NZ120 Za Test print arrives.

The NZ120 Za test print arrived, printed in Frosted Detail. I've added trackgangproducts type 14 bogies & couplers. Painted, weathered & running in no time. 

Now available here 

Picture Source http://nzrailwaysrollingstocklists.weebly.com/za---covered-of-1976.html

NZ120 Steam Crane arrives

The NZ120 Steam crane test print arrives rather quickly from shapeways, After cleaning up the body the process of carefully removing the pieces began. Then painting & assembly resumes. I had intended on a working bucket, but seeing how tiny it is in nz120 scale I realize i'm lucky to have a bucket at all. So I ended up simply super gluing it in a position i'm happy with.

I used 2 wheels, the center wheel is missing, the space used up by a rather big screw, securing the deck to the chassis.

Thin wire is used for connecting the pulley/jib/chassis. I had intended to use wire to enable the bucket to function, but the connecting parts need to be enlarged which means compromising on the look. I might work on the bucket a bit more.

The design is now available from the shop https://www.shapeways.com/shops/kiwitrains

2 Screws enable the boom and bucket to work, a screw driver is required to operate the crane.

Coaling a loco on the mainline is probably not advisable.

Painted & weathered. Note the screws are accessible via the open back door.

Showing the underside, no brass bearings, just burr one end of the wheel and pop them in. The center wheel is quite un-necessary... The couplers attached with tiny screws picked up from the local watch repair man. 50 screws for $8!
The rather big screw adds weight, and a rubber washer to give the right amount of friction.

A snapshot of events during second crane build

Showing 2 cranes ready to work.

A rather good shot of the prototype.

Also, more info on nz cranes here http://www.nzrcranes.org/

Northern Explorer AKL & AKV receive Decals

NZ120 Kiwirail DL class hauling the NZ120 Northerner

Today the Northern Explorer receive their last decals, with the luggage van awaiting a further stripe. Which means hoping the model shop has decal paper in stock!

The decals were not the tidiest i've ever done... The AKC Cafe car had to have 1 side completely redone, as I managed to get it wrong on the first go!

Luggage Van on the rear

Leading Carriage is the AKV

HDR shot

The full set

And a video of it running.

The decals for the AKL & AKV, free to use

Test prints, NZ120 AKV & AKL Arrive

Today the AKV - Viewing carriage & AKL - Luggage van both arrived. After some cleaning up & primer I quickly inserted wheels into the bogies, added trackgang couplers & shes good to go.

Some weight is required, lead shot or sheet added inside somewhere to keep the light bodies on the track!

Some more decals will need to be drawn up, painting tho is next. Also I have a set of TT scale people that I need to find, and install some passengers.

The AKV is now available to purchase Purchase AKV here
&
The AKL is now available to purchase Purchase AKL here

AKV, with floor removed.

AKV

AKL

AKL

The whole set.

And a video for inspiration..

The viewing car with TT scale people fitted. DFT taking it for a spin this time

New Design, NZ120 Steam Crane

This weekend sees a new design come forth. A Priestman Steam Grab Coaling Crane, Photo's Grant Morrell has collected inspired me to design one for nz120 scale.

I've designed it in kit form, so basic assembly is required. The jib can be raised & lowered, also the cab can be rotated. The grab bucket also will be printed in parts and is designed to be fully functional.

The reels & axles are designed to be fitted with a spring on one side of the pulley, pushing against the reel, and ensuring it remains locked in position. A screw driver (Phillips) can be then used to push in, and wind.

Some work is to be done once i'm assured it can be printed after a test print is successful, to then allow me to create some instructions. Some photo's in the meantime can help illustrate what I mean.

An exploded view, Right side

An exploded view, Left side

 The crane will be available in 2 separate designs, it simply wouldn't upload with all parts, not sure why (Max polygons perhaps?).

NZ120 Steam Crane (1/2)

NZ120 Steam Crane (2/2)

A close up view of the bucket, Wire or fine screws will be needed to connect the bits together. Weight will need to be added to the yellow parts to make it function.

The model as it should look assembled.

A rather good shot of the prototype.

Also, some good info here http://www.nzrcranes.org/

NZ120 Ab work..

After many months the Ab gets some attention. It had an issue with bent valve gear and a missing screw. After fixing the problems I installed a brass nzr coupler on the front, and suddenly the loco isn't embarrassing.. 

Finally able to stretch its legs without jumping off the tracks.

Despite being a brutally close up shot, and the compromise on the tender bogies for nz120 its quite tidy!

A wee vid of the loco running around with various consists, The sepia filter probably wasn't required, but an interesting once off!

New Design, NZ120 Za wagon

Today sees the Za finally get drawn up. It will require bogies & couplers. Designed to be printed in Frosted Detail

Actual prototype, sourced via google
More info here

New Designs, NZ120 AKV & AKL

The viewing & luggage wagon has been designed to compliment the Kiwirail Northern Explorer, the viewing car has a removable floor, so the interior can be detailed with people & access for lighting.

Also designed were the kinki bogies, like the recent AK bogies these ones won't require bearings, simply pop the wheel & go.

AKV on the left, AKC in centre, AKL on right

Showing the removable foor

Designed to be attached with 1 screw

Bracers ensure a level floor.

Prototype pictures gleaned from youtube - Link here

AKV

AKL

Proposed nz120 passenger behavior & possible scenery...

NZ120 Zp wagon arrives, with sliding door.

Earlier this week the Zp wagons arrived, the test's in Strong & Flexible Polished once again let me down, the surface is to rough for what i'm after in nz120. The test print in Frosted Detail, showed more promising results, and is displayed below.

After painting I inserted the door, and to my surprise it opens and shuts quite freely. Since 've installed my brass nz120 nzr couplers on a few wagons & loco's I decided this one is no exception. A bit of a fiddly task coupling & uncoupling but that suits my style of operation.
The NZ120 Type 14 brass bogies are from Paul Woods

My next goal for the zp, is to obtain a scale TT "Mini" car, paint it yellow... and create a scene from an iconic nz film "Good bye pork pie"

A fingernail will be enough to pull the door shut,

And a wee movie of it running with the local goods