I posted awhile back about the HOn3 flatcar I had worked on. The original of this HO flat (from thingiverse) is what got me started trying to learn how to modify existing models. The original had been made with a solid deck and was horribly lightweight even with metal trucks. It also would not properly print the stake pockets (a close look showed the model had gaps and the pockets weren't even attached to the car on one side).
I've been working to fix the pockets and open a slot in the top to place lead weight.
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Then I had to learn how to provide supports that could peel off easily without destroying the frame members. In Cura, it turns out support roofs are the magic bullet to make this happen. It still takes time to remove all the support material, but using my track snips helps pull that out fairly clean.
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Being able to print the pockets also took some research, until I found a hidden option called "print thin walls". Because the pockets are so tiny I had to use a file to clean them up a bit, but they printed well enough that I can still see the holes in them.
I cut a couple layers of 1/32" lead sheet to fit in the frame. Since this will be covered with a wood deck I didn't mind having to use some scraps to make the second layer.
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And finally, all pressed together... The top of the lead is actually flush with the top of the plastic, there's just a roll on the edge I cleaned up with a file that makes it look taller than it is.
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In its current form the car weighs a solid 2.9oz. NMRA says it should come up to 3.5oz but this thing already feels pretty heavy. I think even empty it's going to stay on the rails nicely.
Since the framework is open you can see the lead from the bottom side. I'll hit it with a coat of brown paint before gluing in the pieces, then I have a sheet of basswood that is scored like 2x6 planks which I'll use for the deck. If I wanted to make the car heavier I could still use a third sheet of lead and score it as the deck (which is what I did on my HOn3 flat). I still need to do a bit of cleanup with a knife as the file is leaving behind small rolls in the plastic, and grind down the coupler screws. I think I'm going to try and dry-brush some red oxide paint on the sides to see if I can get it to look like a really old wood-frame car.
Anyway that's my project. Hope you enjoyed.
I've been working to fix the pockets and open a slot in the top to place lead weight.
Then I had to learn how to provide supports that could peel off easily without destroying the frame members. In Cura, it turns out support roofs are the magic bullet to make this happen. It still takes time to remove all the support material, but using my track snips helps pull that out fairly clean.
Being able to print the pockets also took some research, until I found a hidden option called "print thin walls". Because the pockets are so tiny I had to use a file to clean them up a bit, but they printed well enough that I can still see the holes in them.
I cut a couple layers of 1/32" lead sheet to fit in the frame. Since this will be covered with a wood deck I didn't mind having to use some scraps to make the second layer.
And finally, all pressed together... The top of the lead is actually flush with the top of the plastic, there's just a roll on the edge I cleaned up with a file that makes it look taller than it is.
In its current form the car weighs a solid 2.9oz. NMRA says it should come up to 3.5oz but this thing already feels pretty heavy. I think even empty it's going to stay on the rails nicely.
Since the framework is open you can see the lead from the bottom side. I'll hit it with a coat of brown paint before gluing in the pieces, then I have a sheet of basswood that is scored like 2x6 planks which I'll use for the deck. If I wanted to make the car heavier I could still use a third sheet of lead and score it as the deck (which is what I did on my HOn3 flat). I still need to do a bit of cleanup with a knife as the file is leaving behind small rolls in the plastic, and grind down the coupler screws. I think I'm going to try and dry-brush some red oxide paint on the sides to see if I can get it to look like a really old wood-frame car.
Anyway that's my project. Hope you enjoyed.
