NZ120 NZR Couplers

Firstly, The W wagons are slowly receiving couplers, I'm trialing scale nzr nz120 scale couplers. To make these work prototypically is certainly a challenge given the size.

NZ 10 cent coin helps illustrate size! 

As you can tell by the pics, my idea of prototypical nzr running with wagons needing to be facing a certain direction is not a big issue, 2 minutes of work if your keen will see them couplers changed. Or an excuse to include a triangle on the layout.
These things are tiny, The example first received from shapeways are printed in FUD, and are surprisingly strong enough for the job. However 2 more sets in brass will soon be arriving following the successful trial period.

Tiny screws are required... from a local jeweller.

Coupler movement is quite free..

Good ol Trackgangs couplers, very reliable and robust!

Ja with posing with W Box wagons

DQ, W Wagon & Pulk Powder Prints Arrive

Today sees the arrival of NZ120 DQ Class, 4 W Wagons & 2 Bulk Powder wagon loads.

I prepare a bath of hot water in a used Ice Cream container with a drop of wish washing detergent.  The model allowed to soak for a moment & proceed to brush the model with tooth brush & paste dipping the models in water every now and again as I work over every surface. 

I dry them by blasting air via a compressor then sit the models under a heat lamp for a few minutes.

A couple of coats of plastic primer later and its ready for painting.

Links to models mentioned

4 Wheeler

https://www.shapeways.com/model/1253630/nz120-nzr-class-w-box-4-wheeler-wagon.html?li=shop-results&materialId=6

DQ

https://www.shapeways.com/model/1264396/nz120-tranzrail-qr-class.html?li=shop-results&materialId=61

Bulk Powder container load

https://www.shapeways.com/model/1256793/nz120-bulk-plaster-quot-container-load-quot.html?li=shop-results&materialId=62

NZ120 DQ

NZ120 DQ

NZ120 DQ (Frosted Ultra Detail)

NZ120 DQ (Frosted Ultra Detail)

NZ120 W Wagon's (Frosted Ultra Detail)

Bulk Powder Container Loads (Strong & flexible)

Bulk Powder Container Loads (Strong & flexible)

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.