Dreams Coming True?

I am of the firm opinion that one of the best things to happen to model railroading is 3D printing. Using 3D printing we have access to make a lot of things at a reasonable cost, and one of the things I have always wanted was a model of the East Broad Top's gas-electric railcar M-1 in Nn3. So far as I know there is only one hand-built example in existence, and I don't have the confidence in my abilities to make another one.

With the advent of 3D printing the only thing that needs to be done is create a CAD model to fit over a prime mover. Searails has recently introduced a power truck that would be perfect for the project that is now sold through RLW, and I have been working at getting the information to the 3D modeler that created the EBT 2 and 3 bay hoppers that I built earlier. Now that he has it, he is hard at work in the creative process.

Maybe soon I'll have my very own M-1 roaming my narrow gauge rails. I suppose I'd better get started on getting them done. Towards that end my Clover House wide tie strips have arrived, so when I get the chance (between Mustang activities and finally completing my associates degree) I'll get the turnouts fixed and maybe try to mount one. I have an idea that I can mount the turnout on a piece of basswood for stability and then use a Caboose ground throw to actuate it, but I'll have to make a spring arrangement to keep from over-extending the throwbar and breaking the points loose from it. The trick will be getting a thin enough basswood piece to blend in with the cork roadbed and yet have it strong enough to hold everything in place. I might end up using birch instead, I'll have to see what is available. The second challenge will be getting everything fastened down securely and permanently enough to work full time, I have a feeling I would be better served to fasten the PC ties down rather than rely solely on the Pliobonded wood ties.

After the trackwork has been completed I'll get some foam and finally get serious about learning how to do scenery. It should be fun!