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TurboSnail

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Blog Entries posted by TurboSnail

  1. TurboSnail
    Following a request from a friend, I put together a print full of stuff that might be useful for scratchbuilding and bashing - lots of chimneys, springs, domes, a backhead etc.  Plus some steampunk bits... Hopefully it's all of some use! I've been thinking about providing the various bits of all the loco kits I make as spares, so if that's something you'd be interested in, do drop me a message.
     

     
    Stats:
    Successful controller automation tests: 5 (everything worked! Yay!)
    Cumulative pushup counter: 3025
  2. TurboSnail
    While I was messing around with controllers, I thought I'd make a thingy to help with some basic measurement jobs and to act as a reference for various things. No idea if it'll be any good, but worth a punt since it wasn't expensive to make.
     
    It's got an average OO person, back-to-back gauge, centre finder, scale ruler, actual ruler, track width gauge, some other handy measurements and wire/axle size identifier. Probably a bit small, but any bigger would have been more expensive.
     

     
    Stats:
    Total controller spend (so far): £50ish (but I nearly have enough components for two...)
    Cumulative pushup counter: 2875
  3. TurboSnail
    Well, I do have one other ongoing project... this semi-freelance version of a Planet 20hp. It's a bit larger, so maybe it's a 30hp? I don't know, it's just a bit of fun to keep my mind off other things. 
     

     
    Stats:
    No of my brains insufficiently active to generate stats: 1
    Cumulative pushup counter: 2725
  4. TurboSnail
    Erm... you may have noticed this post is a little later than usual... That's because I have done hardly any modelling today! Doing long hours at work is making me lose my motivation a bit, at a time when I really should be doing more modelling to distract myself and lower my stress levels (my work messaging app is are still beeping every few minutes - or would be if I hadn't just muted it). Oh well. 
     
    Anyway, I've put some writing on this PCB. Does that count as progress? I've tidied up the tracking a bit to make them less obvious and able to carry more current, and found sources for most of the components I want. The controller has also gained a name...
     
    Still to do on this: round off the corners/tidy up the measurements to nice round numbers (this will make enclosure and front panel design easier). Finalise component choice and order the bits. Then order the boards!
     

     
    Stats:
    Depth of material removed from the bottom of the barrel whilst writing this post: >3mm
    Cumulative pie-eating counter: 1 (how I've managed to go this long without one, I don't know - steak and kidney, since you ask)
    Cumulative pushup counter: 2575 (in a weak attempt to make up for the above)
  5. TurboSnail
    More progress on the controller, I've managed to put some code together to make the controller respond to a potentiometer, operating as a centre-off (as I prefer that to having a reversing switch). Experimenting with throttle curves and various amounts of dead zone in the centre too, so it buzzes less and has nice smooth control at lower speeds. 

    So the next part is to make this all into a nice neat PCB. I've started on the schematic in KiCAD (free PCB design software), and so far I have the following additional specification:
    12V aux connector (for powering lights etc.) Additional reverser (in case I wire up a motor the wrong way round) Two terminal block inputs for additional inputs (might run a shuttle in future) Additional switch input (for some sort of future expansion) erm... Tea maker? Heath Robinson sandwich constructor?  


     
    Stats:
    Projects I've started to avoid having to paint a backscene: erm... at least 3
    Adequate reasons for making a controller rather than buying one: Not enough... apart from fun 
    Cumulative pushup counter: 2275
  6. TurboSnail
    Well, I sort of enjoy it anyway. PCB design is a bit like fitting together a puzzle, only there's no one set solution so you can be more creative. Especially when trying to fit things onto as small a board as possible. Here's the controller solution I've come up with, it could be made smaller (currently 55x70mm) but at the expense of ease of assembly and clarity. Regulator in the middle, directional LED at the bottom, power on (with LED) in the top corner and shuttle and reverser switches also at the top. Input and outputs all on the back of the board, along with the motor driver and Arduino.
     

     
    Stats:
    Approx. hours spent on this design: 2 (it's not that hard)
    Number of WiFi dropouts while trying to type this blog post: 3 (I don't type that slowly, my WiFi is just rubbish)
    Cumulative pushup counter: 2425 (I've got stuck at 150/day...)
  7. TurboSnail
    I've not really had the motivation to do proper modelling the last couple of days, so I'm just sat doing more CAD. I've also been trying to fix my 3D printer as that's been playing up again. However, this has resulted in the prototype 48DS CAD being finalised, and the Heinz version modelled as well. Here they are in the print supporting software.
     

