I've at last made a start on my long-planned wagon building program. I want the wagons to be distinctive to the rebuilt PLR, i.e. not copies of wagons used elsewhere. The most important aspect is the need for them to be tipped which I hope to do at least semi automatically. I want to try and build a tippler which has echoes of the original Pentewan tipplers with a pivoted section of track. My first thoughts are that it will be easier to automate if the opening side is full length and top hung. I'm not sure how prototypical this will be so would welcome thoughts from other learned modellers.
I'm designing the wagons using Solidworks for Makers. It had quite a steep learning curve however I'm now successfully producing components and assemblies. Test prints so far have been done on my Bambu A1 using a 02mm nozzle and basic PLA. The detail is pretty good and the PLA is remarkably strong. For full production I may get some parts printed in resin, although I'll need to be sure it will be strong enough.
Update 19/01/2025. After some very helpful feedback from fellow modellers on the O14 Group who pointed out the original design could easily bow in prototype practice and suggested a fixed top plank would be better. Here is a visualisation of a revised design:
Here are some pics of the (earlier) designs and prints:
How will you ensure that none of the material in the wagons will trickle out while running around the layout?
ReplyDeleteHi John. My plan is to add a catch at each end to hold the side door closed which can be lifted as part of the automated tippler process. I would have the same problem with a bottom hinged door but I think this would be harder to automate as I'd also need to shut the door before shutting the catches.
DeleteA latch on a top-hinged door makes sense, if you can make it work. This will be fascinating to watch. Look forward to the developments.
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