I, too, have a Shapeways shop

[TangoOscarMike]

Dear All

 

I've just opened a Shapeways shop with two items (and more under development). Here it is:

 

https://www.shapeways.com/shops/toys-or-models

 

The two models are freelance tank engines that fit directly onto the Hornby 0-4-0 (Holden or Caledonian Pug) chassis. This is the fulfilment of my childhood daydreams: I had plenty of ideas for things like this, but I did not have the skills, resources, or attention span.

 

 

 

 

I can see from threads like this:

 

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/120431-show-us-your-pugbashes-nellieboshes-desmondifications-jintysteins/

 

that I'm not the only person who likes this sort of thing.

 

I'm only offering these prints in White Strong and Flexible (Polished) because I want to keep the prices down. I originally planned to use Frosted Ultra Detail (and I was worried about the cost). But when I ordered a test print in the cheaper plastic I was delighted with the outcome, and I changed my plans accordingly.

 

If there is a demand for it, I may re-work these models with finer details for higher-quality prints.

 

I have just ordered a test print of a Tender Engine for the same chassis, and I hope that I will be able to make this available soon. I have a couple of other models in a more experimental state, and plenty of other ideas.

 

I am, of course, open to suggestions.

 

Thank you for your attention

Tom

 

[JaymzHatstand]

A nice simple alternative for those who have a plethora of these things and want a bit of variety!

 

Nice work, and do I spot a hint of North Wales influence about them by any chance?

 

Looking forward to seeing more developments

 

Cheers

 

J

[MGR Hooper!]

Welcome to the group Tom... Your models look excellent and I am sure there's many out there who will be happy to buy some. Do consider making some diesels also

[TangoOscarMike]

A nice simple alternative for those who have a plethora of these things and want a bit of variety!

 

Nice work, and do I spot a hint of North Wales influence about them by any chance?

 

Looking forward to seeing more developments

 

Cheers

 

J

 

Thanks a lot! Indeed, the shape of the saddle tank in particular is inspired by the Ffestiniog's George England locomotives. And I've looked at a lot of narrow gauge prototypes.

 

Decades ago I could see that 009 modellers have a lot of fun putting freelance (and prototypical) bodies on N gauge mechanisms. I wanted to join the fun, and it seemed to me that the barriers to entry would be much lower if I stuck with 00 (and, as you point out, the most readily-available chassis that there is!).

 

 

Cheers

Tom

[TangoOscarMike]

Welcome to the group Tom... Your models look excellent and I am sure there's many out there who will be happy to buy some. Do consider making some diesels also

 

Thank you!

 

At some point I will buy one of Hornby's inside-cylinder 0-4-0 tank engines. I assume that (apart from the missing cylinders and connecting rods) the chassis is identical to the Holden/Pug version, but I don't know. For this chassis I would like to design something like a cut-down GWR 517 class.

 

Clearly the inside-cylinder chassis would also be ideal for a diesel. Until now I hadn't considered diesels, but now that you've suggested it I'll start mulling it over.

 

 

Cheers

Tom

[LNWR18901910]

Yes, welcome to the group! I'd love to see some models by you.

[coline33]

Tom, just a further thought for you. Many years ago I converted "Desmond" into a PLA loco type used at India & Millwall Docks. The main change being the enclosed cab. I accepted that the wheelbase was too long but since then of course Hornby have introduced the new mechanism for the Peckett W4. So how about some prototype bodies of different industrials to suit this new chassis, please?

[TangoOscarMike]

Tom, just a further thought for you. Many years ago I converted "Desmond" into a PLA loco type used at India & Millwall Docks. The main change being the enclosed cab. I accepted that the wheelbase was too long but since then of course Hornby have introduced the new mechanism for the Peckett W4. So how about some prototype bodies of different industrials to suit this new chassis, please?

Sorry about the late response - I'm on holiday and I've been away from the Internet.

 

In the short term, I'm concentrating on the low-cost Hornby 0-4-0 chassis (and so far only the outside cylinder variant). I want my products to be a gentle introduction to customisation, based on something readily available. For these purposes it makes sense for my models to be (a) freelance and (b) somewhat toy-like (hence the name of the shop).

 

The Peckett W4 is too expensive and too high-quality as a starting point for this sort of thing. But if I'm successful with what I'm doing, then I may well turn my attention to it in the future.

 

In the medium term I have several more ideas for the low-cost 0-4-0 chassis, including a Barclay style saddle tank with vertical sides. I've been having fun with freelance designs, but sooner or later I will try to make something a little more prototypical.

[lightengine]

Tom will you be trading at the Worthing model railway show?

Edited May 19, 2019 by lightengine