     
    Stats:
    Hours left on current 3D print: 7hr30mins (ooh, exciting...)
    Number of Rustons bought today: 1 (it won't be a Ruston for long, their chassis' are so nice)
    Cumulative pushup counter: 1830 (when I started this, I wasn't expecting it to go on for more than about 2 weeks...)
  8. TurboSnail
    I've got my science hat on today (it glows, and there are many bells and whistles) and am having a stab at making a controller. I haven't got one here and it's irritating trying to test locos with just a 9V battery. So, the plan is to make something that I can use for testing, which means adding a degree of automation to shuttle a loco back and forth along a short length of track. That means Arduino.
     
    So I've had a play around with a new Nano Every on a breadboard with a PWM motor driver - total cost less than £20. If I bought the unbranded eBay equivalents it would be even cheaper. I've got it set up running a motor up to full speed, hold for 5 seconds, then ramp back down to stop. Then the same in reverse. I've tested a load of different motors and they all seem to be running ok. Next step is to mess around with the programming a bit more, add manual control and make a nice neat PCB for it all to sit on. No small task then!
     

     
    Stats:
    Total motor test hours (so far): 2
    No. of motor types tested: 5
    Cumulative pushup counter: 2125
  9. TurboSnail
    I've now finished the Ruston works no. 177530, the prototype that would eventually become the 48DS. The loco was built in 1936, then was sold to Heinz, during whose ownership it was slightly modified (hence the two versions in yesterday's post). I've put together a basic video showing the build and the removal of the DCC socket that was needed to make it fit. Hopefully my voice isn't too soporific!
     
    If you'd like a set of prints to do this conversion, have a look at ts3dmodels.blogspot.com where I've got more info and contact details.
     
     
    Stats:
    Total hours spent building this loco: 3 (roughly)
    No. of attempts needed to get the loco to fit the footplate: 1 (First time! This never happens!)
    Cumulative pushup counter: 1975
  10. TurboSnail
    I managed to prime and paint the little Ruston yesterday evening, although it's not the neatest job I've ever done. A generous weathering will hopefully hide most of my indiscretions. 
     

     
    Stats:
    Number of Ruston chassis' I need to buy to run all the loco bodies I've designed or am working on: 4 (this may also increase in future)
    Cumulative mugs of tea counter: 64 (estimated)
    Cumulative pushup counter: 1555
  11. TurboSnail
    I am becoming slightly obsessed with the Hornby Ruston 48DS chassis, to the extent that I'm now looking at a number of other things I might be able to fit it under. Suggestions welcome! 
     
    Last night I was too tired to do any proper modelling, so I had a mess around with my Howard/Hibberd/Planet CAD, and it looks like the Ruston could be made to fit. The wheels are a little bit too small, but reasonably well hidden on this loco, and the bonnet would have to be made about 2mm wider. I'm still debating whether this is an acceptable compromise - it would run much better than its current chassis.
     
    I'm also having a go at semi-freelancing another... thing - I'm not going to reveal what it's based on yet, as there's a good chance it won't work. It is very small though!
     

     

     
    Stats:
    Time spent on CAD instead of sleep: too much
    Hours before I have to go back to work (hooray!): 100(ish)
    Cumulative pushup counter: 1690 (ow!)
  12. TurboSnail
    The prototype 48DS (though it wasn't called a 48DS until much later) fits the footplate! Some nice design from Hornby here means I can reuse the footplate, which is great as it has a lot of weight in it, so it should still run well. Lots of pressure at work at the moment so my time is given over to that rather than modelling, but hopefully will get primer on soon.
     

     
    Stats:
    Number of bolts/screws left over from the desk and chair I put together yesterday: 8
    Level of concern that gives me: none
    Cumulative pushup counter: 1425
  13. TurboSnail
    I had a Ruston 48DS body lying around after nicking its chassis for the Sentinel. So I've done some CAD for the prototype version of the class, built in 1936, which allows it to be used much earlier than the Hornby examples. Next job is to see if it still fits the chassis! I'll probably make it's modified version as well as used by Heinz.
     

     
    Stats:
    Number of attempts it took to get the desk I ordered from the completely different address the bloody courier delivered it to: 3
    Number of times profanity was uttered due to the above: lost count
    Cumulative push-up counter: 1295
  14. TurboSnail
    Last night was taken up with the build of the new prototype AEC chassis. It now runs, with 4 wheel drive, but needs some tweaking to get it a bit smoother and quieter. It's built with 3D printed gears and no bearings (due to issues of supply for both), so it is very loud, and not great at smooth starts. I think I'll have to make another one with better components once all this isolation jazz is over.
     
