N scale auto frame load

[bbussey]

This model from a thread on the Shapeways site looks very good:
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=msg&goto=28287&

[Chris333]

Cool there is a bunch of train stuff there. The FUD trucks look good as well.

Here is David's hopper:
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=5342&start=0&

[Catt]

If my memory serves me correctly there was a flaw in the origonal car that stony has now revised to correct .

What I've done with my SW stuff was a alcohol bath followed by Dawn followed by a coat of white or light gray primer before painting.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Those tanks were really impressive. I wish I could design worth *****. Hell I wish I could aford the software to design.

[bbussey]

Dan,

The software isn't an issue.  You can get Rhino or SolidWorks student editions for around $100, and probably Inventor is available in a student version as well.

I submitted some parts today to see what the results are, including the heavyweight ice bunkers and the next C&O well car prototype (with a FUD body and SS underframe).  Based on how the ice bunkers look, ESM might go that route since the tooling price was higher than expected and the demand doesn't figure to be extensive enough to warrant it.  This process may accelerate some ESM Sovereign Modeler projects as well.

[DKS]

Those tanks were really impressive. I wish I could design worth *****. Hell I wish I could aford the software to design.

You can get Google SketchUp for free. It's also probably the easiest 3D modeling software to use in existence. Don't let the goofy name of the app fool you--it's a full-bore tool.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Just an update on 3D CAD software. Autodesk has a public beta for their 123D software for free. This software is intended for hobbyists who are looking at getting into 3d printing. I'm downloading it now.

http://www.123dapp.com/

Now if I can only figure it out.

[Philip H]

Daniel, if you do, it will probably take your fire truck projects to a new level.

I ordered some of the frame loads just to see what they look like, and I also ordered a couple of different MOW truck bed detail add-on that Lou Judice designed and has up for sale.

http://www.shapeways.com/shops/roundmountainmodels#sg85383

I'll post pics when they come in and I get them painted up.

[Dave Schneider]

I have been emailing Stony over the past week to work out an appropriate load for the gondolas. He seems keen to work on this and has produced a preliminary rendering. There are still some issues to work out, but I am hopeful that they can be overcome.

I need these for my AMC auto body plant. Even though AO Smith, a major manufacturer of auto frames was located about 2 miles from the AMC plant on the Beer Line, the frames came in from somewhere in Pennsylvania RR gondolas. Somewhere in Wisconsin trainloads of AO Smith frames headed south passed loads of AMC frames headed north. Neither company is still in business.....

Do any of you PRR guys know where AMC autoframes were produced?

Best wishes, Dave

[Markgro]

American Motors (and its predecessor Nash) used uni-body construction for their automobiles, a technique developed by the Budd Company (which was also notable for building railroad cars). Budd also manufactured some other auto parts for Nash/AMC.

These frames and parts were shipped in blocks of railcars assigned to captive service between Budd's plant in Gary, Indiana and the Nash/AMC plant in Milwaukee (and possibly to the plants in Kenosha, too?).