Well on the way now.. Configuring the coupler pocket, and going to run some test prints to put the wheelsets into them. Don't want to let these get too far behind as I am building more and more cars...they must have wheels! LOL! Will post some print test pics when I print the first run and with wheels in them. Lain
Ok... we will know how these turn out in about an hour and a half.. Printing begun.. Took some refining.. These are tight and small!! Let's pray for no print failure! LOL!! Lain
Ok here we go.. First attempt at the 100 ton trucks. They are just ever so slightly smaller than what I wanted, but really darn close to the right size. The next prints I will do some work to bring in size and hone detail. But here we go...first look. Yes the coupler fits the pocket and there actually is a small spring pocket INTERNAL if you can believe it. I do have springs that will go inside. They will act as a "push" compression spring rather than the original style outside the coupler pockets currently. The detail is exceptional...but I bet I can do better. You can actually see the springs on these though. These were designed specifically for the H43 coal hoppers I built. I needed short projection for the couplers. Lain
Thank Kurt! I like em...but they are preliminary. The axles are just barely longer than the pockets in the bearing caps I made...sooo they have too much friction. So I am going to work it all in and change my settings a little for the next print. The thing thats hard to grasp is that these are barely a 1/4" darn near squared.. These sit nicely on the end of a pencil eraser! I think.....I have quickly approached the limits of what the printers will do lol! When the support material is bigger than the couplers...you know its small! Lain
Thanks Hemi, Gonna give em another go with some edits.. We are close with these but I don't want "close"... I want them to be smooth runners. Somewhat contemplating lengthening them like .020 longer mainly to add stability to the footprint of them.. I may do a test that way and see if there is any difference. These are close to square as the axle to axle spread is prototypical...but in T scale they are really tight together. They will work...but boy they are tight. I may be looking to hard into this lol!!
How different will .020" really be in T? Large enough to see if side by side with the original? At the end of the day, making T a viable, more-mainstream scale is dependent upon smooth, reliable running. I think you're on the right track to reach that point, but like you noted, it takes tinkering.
Mainly the .020 would add juuuuuust a little more clearance on our out of scale but necessary pizza slicer wheel flanges. I have the plastic ones right now from Tgauge.com and boy they are close on the flanges. The length couldn't hurt I wouldn't think. You are absolutely right with the creating smooth running cars is key. I am used to N scale on the smaller spectrum and used to think those had issues lol! N scale is smooth as silk this day and age. Thanks Hemi and please let me know pointers if you have messed with this scale as right now most everyone has more experience in this scale than I do! Advice is absolutely appreciated! I wish I knew someone who has a layout built up and running so I could put some of these cars out there when I get them through my testing. Lain
I have absolutely zero experience in T. I have a bit of Z, but nothing to brag about. I'm mostly an N scaler.
We will call this REV.B 1) Modified the coupler pocket to allow .002 more room all around. 2) Opened the axle cones and changed angle. 3) Added a wider boss around the screw hole (bottom). 4) Opened the screw hole .002 both head and shank. 5) widened the stance of the sideframes .002 (.004 total). Doesn't seem like much of a move on anything. When printing this small, it means the world for fit and function. Also modified the coupler to allow better fit between couplers.. Finishing up the bulkhead flatcar and will put it, the new rev.b trucks and new rev.b couplers on the plate to print next. Lain
I did some edits.. but left the length alone. Didn't add the .020. Gonna give em another go today sometime. Lain
I'm new to T scale. I have CNC and 3D printers but no schematics or even good views of T scale trucks to build my own in Fusion 360. Is asking for a design or STL file an acceptable request? If not, I'll wait until my starter set arrives and use those as a model.
Can't hurt to ask. Websites like Thingiverse.com have STL files for free, but there's caveats. Just be sure to look into it thoroughly if you intend to sell ites made with such a file.
That's very good given the tiny size. I think I'd need an electron microscope to see anything... Keep it up!
I have no intention of making stuff to sell. For the last 15 years or so, I've made and sold crokinole boards (https://hilinski.net/woodgames/) as a hobby. This is a for-me-only adventure.
Lain, Very nice work so far! Liked your cars and loco. The trucks do have a good level of detail. What are you using for a printer, and what resin are you using? Scott