    I also livestreamed this chassis build, but I wasn't very organised so it's a bit of a messy video!
     
     
     
    Stats:
    Time between printing and building the chassis: 20mins
    Total build time: about 60 mins, allowing for much faffing about and dismantling the old chassis
    Cumulative pushup counter: 1170
  15. TurboSnail
    As hinted at yesterday, I've been re-jigging the chassis of the AEC shunter. It's now 4 wheel drive and hopefully still very easy to assemble - I'll find that out at some point, as it's currently printing. The body I've already made will hopefully be reusable. I say hopefully, as it will need some weight removing to fit the motor, and that's what caused me to break the little Hunslet a few days ago. Wish me luck...
     

     
    Stats:
    Built: Southall works 1938
    Power: 78hp
    Status: Currently being restored, not sure if intended to run on a preserved line somewhere
  16. TurboSnail
    Not much modelling done today - busy running the printer and packing up kits in the hope that I can get outside tomorrow to the Post Office. Planning to tie it in with a food run and picking stuff up from the office.
     
    So instead, a request for help. I'm trying to decide on a livery for my freelance coal wagons and have done a few in slightly different styles. Personally, I think I prefer no. 21 so far, I think it suits the 1910-ish time period best. Any comments? Think I should probably add tare weights somewhere as well. I prefer the grey to the blue, but both will get weathered down the line to tone them down. Would the inside of the wagons be bare wood, body coloured or painted another colour?
     

     
    Stats:
    Number of times ventured outside (in the first week of lockdown): 5
    3D printer running hours (in the first week of lockdown): 78
    Cumulative push-up counter: 525
  17. TurboSnail

    Day 5: Coaling

    By TurboSnail,

    Done some more work on the wagons, finished the painting, and added coal. I added some lead in the bottom of the wagon, covered it in a sheet of thick card, then added the coal over that - unfortunately I forgot that lead and PVA don't mix well, and now I have some authentically bowed-out wagon sides. Oh well...
     

     
    And the Hudswell contractors loco got coaled too.
     

  18. TurboSnail
    Just some wagon painting and transfers this time, on a couple of kits that I've had lying around for a while. The paint is Halfords Ford Polar Grey, and don't tell anyone this, but I've cheated with the ironwork and coloured it in with a Sharpie. I'm still trying to work out a final 'Kent Coal' livery, hence why all the wagons are a little bit different! Hopefully for tomorrow, I'll have the wagons fully painted and the rest of the transfers done.
     

     
    Stats:
    Pasta stocks: worryingly low
    Soldering burns (since start of lockdown): 3
    Cumulative pushups counter: 195
  19. TurboSnail
    I've taken some brave pills and had a go at weathering my Sentinel. I'd just finished it when I had a look at it in a few different lights, and it was way too black, even for a heavily used, unkempt loco. Fortunately the wash was still wet enough that by adding more thinners and rubbing it back with a paper towel, I was able to get it back to a more reasonable state. Not convinced it's the best job ever, but I think it looks better than the unweathered version, so I suppose it's progress.
     
    I've also finished off the figures I was working on, just simple 3-colour jobs on most of them, with the help of a fine-tip Sharpie for facial hair. Again, I probably should have done more research into period colours before painting them, but oh well, they'll do for now.


     

     
    Stats:
    Number of WiFi dropouts yesterday: 16(ish) - coincidentally whenever I was uploading or downloading large PCB files, grr...
    Number of days taken to work up the courage to weather the Sentinel: 5
    Cumulative push-up counter: 825
  20. TurboSnail
    I was working on the Hunslet 4wDM last night - it was running and was usable as a loco, but I was never happy with the speed of it, so I redesigned the chassis to reduce the gearing by 3x. So I was trying to take the weight out of the body to make room for the new motor, but it was too well stuck, and well... it didn't go to plan. Needless to say, much profanity was uttered, and I decided it was best not to try any more modelling for a while. Still undecided as to whether to repair it or just make an entirely new body for it.
     
    It's sad but true - one feels unforgiven for allowing frustration to fuel this kind of error. Still, the memory remains of the times when this loco was running around happily like an energetic little dog, so I think it's time to turn the page and move on - that's the kind of attitude I need to cure this (with apologies to those musicians...).
     

