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Scratchbuilding a snowplow

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  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: US
  • 725 posts
Scratchbuilding a snowplow
Posted by Puckdropper on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 2:52 AM
I've been working on scratchbuilding a snowplow to use outside during the winter.  Following TOC's lead, I am using PVC pipe, but this is a 45 degree coupler rather than two pieces mitered together.  I'm looking for suggestions and recommendations (this is good place for "Mine does this, I really like it" replies.)

What should I be looking for in trucks?  What about weight?

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: US
  • 1,386 posts
Posted by Curmudgeon on Thursday, August 17, 2006 1:53 PM

The reason we did a mitred joint instead of a coupler ("T", "L") is most do NOT have a sharp corner for parting the snow.

Ones I have seen have smooth radius.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: US
  • 725 posts
Posted by Puckdropper on Friday, August 18, 2006 6:22 AM
I used a 45 degree bend, it looked to be sufficiently sharp enough to split the snow to either side.  Both Ts and Elbows are curved like you said.

The first prototype plow blade was made with a straight through connector mitered like your plow, but it just wasn't big enough.  It'd clear the path for the train to scape against the snow.

One of these days I'll get pictures and post them, but it won't be this weekend.  I just pulled an all-nighter working on getting my Ntrak module ready for the show this weekend.

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