bluemattersoda

That's good, guess I still beat them then. I actually prefer the multiple units, on aesthetics!

Hi everyone, I've got photos of the painted model over at 3D printing threads http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/113998-sbb-twindexx-intercity-n-scale-spur-n-echelle-n/&do=findComment&comment=2904722 Probably be selling these on Shapeways this week! Thanks all, Alan

Thanks, and sorry for the loooong delay replying! I've sort of given up on the drive train idea...unfortunately at N scale the gears and 3D printing them is too finnicky and fragile. I've gone back on relying on Tomytec chassis. HO scale on the other hand my be more suited! Hi all, it definitely has been a long time since I updated this thread. The first RABE 502 started passenger service spurred me to finish painting the test prints, so here they are! Soon to be available on Shapeways. I've also started an Instagram account @platformtrains since the last I updated - feel free to check it out! Thanks for viewing, Alan

Hey sorry for the looooong delay to responding - completely slipped my mind! Z gauge is definitely possible though unfortunately don't have any plans at the moment. However I am planning a HO version in full color sandstone, depending on the success of the test prints Cheers!

Hi, they aren't in passenger service yet, still in testing around Switzerland. i think they are slated for service this year

Hi all, long time no post. Here's the updated print. I've decided to use decals for the livery rather than paint. I'm still making the decals at the moment, and the white undercoat isn't as good as I hoped.

Hi all, long time no post. Here's the updated print. I've decided to use decals for the livery rather than paint. I'm still making the decals at the moment, and the white undercoat isn't as good as I hoped. There are more photos in the 3D printing forum: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/113998-sbb-twindexx-intercity-n-scale-spur-n-echelle-n/?p=2889606

Hi Simon, I think I agree that the minimum wall thickness is a problem. It will be difficult motorising using Tomytec chassis in n scale for example, cos there won't be enough room. It's something I will be playing around with though! Thanks JDW for your support! I think I'll make a detail plastic version for those looking at a smoother finish. Cheers!

Huh, that's quite a clever method to make windows in N scale! I've been doing a glazing sheet which fits on the inside of the body shell using transparent detail...and it's very expensive! This looks like a good method. Do you guys think it'll work in HO scale?

Thanks for sharing your techniques - I've been experimenting with coloured sandstone recently (here), and have been considering converting some of my N scale trains on Shapeways to coloured sandstone. Could you explain how you did the windows in a little more detail? did you have an acrylic sheet behind before adding the "krystal klear" (by the way, what is it?). Thanks!

Thanks, I've already been down to the Brunswick terminus of Route 96 to get some images for a future E2 model. Tramtracker's very helpful for showing the tram number so you know when the E2's coming! I haven't tried that yet, but it may be difficult with the embossed windscreen wiper! Mate, I really don't know why you're so upset over me experimenting with materials. Of course it's got a rougher surface - that being said the prints are less rough than I had been expecting. I'm perfectly aware of different methods to colour, see below previous n scale work with decals. I also haven't ruled out making the E1 models available in FUD or HDA.

Hi everyone, Lately I've been experimenting with full colour sandstone 3D prints. I have noticed a lot of people are turned off buying 3D printed trains because of the painting - especially modern liveries with complicated graphics. This is the new E Class trams running in Melbourne - modelled in HO So here are the renders of the 3D model, in Rhino: And here are the test prints from Shapeways. I had two test sections done, one in standard Colour Sandstone, the other Coated. I think the uncoated version looks better. The Transparent Detail Plastic windscreens are a bit of a disappointment...more frosty than transparent. Also, the indicator lights didn't come out in the colour, so I will be revising in the model. The roof details are looking sharp though. I'll be revising the colour in the panel joints - as you can see they are bleeding onto the white. I also need to finalise how the chassis will work, but i'm happy with how this is turning out.

Time for a quick update! Again, I must apologise for the long time between updates. This will be a quick update again - hoping to have a more substantial update with painted model to show soon. Anyway, did a quick trial fitting of my 3D printed gears. Good and bad - it seems I get very close to getting it work, only to have something jam it all up. Here was the revised chassis model To summarise: Flexible Motor Shaft (WSF) - got the right balance between strength and flexibility so that it can help the universal joint turn (printed in WSF) Universal Joint (FUD) - FINALLY got this to work! Though I will need to up the size of the connected gear wheel. Wheel gears and Bogie Drive Shaft (FUD) - these mesh well and appear to turn correctly. The problem now is the WSF bogie frame. Seems that the fit is too tight to allow the gears to turn smoothly. I suspect this to be a scale tolerance issue - I've encountered this before in Shapeways WSF which may be smaller or bigger than what you design. This means everything is jamming up. The FUD parts are also very fragile - don't know how long they will last. I'm considering now if I should abandon this whole idea of making my own gears, and following the tried and true path of modifying a store bought chassis. While I'm close to making it work, it is always just beyond reach. Assembling the pieces is also very finicky, and in cost it works out about the same as buying a Tomytec chassis and modifying it. I'll give this some more thought. Until the next update!

Thanks Mike. I think I'll make the black detail plastic available for the windows. That said it should be OK that you don't see any seats through the transparent plastic. I've placed the order for the test print so will know soon!

Hi everyone, I've update the model as suggested by Ben A - please check out the thread over at 3D printing: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/113998-sbb-twindexx-intercity-n-scale-spur-n-echelle-n/?p=2647678. Here are some images: And the Second Class trailer (first class is also done): Anyhow, please let me know what you think. I hope to do another test print soon and will post photos when that's done. Alan