Jump to content
 

N Gauge ZFA 'Gunnell' Wagon


Recommended Posts

Hi all,

 

I've been asked by County Rolling Stock to produce a CAD model of an ZFA 'Gunnell' wagon in N gauge. This is out of my own modelling period so I've spent a lot time studying pictures and drawings. The Gunnell really is a minefield!

 

Anyway Richard has asked me to post my progress here, please let me know what you think.

 

post-943-0-56405300-1341577035_thumb.jpg

post-943-0-19246800-1341577046_thumb.jpg

post-943-0-35617500-1341577056_thumb.jpg

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Thanks guys.

 

As I'm working this as a commission the method of retaining the wheelsets is still be discussed. At present it is likely that the chassis will be cast with integral axle boxes to allow the wheelsets to be a push fit into the chassis.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi all,

 

A bit more work on the Gunnell. Since the last update the axle boxes have been reworked to better reflect the prototype. The hopper has had a lip added to the top most section and I've done a bit of work on the discharge chutes following new photograpic evidence coming to light.

 

These changes can been seen below.

 

GunnellAssembly11.jpg

 

I've still got to calculate the coupling position but I am waiting on a definitive answer as to what type of coupling pocket (likely Peco style) they wish to use.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Ben!

 

I would love to include NEM pockets. However trying to source supplies has proven very difficult and I'm yet to successfully print a working one - although Mr Pixels seems to have managed it so maybe this is a possibility...

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Pictures of the first test prints, this kit is some way off at the moment, hopefully early next year.

 

All Parts

post-9600-0-70281800-1349448600_thumb.jpg

 

Chassis

post-9600-0-54713200-1349448588_thumb.jpg

 

Chutes

post-9600-0-79545600-1349448573_thumb.jpg

 

Chassis and hopper

post-9600-0-81443100-1349448613_thumb.jpg

 

Hopefully more updates soon, please can anyone recommend resin and whitemetal casters?

 

We look forward to your feedback.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I've been using P & D Marsh for white metal although it's also one of the easier things to do yourself given a bit of suitable space (which I lack).

 

No idea on resin. Last time I investigated it was cheaper to 3D print most stuff and the 3D printed ones came out the same size as what went in and didn't warp.

 

Alan (not a resin fan 8))

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Gold

I'm right in thinking these are cut down PGA hoppers? Perhaps there is also potential to produce the original body in future. Would be nice to mix them along with the ones Farish produce (although the tooling is quite dated on these). I do have a few white metal Fleetline kits of this version in the kit box, but a kit with correct chassis would be nice.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Gold

Hello Richard

 

This looks very good indeed.

 

For resin casting, the NGS uses CMA Moldform of Birmingham, as do several other noted N Gauge manufacturers to my knowledge.

 

Alan is right that some care is needed to mitigate against warping but having a straight master is a good start! It's also possible with open wagons (especially with an angled body like this) to add a little draft so that the sides actually thicken toward the base; this will add rigidity. Shrinkage seems to be less of an issue now than it used to be, especially with quality casters.

 

I suspect the unit costs of resin v prototyping may be the deciding factor, assuming that the FUD casting you're using does not have the stratification issues that some prototyped models have shown.

 

I know there was some discussion earlier in the thread about couplers - has this been resolved? Also, are you planning to have any etched components?

 

cheers

 

Ben A.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Keith Ware will have this wagon on display at BRM Peterborough show this weekend on the NGS demo stand and I will have it at the Dapol members open day. Unfortunately the test etch parts have not arrived in time as promised.

 

I will update further in a few weeks and will aim to have a demo kit made up for Warley.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Ben

Yes it will have etched details, like covers and hand break wheels. At the moment we are looking at NEM pockets, with assistance from Dapol.

I am coming around to the idea that the chassis at least will be 3D printed as FUD seems more stable than resin. The kit will include brass beating cups to avoid ware on the plastic. The hopper I am stuck on and will test cast at some point. The chutes and tanks will be white metal, buffers are still being investigated.

 

Transfers are my next priority, several options need to be covered.

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Steve and Richard,

 

The kit is looking very good so far, it's about time this wagon was covered in 2mm!

 

Having spent a great deal of time looking at photos of PGAs (the original wagon that got cut down to make the Gunnell) there are many, many variations and it can be a bit of a minefield of details. It looks like you are working on a prototype based on the original batch built for Foster Yeoman with the deep headstocks (PG006A). Don't do what Lima did and combine details from different photos to come up with a set of details that don't bear resemblance to ANY of the prototypes! :no:

 

The PGAs were covered in detail by Phil Eames in DEMU Update a number of years back so it might be worth getting a copy of this as it also contains some of Colin Craig's excellent drawings of the PGA.

 

I have a few observations that I hope you won't take as criticism:

 

1. The brake distributer looks a bit different to the one used on the majority of Gunnells - possibly a different prototype? See this image here:

 

 

2. For the prototype that you are modelling, there is a bit more detail such as the hopper door locking mechanism and lever - are these going to be done as etched bits? You can see these clearly on this photo:

 

 

3. The support i-beams for the hopper body seem to be missing? On the prototype that you are modelling these are (unusually) vertical rather than angled (as per the previous photo).

 

4. What about the pipe runs and the cleating pattern on the side of the wagon?

 

5. The base of the pedestal suspension looks a bit "sharp". On the prototype, the bottom beam that the springs are sitting on has a rounded lower profile.

 

Do you plan to be able to offer the components to cover a range of detail variations? That's the beauty of 3D printing, you can make a couple of adjustments and voila, you have the right pieces for a different batch of wagons.

 

Keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing more pictures!

 

Guy

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Guy Thank you for the feedback, I'll try to answer a few of your points for now.

 

1: needs looking into.

2: these are either on the 3D print already or will be etched.

3: these are etched

4: May include some wire in the kit for the modeller to add if required.

5: needs looking into.

 

"The PGAs were covered in detail by Phil Eames in DEMU Update a number of years back so it might be worth getting a copy of this as it also contains some of Colin Craig's excellent drawings of the PGA." please can you advise me which copy I need to get hold off.

 

I have now had the test etches and will try to have a look at them at some point.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...