I was thinking of how great it would be if someone did 3D printed Shells for the early EMD Cab Units: You could probably use one of the Kato frames for it too. EA/EB B&O E1 ATSF E2 UP, CNW and SP E3 ACL, ATSF, CNW, CRIP, FEC, KCS, MP, and UP E4 SAL AB6 CRIP Other than the E2, the basic shape isn't very different for the EA, 1,3 and 4 so it would be a matter of changing a few details, the B units and AB6 should be even easier! Let me know if I missed any road names
You are missing the Rock Island TA units. Also, what about the MoPac EMD E6Am that was built new with only one motor-generator set and a rear baggage car?
And do not forget the MoPac version of the Babyface's A and B by Baldwin and Turbines….. early ones please…. and thanks… still on the subject of 3D…. a glaring hole in our supplies to model towns shops etc. are Street Lights…. poles hoods early and late… etc.
I have it on good authority that Baby Face Baldwins are in the works in N-scale, with major components already being produced so that the shells can be cast. Just do not know how quickly this project will be finished. Here are some shots of the finished parts... http://nohab-gm.com/Temp/non_emd/dr_4_4_1500_01.jpg http://nohab-gm.com/Temp/non_emd/dr_4_4_1500_02.jpg http://nohab-gm.com/Temp/non_emd/dr_4_4_1500_03.jpg http://nohab-gm.com/Temp/non_emd/dr_4_4_1500_04.jpg http://nohab-gm.com/Temp/non_emd/dr_4_4_1500_05.jpg http://nohab-gm.com/Temp/non_emd/dr_4_4_1500_06.jpg http://nohab-gm.com/Temp/non_emd/dr_4_4_1500_07.jpg http://nohab-gm.com/Temp/non_emd/dr_4_4_1500_08.jpg
For a little while I was working on a scratch built TA, I got as far as initial construction on the car body but life intervened (sides and internal formers are done assembled, roof partially attached). What I did discover is that a stretched Life-Like plastic FA frame will provide all of the needed major internals and decent stand-in AAR road trucks for a TA build, its even the correct width. If someone produced a 3D printed TA I would definitely buy one and go the Life-Like FA route for the chassis.
Just a thought on the TA chassis. The wheelbase is the same as a GP-38/40, so an Atlas Geep with U-boats trucks may work as well. Cheers Steve
One problem that might arise (I do not know for sure since I do not own any Atlas Geeps) is that the chassis might be too high. Thoughts??? Ideas???
There is the issue of having to build up a frame around the chassis to nest it inside the car body. I had looked into other options back when I was working on my TA and I settled on the LL FA because they are readily available in running condition, for a decent price, and the width is perfect. Some small additional pieces of styrene would stretch the chassis to the required length... I didn't solve the drive spring problem but my local hardware store has a whole selection of tiny springs, it had been my plan to dig through those to see if a solution existed.
