1:24 Q3 Hopper Wagon

 First new design for the year, a 1:24 scale Q wagon, this is just a test print to ensure all the parts fit so looks rather rough. Probably a day and a half to produce all the components i'd say. The doors on the hopper work but still working out the brake rigging & the door release mech. Brake gear is printed separately and added, almost went to the effort of making the brakes function but not worth the effort.

A couple days later and things have largely evolved for the better

The handle bars were folded in a quick jig to ensure continuity. The holes were embedded in the design to ensure correct placement.

Greymouth Port in the early days, My inspiration for this project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_efpsVq5Wc&ab_channel=ArchivesNewZealand

Q wagons in varying stages of production. I'm thinking a rake of 12 would make up a decent train.  

8 Wagons

After watching low resolution videos of the Denniston incline, I was inclined to give it a go. I cut the sleepers out of lego track and placed on a board.

Ab hauling 12 empty Q wagons.

Wab hauling 12 loaded Q wagons

Making coal loads, I used a template to draw with a blue marker around the edges onto card which had mostly black on the reverse side. Next I will layer up some coal using pva.

Showing off some coal load tests, Using crushed coal I've been experimenting with the coarseness to replicate a load of that time period. 

Prototype.

Handrails

Handrails can really bring a model to life, with the first DL I 3d printed them, fixed into place asking to be knocked off. This time I 3d printed a Jig, which nicely holds everything in place, allowing enough room for the solder to form into what I hoped would resemble nice triangle brackets. In the end I was happy with whatever held the strongest while reducing burns to the hands. The handrails can easily be removed from the cab to permit it's removal.  

Crude but effective

Back to michaels

 Showing off some pictures taken at michaels place, he has recently been busy with scenery and bridgework. I could only bring what models I had in auckland and no wagons. During the visit Mike produced a bag of bachman wheels and pointed out the lack of wagons, I have been toying with the Idea of making a rake of Lpa Highside 4 wheel wagons..

3D Printed bridge girders

Cameraman had a great vantage point hanging from a branch.

Showing off the third attempt at the DL, so far only the long hood has materialized. This time the side panels on the long hood open. Unlike the Dx the doors clip into place without having to drill tiny holes etc.