Showing posts with label M-1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label M-1. Show all posts

Friday, March 30, 2018

More Projects

I finally ordered a PowerMAX unit for use on my Shapeways East Broad Top M1, and it arrived yesterday, so this is finally on my build list.

I also received several Kato Mikado boiler shells to see if they can be used on the Erie K5A project. Perhaps with some modifications (and a lot of cutting) it would be possible, but they look kind of small so I'm not so sure they will work.

What I really need to do is learn to cast so I can reproduce that Arnold Pacific shell. I did get a book from BHI Publications about white metal casting, so maybe I'll educate myself enough to try it.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

EBT M-1?

Roy Stevens on the Nn3 list has been busy creating Nn3 items in his Shapeways shop. Unfortunately many of his creations are un-printable due to resolution issues for these small items, but I have gotten copies of the things I have been able to.

One of those things that I have often wished for was the East Broad Top's M-1 gas electric motor car.

Looks like I'm getting my wish!

It is printing now, when it gets here I'll do a build post.

Pinky swear!

Friday, February 15, 2013

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!