This thread is for the development of my Z-scale trucks. First attempt a Z-scale CCKW alongside the N-scale version.
Almost done fixing problems with the chassis and wheels. The cab and cargo bay both need an overhaul. I also noticed I made the cab a bit too narrow. View attachment 179848
John: That cargo bed was a real mess, this latest one is much nicer. The boards along the top are pretty much at the absolute limit of the printer's resolution. They are very delicate and may warp over time. I have 2 options here, I can go down to 3 wider boards and keep the slots between the boards open or I can make the sides solid all the way up, and emboss the boards on the outer surface. What do you think?
Meanwhile; for you N-scalers, here's the hood open version of the cab so you can see the engine. Great for that "broken down truck" scene.
I think you doing a fine job! that's the only problem doing Z scale most of the material have support wire and wall size too thick and it really hard to get the right look of that you want! I have been working with the board or deck look using boards and getting close as I can to the min support wire size. Shapeways has always caught the small sizes and rejected them. so I just try to keep a little above and have gotten good results. here is my logging building I have just primed white and you can see the look I was trying to get! It took a while but worth it! these are all 3D printed pieces. But the bottom on this piece is a mess they put them in a oven and a oil bath to clean and some times it just doesn't work right! but this one I had to repair a bit! but I think you will get it looking outstanding after another try. I haven't had any warping yet on piece that have been sitting for a while. I hope you don't mind me posting this if you do I will remove it I was just letting you know it can be done! It's just takes time. and each piece they print comes out different. they seem to still be working out the bugs! Some piece come out great and some look as if they sat in the sun for a long time likr the bottom of this one! have fun!
It looks very detailed. Your model will be an alternative to Shapeways" already existing Studebekers in 1:220: https://www.shapeways.com/product/NK4BJTHA2/1-220-studebaker-us-6-trucks?optionId=59136613 https://www.shapeways.com/product/S8ZHL9X58/1-220-studebaker-6x6-trucks-3?optionId=42264650 In case your design will be printable without any changest this is will be in my opinion more accurate alternative.
I'm looking for ideas for future projects. What kind of vehicles do we need in Z? One thing I am considering is buses, do we have many in Z scale? I prefer doing stuff from the 1930s, 40s and 50s like this one:
Any specific models you have in mind? I'm not very knowledgeable about farm equipment from the 30s, 40s, & 50s.
Great Northern had their own buses: http://www.gngoat.org/Bruck_by_Jan.JPG, http://www.gngoat.org/Bruck2_by_Jan.JPG, so there's a possibility.