End of the month Info

End of October Update on progress;

NZ120 - JA CLASS

Fits like a dream onto a Spectrum USRA 4-8-2 Light Mountain Union Pacific's Chassis

For a first steam engine loco shell I have to admit this went very very well, and to see her in the flesh is most satisfying to the eyes. Even without any real detail... yet.

This will naturally be adapted to the streamline version.

NZ120 - ZM Box Wagon

I've always wanted a NZ box wagon but never really wanted to scratch build all them ribbings. It turned out better than expected considering the material used, however the one major advantage over any other kit is the weight, weights just enough to stick to the track and no more. I plan on getting quite a few of these to string behind whatever loco I have and know it will pull it without any issues.

I used trackgangproducts.co.nz 's bogies & couplers, which added the right amount of weight to the bottom.

NZR EF30 CLASS

The angles on this model makes it a nightmare to scratch build, even though it looks like it would be simple to build. Without much detail in its current form it still looks pretty darn good in my merrily bodging outer sibling opinion! In this picture the chassis I found the best is a British DMU Chassis, Fits right on, grips the body in what could best be described as a vice like grip.

KIWIRAIL AK Carriage Set

If ever goal posts keep moving, none would be a better example than this.

Originally was just going to do the one main carriage, now i've been talked into doing the cafe carriage. Which when I think about it is another half an hours work moving windows around and its done.

The undercarriage will include the bogies, seats etc. The top will sit right on the undercarriage.

Then how the windows were going to be able to happen, there's no way anyone would want to cut little square individual windows and fit them. So the picture below will show a 1mm thick window panel can be cut and attached in the slot. And if you cut it right you probably wouldn't even need to glue em in.

Paint the inside of the window boxing black and it will look just like the real thing.

Not so far in the distance will see a shell for a 1954 DF Class now I have acquired the correct chassis.

The last weekend Jolon brought his scratch built DF and for the greater part of the weekend spent its time pulling various consists around the layout. Which is more than enough to get me wanting one.

Check out the video, quite something!

 

NZ120 New Designs

 KIWIRAIL CET1 CLASS

The first of a series of modern coal wagons, very basic design. But able to be printed in most materials with no issues.

 NZR DSC CLASS

Original Form, No shunter refuge & with single center head light. A modern version will be simple to implement using the dsg base model.

NZR EF CLASS

I am planning on a movable pantograph system eventually, although with the rate of progress at the moment by the time your reading this its no doubt already done!

3D Printing, turning a virtual design into reality, the biggest hassle, is ordering the product, and finding out a week later it cannot be printed! And now the basic understanding of what is required is very clearly understood.

Future projects will undoubtedly include an EF & DJ, but a more exciting venture for me is to create a printable steam loco shell, streamlined J's and an original K to replace my scratch built shells infact.

Current Projects include the following;

DXR CLASS

A nice simple beginners model, currently waiting for the next version to arrive.

DSG CLASS

Design finalized, awaiting a test model to arrive.

DSC CLASS

Design almost complete, awaiting the DSG model to arrive so i can ensure the right internal spacing for a selection of chassis to fit. 

NZR ZM WAGON

Almost ready for the printer, imagine a light weight wagon printed in bulk at roughly $20 ea with enough detail to keep a baby boomer rivet counter type entertained for hours on end.

But more importantly the real issue this will hopefully solve is the weight issue, white metal kits are all well and good, until you have say 5-7 heavy CB wagons which any loco would struggle to pull, with this material the weight issue will be solved, and allowing far longer trains.

NZR DA CLASS - Phase 3

My first design, has been rejected by the printing company more times than i care to admit. This sort of rejection can really put a guy off, until one understands even virtual models are capable of "bleeding". Who knew?