1:24 DB Class

Whilst in a productive mood, I converted & sliced up the Db class for 1:24 scale & started off printing the main sections.

Cab & front printed, Starting to look like a Db

Sections coming along nicely

Sections attached using spacers. Putty & sanding continues

After quite a bit of sanding later, almost ready for its first coat of ultra fine primer

After a decent paintjob the Db steps closer to detailing, I haven't found a decent solution for the grills yet..

Decals & handrails Added..

Headlights added, second Db class mainly complete.

NZR Locomotive Shells for HO 1:87

Going some what off tangent in terms of scale, some New Zealand Locomotive Shells for HO were requested. The DC, DH, DI, DB, eeDF, DL, DXR & Ja converted to 1:87 scale so far. The intent is to print a shell & utilise chassis from donor locos or preferably buy a custom diesel chassis from North Yard Model Railway Parts (www.northyard.co.nz) at a reasonable price. The price for a shell will range from $60 - 200 & a chassis should set one back at least $150.

Currently the 1:87 market for NZR is catered for by the Frateschi Range, which from memory is limited to DA/DC/DX/DH in terms of Diesels

The models in 1:87 scale are only available in the Detail Plastics.

(Frosted Detail & Frosted Ultra Detail). 

HO American dynamic brake details, grills , air hoses, couplers, handrails etc to finish off

A new shop section for 1:87

1:87 (HO) Scale New Zealand DC

1:87 Dh General Electric - Pre Shunters Refuge

1:87 Di Class

1:87 Dxr Original Cab

1:87 NZR DB Class

1:87 DL Class

1:87 Df 1954

1:87 Scale DSG

1:87 Ja Body

1:87 Ja Tender And Bogie Sideframes Oil

NZ120 Db Decals

Today sees the completion of actually getting around to printing decals (Stripes) for the NZ120 Class. 

I only had 4 sheets of White Decal paper & no transparent sheets, so white paper will work considering my printer is unable to print white.

The image is freely available for anyone wanting to give decal printing a go. The local modelling hobby shops normally have decal paper & the bonder (Sprays on decal after printing to seal). The idea is to cut the decal carefully using a fine pair of scissors, and leaving a tiny black strip... 

Once the standard railcar arrives I shall use the same technique.

Source Image, Free to download, NZ120 Db/Da Stripes

Printed & decal bonder applied

After application on the Db Class attached to the Da Class which also shared the livery

Perhaps I went a bit to heavy on the weathering, note the fruit salad Da lurking in the background.

DB class sporting some bling..

And also, The silver fern running around with front main LEDs running

W wagon & Db Part 2

A quick post to show off progress on the W wagon & Db Class. Note the Corona bottle cap to give an idea of the scale! The db is currently getting a good cleanup with Tamiya Finishing Abrasive paper. I've also purchased 0.2 Piano wire for the handrails, using fine drills to drill into the nylon model & a touch of super glue will ensure a tidy & robust job.

Not to forget, the W Wagon Plans can be found in NZ Model Journal - September 2012 of which are available in the scales nz120, nz64 & 1:87 (HO) and as always loads of reference photo's! If you haven't yet resubscribed for the magazine or need to order backissues then head to http://www.nzmrg.org.nz/index.html

Still a bit to go on the W wagon, The door lock mech should be easy enough to scratch build with styrene & brass wire! For the brake lever I will use trackgangproducts detail parts.

Top View

Looking from the rear!

Df (Scratch built using dandruffs df in a day technique) Dft (Trackgangs) & DL class (Shapeways FUD)

W Wagon & Db Prints Arrive

Showing off 1 week later 2 designs, designed - printed - delivered under 1 week. I have to say I'm impressed to see the quick turn around. The quality of the prints is somewhat great! These photos were taken after I first scrubbed the models down with a toothbrush & toothpaste then rinsed under the hot tap & blowing down via the air compressor then repeated until all the oil was removed. I then primed the model. 

The W wagon doesn't require brass bearings, simply fitted 2 Wheels & Couplers from trackgangs. Its quite freerolling so worth me getting some more for the steamers to tug around.

Sitting on an Atlas SD-7. The bogie sideframes are half a mm to low.. might have to redo then add bogie detail, brake linkages etc.

*Updated, now painted & rolling around the layout.. The perfect holes for the wheels mean no fiddly bearings. simply pop the wheels in,  perfect alignment of wheels & no derailments gives me confidence to invest in a decent rake for the steamers!

The Db Class turned out quite a stunner, couplers, airhoses & airhorns so far..

I can't find any #8 wire to attach so may as well go with the fine wire then its painting, I intend on red with white stripes. 

3d Printable NZR DB Class

This weekend sees a few projects get finished,

NZ120 DB ready for a test print, turned out a nice wee model! 

Rivets galore! https://www.shapeways.com/model/1251693/nz120-nzr-db-class.html?li=productBox-search

A rather nice photo of the actual prototype;

Image Credits to Tom Morrison

http://www.flickr.com/photos/75916342@N03/7147107793/

2 Models available for the 1:87 (HO) Modellers

1:87 Scale Kiwirail DSG Shunter

https://www.shapeways.com/model/1251723/1-87-scale-kiwirail-dsg.html?li=productBox-search

1:87 Scale Nzr DB Class

https://www.shapeways.com/model/1251760/1-87-nzr-db-class.html?li=productBox-search

Other projects currently on the cooker, 

NZR W Class 4 Wheeler Wagon. Designed as test to see how nz120 3d printed 4 wheelers will actually run!