor. Haven't tried more yet.

[Sven]

My website is now also in English, if you would like to know more.

http://svencentral.com/uk/

[tedp]

Will you be coming to the Kegworth convention in September?

[Sven]

Sorry for the late reply. Somehow I didn't receive an email to alert me.

Yes, I'll be there and looking forward to it. I hope to have something (simple) to demonstrate it on or I accept invitations for visits on lay outs.  ;)