Parts are in.... Updating the Walthers PD Hopper.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

The etched parts for my PD hopper project have arrived at the post office. Unfortunately I can't pick them up because I'm working the polls all day. The suspense is killing me.

This is a top-down upgrade kit to the Walthers PD hopper, which should bring it up to par with the Trainworx and BMLA models.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Here are some photos of the kit in progress.
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A few notes.

1. The parts are very delicate and fragile. This isn't an issue when the model is built up, but getting there has been a bit of a challenge so far. I don't think I would feel comfortable releasing these commercially.

2. My Mission Models Etch Mate is not up to the task of bending the super fine angle stock for these models. If the Etch Mate was made of aluminum or some metal, I think it would work better.

[peteski]

Stainless steel should be pretty robust. Did PPD, Ltd. etched those?

As for bending aids, there are plenty different ones available since military modelers use plenty of aftermarket parts.  Back when Micron Art was in business, I bought a nice small one from them.  It is actually made by someone else. Unfortunately, it has  no identifying marks, so I can't tell who made it.

But a Google search for "photoetch bending tool" yields lots of results.  Actually I found the one I have:

https://thesmallshop.com/products/sms002-the-bug-hold-fold

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Finished up the walkway.

Starting work on the pneumatic hangers.

Pete, that's what I need. The plastic one isn't working for something this small.

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[peteski]

Who did the etching?

Did you also etch a template for bending the ladder rungs (I assume from brass wire)?

Also, wouldn't it make sense to solder the rungs before installing the end cages on  the model?

[daniel_leavitt2000]

PPD did the etching. Even with COVID it was only a 5 week turn around time. They really are fantastic.

The fret includes grabs, plus a bending jig should those not work. The etched grabs include bolt heads so I hope to use them. I'll be using ACC throughout the project.

This car is being used to test various construction and application methods.

Oh, I just grabbed one of those bending tools off eBay. I have another test project on my bench, But I'm going to wait to build more until that comes.

[Lemosteam]

Wow Daniel,

Looks great so far. The end cage looks very crisp, IMHO.

Have you been able to follow the instructions I sent?  The bending jig holes should also work for the etched grabs too, at least to make the first bend on the ends of them.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Hi John,
I have been using your 3d renderings to assist in construction, but I'm still trying to get my own workflow down.

[cjm413]

👍