TM2201A

Too cold for resin printing so finished off some CAD work. Something small and manageable from Seddon and something ungainly from AEC.

Frustration in progress on a smaller tractor unit.

Brake levers are quite a challenge as they can't usually be drawn using the basic 3 planes that the CAD system initially presents you with and you've got the fun of forcing the Loft/Sweep/Variable Section sweep system to create solid parts reliably (oh the fun we had with Ideas and ProEngineer). I'd start off getting solid bodies on to known planes ( in this case vertical) so that's the drive boss at the v hanger end and the handle end of the lever. Then create further reference planes (constrained by centre lines or dimensions from the solid bodies) into which centre lines for thin features or sweep/loft paths and profiles can be drawn. Once the basic 3D bent bar has been created then go through and do cutting operations to get any tapered profile, Morton cam details, etc. Finally add rounds/fillets, chamfers and any drafting required to make the part look cosmetically correct/improve printability.

The Bison tanker has made it off the printer.

Meanwhile another lurking project on the CAD machine

I think I'll call it done on CAD work on Ergomatic variations for now.

Whilst the location of the windscreen wipers and mounting of the rear view mirrors on to the windscreen pillars may have been a good idea in the drawing office at Joseph Sankey they're a pig to recreate in model form so some compromise is in order for parts that are under 1mm thick.

The MK3 Ergomatic 1976 Bison/Buffalo cab has made if off the printer. Posed and fitting rather well on the Octopus development model.

A bit more work on the Bison. A not so quick trial of the tanker body was run off on the printer and sat on the Octopus chassis to see what it looks like.

About an hour's work and the Octopus chassis assembly is together. I couldn't resist gently posing the cab and tipper body on the chassis.

While the PC was running some slicing and other print supervision I had chance to do a quick bit of work on some different options; AEC Ergo 4 axle tanker, Late Bison 3 axle tanker.

More on the Octopus. The chassis, cab interior (albeit minus the steering wheel) and tailgate came out over the weekend. Having keyed up the printer to run unattended today the wheels, suspension, various mudguards, tipper hydraulics, fuel tank and tailgate parts have churned out today. A few of the locating pins and holes need to have a check over as they're too tight but pretty good progress.

Yes I have a 3D printer, I've used it for work stuff quite a bit though it has been diverted to modelling projects more recently. I inadvertently appear to have drawn up a kit for an Octopus/Mammoth Major/Mammoth/Hippo/Bison/Buffalo. Excellent to see your work on the carved up Dinky.

Some more Ergomatic progress; the FDM printer did a great job of the tipper body and a few more details added to the design files.

Nicely done. I'll see your three axle Ergo and raise you four...