In Praise of Destruction

Looking back on the last 7 years of T scale (yep, 2012..) I can't begin to count how many 3D printed models I've broken, cracked, muffed, gouged, spattered, or otherwise rendered "junk".  In this scale, especially when designing from scratch or using new techniques, there are bound to be errors.  I've learned to embrace these failures as stepping stones to better models.  Those corner braces that were too thin (oh I can replace with a bit of brass) were modified on the design and the next time they came out perfectly sound.  That time the lacquer paint was sprayed on to the 3D printed model and it never really cured brought about the coating with Future to establish an inert "base coating".  How many versions of the CCE knuckle coupler have been made?  Well pretty soon there should be another new one!  But each time the coupler gets better looking, and more functional.  Do you really want scale corrugations on that Amfleet car or does it look better with somewhat oversized ones that you can actually see?  The long story short is that as T scale model railroader, you can't be afraid of failure;  better yet, expect it and welcome the progress that invariably comes out of it.

Updates for the week:

89' flatcar:  Received the 2nd test print with "longshank" trucks.  It came out ok but still needs a little tweaking.  As you can see there was some destructive testing done;  The end platforms did warp a bit and refused to bend (but not break) after a soak in hot water.  This was not an issue on another copy with more robust supports under the model so that will be the new standard.

Amfleet coach:  This model looks ok (well the carbody and interior), but the internal bearing trucks didn't come out as intended.  Once again, modifications were made and revised models are on the way.  These acutally have 3D printed wheelsets, and it will remain to be seen how they work on the track.


Plate F boxcar:  I designed some TTX "FBOX" decals, most of which is black so not a problem on the inkjet printer.  The logo however is another matter.  It's blue and red.. Blue is dark enough to print and be mostly opaque on a yellow (TTX yellow) background.. but the red isn't .  If I tired to print in red it would come out looking orange.  What's the solution?  CMY color is the key..  Magenta and Yellow make red.  So the decal is printed in magenta for the red parts.  When applied, it looks red.

Sharonville engine shop building: I cut off the sprue, and so far-so good.  Notice how thin the window mullions are!  Some have broken but that's ok--the real one has a few patched windows as well.  There are a pair of inspection pits as well.  I hope to get going on this model in the next week or so and make a small display.  The turntable is designed but will have to wait for etched bits. which will also be needed for the C40-8 model also coming soon.

C40-8W:  Body design is done, the fuel tank, underbody and trucks are in process.

Coupler:  I got the 0.25mm square magnets, and they did indeed fit into the specially designed coupler.. with some difficulty.  However they didn't really have the pull needed to be more automatic.. I've now decided to try a more simple mechanical version.. similar to this:

- Jesse

Updates

Things keep moving along, so I wanted to document progress and new developments.  As always, any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated and if you're interested in buying anything, the product price list is at the top/right of the blog.  Email ccetrains@gmail.com.

• Coupler:  Received prototypes and magnets, and they were a dud.  One of the components is (was) a 0.25mm cube magnet.  Now I don't mind working with small stuff, obviously, however this magnet is about the size of a grain of salt.  And I wanted to orient it by polarity, in a 1mm coupler, using steel tools... uhhh nope!  The magnet was really too weak as well.. so, I'm moving on with an alternate design.  The good old trial and error process.  I must say, in any case the "standard" articulated coupler works pretty well too, so this automatic coupler work may all be somewhat moot. 
• Updated models:  Amfleet coach and TOFC flat car are en-route, I also redesigned the track roadbed to have slightly better detail and print more easily.
• New models:  Decided to do the GE C40-8, it will have a choice of wide or standard cabs.  And etched brass handrails as well, and oh yes 3-axle trucks.  It's in the early stages of drafting.
• Coalporter:  This one should be done within the week.  It's basically patterned after the Bethlehem CoalPorter, or Conrail G52 series.  It will be the 12-panel one.  Many roads had/have this rolling.
• Sharonville EF:  Received the locomotive shop building and it looks good (this is how it comes off the printer):
  
   This is the prototype scene.  Now I couldn't do this scene without the turntable could I?  So that's in  development.  It will have etched brass handrails and other details and could be motorized.