Timber

Someone asked for a STL file that could be edited in Tinkercad. The link below is a version of the file that I reduced in Meshmixer. I have no idea how this will print - be very interested in feedback.... https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lG9i6A_slWXR2sUV_FyhqEWgSMMDl9nY/view?usp=sharing If it does not print well then I can increase the file size. However, what I wanted to avoid was offering a file that just squeezed onto Tinkercad and then could not be edited or downloaded beyond that point.....let me know as I have not tested this file myself. But for anyone who wants the "full fat" STL then look back for earlier link, it should be working now. BTW Meshmixer is a brilliant and simple utility to use, I use it for multiple applications - it really is useful. https://www.meshmixer.com/. There are loads of YouTube tutorials on it.

Working on a few different cab designs....

Here they are fitted together. It runs nicely. Chassis needs to be trimmed to fit within headstocks and a fixing bolt added to the cab floor. But it is heading in the right direction....

Here is the body for the etch and split chassis. This version has the step printed, They appear robust but I suspect that they may be fragile. I plan to test an etched step that is attached to the chassis. I will share this once complete.

Moving on to the etched chassis. I will share the artwork later in this blog but here is the assembled chassis for pickups. I will be drawing a split chassis version but I am not going to test this as I use pickups. But it will be available for others. The chasis has compensation beams at the rear for the middle and rear wheels leaving the front wheels to pivot on a simple rocker. Brake parts are available, I will fit these later after I have tested the locomotive build properly

Here is the link for the saddle https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AjEkpf9GyZO_uY4DakWeq1FkW-1op-sC/view?usp=sharing I am not going to offer a file with supports as it is very easy to put supports on this - auto support does the job. However, I found that you need to possition as shown in screen shot for best print.

Thanks for testing Rob. Both the links should work now please message me direct if there are problems

That should work now.....

Here you go - it is in the first post from this eveing, I will be posting the etched chassis version next weekend,,,,,,,

For any S Scale modellers who want a copy of the loco plus supports then here you go - it is an .stl file. This obj is sized correctly plus 1% shrinkage, I am not an expert at supports so you may prefer to do your own. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kcr9_CTlhuFRK9ltyXU7xNMCw2ik8YZy/view?usp=sharing

BTW this file supports the more common smokebox door. There are many variants of this component but the one I have copied appears to be the most common.

Here is a link to an STL of the Body and Chassis, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q8slVrBzUBh7ZMh-K6gTsAhwf_TvIbR6/view?usp=sharing I am not an expert at 3D printing and I have taken a few shortcuts to create a model that works for me but happy to share what I have made and if anyone wants to improve then that is fine. Also happy if anyone wants to rescale but clearly axle diameters etc will need to be modified so you will need access to some sort of CAD package to attempt this. I will be making seperate postings for the Tank and also a version that will run with an etched chassis that I am making plus a few variations of the bunker. This STL is saved as prototype full size dimension in inches. I resize to S Scale by simply dividing the length that is measured in inches/12*4.76. I find this easier than working in % s. If your slicer will not support resizing the flie then try loading a copy of Meshmixer. I allow for 1% shrinkage, So once you have the file in the correct size simple multiply by 1.01...before saving to your slicer, Basic stuff I know but better a prompt than to wait 6 hours to print and find it is the wrong size,

Another view

Here it is painted. A number of improvements going into the next version of the artwork....

Looks like you are going to have to start modelling the Brecon and Merthyr! I think that will make four of us. BTW an outstanding model - really inspirational.

Here you go.....works number 58

Quick picture of the inside of the cab. The new gearbox driving the back axle has been accomodated without impacting the cab detail. Looks like the fresh paintwork will need a little bit of attention before varnish.

Now pushing on and painting the engine before the rest of the fittings are applied.

To ensure the correct clearance a 0.7mm brass wire should be passed through the corresponding hole in the cab floor and the fitting before the glue is applied. This will help highlight if there is any missalignment.

These are simply super glued in place.

There are still a few areas where I want to improve the print, it needs the correct smokebox door and the headstock needs a slight tweak. However, rather than keep going over the same ground I am going to finish this model as a prototype and apply all the modifications in one go at the end brfore making the finished model. With this model I will produce a small set of etches. Included in this etch are two strengtheners that sit along the top of the cab side and support the cab handles. Without this etch the handles would just snap out of a plastic fitting.

With this print, the locomotive now benefits from some very simple compensation, basically there is 0.5mm of vertical play in the axles. This is very simple but the combination of the heavier motor, driving the back axle together with some vertical movement in the axles is now producing a very slow and smooth ride. A significant improvement over earlier test runs.

The revised motor and gear box all fit nicely in an updated print. I have also reduced the rivet size on the saddle, will be interesting to see if the detail is lost when painted.

I have fitted the motor unit to a simplified form of the print. Removing the footplate and cab so I can see how the motor fits. It runs nice and smoothly - much closer to what I am looking for. The wheels are temporary Scalelink products rather than damage my 3D printed Manning Wardle wheels for these test builds. Now need to see if I can fit the rest of the print around the motor,