Late Summer '23 Update

In Shops Now... an RTR CN FP9!

The big news of the summer is the release of a North American prototype locomotive that is fully decorated and ready to run: an EMD FP9 in the classic Canadian National "tiger stripe" livery.   I worked with the manufacturer of T Gauge models in China to get this extremely accurate 1:450 scale model to market.  It was quietly released in late July and is currently in stock at TGauge.com.  

Here's a pic out of the box, albeit with a flush pilot insert w. CCE coupler.

 

These are 3D printed and so are not quite as strong as an injection-molded body.  This is important when doing any modifications as the shells can (and will) crack if squeezed or pushed too hard.  I'm amazed at the painting and printing--colors are opaque, separations crisp, and the number boards are legible.   

 I'm currently finalizing a super detail kit for the FP9 that will make it just a bit more accurate for us rivet-counters.  It includes:

• Pilot insert with a CCE (or scale) coupler
  
• CCE couplers that plug into the standard coupler draft gear on the trucks
• Fuel tank cover
  
• Blomberg truck sideframes
  
• Clear inserts for the windshield, cab windows and portholes.  

Given the size of the model, it goes without saying that these details take a bit of patience to add, but the end result is worth it.  Here is the windshield insert being test-fit.  Note it's secured with a tiny bead of Krystal Klear around the edges.  The RTR FP9 model actually has a fairly thick layer of paint, therefore the fit of the windows has to be a little more relaxed.  Ask me how I found this out, a couple broken shells later...

 

Here are the cab windows and portholes installed.

Other developments:  

In order to have something appropriate for the FP9 to pull, I've made getting some passenger cars to the TGauge shop a priority.  I have a Budd fluted-side parlor car (PRR design), a CN lightweight coach and a CN baggage car that have all been updated to accommodate the Adjustable Chassis.

 I also have an F9B that can be used between two powered  FP9's to make A-B-A or A-B-B-A lashups.  And decals.

In addition, here's a Budd bi-level gallery car in SP colors along one of the H24-66 locomotives being developed.  I have the decals for the SP Train Master and need to get to painting it.  A nice layout of San Francisco commuter trains could be possible!

3D Printing Developments: New Resins and Blends 

The biggest project of the summer has been adapting to some new resin blends.  3D printed models using the standard Phrozen Aqua 8K resin are pretty tough, but could still use some additional strength.  I read about a blend of Aqua 8K and Onyx Impact Plus resins, and after a bit of trial and error work I got the blend dialed in on my printer.  It's now my standard as it's quite a bit stronger than the Aqua 8K by itself.

I was advised to try another resin--Sunlu ABS-Like resin--because it's supposed to be strong/flexible and takes good detail.  As a bonus, it comes in clear.  This opens up the possibility of doing locos in clear and masking off the windshields for a one-piece model.  We'll see how it performs in tests.

I also experimented with Voxelab transparent and Onyx Impact Plus to make a smoke-clear resin to use for windows.   So far I am happy with the results.

WP&Y Layout Update:

The layout is progressing, the mile 5-6 segment is mostly complete, the Fraser side is coming along.  I've added a depression for the lake, and will be trying one of Woodland Scenics water products in it.  It's been painted in olive drab and yellow near the banks.  Some rock/scenery also has been added, and a rough draft of the backdrop printed.

For those of you who have made it this far.. here's a little gift from CCE Models:

Free Plug-in Style CCE Coupler STL file 

The CCE coupler is a much more accurate representation of the "Janney" knuckle coupler than the stock T Gauge couplers for us North American (or Australia/NZ/S. Am.) modelers.  These CCE couplers will plug into the stock coupler pocket on T gauge locomotives or rolling stock.  They do not require the spring.  There are 3 different sizes that can be used where longer or shorter drawbars are needed. 

If you want the RTR couplers, I intend to make sets available at TGauge.com.  

But you can download and print these yourself (for non-commercial use only and there is no re-distribution or modification allowed without my permission.)  You will need to have the equipment and expertise to print them.  That being said, I recommend printing using a strong, high-detail resin (I print at 20um, using 80/20 blend of Phrozen Aqua 8K/Onyx Impact Plus).  Other resins may work.  Also, my experience is that Shapeways print materials are not strong enough for these couplers.

I wanted to make these available for free as an incentive to help us modelers achieve more realistic T-scale trains for the non-European/Japanese markets.

 Until next time! 

 - Jesse  (email any questions or requests to me at ccetrains "at" gmail)