     
    Stats:
    Old Hunslet top speed: 73mph (scale speed)
    New Hunslet top speed: 30mph (it will rise from the ashes, better this time!)
    Cumulative push-up counter: 720
  21. TurboSnail
    I've had a go at some weathering, something I'm not very used to - I started with a wagon I'm not too precious about, just in case. Not sure it's turned out too great? It's just had a simple wash of black so far, all over. The underframe needs a bit more variety, so will get a brown wash at some point. Any pointers on improving my techniques and adding a bit more interest without overdoing it?
     
    Some enginemen and workmen have started being painted too, in this case some cast ones from A C Stadden. I normally use Hardy's Hobbies ones (I am biased) but in this case I'm making some very lightweight locos at the moment, so these ones are very nicely modelled and add some useful weight. Apologies for the murkiness of the photo.
     

     
    Stats:
    Teabag supply: replenished (phew!)
    Place in the queue at Morrison's at 8am this morning: 26th
    Cumulative pushup counter: 620
  22. TurboSnail
    Bit of a lazy Sunday really, the Sentinel has gained name and numberplates, and the mechanism has been painted so it doesn't appear obvious through the gaps in the body. I also dug out my old planned Rail Rover adaption kit. This hasn't really worked yet, it runs, but it a) is too quick and b) doesn't pick up well. The first issue I have a solution for, that's not a problem - the second though depends on the source of wheels. The one's I've got are blackened, which according to my multimeter doesn't conduct well. However, I'm yet to find a source of 9mm diameter bare-metal wheels. If I do find some, this kit will get finished, if not then it'll get left on the shelf with all the other projects I haven't finished.
     

     

     
    Stats:
    Teabag stock: 0 (Don't Panic! Don't Panic!)
    Number of times I've stubbed my toe on the corner of the layout baseboard that I should have moved from the floor by now: I've lost count (and feeling in my toe)
    Cumulative push-up counter: 435
  23. TurboSnail
    Today's modelling has mostly been taking a quick break from work throughout the day to monitor, set off and clean up 3D prints. Making a batch of ballast wagons for a customer, each pair takes 8 hours to print! And I only have 1 printer. So it's a slow process, checking on it every couple of hours to make sure it's all still working fine. I also changed out the IPA cleaning fluid after about a month of use (a horrible job). As an experiment, I left the old stuff on a windowsill for about 10 minutes and it went from transparent green to cloudy, chunky white! Now I need to find somewhere to dispose of it responsibly...
     

     

     
    Stats:
    Teabags remaining: 6 (this is worrying)
    Gloves used while changing cleaning alcohol: 6 (this is not stuff you want on your hands!)
    Cumulative press-up counter: 270
  24. TurboSnail
    Howard lives! Last night all the wiring (there's not much) was finished, and the wheels given a good clean. Testing with a 9v battery (I still haven't made a controller yet), it works pretty well, and the pickup is good for such a short wheelbase. It could probably do with a little more weight if I'm going to pull more than about 5 wagons at a time, but the plan for it is to be one of the shunters for my planned 6-wagon Inglenook layout, so it should be fine.
     
    It has wooden gears, I'm hoping to have found a way to make plastic ones by the time it becomes a proper kit. Should make it quieter than it is now!
     
     
     
    Stats:
    Miles jogged: 1 (slowly)
    Mugs of tea consumed: 5
    Cumulative pushups done: 125
  25. TurboSnail

    Day 1

    By TurboSnail,

    I consider myself fortunate to have a job still, so I don't have much more time to myself than usual, although I can break off during the day to spend 10 minutes painting something or run the 3D printer. So this little series is going to be a short account of the modelling I get up to each day, just to help keep myself amused. Some entries may be very short!

    The first job today was trying to paint a grey sky backscene - and here, we're not off to a great start as I used spray paint on to plywood. It doesn't stick! Lesson learned, brush emulsion ordered...
     
    Job 2, making some changes to my forthcoming Howard Petrol shunter kit. It used to be 2 wheel drive, but getting the front pickup to work and still have the wheels turning was proving tricky. I've redesigned it to be 4 wheel drive, and use a cheap motor, assembling which was today's job. It currently looks like this... Hopefully it'll run by tomorrow.
     

     
    Stats:
    Pasta reserves: Fair
    Conference calls taken: 2
    Times cursed at slow WiFi: 3
    Cumulative pushups done: 60
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