Z Scale 70 Tonner

shortpainter Nov 8, 2021

  1. shortpainter

    shortpainter TrainBoard Member

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    I've been very quiet these past six months. It took me a long while to work out all the bugs for my new 70 Tonner project. I added some unusual features to this one. I even designed my own z scale coupler for this project. Unlike the 44 Tonner, this one has plastic swinging couplers instead of static couplers integrated into the shell. They perform surprisingly good. I also switched from the Rokuhan metal worm gear to a plastic one. It runs the loco nice and smooth without chewing up the powered truck's main gear. The best part is there is no need for a gear puller. The biggest change from my previous designs is the etched metal long hood details. All the access doors are a single piece of etched metal that is glued to the side of the shell. It cleans up that "3D printed look". Visit the links in my signature for more details on the design process.

    longHood.jpg IMG_3694.jpg IMG_3696.jpg IMG_3695.jpg
     
  2. Chris333

    Chris333 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Man that is awesome!
     
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  3. Zscaleplanet

    Zscaleplanet TrainBoard Supporter

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    Indeed, really nice! Great weathered look and not overdone.
     
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  4. JoeS

    JoeS TrainBoard Member

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    That’s a great looking switcher. How did you make the coupler? It’s intriguing.
     
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  5. CNE1899

    CNE1899 TrainBoard Member

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    Rudy,

    Looks really nice! That panel is a nice idea. Couplers also sound interesting.

    Scott
     
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  6. Steffen B

    Steffen B TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Rudy,

    great looking model! (y)(y)
     
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  7. John Bartolotto

    John Bartolotto TrainBoard Supporter

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    Sweet Rudy!!
     
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  8. shortpainter

    shortpainter TrainBoard Member

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    The couplers are made from Shapeways SLS printing process. They are strong yet flexible enough to work with all other z-scale commercial couplers. The only drawback is that they need to be painted. The good thing is that this material bonds acrylic paint really well.

    IMG_4062.jpg
     
  9. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Would these couplers work in N scale on a unit train?
     
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  10. CNE1899

    CNE1899 TrainBoard Member

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    Rudy,

    Some of the smaller early industrial locomotives (steam, gasoline, electric) ran on smaller wheels, 18-30 inch. Do you know of any sources for smaller wheels in Z?

    The smallest wheel I know of in Z is 33 inch, and then there is T scale which comes to 18 inches in Z.

    Scott
     
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  11. shortpainter

    shortpainter TrainBoard Member

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    Probably not. Do the cars have a way to mount it?

    T gauge wheels are the smallest wheels I know of.
     
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  12. Kurt Moose

    Kurt Moose TrainBoard Member

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    Wow, Rudy-that is a work of art! I could see this on a shelf switching layout, running about, industry to industry!

    There's a couple of these still running around the industrial areas of Seattle here, mostly near Harbor Island, in a couple scrap yards.
     
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  13. ddechamp71

    ddechamp71 TrainBoard Member

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    Very nice achievement ! I guess its mechanical and electrical components come from Rokuhan Shorties ? :)

    Dom
     
  14. John Bartolotto

    John Bartolotto TrainBoard Supporter

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    Rudy that is beautiful!!

    John
     
  15. shortpainter

    shortpainter TrainBoard Member

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    Hi! The trucks are the only thing from the Rokuhan Shorty. The 12 volt motor is from Tramfabriek. The main gear and electrical pickups are imported by me.
     
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