Hello all,
I was looking for a scratch builder or a custom builder that can create custom locomotives. If you have any, please respond or contact me.
Thanks, Matt
Hi there. Steam? Diesel? Brass? 3D prints?
Simon
I would prefer brass and am looking for both diesel and steam.
Matt
Hi Matt,
I am probably way out in left field by bringing this up, but are you aware that you can get 3D printed parts in brass? The actual process involves printing a 3D wax model and then using lost wax casting to make the final product. If you were really brave (and prepared to go through a rather steep learning curve) you could spec all the detail parts that are not currently available yourself and build the larger components from scratch.
I apologize if I am suggesting something that you would not consider, but the fact remains that it can be done. You would certainly have bragging rights!!
Unfortunately, if you have to have a large number of special pieces made, the cost could get pretty high.
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
BrassModelerI was looking for a scratch builder or a custom builder that can create custom locomotives. If you have any, please respond or contact me.
Matt, good luck on your search.
I tried to scratchbuild a steam locomotive in brass once, and I could not get the boiler rolled and gave up.
It is a very specialized set of skills.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
BrassModelerI was looking for a scratch builder or a custom builder that can create custom locomotives.
"Custom locomotives" seems pretty vague to me...while not every prototype has been copied in brass or plastic, there is a wide range of locomotive models available.
Are you looking for models that are rare (or that don't yet exist), or models of your own design, that never did exist.There are lots of brass models out there that can be modified into more accurate versions or into other locos that aren't currently commercially available.
Re-arranging or re-working existing locomotive models to represent an earlier (or later) version of a particular prototype might be a viable option for you to do yourself, if that's something that would satisfy your needs.
I built a custom loco for a friend, using an older model of a USRA prototype, but reworked it into a modernised prototype that's fairly accurate to the real ones which the CNR bought "used", and then upgraded.
Here's the original model, with not its original tender...
...and a photo of one of the real ones, after it was modified...
...and the re-worked model...
If your interest is in models not yet made, but of prototypes that exist (or existed), you'll need photos and, if possible, drawings/blueprints of at least the main visible features.
There is a modeller on this Forum who built his own custom locos, usually based on prototypes, I think, although many of them were camelbacks...at the moment, his name escapes me, but I'd guess that somebody here will know to whom I'm referring and offer his name, which might allow a search.
Wayne
RDG Casey does wonders with styrene...
Thanks for all the responses! I personally am looking for an EMD SD59MX. To my knowledge, nobody including brass importers, has ever made the locomotive.
I might have to learn that! I recently got a 3d printer and am looking for ways to use it in my railroad.
snjroyRDG Casey does wonders with styrene...
I hope he drops by again soon and shares another project.
His work is amazing.
I'd think the simplest approach would be to kitbash a model of an SD60M, since that's what the SD59MX is built from. Swap out the fuel tank for one from an SD70M and either add the radiator section from another locomotive or 3D print the part, as well as whatever other detail differences there may be. There's some existing G scale SD70 radiator models on Thingiverse that would make a good starting point. https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=sd70&type=things&sort=relevant
-Peter. Mantua collector, 3D printing enthusiast, Korail modeler.
Da StumerThingiverse that would make a good starting point.
I had never visited the Thingverse site before.
There are a lot of interesting (non-model-railroading) creative things there.
Shapeways prints directly in brass, or most other metals directly. Just need somebody to design the 3d file for it.
There are two other sites like thingiverse. which I havent been too yet.
Shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space