1:24 Ka class, continued..

1:24 Ka

Using 4 Wheels, 1 motor & gearbox on permanent loan from

 2x Bachmann anniversary 4-6-0 $50 chassis blocks. I've used the pony trucks, I had to shorten the front truck & solder things back together. I've then 3d printed a Ka around it.

I'm usually shy when it comes to taking photos of its underside as my detail is somewhat lacking, but I think its interesting enough in this case.

The boiler needs a few more passes with the sandpaper, then detailing can begin.

Bachmann anniversary 4-6-0 wheels, motor & gearbox

First Run

1:24 Ka hauling 3x 50ft'ers, 2 carriages now have the handrails added. Need to add more weight for traction, Currently 3kg

Early morning run
Poem from Frank Robert's book, "Steam in Miniature"

I love to see the K arrive,
So well controlled, yet so alive.
I feel the shaking, quaking ground,
Awaremess of approaching sound.

Hear the clattering, puffing snifter,
As the driver shuts the drifter.
Then the greedy rushing suction,
What a racket, what a ruction!

Clanging rods with ringing steel,
Grinding brakes on rumbling wheel.
All to me makes such appeal,
I wonder oft what others feel.

Last night while reading Frank Robert's book, "Steam in Miniature" I found a picture of the inner cab of K 900 & 916, which is not exactly a Ka but is better than nothing.
I thought I'd share this picture from the book as its a valuable modeling aid, he very much set the standard high. I do wonder what he'd say to the modern methods I employ....

Boiler blackhead so far.. Yes this will be available seperatly for nz120 once finished, obviously scaled down with considerations made. I've designed it so I can put a $12 fire flickering Led inside the firebox & it will shine through. Going to use the clear pipe from a ballpoint pen that holds the ink for the water level gauges. Just to be clear, my Intent is to eventually print the correct one for the Ka with the butterfly firebox doors, might even make the doors functioning. I promised myself I would print a Dx next but since I've finally got a good cheap source of crucial working parts for the powered mountain chassis, and the ability to print the chassis at any axle spacing I desire, I may as well print the K.