1:76 Dc & 1:120 Dx Test prints

1:76 Dc & 1:120 Dx Test prints, pushing the capabilities of the printer somewhat, at least with 1:76 the detail can render properly. It still requires a bit of sanding but am so far happy with the result. The Dx while technically possible requires a few tweeks to the overall thickness, especially around the cab. I still think it can be done. Will offer up the 1:76 stuff to the trademe crowd

The chassis in the background was from a dcc dash 9, the body was removed in the hopes of converting it into a DL to offer up. will see if it will take a 1:76 shell without looking silly.

1:76 Dc in the early stages of a 1 day print, The intent first came to me at 5 in the morning and in the rush to find a design, scale it & remove unnecessary detail forgot that working cab doors should have at lest been attempted. 

1:24 NZR DX (General Electric U26C)
https://www.trademe.co.nz/toys-models/models/railway/locomotives/listing-1962130276.htm?rsqid=3d1f5700605f4f008d2348afdcebfaae
1:24 Ka class
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1963332636&ed=true
1:120 KIWIRAIL DL Class
https://www.trademe.co.nz/toys-models/models/railway/locomotives/listing-1962142851.htm?rsqid=3d1f5700605f4f008d2348afdcebfaae

If your interested in something made available that i've already printed  let me know below

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 DC class - Kiwi Rail Paint Job

A quick post to show off a 3d Print of the DC Class, this time around i've painted it in the Kiwirail Livery. Still to finish the handrails etc. The short hood needs to have a black patch for the anti glare on top. The kiwirail logos for the front & cab numbers for the sides will need printing as a decal. Also trackgang "air horns"

And a video..

All things shiny - Printing in Brass

With shapeways making printing in brass a reality some test items were ordered a month ago, and today turning up in the post are side-frames and couplers. With the brain now working overtime with new ideas about printing the detail parts for the steamers. The J & Ja need pony trucks so that will be a focal point to get started, Plastic was never going to really work as the trucks are best heavy! Perhaps all the fittings to the boiler etc as well. 

Taken from shapeways about printing brass (See https://www.shapeways.com/materials/brass) 

Gold Plated Brass and Polished Brass both go through extensive hand polishing to give them a smooth, shiny finish. Polished Brass has a bright yellow coloring and, with 22k plating, Gold Plated models will resemble authentic gold objects. They are both perfect for jewelry and precious objects.

Raw Brass has a rustic matte look, with rough surfaces and some tarnishing (color spots). It is great for antique-looking objects, functional parts, jewelry prototypes, and metal models that you’d like to polish and finish yourself.

Brass models are fabricated using a complex five-step process. First, the model is printed in wax using a specialized high-resolution 3D Printer. It is then put in a container where liquid plaster is poured in around it. Once the plaster sets, the wax is melted out in a furnace, and the remaining plaster becomes the mold. Molten brass is poured into this mold and set to harden. The plaster is broken away, revealing your new product. Raw Brass is briefly tumbled. Polished and Gold Plated Brass are carefully cleaned and hand polished. Gold Plated Brass goes through a final electroplating process for an outside coat of 22k gold. Please be aware that polishing and plating can wear down or fill in very fine details and edges.

Like all brass, our Polished and Raw offerings will tarnish over time and may need to be polished.

The products right after arriving. The gold covered sideframes won't be painted, but glued to a likelike pa-1 chassis truck sides.. after I find one someone may be willing to sell :P

NZ120 DQ/QR Bogie Sides, Printed in Brass - Coated with 22k Gold (HDR)

NZ120 DQ/QR Bogie Sides, Printed in Brass - Coated with 22k Gold (HDR)

NZ120 DC Bogie Sides, Printed in Brass - Polished (HDR)

NZ120 DC Bogie Sides, Printed in Brass - Polished

NZ120 Brass NZR Couplers & the W Wagon (HDR)

NZ120 Brass NZR Couplers & the W Wagon (HDR)

Zm's giving the couplers a go

NZ120 DC/DA/DBR Bogie Side frames Arrive

Ordered in Frosted Ultra Detail, and arrived just today are the new DC/DA/DBR bogie side frames.

Also will be available in Polished/Unpolished Brass for weight on the loco right where you want it!

The overall quality of the print is perfect, with cleaning up using toothbrush and paste under running water enabling me to produce reliable & clean models everytime. Although this trick works best for Frosted Ultra Detail.

HDR goodness, crisp detail! Now painting and attaching to the SD-7 Truck.

Sideframes attached to NZ120 3d Printed DA Class

Sideframes attached to NZ120 3d Printed DA Class

Backing up to the broken down & over used silver fern, Dc class sporting the new bogie side-frames

Only, at the last moment realised their is no coupler for it yet...

NZ120 DC Class after handrails

Last night the NZ120 DC class received handrails, so the model "crew" can remain "safe".

The wire is 0.4mm purchased from the local model shop. I drilled into the body, and then put a dab of superglue into the hole and then inserted the handrails. 

This system ensures the handrails wont break off as easily!

NZ120 3d Printed Kiwirail AK

Finally turning up in the post this week is the long awaited Kiwirail AK carriage, 3 Prints later!

The window frames will be painted black & clear plastic will be cut to the appropriate length & height then fitted thus completing the look.

The bogies require brass bearings & wheels available from Russell @ trackgangproducts.co.nz

A wee movie of it doing a Test run

NZR DC's

Todays post shows more progress on the DC's

Largely complete with the exception of lights & coupler's 

DC 4496 is the brass etch era kit

DC 4749 is the first 3d printed version

DC 4087 is the third & final 3d printed version

And a pic for the steam fans.

NZ120 February Update of Current Projects

Showing off current projects for Feb, even went so far as too setup a we photo booth with a mirror to gain another perspective.

Showing off DA, DG, eeDF, AB, JA & J

EEdf, earlier test print, already outdated with the current model before it was even painted.

Trackgang DG, just having had received a Lifelike PA1 Chassis, fuel tank not quite correct yet.

Etch era Kit DA Class, just having had received a Lifelike Chassis & Trackgang fueltanks. 

Early test print of a DC Class, rough paint job as newer version has taken priority.

Early test print of DAR 517 awaiting decals.

AB, printed in Frosted Ultra Detail. Painted by Russell of Trackgang

WAB, printed in Frosted Ultra Detail. Painted by Russell of Trackgang

Streamlined J, still the greatest of them all!

JA, printed in Strong & Flexible.