Restarting model building...
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I haven't been very productive lately, sorta in the doldrums.? To try and break out, I took the stainless Code 110 wheelsets I bought over the winter and began setting up an assembly line to build some 70 and 100 ton trucks.? Extra trucks are always nice to have available, especially when you are in the midst of an interesting model build. I make several of my own brass trucks to help add weight to freight cars and lower the center of gravity.? I also like them because the side frames are less apt to shatter when, while you're not looking, they roll off the workbench onto a concrete floor - we've all been there... That said, I'm experimenting using 3D printed Nylon bolsters.? They can be made (relatively) inexpensively using the SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) process.? Basically, the laser fuses together particles in a plastic powder bed to the shape called for by the 3D file, no support structure necessary.? The surface is not smooth so I never use SLS for parts where smooth finishes need to show.? It can be dyed black before forming, so
no painting is another advantage.? Brass bolsters are nice, but they are very unforgiving when it comes to construction form and fit, and tighter when sprung.? Being a lazy person, I'd rather not spend a great deal of time filing.? I'm finding the SLS-made bolsters fit easier and equalize a bit better.? We'll see how they hold up over time.? Anyway, that's what I'm up to, a couple photos attached. Jim Kindraka Grand Rapids, MI |
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On Sat, Apr 26, 2025 at 7:57?AM Mike Swederska asked:
?? Mike: Not 100% sure of your question?? If you are asking whether I personally cast brass, the answer is 'No'.? That is done using a third party brass caster in California.? I've worked with Scott MacKenzie to create 3D files after tracking down all the necessary dimensional drawings.? Over the years, I've accumulated probably a hundred truck drawings, most for 50 & 55 ton steam-era trucks.? The next step is creating oversize master patterns from those 3D files using Stereolithography (SLA).? Once tested and checked for form and fit, those patterns can go to the caster... It is not an inexpensive way to make parts and the trucks are not as detailed as SMMW, but they satisfy my needs.? I've probably done 10 (or more) different trucks that way - 'T' section Bettendorfs to a couple contemporary styles of 70" wheelbase, 100-ton Barbers.? I guess trucks have become a bit of an expensive obsession.? Take care... Jim Kindraka Grand Rapids, MI ? |
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I bought a couple pair of brass T-section Bettendorfs from Jim 4-5 years ago and am quite satisfied with them.? Whether they were his own creation or from an import I never knew.? They are not a commonly available type in S scale¡ªI think the only other source
is the former V&T white metal ones now available from Keith Wiseman.?
JGGK?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of J. Kindraka via groups.io <kindrakaj@...>
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2025 7:39 AM To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [S-Scale] Restarting model building... ?
On Sat, Apr 26, 2025 at 7:57?AM Mike Swederska asked:
?? Mike:
Not 100% sure of your question?? If you are asking whether I personally cast brass, the answer is 'No'.? That is done using a third party brass caster in California.? I've worked with Scott MacKenzie to create 3D files after tracking down all the necessary
dimensional drawings.? Over the years, I've accumulated probably a hundred truck drawings, most for 50 & 55 ton steam-era trucks.? The next step is creating oversize master patterns from those 3D files using Stereolithography (SLA).? Once tested and checked
for form and fit, those patterns can go to the caster...
It is not an inexpensive way to make parts and the trucks are not as detailed as SMMW, but they satisfy my needs.? I've probably done 10 (or more) different trucks that way - 'T' section Bettendorfs to a couple contemporary styles of 70" wheelbase, 100-ton
Barbers.? I guess trucks have become a bit of an expensive obsession.?
Take care...
Jim Kindraka
Grand Rapids, MI
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Jim K can answer as to whether he made any of these. But NASG sponsored a production run by Overland of T-section trucks in brass; they were very nice. And Pre-Size currently retails the 3D-printed trucks, also sprung, made by Miniatures from the North which come with M of?the N machined stainless steel wheels. Pre-Size catalog number is: PS567 Jim Whipple Pittsburgh PA On Sun, Apr 27, 2025 at 10:52?AM JGG KahnSr via <jacekahn=[email protected]> wrote:
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