LMSfan72

I think that’ll work….

The GBRF one is getting there now…. This will become either 73963 or 73962. The latter needs the emergency ladder bracket fitting to above the AAR multiple working socket so I am working on one of those! I didn’t think I’d be able to print the pipes and brackets, but, I have to say I’m happy with last nights design!

I learnt a lot on the first builds, not least of which how difficult it was to get the LEDs in place. I had a “eureka” moment overnight and have tried a 2 piece WIPAC for this one. The LED will fit in the WIPAC base and the cover is recessed to take the full lens. They will only get glued in once I have painted the yellow ends.

First print of part of the office building. It’s printed the brickwork quite well. However, it’s so small I can’t see it clearly with the naked eye. Not sure how I will paint the mortar lines!

I tried to hand paint the detail on my first sleeper and wasn’t that happy with my results. This time I masked and airbrushed, very lightly, and am much more pleased I also decided to edge the roof grill with paper

My second sleeper coming along I just changed the roof fin aerial design after I found a better picture

The closest I think I can find is the ESU BR261 which uses the MTU 8V 4000 R42 prime mover as opposed to the MTU 8V 4000 R43L that the 73/9 has. (I have no idea what the difference is!) The alternative is maybe the class 43 MTU 16V 4000 R41R……

I’m pretty sure it doesn’t exist, but, does anyone know of a project that might be close to the MTU engines in the 73/9? I know the Sleeper no longer runs on electric but I think the GBRF still does (just to complicate it further!).

Second sleeper - this is grey primer with 2 airbrushed coats of Citadel Incubi Darkness acrylic

Steve @railtec-models has just released the bodyside details for the GBRF 73/9 https://www.railtec-models.com/showitem.php?id=11350 Hopefully I’ll be able to get the first of these finished by this time next week!!

Interior looking great Jim. @letterspider that sounds like something to try. I have a bigger printer so the coach bodies print one piece now (@big jim if it doesn’t work let me know!) but I may well try that technique on my 73/9 conversions!

That's really helpful - It seems I can do all of them!

Nice to see all the bits coming together! great stuff

Well, isn't that interesting. When I get mine back (I couldn't get it to steam at all) I may have a go at printing different chimneys to see what happens! I can understand the standard double chimney wouldn't be optimised for "steam" and it's easy to do a single hole, but, it might be possible to tune it for different running styles 😁

Well, on the positive side, that could open up the opportunity for small, specialist/cottage industry suppliers to fill a void which imo helps the continuation of the hobby. Is the base model good enough for lots of people or not, and if not, can the hobbyist base make it better? I can't remember the last model I purchased that I didn't do something to, but, I did have to start from something