It's time for an update on my T-gauge antics! Despite the "summer fun" I have been very busy. Let's see.. where to start.
3D Printer: The 3D printer (a Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K) has turned out to be one of the best investments I have made in this hobby. After years of slow turn-around, fragile parts, and not-so-great resolution using Shapeways, this printer is absolutely the shizzle. I have done a host of projects since the test pieces previously discussed. Most importantly, I'm becoming pretty familiar with the materials and settings needed to create good models. The new SLA resins for the 3D printer were first tested and put to use on the parts Shapeways FUD material was most ill-suited for: Trucks and couplers. A series of tests of my existing designs of roller bearing, Bettendorf, narrow gauge passenger trucks proved the new materials--particularly one called TGM-7--was ideal for these parts. It's tough, somewhat flexible, and very detailed. The couplers were next, and I made some tweaks to improve them while I was at it. The coupler and shank can now be replaced in the draft gear. The result is the CCE MkIV coupler, really the best so far. Note: the old CCE couplers are still compatible, but are really fragile.
T Scale Narrow Body (GP38) Chassis: Priorities... One of the issues getting the GP38 finalized has been the trucks (bogies for you non-Americans). The trucks need to be able to reliably conduct electricity from the rails to the motor while also being able to transmit tractive effort from the drive to the rails. The original bogie design is actually ingenious at doing this, despite those difficult to manage springs. I had been trying to invent a new design using wipers and dispensing with the springs, with some success. But I never got it accomplished reliably; One issue with the process is that etching new metal parts (wipers/contacts) required a months-long turn-around for each iteration. In the end, I decided in the name of speed I would just adapt the standard truck design to work with the narrow chassis. The hitch had been the non-prototypical sideframes (the KIHA design). Some find that acceptable but it wasn't good enough for me; My practice has been to sand down the sideframes and glue on Blomberg sideframes. Well, even that wasn't good enough, so I designed Blomberg trucks that accept the TGauge contacts and wheelsets. This was no simple feat, and took a multitude of iterations to get right, but it's done. So, using these new Blomberg trucks, what was the first "complete" locomotive to be? Not a GP38, that can wait.
New and Improved FP7 (or FP9): The actual EMD FP7 truck-center spacing closely matches the spacing on the stock 35mm chassis, and I had previously designed a shell to fit it. This shell wasn't as detailed as my more recent models, but it's such an "easy" adaptation that I figured that this update would be the first CCE model to get the new Blomberg trucks. This actually turned into a rather large project over the course of weeks. I updated the design and details, and even made several versions based on the detailing variations for different roads:
- Pennsylvania RR (as built with Trainfone antenna)
- PRR and Penn Central (late with no antenna and cut-away skirts)
- Milwaukee Road
- Chesapeake & Ohio (later B&O)
- Seaboard Cost Line
- Canadian National (FP9)
Another cool thing is I added capability for a 0402 LED for lighting. And while the shell has a large cut-out in the pilot for the stock coupler, there's also an insert for those who want the better appearance of the MkIV coupler. There's even a semi-scale coupler (non functional) coupler.
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Above is the FP7 using the standard chassis, LED adapter and LED installed, and MkIV coupler and pilot insert.
Here it is running (sound effect added--it doesn't have sound.. yet!):
Below is the CN FP9 body shell.
I'm planning on making several kits (FP7 shell, trucks, LED and pilot adapters, couplers and decals) available through TGauge.com by later this fall (November 2022). An RTR version may be available soon as well. Stay tuned!
DL535E Update: While we're talking about locomotives, check out the last prototype of the DL535E. This rides on a stock 6-axle chassis, with 3D printed Tri-mount sideframes added, and brass side handrails. End handrails and the body are 3D printed. I have decals but have not gotten around to paint and decals yet. There are special elongated MkIV couplers for the model as well.
WP&Y Layout Update: The layout has been progressing and track has finally been laid to complete the loop. In the course of doing this I have developed a way to improve the appearance of the TGauge track. This is the "wider sleeper flextrack". Here are the steps to get track laid prior to painting/ballasting:
1. Using a heavy blade, remove the large nail adapters by snipping the web under the rail on both sides, flush with the adjacent tie:
Curves: Either use plain joiners and solder joints or use the provided connector adapters; I have done both and given the nature of the rail (it is stiff and wants to twist) there's no perfect solution, yet. The adapters need to be cleaned up themselves--I snip the end ties off then drill out the web between the ties and clean it up with a sharp knife. I then use lots of T-pins to hold the joint and curve in place. Soldering is tough because the ties melt pretty easily. I really wish there was longer strips of flex track.. and I may try 3D printing some lengths of tie strips for the longer Code 40 rail. Added bonus: 3D printed ties are also much more heat resistant and withstand soldering much better.
Oh did you notice the small structure in the previous picture? That's my model of the enclosed water tank/station/section house on the WP&Y in Fraser BC. This scene will be the flip side of the small layout. This was just a 2nd iteration prototype, the final will be very slightly different.
Whew. Well there were a few other small projects but they can wait. In the meantime please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments. - Jesse
