NZ120 EL Crane arrives

NZ120 EL test print arrives

After the usual cleaning up process I primed all the parts separately. The outriggers required a bit of sanding as did the extending jib & lifting ram. Rubbing chalks/powders on these parts to colour will help keep the parts moving.

To connect the end bogies I used very fine brass wire, didn't need to even drill out the holes. I bent the wire off at both ends and it seems to work well.

The main hook is next, also adding a few more details to the body & chassis.

Individual parts primed.

Travelling mode.

Lifting mode

New Designs, NZ120 EL 60 Ton Breakdown Crane & NZ120 Dh Class

2 Weeks later & new designs emerge from the cooker. The first being the EL 60 Ton Breakdown Crane, as inspired by the recent Steam Crane project.

The crane will need to be assembled and additional parts sourced. For instance this crane will need 10 wheels! Or 8 if you cheat & leave the center wheel out on the 2 x 6 wheel trucks. The coupling clips for the relieving bogies are included but 2 couplers will be needed too.

The main hook will be available separately, so brass will be the preferred material.

A test print was ordered, but had to be done in 4 separate files..

Note that the outriggers are extended (Red), The coupling clips (black) & two relieving bogies at either end (grey)

Travelling mode.

All the pieces involved.

To make the counter weights travel stiff wire will need to be installed (red)

The prototype, Visit nzrcranes.org for more!

The second design is the NZ120 Dh class,

Designed on the DH as it originally came in service. Bogie side frames are intended.

Update, I've decided to make a portion of the reference material available, to hopefully give more background to the EL crane. The photos were excellent reference material!

NZ120 Za Test print arrives.

The NZ120 Za test print arrived, printed in Frosted Detail. I've added trackgangproducts type 14 bogies & couplers. Painted, weathered & running in no time. 

Now available here 

Picture Source http://nzrailwaysrollingstocklists.weebly.com/za---covered-of-1976.html

NZ120 Steam Crane arrives

The NZ120 Steam crane test print arrives rather quickly from shapeways, After cleaning up the body the process of carefully removing the pieces began. Then painting & assembly resumes. I had intended on a working bucket, but seeing how tiny it is in nz120 scale I realize i'm lucky to have a bucket at all. So I ended up simply super gluing it in a position i'm happy with.

I used 2 wheels, the center wheel is missing, the space used up by a rather big screw, securing the deck to the chassis.

Thin wire is used for connecting the pulley/jib/chassis. I had intended to use wire to enable the bucket to function, but the connecting parts need to be enlarged which means compromising on the look. I might work on the bucket a bit more.

The design is now available from the shop https://www.shapeways.com/shops/kiwitrains

2 Screws enable the boom and bucket to work, a screw driver is required to operate the crane.

Coaling a loco on the mainline is probably not advisable.

Painted & weathered. Note the screws are accessible via the open back door.

Showing the underside, no brass bearings, just burr one end of the wheel and pop them in. The center wheel is quite un-necessary... The couplers attached with tiny screws picked up from the local watch repair man. 50 screws for $8!
The rather big screw adds weight, and a rubber washer to give the right amount of friction.

A snapshot of events during second crane build

Showing 2 cranes ready to work.

A rather good shot of the prototype.

Also, more info on nz cranes here http://www.nzrcranes.org/

Northern Explorer AKL & AKV receive Decals

NZ120 Kiwirail DL class hauling the NZ120 Northerner

Today the Northern Explorer receive their last decals, with the luggage van awaiting a further stripe. Which means hoping the model shop has decal paper in stock!

The decals were not the tidiest i've ever done... The AKC Cafe car had to have 1 side completely redone, as I managed to get it wrong on the first go!

Luggage Van on the rear

Leading Carriage is the AKV

HDR shot

The full set

And a video of it running.

The decals for the AKL & AKV, free to use

Test prints, NZ120 AKV & AKL Arrive

Today the AKV - Viewing carriage & AKL - Luggage van both arrived. After some cleaning up & primer I quickly inserted wheels into the bogies, added trackgang couplers & shes good to go.

Some weight is required, lead shot or sheet added inside somewhere to keep the light bodies on the track!

Some more decals will need to be drawn up, painting tho is next. Also I have a set of TT scale people that I need to find, and install some passengers.

The AKV is now available to purchase Purchase AKV here
&
The AKL is now available to purchase Purchase AKL here

AKV, with floor removed.

AKV

AKL

AKL

The whole set.

And a video for inspiration..

The viewing car with TT scale people fitted. DFT taking it for a spin this time

New Design, NZ120 Steam Crane

This weekend sees a new design come forth. A Priestman Steam Grab Coaling Crane, Photo's Grant Morrell has collected inspired me to design one for nz120 scale.

I've designed it in kit form, so basic assembly is required. The jib can be raised & lowered, also the cab can be rotated. The grab bucket also will be printed in parts and is designed to be fully functional.

The reels & axles are designed to be fitted with a spring on one side of the pulley, pushing against the reel, and ensuring it remains locked in position. A screw driver (Phillips) can be then used to push in, and wind.

Some work is to be done once i'm assured it can be printed after a test print is successful, to then allow me to create some instructions. Some photo's in the meantime can help illustrate what I mean.

An exploded view, Right side

An exploded view, Left side

 The crane will be available in 2 separate designs, it simply wouldn't upload with all parts, not sure why (Max polygons perhaps?).

NZ120 Steam Crane (1/2)

NZ120 Steam Crane (2/2)

A close up view of the bucket, Wire or fine screws will be needed to connect the bits together. Weight will need to be added to the yellow parts to make it function.

The model as it should look assembled.

A rather good shot of the prototype.

Also, some good info here http://www.nzrcranes.org/